First Comparison Test for Series .... Sohrab Theorem 2.3.9 ....

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the proof of Theorem 2.3.9 (a) from Houshang H. Sohrab's "Basic Real Analysis" (Second Edition), specifically using the Cauchy Criterion for Series. The theorem establishes that if the series $$\sum y_n$$ converges, then the series $$\sum x_n$$ also converges, given that $$0 \leq x_n \leq y_n$$ for all natural numbers n. The proof demonstrates that the boundedness of the sequence of partial sums $$s_N = \sum_1^N x_n$$ leads to the conclusion that $$\sum x_n$$ converges, thereby confirming the theorem.

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  • Understanding of the Cauchy Criterion for Series
  • Familiarity with sequences and series of real numbers
  • Knowledge of bounded sequences and their convergence
  • Basic concepts of partial sums in series
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  • Study the Cauchy Criterion for Series in detail
  • Review Theorem 2.3.6 regarding bounded sequences and convergence
  • Explore examples of convergent and divergent series
  • Practice proving convergence using the properties of partial sums
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I am reading Houshang H. Sohrab's book: "Basic Real Analysis" (Second Edition).

I am focused on Chapter 2: Sequences and Series of Real Numbers ... ...

I need help with the proof of Theorem 2.3.9 (a) ...

Theorem 2.3.9 reads as follows:
View attachment 9065
Now, we can prove Theorem 2.3.9 (a) using the Cauchy Criterion for Series ... as follows:Since $$0 \leq x_n \leq y_n \ \forall \ n \in \mathbb{N}$$ ... we have that ...$$\left\vert \sum_{ k = n + 1 }^m x_n \right\vert \leq \left\vert \sum_{ k = n + 1 }^m y_n \right\vert$$ ... ... ... ... ... (1)But ... since $$ \sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } y_n $$ is convergent, it satisfies the Cauchy Criterion for Series ...... further ... (1) implies that $$ \sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } x_n $$ also satisfies the Cauchy Criterion for Series ... ... and so $$ \sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } x_n $$ is convergent ...

However ... Sohrab states that Theorem 2.3.9 (a) is an immediate consequence of Theorem 2.3.6 (see below) ... ... this means we need to establish bounds for $$ \sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } x_n $$ ...... can someone please demonstrate how to do this ...
Note: If $$\lim_{n \to \infty } t_n = \lim_{n \to \infty } \sum_{ k = 1 }^n y_k = L$$ ...... does $$L$$ form an upper bound on $$ \sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } y_n $$ ...... and hence also form an upper bound on $$\sum_{ n = 1 }^{ \infty } x_n$$ ...... but ... how do we prove this ... ?

Help will be appreciated ...

Peter
=======================================================================================The post above refers to Theorem 2.3.6 ... so I am providing text of the same ... as follows:View attachment 9066
Hope that helps ...

Peter
 

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Hi Peter,

First, let's talk about Theorem 2.3.6. Recall that an increasing sequence of real numbers converges if and only if it is bounded. Given a series $\sum x_n$ of nonnegative terms, its sequence of partial sums $s_N = \sum_1^N x_n$ is increasing. Since $s_N$ converges if and only if it is bounded and the sum of a series is defined as the limit the sequence of partial sums, it follows that $\sum x_n$ converges if and only if it is bounded.

Now, let's revisit the proof of Theorem 2.3.9. If $\sum y_n$ converges, then $t_n$ is bounded, say, by $T$. As $0 \le s_n \le t_n$ for all $n$, then $0 \le s_n \le T$ for all $n$. Thus $s_n$ is bounded, which implies $s_n$ converges. In other words, $\sum x_n$ converges. This proves $(a)$. Statement $(b)$ is equivalent to statement $(a)$.
 
Euge said:
Hi Peter,

First, let's talk about Theorem 2.3.6. Recall that an increasing sequence of real numbers converges if and only if it is bounded. Given a series $\sum x_n$ of nonnegative terms, its sequence of partial sums $s_N = \sum_1^N x_n$ is increasing. Since $s_N$ converges if and only if it is bounded and the sum of a series is defined as the limit the sequence of partial sums, it follows that $\sum x_n$ converges if and only if it is bounded.

Now, let's revisit the proof of Theorem 2.3.9. If $\sum y_n$ converges, then $t_n$ is bounded, say, by $T$. As $0 \le s_n \le t_n$ for all $n$, then $0 \le s_n \le T$ for all $n$. Thus $s_n$ is bounded, which implies $s_n$ converges. In other words, $\sum x_n$ converges. This proves $(a)$. Statement $(b)$ is equivalent to statement $(a)$.
Thanks for the explanation, Euge ...

Most helpful!

Peter
 

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