Proving the Cauchy Criterion for Sum of Sequences

In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove that the sum of two Cauchy sequences is also a Cauchy sequence. The method involves taking two arbitrary Cauchy sequences and showing that their sum satisfies the Cauchy criterion. The conversation also addresses a minor issue with the subscripts used in the method.
  • #1
1800bigk
42
0
How would one prove that the sum of 2 cauchy sequences is cauchy? I said let e>0 and take 2 arbitrary cauchy sequences then
|Sn - St|<e/2 whenever n,t>N1 and |St - Sm|<e/2 whenever t,m >N2.

So

|Sn - Sm|=|Sn - St + St - Sm|<= |Sn - St|+|St - Sm|< e/2 + e/2 <= e

So n,m>max{N1, N2} imples |Sn - Sm|<e thus cauchy

Am I close or way off?
 
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  • #2
bump ttt bump
 
  • #3
The method looks perfect to me.

However, a slight issue with your subscripts. When I did this problem I only needed two subscripts. Observe:

Take two arbitrary Cauchy sequences [itex]\{x_n\}[/itex] and [itex]\{y_n\}[/itex]. Then for any [itex]\epsilon > 0[/itex] there exists [itex]N_1 \in \mathbb{N}[/itex] such that for any [itex]n,m \geq N_1[/itex] we have

[tex]
|x_n - x_m| < \frac{\epsilon}{2}
[/tex]

and there also exists an [itex]N_2 \in \mathbb{N}[/itex] such that for any [itex]n,m \geq N_2[/itex] we have

[tex]
|y_n - y_m| < \frac{\epsilon}{2}
[/tex]

Then, as you said, choose [itex]N = \max\{N_1,N_2\}[/itex]. Then for any [itex]n,m \geq N[/itex] we have

[tex]|(x_n + y_n) - (x_m - y_m)| = |(x_n - x_m) + (y_n - y_m)| \leq |x_n-x_m| + |y_n - y_m| < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2} = \epsilon[/tex]

Therefore [itex]\{x_n + y_n\}[/itex] is a Cauchy sequence. [itex]\square[/itex]
 
  • #4
thank you!
 

Related to Proving the Cauchy Criterion for Sum of Sequences

1. What is a Cauchy sequence?

A Cauchy sequence is a sequence of numbers where the terms get closer and closer together as the sequence goes on. In other words, for any given distance, there exists a point in the sequence after which all terms are within that distance of each other.

2. How do you determine if a sequence is a Cauchy sequence?

To determine if a sequence is a Cauchy sequence, you must check if the terms in the sequence get closer and closer together as the sequence progresses. This can be done by calculating the difference between consecutive terms and checking if it approaches 0 as the sequence goes on.

3. What is an example of an easy Cauchy sequence problem?

An example of an easy Cauchy sequence problem is finding the limit of the sequence 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, ... as n approaches infinity. This can be solved by showing that the difference between consecutive terms approaches 0, thus proving that the sequence is a Cauchy sequence and its limit is 0.

4. What are some applications of Cauchy sequences?

Cauchy sequences have many applications in mathematics, physics, and engineering. They are used to define the completeness of a metric space, which is essential in the study of calculus and analysis. Cauchy sequences are also used in the proof of the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem and in the construction of real numbers.

5. What is the importance of Cauchy sequences in mathematics?

Cauchy sequences are important in mathematics because they provide a rigorous definition of the concept of a limit. They also help us understand the convergence of infinite series and the concept of completeness in metric spaces. Additionally, Cauchy sequences are used in many areas of mathematics, such as calculus, real analysis, and number theory.

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