# Cauchy Sequence

Let f : [a,b] → [a,b] satisfy

|f(x)-f(y)| ≤ λ|x-y|

where 0<λ<1. Prove f is continuous. Choose any Xo ε [a,b] and for n ≥ 1 define X_n+1 = f(Xn). Prove that the sequence (Xn) is convergent and that its limit L is a 'fixed point' of f, namely f(L)=L

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The continuity part seems pretty straightforward, unless I'm mistaken. Let c be an arbitraty point in [a, b]. Let ε > 0 be given. Let δ = ε. Them for all x such that |x - c| < δ, we have: |f(x) - f(c)| <= ...

The continuity part seems pretty straightforward, unless I'm mistaken. Let c be an arbitraty point in [a, b]. Let ε > 0 be given. Let δ = ε. Them for all x such that |x - c| < δ, we have: |f(x) - f(c)| <= ...
reckon you can help me further please i am really struggling

reckon you can help me further please i am really struggling
No. You must make your own efforts on homework problems. We are not here to solve the questions for you. We will help you as soon as you make an attempt.

Well, you initially begin with
$$\left|x_2 - x_1\right|=\left|f(x_1) - f(x_0)\right|\le \lambda\left|x_1 - x_0\right|$$
if you take one more step down the sequence, you can see that
$$\left|x_3 - x_2\right|=\left|f(x_2) - f(x_1)\right|\le \lambda\left|x_2 - x_1\right|\le \lambda^2\left|x_1 - x_0\right|$$
I don't think it's difficult to see how this generalizes.

Can you see how this implies the sequence is Cauchy? What do we know about Cauchy sequences? Finally, what do we know about the limit of a sequence in a continuous function?

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And for the first part, can you continue where I wrote "..."? What does your function satisfy, by defintion?

And for the first part, can you continue where I wrote "..."? What does your function satisfy, by defintion?
satisfy's |f(x)-f(y)| ≤ λ|x-y) where 0<λ<1

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satisfy's |f(x)-f(y)| ≤ λ|x-y) where 0<λ<1
OK. Now, we're looking at all x such that |x - c| < δ, right? So, apply your function property to these x's...

OK. Now, we're looking at all x such that |x - c| < δ, right? So, apply your function property to these x's...
ok i get that, so what do i plug in to the x's?