Can the Modulus Rule Be Reversed?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the modulus rule in the context of sequences, specifically addressing whether the rule can be reversed. The original poster seeks clarification on the implications of reversing the modulus rule and is tasked with providing examples related to convergent and divergent sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the meaning of "reverse" in the context of the modulus rule and expresses confusion regarding the requirements of the problem. Some participants discuss the technical definition of the converse and suggest examples of sequences that illustrate the properties of convergence and divergence.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the definitions and implications of the modulus rule. Clarifications have been made regarding the terminology used in the problem statement, and there is a focus on ensuring accurate understanding of the examples needed.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential typo in the problem statement that may affect interpretation, as well as a reference to an example sheet that could lead to confusion regarding the use of "hence." Participants are questioning the clarity of the instructions and the assumptions behind the examples required.

Silversonic
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Homework Statement



Give an example to show that the modulus rule cannot be reversed. Hence give an example of a divergent sequence ([itex]a_{n}[/itex]) such that (|[itex]a_{n}[/itex]|) is convergent.

Homework Equations



The modulus rule is;

"Let [itex]a_{n}[/itex] be a convergent sequence.

(|[itex]a_{n}[/itex]|) is convergent, then

lim|[itex]a_{n}[/itex]| = |lim[itex]a_{n}[/itex]|"

n is an element of the natural numbers of course, and the limit is the limit as n tends to infinity.

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand what it means by "reverse" of this rule. I assumed originally that it meant give an example of a divergent sequence that wouldn't work, but the "hence" bit afterwards would suggest I have to do the same thing twice, which I'm guessing isn't right. I also have another "show the reverse doesn't work for this rule" question before it, but I'm not entirely sure what is meant by reverse.
 
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The reverse (more technically the "converse") would be "If [itex]|a_n|[/itex] converges, then [itex]a_n[/itex] converges and [itex]lim |a_n|= | lim a_n|[/itex]". To show that is NOT true, find a sequence that does NOT converge but the absolute value does not converge.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The reverse (more technically the "converse") would be "If [itex]|a_n|[/itex] converges, then [itex]a_n[/itex] converges and [itex]lim |a_n|= | lim a_n|[/itex]". To show that is NOT true, find a sequence that does NOT converge but the absolute value does not converge.

Thanks for the reply. But is the bolded bit right? The "but" you put suggested to me you meant to say "does" as opposed to "does not". If that's true, then e.g. [itex](-1)^n[/itex] would be my example. I'm just confused as to why my example sheet says "Hence" show there's is a divergent sequence ([itex]a_n[/itex]) such that |[itex]a_n[/itex]| is convergent, I assume he meant "in other words" as opposed to "hence"?
 
Yes, that was a typo. It should have been "does converge". And, I think you have a good point about "in other words" rather than "hence".
 

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