Prove the Sum of Two Convergent Sequences Converges to the Sum of Their Limits

  • Thread starter Jamin2112
  • Start date
In summary, using the definition of convergence, it can be proven that if two sequences {an} and {bn} of real numbers have limits A and B respectively, then the limit of their sum is equal to the sum of their limits, i.e. lim n-->∞ (an + bn) = A + B.
  • #1
Jamin2112
986
12
Prove that lim ...

Homework Statement



Suppose that {an} and {bn} are sequences of real numbers with lim n-->∞ an = A and lim n-->∞ bn = B. Just using the definition of convergence, prove that

lim n-->∞ (an + bn) = A + B.

Homework Equations



We say a sequence sn converges to S if there exists an N such that N≤n implies |S-sn|<∂ for all ∂>0.

The Attempt at a Solution



We know there exists an N such that N≤n implies |A - an|<∂ for all ∂>0; likes with some some N' and bn. Let ∂ instead be ∂/2, and let N''=max(N,N'). For all n≥N'', we have |(A-an)+(B-bn)|≤|A-an|+|B-bn|< ∂/2 + ∂/2 = ∂.

Therefore lim n-->∞ (an+bn)=A+B
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


This is correct.
 

1. What is a convergent sequence?

A convergent sequence is a sequence of numbers that approaches a single limit or value as the sequence progresses.

2. What does it mean for two convergent sequences to converge to the sum of their limits?

If two convergent sequences, A and B, have limits A' and B' respectively, then the sum of these sequences (A + B) will also have a limit, and that limit will be equal to the sum of the individual limits (A' + B').

3. How do you prove that the sum of two convergent sequences converges to the sum of their limits?

To prove this, you must use the definition of convergence for sequences. This states that for a sequence to be convergent, the terms of the sequence must get arbitrarily close to the limit as the sequence progresses. Using this definition, you can show that the terms of the sum sequence (A + B) get arbitrarily close to the limit (A' + B') as the individual sequences A and B approach their respective limits.

4. Can the sum of two divergent sequences also converge?

No, the sum of two divergent sequences will also be a divergent sequence. This is because divergent sequences do not have a limit, so their sum cannot have a limit either.

5. Are there any other ways to prove the convergence of the sum of two convergent sequences?

Yes, besides using the definition of convergence, you can also use the limit laws for sequences. These laws state that the limit of the sum of two sequences is equal to the sum of their individual limits, as long as the individual sequences are convergent. Therefore, if you know that the individual sequences are convergent, you can use this law to prove the convergence of their sum.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
255
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
184
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
306
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
711
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
964
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
881
Back
Top