Prove cauchy sequence and thus convergence

In summary, a Cauchy sequence is a sequence of numbers in which the terms get closer and closer together as the sequence progresses. To prove that a sequence is Cauchy, one must show that for any positive number ε, there exists a point in the sequence after which all the terms are within ε distance of each other. This is important because it shows that the sequence is convergent, meaning the terms get closer and closer to a certain limit as the sequence progresses. A Cauchy sequence is a necessary but not sufficient condition for convergence, and in many cases, proving a sequence to be Cauchy is the first step in proving its convergence. An example of a Cauchy sequence is {1, 1/2
  • #1
manooba
8
0
Let (Xn) be a sequence satisfying

|Xn+1-Xn| ≤ λ^n r

Where r>0 and λ lies between (0,1). Prove that (Xn) is a Cauchy sequence and so is convergent.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I have a hunch that you could use two facts:

1) for every ε > 0 there exists some natural number N such that λ^N r < ε
2) the triangle inequality
 
  • #3
manooba said:
Let (Xn) be a sequence satisfying

|Xn+1-Xn| ≤ λ^n r

Where r>0 and λ lies between (0,1). Prove that (Xn) is a Cauchy sequence and so is convergent.

I posted the solution of that with r=1 in a similar thread called cauchy sequence problem
 

1. What is a Cauchy sequence?

A Cauchy sequence is a sequence of numbers in which the terms get closer and closer together as the sequence progresses. In other words, for any positive number ε, there exists a point in the sequence after which all the terms are within ε distance of each other.

2. How do you prove that a sequence is Cauchy?

To prove that a sequence is Cauchy, you must show that for any positive number ε, there exists a point in the sequence after which all the terms are within ε distance of each other. This can be done by using the definition of a Cauchy sequence and manipulating the terms of the sequence until the desired result is achieved.

3. What is the importance of proving a sequence to be Cauchy?

Proving a sequence to be Cauchy is important because it shows that the sequence is convergent. This means that the terms of the sequence get closer and closer to a certain limit as the sequence progresses, making it easier to analyze and work with mathematically.

4. What is the relationship between a Cauchy sequence and convergence?

A Cauchy sequence is a necessary but not sufficient condition for convergence. This means that if a sequence is Cauchy, it must be convergent, but a sequence can be convergent without being Cauchy. However, in many cases, proving a sequence to be Cauchy is the first step in proving its convergence.

5. Can you give an example of a Cauchy sequence and its corresponding limit?

One example of a Cauchy sequence is the sequence {1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, ...}. Its limit is 0, as the terms get closer and closer to 0 as the sequence progresses. This can be proven using the definition of a Cauchy sequence by choosing any positive number ε and showing that there exists a point in the sequence after which all the terms are within ε distance of each other.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
967
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
885
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
272
Replies
1
Views
575
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
717
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top