Math Problem Statement

given that for all n a_n != and 1/(a_n) has no bounded sub-sequence. prove that lim a_n = 0 tip: use the theorem that for all sequence there exists a monotone sub-sequence

Solution

To prove that liman=0\lim a_n = 0, we will use the given properties and the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem, which ensures the existence of a monotone subsequence for any bounded sequence. Here’s the step-by-step proof:


Proof:

1. Assumptions and Setup:

  • We are given that for all nn, an0a_n \neq 0, which means an0a_n \neq 0 for any term of the sequence.
  • The reciprocal sequence 1/an1/a_n has no bounded subsequence.
  • We aim to show that liman=0\lim a_n = 0.

2. Contradiction Approach:

Assume, for contradiction, that liman0\lim a_n \neq 0. This leads to two possible cases:

  1. (an)(a_n) does not converge to zero but is bounded away from zero.
  2. (an)(a_n) diverges (has terms going arbitrarily far from zero).

3. Case 1: (an)(a_n) is bounded away from zero.

  • If (an)(a_n) is bounded away from zero, there exists ϵ>0\epsilon > 0 such that anϵ|a_n| \geq \epsilon for all nn.
  • This implies that 1/an1/ϵ1/|a_n| \leq 1/\epsilon for all nn, making 1/an1/a_n a bounded sequence.
  • By the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem, 1/an1/a_n has a bounded subsequence, which contradicts the given property that 1/an1/a_n has no bounded subsequences.
  • Hence, (an)(a_n) cannot be bounded away from zero.

4. Case 2: (an)(a_n) diverges.

  • If (an)(a_n) diverges, there exists a subsequence (ank)(a_{n_k}) such that ank|a_{n_k}| \to \infty.
  • This implies that 1/ank01/|a_{n_k}| \to 0, which is bounded (since 00 is a bound).
  • Again, this contradicts the property that 1/an1/a_n has no bounded subsequences.

5. Conclude an0a_n \to 0:

  • Since (an)(a_n) cannot be bounded away from zero and cannot diverge, the only remaining possibility is that (an)(a_n) converges to 00.
  • Hence, liman=0\lim a_n = 0.

Conclusion:

We have shown that liman=0\lim a_n = 0 using the given properties and the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem.


Do you have any questions or need clarification about this proof?

Expanding Questions:

  1. Why does the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem guarantee a monotone subsequence for a bounded sequence?
  2. How does assuming ana_n is bounded away from zero lead to a contradiction?
  3. Can you explain why (an)(a_n) diverging contradicts the unbounded property of 1/an1/a_n?
  4. Could this result hold if 1/an1/a_n has only one bounded subsequence instead of none?
  5. How does this result generalize to sequences in Rn\mathbb{R}^n?

Tip:

To tackle proofs with sequences, always consider properties like boundedness, monotonicity, and convergence/divergence to break the problem into manageable cases.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Limits
Convergence
Subsequences

Formulas

Reciprocal of a sequence: 1/a_n
Limit of a sequence: lim a_n

Theorems

Bolzano–Weierstrass Theorem
Monotone Subsequence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics (First-Year Analysis)