Math Problem Statement

given a series a_n with two sub sequences that converge to 1 and -1, given that for all n |a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1 prove that there exists another sub sequence that converges. Tip: prove that there exists infinite points in (-1 + \epsilon , 1 - \epsilon )

Solution

To prove that there exists another subsequence of (an)(a_n) that converges, we need to carefully analyze the given conditions. Here's a structured approach:


Step 1: Restating the Problem and Conditions

  1. (an)(a_n) has two subsequences, one converging to 11 and the other to 1-1.
  2. For all nn, an+1an<1|a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1.
  3. We aim to prove that there exists another subsequence of (an)(a_n) that converges.

Step 2: Key Observation

The two subsequences converging to 11 and 1-1 imply that the sequence (an)(a_n) does not converge as a whole, but it oscillates indefinitely between these two values. However, due to the condition an+1an<1|a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1, the sequence cannot make arbitrarily large jumps. This bounded difference condition ensures some level of "local continuity" in the sequence's behavior.


Step 3: Using the Tip: Infinite Points in (1+ϵ,1ϵ)(-1 + \epsilon, 1 - \epsilon)

  • For any small ϵ>0\epsilon > 0, define the interval Iϵ=(1+ϵ,1ϵ)I_\epsilon = (-1 + \epsilon, 1 - \epsilon).
  • Since (an)(a_n) has subsequences converging to 11 and 1-1, it must repeatedly enter and leave the interval IϵI_\epsilon. Why? Because it cannot stay entirely outside IϵI_\epsilon (as that would contradict convergence of subsequences to 11 and 1-1).
  • Furthermore, due to the bounded difference condition an+1an<1|a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1, the sequence cannot skip over IϵI_\epsilon entirely. This implies there are infinitely many points of (an)(a_n) within IϵI_\epsilon.

Step 4: Extracting a Convergent Subsequences

  1. Compactness Argument: The interval [1,1][-1, 1] is compact. Any sequence contained within a compact set has at least one convergent subsequence (Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem).
  2. The infinitely many points of (an)(a_n) within IϵI_\epsilon form a subsequence.
  3. Since IϵI_\epsilon excludes the points 11 and 1-1, any subsequential limit of this subsequence must lie strictly within (1,1)(-1, 1).
  4. Therefore, this subsequence converges to some limit c(1,1)c \in (-1, 1).

Step 5: Conclusion

We have demonstrated that there exists at least one other subsequence of (an)(a_n) that converges to a limit c(1,1)c \in (-1, 1).


Would you like details on any part of the proof or further elaboration on the compactness argument? Let me know!


Related Questions

  1. What is the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem and how is it applied here?
  2. How does the bounded difference condition an+1an<1|a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1 prevent the sequence from skipping over regions?
  3. Can you provide examples of sequences with similar properties?
  4. What are the implications of having multiple convergent subsequences in terms of the original sequence's behavior?
  5. How does the result change if an+1an|a_{n+1} - a_n| is unbounded?

Tip:

When dealing with sequences and their subsequences, always analyze their behavior in compact sets and use the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem as a key tool for proving convergence.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Real Analysis
Subsequences
Convergence of Sequences
Compactness

Formulas

|a_{n+1} - a_n| < 1 (Bounded Difference Condition)

Theorems

Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics (Real Analysis)