Convergence of a sequence of integers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a Cauchy sequence of integers is eventually constant. Participants emphasize the importance of the definitions of Cauchy sequences and the properties of integers, particularly that the sequence is bounded and consists of discrete values. The key insight is that since the sequence is composed of integers, the distance between elements cannot be infinitely small, leading to the conclusion that the sequence must stabilize at some integer value as n approaches infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cauchy sequences
  • Knowledge of convergence and bounded sequences
  • Familiarity with integer properties in mathematical sequences
  • Basic proof techniques in real analysis
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  • Study the formal definition of Cauchy sequences in detail
  • Explore the properties of bounded sequences in real analysis
  • Investigate the implications of integer properties on convergence
  • Learn proof strategies for demonstrating convergence in sequences
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone studying real analysis or sequence convergence, particularly those focusing on properties of integers and proof techniques.

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Homework Statement



Given a Cauchy sequence of integers, prove that the sequence is eventually constant.

2. Relevant Definitions and Theorems

Definition of Cauchy sequences and convergence
Monotone convergence
Every convergent sequence is bounded
Anything relevant to integers

The Attempt at a Solution



I can see why the theorem is true. I thought that, since the sequence in nonempty and bounded, the supremum and infimum of the set containing the sequence both exist and that the limit of the sequence must be a number between the infimum and the supremum. But I got stuck trying to prove that the limit is contained within that set (that the limit is also an integer). I don't know if it's my approach that's leading me to a dead end or if there's a theorem I've overlooked or something else entirely. Maybe I'm making it overly complicated? Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Look at the definition of Cauchy sequence. Choose epsilon<1. Conclude.
 
Start from the definition of a Cauchy sequence.

It usually starts "For all epsilon greater than zero, [...]"
Can you choose an epsilon that gives your conclusion?
 
Mathnerdmo said:
Start from the definition of a Cauchy sequence.

It usually starts "For all epsilon greater than zero, [...]"
Can you choose an epsilon that gives your conclusion?


I'm afraid I don't see what directon either of you are going in. As far as I know, the definition of a Cauchy sequence allows me to make the distance between members of the sequence small--it doesn't make it zero, which is what I need for the sequence to be constant for large n.
 
The point Tinyboss and Mathnerdmo are making is that the sequence consists of integers.
 
Mark44 said:
The point Tinyboss and Mathnerdmo are making is that the sequence consists of integers.

And what does that mean for my proof?
 
It says that there is some minimum distance between elements in the sequence.
 
Mark44 said:
It says that there is some minimum distance between elements in the sequence.

Oh! That's right! Thanks so much!
 

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