Can a Sequence in R Lack Convergent Subsequences or Target Specific Limits?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of sequences in the real numbers, specifically focusing on the existence of sequences that lack convergent subsequences or that target specific limits. The scope includes theoretical exploration of convergence, subsequences, and limit points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a sequence in R that has no convergent subsequence.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of finding a nonconvergent sequence in R whose limit points consist solely of the number 1, proposing a combination of sequences to achieve this.
  • A third participant mentions that there are sequences that can converge to any point in [0, 1], hinting at the existence of a classic example related to this property.
  • Another participant proposes that for any x in [0, 1], there exists a sequence of rational numbers that converges to x, which may be relevant to the discussion of subsequences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and construction of sequences with specific properties, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the definitions of convergence and subsequences, and the discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps regarding the construction of specific sequences.

yifli
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1. a sequence in R having no convergence subsequence

2. nonconvergent sequence in R such that the set of limit points of convergent subsequence consists exactly of the number 1

3. a sequence x_n in [0, 1] such that for any y in [0,1] there is a subsequence [tex]x_{n_m}[/tex] converging to y
 
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(1) is pretty close to trivial. Give it another try.

(2) Can you find a sequence that converges to 1? Combine that and your answer to (1) by letting all even terms be from one sequence and all odd terms be from the other.

Now (3) looks hard!
 
For 3, this is a classic example and you can probably come up with a good example just by rewording the question.

If you want the hint, think about this, what does the sequence [tex]\frac{1}{1},\frac{1}{2},\frac{2}{2},\frac{1}{3},\frac{2}{3},\frac{3}{3},\frac{1}{4},\frac{2}{4},\frac{3}{4},\frac{4}{4},\frac{1}{5},\frac{2}{5}\ldots[/tex] converge to?
 
For 3) you can also use the fact that the countable union of countable sets is itself countable and that for any x in [0,1] there is a sequence of rationals converging to x.
 

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