Finding a subsequence from a sequence that converges

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The discussion revolves around understanding which subsequences of a defined real sequence converge to specific real numbers. The sequence alternates between zeros and fractions that approach one, leading to confusion about convergence. Participants clarify that while the overall sequence does not converge, various subsequences can, such as the infinite subsequence of zeros converging to zero. Other examples include subsequences that converge to one, like those from 1/10 to 1. The key takeaway is that multiple subsequences can converge to different values despite the original sequence's non-convergence.
ppy
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Homework Statement


a real sequence (x_{n}) is defined as follows: we take the elements in order (starting from
x0) to be

0, 1 , 0 , 1/10 , 2/10 ,... , 9/10, 1 0 , 1/100 ,2/100 ,..., 99/100 , 1 , 0 , 1/1000,...

So we take p for p = 0, 1, then p/10 for p = 0; ... 10, then p=100 for p = 0; ..., 100 and so on.
Which real numbers A have the property that some subsequence of (xn) converges to A?


Hi,

I am abit confused by what the question is asking do they want me to pick some values from the sequence and then this subsequence should converge to those values. But how can the sequence converge to all those values I have picked surely it can only converge to one of those values. I do not think I understand the question.

Help appreciated thanks.
 
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ppy said:

Homework Statement


a real sequence (x_{n}) is defined as follows: we take the elements in order (starting from
x0) to be

0, 1 , 0 , 1/10 , 2/10 ,... , 9/10, 1 0 , 1/100 ,2/100 ,..., 99/100 , 1 , 0 , 1/1000,...

So we take p for p = 0, 1, then p/10 for p = 0; ... 10, then p=100 for p = 0; ..., 100 and so on.
Which real numbers A have the property that some subsequence of (xn) converges to A?


Hi,

I am abit confused by what the question is asking do they want me to pick some values from the sequence and then this subsequence should converge to those values. But how can the sequence converge to all those values I have picked surely it can only converge to one of those values. I do not think I understand the question.

Help appreciated thanks.

The given sequence doesn't converge. But it has lots of different subsequences that converge. Can you think of some?
 
yes for example x4 to x13 which is the numbers from 1/10 to 1 converges to 1. is this all the question is asking? for me to write down different subsequences that converge to any number?
 
ppy said:
yes for example x4 to x13 which is the numbers from 1/10 to 1 converges to 1. is this all the question is asking? for me to write down different subsequences that converge to any number?

A subsequence of a sequence has to contain an infinite number of elements in the original sequence and in the same order. So, no, that's not one. Try again!
 
I don't understand how u can find a subsequence that converges by keeping the terms in the same order because the terms will get larger then smaller then larger etc. so surely they are not converging to anything
 
ppy said:
I don't understand how u can find a subsequence that converges by keeping the terms in the same order because the terms will get larger then smaller then larger etc. so surely they are not converging to anything

Pick all of the terms that are 0. There are an infinite number of them, so that gives you the subsequence {0,0,0,0,0,...}. Which clearly converges to 0. Now find some more subsequences that converge.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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