Cauchy Sequences Triangle Inequality.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the sequence defined by cn = |an - bn| is Cauchy, given that both sequences an and bn are Cauchy. The context involves the application of the triangle inequality in this proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the triangle inequality and the conditions under which sequences are Cauchy. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the sequences and the implications of the definitions provided.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the application of the triangle inequality and the need for separate natural numbers for the sequences. There is acknowledgment of the confusion surrounding the problem setup, and participants are actively engaging with the concepts without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to specify different natural numbers for the sequences when applying the Cauchy condition, as well as the emphasis on the absolute value in the definition of cn.

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Homework Statement


assuming an and bn are cauchy, use a triangle inequality argument to show that cn=
| an-bn| is cauchy

Homework Equations



an is cauchy iff for all e>0, there is some natural N, m,n>=N-->|an-am|<e

The Attempt at a Solution


I am currently trying to work backwards on this one, since we know
for some m,n>=N where N is a natural
2e>|-an+am|+|bn-bm|
Thus, through the triangle inequality this is >=|am-an+bn-bm|=|(bn-an)-(bm-am)|>=|bn-an|-|bm-am|.

Am I going completely wrong somewhere, because I am getting very stuck here. To anyone who answers, please only hints, not full answers (I am sure this is customary). Again, many thanks.
 
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Two quick comments:

I would have said that |a_n-a_m|&lt; \epsilon / 2 and |b_n-b_m|&lt; \epsilon /2 just to get |(a_n-b_n)-(a_m-b_m)|&lt;\epsilon.

Here's a nitpicky thing that your professor might correct (mine would have). Once \epsilon &gt;0 is given, there's no reason to think that the same N will work for both sequences. So I would have said that there exists N_1 for one sequence and N_2 for the other, such that blah blah blah... Then I would have let N=max\{N_1,N_2\}.
 
Yeah, my instructor does require this also. I can't believe the anguish this is causing me, It must be a very simple problem, and no one asked about it in class. Right now, I am supposed to be reading a history book, but this problem is back there bugging me.
 
Not to imply that anyone read this incorrectly, but the problem is cn=abs(an-bn) not just an-bn. Just entered my head that this might not have been emphasized.
 

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