Math Problem Statement

Suppose {xn} and {yn} are sequences with the following properties: • xn → L, • yn → M , and • xn < yn for all n ∈ N. TRUE or FALSE: It is necessarily the case that L < M .

Solution

The statement is TRUE. Here's why:

If we have two sequences {xn}\{x_n\} and {yn}\{y_n\} such that:

  1. limnxn=L\lim_{{n \to \infty}} x_n = L,
  2. limnyn=M\lim_{{n \to \infty}} y_n = M, and
  3. xn<ynx_n < y_n for all nNn \in \mathbb{N},

then the limit of xnx_n (LL) must be less than or equal to the limit of yny_n (MM). This is because if xn<ynx_n < y_n for all nn, as nn becomes arbitrarily large, the values of xnx_n and yny_n approach their respective limits while maintaining xn<ynx_n < y_n.

Why L<ML < M is necessary:

If L=ML = M, it would mean that xnx_n and yny_n are converging to the same limit, which contradicts the condition that xn<ynx_n < y_n for all nNn \in \mathbb{N}. Therefore, the only possibility is that L<ML < M.

Conclusion:

Given the conditions, it is necessarily the case that L<ML < M.


Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the relationship between the limits of sequences and their inequalities?
  2. What happens if xnynx_n \leq y_n instead of xn<ynx_n < y_n?
  3. How would the conclusion change if one or both sequences were not convergent?
  4. Can you provide a counterexample if xnx_n and yny_n were allowed to have the same limit?
  5. How would the result change if xnx_n and yny_n were convergent series instead of sequences?

Tip: When working with sequences, always consider whether the properties hold in the limit, as small inequalities can become equality as nn becomes large.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Limits
Inequalities in Sequences

Formulas

\(\lim_{{n \to \infty}} x_n = L\)
\(\lim_{{n \to \infty}} y_n = M\)

Theorems

Limit Comparison Theorem
Order Properties of Limits

Suitable Grade Level

College Level