Convergence and Cauchy Sequences in Rational Numbers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a strictly increasing sequence of rational numbers, bounded above by a rational number M, is a Cauchy sequence. The key points include the definition of a Cauchy sequence, which states that for every ε > 0, there exists an N such that |a_n - a_m| < ε for all n, m ≥ N. The participants emphasize the importance of not using the least upper bound property in the proof and suggest starting with a proof by contradiction to demonstrate the existence of a subsequence that violates the Cauchy condition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cauchy sequences in the context of rational numbers
  • Familiarity with sequences and their properties, particularly monotonic sequences
  • Knowledge of ε-δ definitions in mathematical proofs
  • Basic proof techniques, including proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Cauchy sequences in detail
  • Learn about monotonic sequences and their convergence criteria
  • Explore the ε-δ definition of limits and convergence in real analysis
  • Practice proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction, with examples
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying real analysis, educators teaching sequences and series, and anyone interested in the properties of rational numbers and convergence.

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Homework Statement



Prove that if {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} is a sequence of rational numbers such that {a[tex]_{n+1}[/tex]} > {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} for all n [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{N}[/tex] and there exists an M[tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{Q}[/tex] such that {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} [tex]\leq[/tex] M for all n [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{N}[/tex], then {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} is a Cauchy sequence of rational numbers.

Homework Equations


Do not use the least upper bound property.

A sequence is Cauchy in the rational numbers if [tex]\exists[/tex] an N [tex]\in[/tex][tex]\textbf{N}[/tex], such that |{a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} - {a[tex]_{m}[/tex]} | < [tex]\epsilon[/tex] for all n, m [tex]\geq[/tex] N.

If a sequence converges, it is Cauchy.

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand why this is true, but I am having trouble formulating the math to do a proof behind it. I can see that if the sequence never gets bigger than M, and that it is strictly increasing, the sequence must start converging and be Cauchy, but I'm kind of confused at how to start doing the epsilon stuff.

Thanks!

Edit: I'm not sure why those are showing up as superscripts. They are supposed to be subscripts.
 
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try a proof by contradiction.
suppose [tex]a_n[/tex] is no cauchy sequence.For a fixed [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex]show there is a subsequence [tex]b_n[/tex] of [tex]a_n[/tex] such that
[tex]b_{n+1} > b_n + \epsilon[/tex]
 

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