Proof of subsequence convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the convergence of a sequence \( a_n \) given that its subsequences \( a_{2k} \) and \( a_{2k-1} \) converge to the same limit \( l \). Participants are exploring the implications of subsequence convergence in the context of real analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the structure of the proof, particularly the use of epsilon-delta definitions of convergence. There are attempts to refine the proof by questioning the necessity of certain statements and considering alternative methods presented in a textbook.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's proofs and suggesting improvements. Some participants express confidence in the original proof while others reference different methods, indicating a variety of approaches being considered.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of differing methods in a textbook, which raises questions about the validity of the original proof approach. Participants are also considering the implications of using maximum values of \( N_1 \) and \( N_2 \) in their arguments.

synkk
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prove if ## a_{2k} \rightarrow l ## and ## a_{2k-1} \rightarrow l ## then ## a_n \rightarrow l ## where ## a_{2k} ## and ## a_{2k-1} ## are subsequences of ## a_n ##

my attempt:

since: ## a_{2k} \rightarrow l ## then ## \forall \epsilon > 0 ## ##\exists N_1 \in \mathbb{R}## s.t. ##2k > N_1 \Rightarrow |a_{2k} - l|< \epsilon##

also, since ## a_{2k-1} \rightarrow l ## then ## \forall \epsilon > 0 ## ##\exists N_2 \in \mathbb{R} ## s.t. ## 2k -1 > N_2 \Rightarrow |a_{2k-1} - l | < \epsilon ##

from the above we have ## k > \dfrac{N_1}{2} ## and ## k > \dfrac{N_2 + 1}{2} ## then let ## N = max \{ \dfrac{N_1}{2}, \dfrac{N_2 + 1}{2} \} ## then for ## n >N ## ## |a_n - l | < \epsilon ##

does this proof make sense, if not where could I improve?
 
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synkk said:
prove if ## a_{2k} \rightarrow l ## and ## a_{2k-1} \rightarrow l ## then ## a_n \rightarrow l ## where ## a_{2k} ## and ## a_{2k-1} ## are subsequences of ## a_n ##

my attempt:

since: ## a_{2k} \rightarrow l ## then ## \forall \epsilon > 0 ## ##\exists N_1 \in \mathbb{R}## s.t. ##2k > N_1 \Rightarrow |a_{2k} - l|< \epsilon##

also, since ## a_{2k-1} \rightarrow l ## then ## \forall \epsilon > 0 ## ##\exists N_2 \in \mathbb{R} ## s.t. ## 2k -1 > N_2 \Rightarrow |a_{2k-1} - l | < \epsilon ##

from the above we have ## k > \dfrac{N_1}{2} ## and ## k > \dfrac{N_2 + 1}{2} ## then let ## N = max \{ \dfrac{N_1}{2}, \dfrac{N_2 + 1}{2} \} ## then for ## n >N ## ## |a_n - l | < \epsilon ##

does this proof make sense, if not where could I improve?

Your proof looks good. Personally, I prefer to begin such a proof with "Suppose ##\epsilon > 0##" and then dispense with the ##\forall## statements by just using that ##\epsilon## in the argument.
 
LCKurtz said:
Your proof looks good. Personally, I prefer to begin such a proof with "Suppose ##\epsilon > 0##" and then dispense with the ##\forall## statements by just using that ##\epsilon## in the argument.

thanks,

in my book they have done a different method: http://gyazo.com/6043e5a4f42915dac0f29b629c56f14c

going by their method wouldn't my method be incorrect and I could simply say let N be the maximum of N_1 and N_2?
 
synkk said:
thanks,

in my book they have done a different method: http://gyazo.com/6043e5a4f42915dac0f29b629c56f14c

going by their method wouldn't my method be incorrect and I could simply say let N be the maximum of N_1 and N_2?

I think your proof is OK as it is. You have that if either ##2k## or ##2k-1## is greater than ##N## then ##a_{2k}## or ##a_{2k-1}## is within ##\epsilon## of the limit. If ##n>N## it fits one of those two cases.
 

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