Cauchy Sequences: Definition & a(m) Clarification

In summary: Otherwise, the limit superior and limit inferior give two boundary values between which the sequence infinitely often oscillates.In summary, the Cauchy sequence is defined as a sequence that has a limit superior and limit inferior within a certain range, and the difference between any two terms beyond a certain natural number cannot exceed a certain value. The difference between lim sup a(n) and sup A(n) is that the former is the largest accumulation point of the sequence, while the latter is the least such accumulation point. In the example given, the lim sup is 0 while the sup is 1, showing the difference in their definitions. These concepts hold in all cases, except when the sequence is convergent and the limit is equal to both the lim
  • #1
garyljc
103
0
By definition, a sequence a(n) has the Cauchy sequence if for eery E>0 ,there exist a natural number N such that Abs(a(n) - a(m) ) < E for all n, m > N

Could anyone tell me what is a(m) ? is it a subsequence of a(n) , or could it be any other non related sequence ?
 
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  • #2
a(m) is the same sequence as a(n)
 
  • #3
a(m) and a(n) are not sequences they are elements of a sequence

Pehaps the difficulty will be eased by restating the definition differently

a sequence is Cauchy if for any E>0 there exist a natural number N such that the difference between any two terms beyond N cannot exceed N

or

a sequence is Cauchy if for any E>0 there exist a natural number N such that Abs(a(N+n) - a(N+m) ) < E for all n,m that are natural numbers
 
  • #4
Neither a_m nor a_n in that is a sequence. They are, rather, any two numbers from the original sequence {a_i}, with, of course, m and n larger than N.
 
  • #5
OK thanks

One more question
what's the difference between Lim sup a(n) and sup A(n)
does the limit tells me something else ?
 
  • #6
garyljc said:
OK thanks

One more question
what's the difference between Lim sup a(n) and sup A(n)
does the limit tells me something else ?

It is easier to explain by example. Consider the sequence 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4,...

The sup is 1, while the lim sup is 0.
 
  • #7
what basically is the change that lim produced in sup
why it changes sup=1
to lim sup=0
and do this thing hold in all cases that lim sup is not the part of the sequence
 
  • #8
The limit superior of a sequence [itex](a_n)_{n\geq 0}[/itex] is the largest accumulation (or cluster) point of this sequence. An accumulation point is a number c such that in any neighbourhood of c there are infinitely many members of the sequence. Analogously, the limit inferior is the least such accumulation point.

If [itex](a_n)_{n\geq 0}[/itex] is convergent, say with limit a, then
[tex]
\lim_{n\to\infty} {a_n} = \limsup_{n\to\infty}{a_n} = \liminf_{n\to\infty}{a_n} = a
[/tex]
 

What is a Cauchy sequence?

A Cauchy sequence is a type of mathematical sequence in which the elements get closer and closer together, such that for any desired level of precision, there exists a point in the sequence beyond which all elements are within that level of precision.

How is a Cauchy sequence different from other mathematical sequences?

A Cauchy sequence is different from other mathematical sequences because it is defined in terms of convergence, rather than specific numerical values. This means that the elements of a Cauchy sequence may not have a specific pattern or formula, but they approach a limit as the sequence progresses.

What is the purpose of the "a(m)" notation in the definition of a Cauchy sequence?

The "a(m)" notation in the definition of a Cauchy sequence is used to represent the mth element in the sequence. This allows for a general definition of the sequence, rather than defining each individual element.

How can I determine if a sequence is a Cauchy sequence?

To determine if a sequence is a Cauchy sequence, you can use the Cauchy convergence criterion, which states that a sequence is a Cauchy sequence if and only if for any desired level of precision, there exists a point in the sequence beyond which all elements are within that level of precision.

Why are Cauchy sequences important in mathematics?

Cauchy sequences are important in mathematics because they are used in the definition of completeness for metric spaces, which is a fundamental concept in analysis and topology. They also have many applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and computer science.

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