Convergence of {c_n} to c when {c_n - c} converges to zero

In summary, to prove that the sequence {c_n} converges to c if and only if the sequence {c_n - c} converges to zero, you can use the sum property of limits and the ε definition of convergence. Adding or subtracting zero and grouping terms can help with the proof.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Prove that the sequence {c_n} converges to c if and only if the sequence {c_n - c} converges to zero.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


First I prove that the convergence of {c_n - c} to zero implies that {c_n} converges to c by (all limits take n to infinity):

The convergence of {c_n - c} means that

lim[c_n - c] = 0

Using the sum property of limits we get

lim[c_n] - lim[c] = lim[c_n] - c = 0

and therefore

lim[c_n] = c

I am in doubt about how to prove the "only if" part. I am thinking of assuming that if {c_n - c} converges to another number a which is no zero, and then proving that under these circumstances {c_n} cannot converge to c, but I am in doubt if this is the correct way to do it.

Thanks in advance.
René Petersen
 
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  • #2
If you write out the ε definition of convergence, this is trivial. Remember you can always add or subtract zero, and group terms however you like.
 

1. What is the definition of "convergence of {c_n} to c when {c_n - c} converges to zero"?

"Convergence of {c_n} to c when {c_n - c} converges to zero" is a mathematical concept that refers to the behavior of a sequence of numbers, denoted as {c_n}, when the difference between each term and a given limit, c, approaches zero. In other words, as n (the number of terms) increases, the values of {c_n} get closer and closer to c, with the difference between them becoming increasingly smaller.

2. How is the convergence of {c_n} to c related to the behavior of {c_n - c}?

The convergence of {c_n} to c is directly related to the behavior of {c_n - c}. When {c_n - c} converges to zero, it means that the values of {c_n} are getting closer and closer to c. This is because the difference between each term and c is decreasing, indicating that the sequence is approaching its limit.

3. What are some examples of sequences that demonstrate convergence of {c_n} to c when {c_n - c} converges to zero?

One example is the sequence {1/n}. As n increases, the values of {1/n} get closer and closer to 0, and the difference between each term and 0 (c) approaches zero. Another example is the sequence {(-1)^n/n}. As n increases, the values alternate between -1/n and 1/n, but the difference between each term and 0 (c) still approaches zero.

4. What happens if {c_n - c} does not converge to zero?

If {c_n - c} does not converge to zero, it means that the sequence {c_n} does not have a limit. This can happen when the values of {c_n} are constantly increasing or decreasing, or if they oscillate between different values without approaching a specific limit. In this case, we say that the sequence is divergent.

5. How is the concept of "convergence of {c_n} to c when {c_n - c} converges to zero" used in real-world applications?

This concept is used in various fields of science and mathematics, such as calculus, statistics, and physics. In calculus, it is used to determine the limit of a function as the input approaches a certain value. In statistics, it is used to analyze the behavior of data over time. In physics, it is used to model the movement of objects and predict their position at a certain time. Overall, understanding the convergence of sequences is essential in many scientific and mathematical calculations.

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