Math Problem Statement

Suppose the sequence (an)n∈N over R is convergent. Show that it is also Cauchy.

Solution

To show that a convergent sequence (an)(a_n) in R\mathbb{R} is also a Cauchy sequence, we begin by recalling the definitions of both concepts:

Convergent Sequence:

A sequence (an)(a_n) in R\mathbb{R} is said to converge to a limit LRL \in \mathbb{R} if for every ϵ>0\epsilon > 0, there exists an index NNN \in \mathbb{N} such that for all nNn \geq N, anL<ϵ.|a_n - L| < \epsilon.

Cauchy Sequence:

A sequence (an)(a_n) in R\mathbb{R} is called a Cauchy sequence if for every ϵ>0\epsilon > 0, there exists an index NNN \in \mathbb{N} such that for all m,nNm, n \geq N, anam<ϵ.|a_n - a_m| < \epsilon.

Proof that a Convergent Sequence is Cauchy:

Assume that (an)(a_n) converges to some limit LL, i.e., for every ϵ>0\epsilon > 0, there exists an NNN \in \mathbb{N} such that for all nNn \geq N, anL<ϵ2.|a_n - L| < \frac{\epsilon}{2}.

Now, for any m,nNm, n \geq N, we can apply the triangle inequality: anam=anL+LamanL+amL.|a_n - a_m| = |a_n - L + L - a_m| \leq |a_n - L| + |a_m - L|. By the assumption of convergence, both anL|a_n - L| and amL|a_m - L| are each less than ϵ2\frac{\epsilon}{2} for n,mNn, m \geq N. Therefore, anamanL+amL<ϵ2+ϵ2=ϵ.|a_n - a_m| \leq |a_n - L| + |a_m - L| < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2} = \epsilon.

Thus, for all m,nNm, n \geq N, we have anam<ϵ|a_n - a_m| < \epsilon, which shows that (an)(a_n) is a Cauchy sequence.

Conclusion:

Every convergent sequence in R\mathbb{R} is a Cauchy sequence.


Do you want further details on any step of this proof or have any questions? Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the difference between a Cauchy sequence and a convergent sequence?
  2. Can a sequence be Cauchy but not convergent in spaces other than R\mathbb{R}?
  3. How does completeness of R\mathbb{R} relate to this proof?
  4. Can you construct an example of a convergent sequence that is also Cauchy?
  5. How would the proof differ if we were dealing with complex sequences?

Tip: In a complete metric space like R\mathbb{R}, every Cauchy sequence converges. This property is key in many advanced mathematical concepts.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Real Analysis
Convergence of Sequences
Cauchy Sequences

Formulas

Definition of Convergent Sequence: |a_n - L| < ε for n ≥ N
Definition of Cauchy Sequence: |a_n - a_m| < ε for n, m ≥ N
Triangle Inequality: |a_n - a_m| ≤ |a_n - L| + |a_m - L|

Theorems

Every Convergent Sequence in ℝ is a Cauchy Sequence

Suitable Grade Level

University-Level Mathematics