Limits of Sequences .... Bartle & Shebert, Example 3.4.3 (b)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding Example 3.4.3 (b) from "Introduction to Real Analysis" by Bartle and Sherbert, specifically focusing on the properties of the sequence defined by ##z_n := c^{\frac{1}{n}}##. Participants seek to rigorously demonstrate that ##z_n > 1## and ##z_{n+1} < z_n## for all natural numbers ##n##.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance in rigorously proving that ##z_n > 1## and ##z_{n+1} < z_n## for all ##n \in \mathbb{N}##.
  • Another participant presents a contradiction argument suggesting that if ##z^n \le 1## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##, it leads to a contradiction regarding the value of ##c##.
  • The same participant further argues that if ##z^n \le z^{n+1}## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##, it also leads to a contradiction about ##c##.
  • Participants share their opinions on the book, noting its thoroughness and suitability for their study of real analysis.
  • Additional recommendations for other real analysis texts are provided, indicating a search for rigorous foundational material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints on the rigor and clarity of the example in question, with some agreeing on the quality of the book while others suggest alternative texts. The proofs and arguments presented do not reach a consensus, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the rigorous demonstration of the properties of the sequence.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions underlying the proofs and arguments presented. There is a lack of clarity on the definitions of the terms used, and the mathematical steps leading to contradictions are not fully elaborated.

Math Amateur
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I am reading "Introduction to Real Analysis" (Fourth Edition) b Robert G Bartle and Donald R Sherbert ...

I am focused on Chapter 2: Sequences and Series ...

I need help in fully understanding Example 3.4.3 (b) ...

Example 3.4.3 (b) ... reads as follows:

?temp_hash=7a5f440ac10b77e48c8efaf960de7dc1.png


In the above text from Bartle and Sherbert we read the following:

" ... ... Note that if ##z_n := c^{ \frac{1}{n} }## then ##z_n \gt 1## and ##z_{ n+1 } \lt z_n## for all ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. (Why?) ... "Can someone help me to show rigorously that ##z_n \gt 1## and ##z_{ n+1 } \lt z_n## for all ##n \in \mathbb{N}## ... ... ?Hope that someone can help ...

Peter
 

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Suppose that ##z^n \le 1## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. Then ##c = (z^n)^n \le 1^n = 1##, a contradiction.
Similarly, suppose that ##z^n \le z^{n+1}## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. Then
$$
\frac{z^n}{z^{n+1}} = c^{\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1}} = c^{\frac{1}{n(n+1)}} \le 1,
$$
so ##c \le 1^{n(n+1)} = 1##, also a contradiction.

Do you like the book?
 
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Krylov said:
Suppose that ##z^n \le 1## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. Then ##c = (z^n)^n \le 1^n = 1##, a contradiction.
Similarly, suppose that ##z^n \le z^{n+1}## for some ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. Then
$$
\frac{z^n}{z^{n+1}} = c^{\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1}} = c^{\frac{1}{n(n+1)}} \le 1,
$$
so ##c \le 1^{n(n+1)} = 1##, also a contradiction.

Do you like the book?
Thanks for the help, Krylov ... just reflecting on what you have written ...

The book ... well ... I was looking for a rigorous text on one variable real analysis that covered the foundations of real analysis well and moderately thoroughly at about senior undergraduate level ... hopefully with detailed and complete proofs ... and I have found that Bartle and Sherbert meets my wishes pretty well ...

Two other books that I found met my need equally well (indeed perhaps better) are as follows:

" Basic Real Analysis" (Second Edition) ... 2014 ... by Houshang H Sohrab

and

"Real Analysis: Foundations and Functions of One Variable" (Fifth Edition) ... 2015 ... by Miklos Laczkovich and Vera T. Sos

Both books are well described on Amazon ...

Peter
 
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Math Amateur said:
Thanks for the help, Krylov ... just reflecting on what you have written ...
Let me know if something in what I wrote is unclear.
Math Amateur said:
and I have found that Bartle and Sherbert meets my wishes pretty well ...
Yes, I know this book and I think it is very good.I was curious what you would think of it.
Math Amateur said:
Two other books that I found met my need equally well (indeed perhaps better) are as follows:
Thank you, I do not know these books but I am always interested in new (to me) titles in analysis.
 

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