Confirm Answers on Homework Sheet: Subsequence Convergence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of sequences and their subsequences, specifically focusing on convergence and boundedness. Participants are examining statements related to subsequence convergence as presented in a homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 claims that not every sequence has a convergent subsequence, providing the sequence {1, 2, 3, ...} as a counterexample.
  • Post 1 asserts that a sequence with a convergent subsequence is not necessarily convergent, citing the sequence {-1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32...} which diverges but has a convergent subsequence.
  • Post 1 states that a bounded sequence does have a convergent subsequence, referencing the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem.
  • Post 1 argues that a sequence can have a convergent subsequence while being unbounded, using the sequence {1, 1, 2, 1/2, 3, 1/3...} as an example.
  • Post 2 expresses agreement with Post 1's answers but notes a correction from another participant.
  • Post 3 questions the divergence of the sequence {-1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32...}, prompting further discussion.
  • Post 4 suggests an alternative sequence with different alternating terms to explore the convergence properties further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the divergence of the sequence {-1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32...}, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding this point.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on the definitions of convergence and boundedness, which may not be universally agreed upon in this context. The discussion includes various interpretations and examples that may not fully resolve the questions posed.

Carla1985
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Question from my homework sheet. Can someone confirm I've got these correct.

Let (an)n∈N be any sequence of real numbers. Which of the following statements are true?
Give precise references to the results in the Lecture Notes for those which are true. Construct counter examples for those that are false.
(i) Every sequence (an)n∈N has a convergent subsequence.
(ii) If (an)n∈N has a convergent subsequence, then (an)n∈N is convergent.
(iii) If (an)n∈N is bounded, then (an)n∈N has a convergent subsequence.
(iv) If (an)n∈N has a convergent subsequence, then (an)n∈N is bounded.

My answers:
i) False: {1,2,3,4,5,6...) has no convergent subsequence.
ii) False: {-1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32...} diverges but has subsequence {1/4, 1/16, 1/64...} which converges
iii) True (Bolzano Weierstrass theorem)
iv) False: {1, 1, 2, 1/2, 3, 1/3...} is unbounded but has subsequence {1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4...} which converges

 
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Looks good to me.

[EDIT] See Evgeny.Makarov's post below for a correction.
 
Last edited:
Carla1985 said:

ii) False: {-1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32...} diverges but has subsequence {1/4, 1/16, 1/64...} which converges
Does -1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32, ... really diverge?
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Does -1/2, 1/4, -1/8, 1/16, -1/32, ... really diverge?


So maybe try flipping what the alternating terms are doing:
{-1/2, 1/2, -1/4, 1, -1/8, 2, -1/16, 4, ...}
 

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