How to write a mathematically rigorous definition of completeness

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The discussion centers on the rigorous definition of completeness in the context of metric spaces, specifically stating that a metric space (E,d) is complete if every Cauchy sequence in E converges within E. Key definitions include convergence, characterized by the epsilon-delta criterion, and the properties of completeness, which include the least upper bound property, monotone convergence, the Cauchy Criterion, the Bolzano-Weierstrass property, compactness of closed and bounded sets, and the connectedness of real numbers. Each of these properties is equivalent to the concept of completeness, allowing for proofs of one property to establish the others.

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  • Understanding of metric spaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with Cauchy sequences and convergence criteria
  • Knowledge of the least upper bound and greatest lower bound properties
  • Basic concepts of bounded sequences and subsequences
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  • Study the Cauchy Criterion in detail and its implications for convergence
  • Explore the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem and its applications in analysis
  • Investigate the properties of compactness in metric spaces
  • Learn about the implications of connectedness in the context of real numbers
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Mathematicians, students of real analysis, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of metric spaces and completeness in mathematical analysis.

royzizzle
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I know that the definition of completeness is that a set contains the limits of rational numbers.

and I know the definition of convergence is that for all e>0 there exists N such that for n>=N |xn - x| < e where x is the limit of the sequence.

how to combine the two?
thanks in advance
 
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I know the definition in terms of metric spaces, so maybe this is what youre looking for...

A metric space (E,d) is called complete if every Cauchy sequence in E converges in E.

of course the definition for cauchy sequence is a sequence given any e>0
there is a positive integer N such that d(pm,pn) < e whenever n,m >N
 
There are, in fact, six properties of the real numbers that are equivalent to "completeness".

1. The least upper bound property (every non-empty set having an upper bound has a least upper bound) and its "twin" the greatest lower bound property.

2. Monotone convergence (every increasing sequence having an upper bound converges and its "twin" that every decreasing sequence having a lower bound converges.)

3. The Cauchy Criterion (every Cauchy sequence converges)

4. The Bolzano-Weierstrass property (every bounded sequence contains a convergent subsequence.)

5. Every closed and bounded set is compact.

6. The set of all real numbers, with the usual metric, is a connected set.

Given anyone of those you can prove the other five.
 
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