I cant visualize/understand this convergence proof

In summary, the definition of lim inf and lim sup is that they are the infimum and supremum, respectively, of sets containing infinitely many terms of the sequence. If both lim inf and lim sup are equal to p, then for any neighborhood (p-e, p+e) of p, almost all x_n are between p-e and p+e. Similarly, for any neighborhood (p-e, p+e) of p, almost all x_n are between p-e and p. Therefore, lim inf and lim sup are equal to p.
  • #1
transgalactic
1,395
0
for an alternative definition

lim inf (x_n) = inf {x: infinitely many x_n are < x }

lim sup (x_n) = sup {x: infinitely many x_n are > x }.

Now if both are equal to p, then consider a neighbourhood (p-e, p+e) of p (for some e>0).
As y:= p+ e/2 > p we cannot have that infinitely many x_n are > y (otherwise lim sup (x_n) >= y > p)
So at most finitely many x_n are > y, and almost all x_n are <= y < p+e.
Similarly with y' = y - e/2 and liminf: almost all x_n are >= y' > p-e.
So there is some N such that n >= N implies that x_n is in (p-e, p+e).

As e>0 was arbitrary x_n -- > x.

The reverse is similar, suppose x_n --> x.
If p > x, then there is some n such that x_n < p for all n >= N.
So p is NOT in the set B := {x: infinitely many x_n > x } so
B subset {t: t <= x} and so lim sup x_n = sup B <= x.
If p < x, then for all but finitely x_n, x_n >= p.
So p is not in A:= {t: infinitely many x_n < t} and so
A subset {t: t >= x } and so lim inf x_n = inf A >= x.
x <= liminf x_n <= limsup x_n <= x implies equality.
 
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  • #2
What is it you do not understand?
 
  • #3
this is how i see it:
lim inf Xn=p
lim Sup Xn=p
if we look at the neighborhood of (p-e, p+e) of p (for some e>0)

i can't understand this line
"As y:= p+ e/2 > p we cannot have that infinitely many x_n are > y (otherwise lim sup (x_n) >= y > p)"

whats y?
why are they doing p+ e/2 > p

"we cannot have that infinitely many x_n are > y"

whats y?
 

1. What is a convergence proof?

A convergence proof is a mathematical proof that shows a sequence of numbers or functions will approach a certain value or limit as the number of terms or iterations increases. This is important in understanding the behavior of mathematical objects and their properties.

2. Why is it difficult to visualize or understand a convergence proof?

Convergence proofs often involve complex mathematical concepts and techniques, making them challenging to understand for those who are not well-versed in mathematical analysis. Additionally, the concept of convergence itself can be abstract and difficult to visualize, as it involves the idea of an infinite sequence approaching a limit.

3. What are some common techniques used in convergence proofs?

Some common techniques used in convergence proofs include the epsilon-delta method, the squeeze theorem, and the Cauchy criterion. These techniques involve manipulating the elements of a sequence or function in order to show that it approaches a limit.

4. How can I improve my understanding of convergence proofs?

To improve your understanding of convergence proofs, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematical analysis and to practice working through similar proofs. You can also seek out additional resources such as textbooks, online lectures, or tutoring to help clarify any confusing concepts.

5. Are there any real-world applications of convergence proofs?

Yes, convergence proofs have many practical applications in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering. For example, they can be used to model the behavior of population growth, the rate of decay in radioactive substances, or the convergence of numerical methods used in computer simulations.

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