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 , 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 , , which means for any term of the sequence.
- The reciprocal sequence has no bounded subsequence.
- We aim to show that .
2. Contradiction Approach:
Assume, for contradiction, that . This leads to two possible cases:
- does not converge to zero but is bounded away from zero.
- diverges (has terms going arbitrarily far from zero).
3. Case 1: is bounded away from zero.
- If is bounded away from zero, there exists such that for all .
- This implies that for all , making a bounded sequence.
- By the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem, has a bounded subsequence, which contradicts the given property that has no bounded subsequences.
- Hence, cannot be bounded away from zero.
4. Case 2: diverges.
- If diverges, there exists a subsequence such that .
- This implies that , which is bounded (since is a bound).
- Again, this contradicts the property that has no bounded subsequences.
5. Conclude :
- Since cannot be bounded away from zero and cannot diverge, the only remaining possibility is that converges to .
- Hence, .
Conclusion:
We have shown that using the given properties and the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem.
Do you have any questions or need clarification about this proof?
Expanding Questions:
- Why does the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem guarantee a monotone subsequence for a bounded sequence?
- How does assuming is bounded away from zero lead to a contradiction?
- Can you explain why diverging contradicts the unbounded property of ?
- Could this result hold if has only one bounded subsequence instead of none?
- How does this result generalize to sequences in ?
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)
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