Prove: Cauchy sequences are converging sequences

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that a Cauchy sequence \( a[n] \) is a converging sequence. It establishes that if \( a[n] \) is Cauchy, then it is bounded, and any subsequence is also bounded. The key conclusion is that a Cauchy sequence with a convergent subsequence must converge to the same limit as that subsequence. The proof involves demonstrating that for a limit \( L \) of a convergent subsequence \( (a_{n_k}) \), the conditions of the Cauchy sequence ensure that \( a[n] \) converges to \( L \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cauchy sequences in real analysis
  • Knowledge of subsequences and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of bounded sequences
  • Comprehension of limits and convergence in sequences
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formal definition of Cauchy sequences and their properties
  • Learn about the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem regarding convergent subsequences
  • Explore proofs of convergence for monotone bounded sequences
  • Investigate the relationship between Cauchy sequences and complete metric spaces
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying real analysis, and educators seeking to understand the properties of Cauchy sequences and their implications for convergence.

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Homework Statement


I want to prove that if a sequence a[n] is cauchy then a[n] is a converging sequence


Homework Equations


What I know is:
  1. a[n] is bounded
  2. any subsequence is bounded
  3. there exists a monotone subsequence
  4. all monotone bounded sequences converge
  5. there exists a convergent subsequence by the above
 
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Mathematicize said:

Homework Statement


I want to prove that if a sequence a[n] is cauchy then a[n] is a converging sequence

Homework Equations


What I know is:
  1. a[n] is bounded
  2. any subsequence is bounded
  3. there exists a monotone subsequence
  4. all monotone bounded sequences converge
  5. there exists a convergent subsequence by the above

I assume your sequence is real-valued, since you are talking about monotone subsequences.

What you have done so far is fine, assuming you have proofs for each claim. So now you need to prove that any Cauchy sequence which has a convergent subsequence must converge.

Let [itex]L[/itex] be the limit of the subsequence [itex](a_{n_k})[/itex]. Given [itex]\epsilon > 0[/itex], there exists a natural number [itex]N[/itex] such that [itex]|a_{n_k} - L| < \epsilon[/itex] for all [itex]n_k \geq N[/itex]. There also exists a natural number [itex]M[/itex] such that [itex]|a_n - a_m| < \epsilon[/itex] whenever [itex]n,m \geq M[/itex]. How can you combine these two pieces of information to conclude that [itex]a_n[/itex] converges to [itex]L[/itex]?
 

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