How to Prove a Bounded Sequence {An} Converges to L if lim inf Equals lim sup?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the proof that if a series is bound and its limit inferior and limit superior are equal, then the limit of the series must also be equal to that value. The definition of limit inferior and limit superior are stated as the lowest and highest partial limits, respectively, among all limits of the sub-series. The conversation also clarifies that the limit of the subsequence is not necessarily equal to the limit of the series, but rather the smallest and largest limits of the subsequences. Finally, the question is raised on how to prove that the sequence itself converges to the same limit.
  • #1
peripatein
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Hi,

What is the proof that if series {An} is bound and its lim inf = lim sup = L, then lim A must be equal to L?
 
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  • #2
What definition of "lim inf" and "lim sup" are you using?
 
  • #3
Lim inf = lowest partial limit, i.e. lowest limit amongst all the limits of all the sub-series.
Lim sup = highest partial limit, i.e. highest partial limit amongst all the limits of all sub-series
 
  • #4
So you are saying that if a is a limit of any subsequence, then [itex]A\le a\le A[/itex]! What does that tell you?
 
  • #5
a is not the limit of ANY subsequence, but the smallest of the limits of the subsequences and the largest of the limits of the subsequences.
How may I prove that the sequence itself converges to the same limit?
 

Related to How to Prove a Bounded Sequence {An} Converges to L if lim inf Equals lim sup?

1. What does "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" mean?

"Lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" means that the limit of a sequence {An} exists and is equal to both the infimum (greatest lower bound) and supremum (least upper bound) of the set of its subsequential limits.

2. How is "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" different from "lim {An}"?

"Lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" is a stronger statement than "lim {An}" because it not only states the existence of the limit, but also its equality to the infimum and supremum of the set of subsequential limits. In other words, it provides more information about the behavior of the sequence.

3. What is the significance of "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" in mathematics?

"Lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" is a powerful result in analysis that is used to prove important theorems, such as the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem and the Cauchy convergence criterion. It also helps in characterizing the convergence and divergence of sequences.

4. How do you calculate "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}"?

To calculate "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}", you need to first find the infimum and supremum of the set of subsequential limits of the sequence {An}. Then, if the infimum and supremum are equal, the limit of the sequence also exists and is equal to them. If they are not equal, then the limit does not exist.

5. Can "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" be applied to any sequence?

No, "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" can only be applied to sequences that are bounded. If a sequence is unbounded, then its infimum and supremum will not exist, and the statement "lim inf = lim sup = lim {An}" cannot be applied.

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