What Are the Key Differences Between Complete and Sequentially Compact Spaces?

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The discussion clarifies the distinctions between complete metric spaces and sequentially compact metric spaces. In a complete metric space, every Cauchy sequence converges within the space, while in a sequentially compact metric space, every sequence contains a convergent subsequence. The example of the interval (0,1) illustrates that it is complete but not compact, as it fails to be closed, thus highlighting the fundamental differences in their properties. The Heine-Borel theorem is referenced to support these conclusions.

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Hymne
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Hello Physicsforums!
I have a problem with the difference between complete metric space and a sequentially compact metric space.
For the first one every Cauchy sequence converges inside the space, which is no problem.
But for the last one "every sequence has a convergent subsequence." (-Wiki) And it's here that I get lost.

How does this affect the constraints on the space?
Could someone please try to give me an intuitive explanation?

For [1,9] on the real axis we can take the sequence (1,2,3,4,5,6) as an example. How do we find a convergent subsequence in this one?
Have I missunderstood it all?
 
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Hymne said:
For [1,9] on the real axis we can take the sequence (1,2,3,4,5,6) as an example. How do we find a convergent subsequence in this one?
Have I missunderstood it all?

What is the definition of "sequence"?
 
George Jones said:
What is the definition of "sequence"?

Hmm, I use this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequence .
With
In mathematics, a sequence is an ordered list of objects (or events). Like a set, it contains members (also called elements or terms), and the number of terms (possibly infinite) is called the length of the sequence. Unlike a set, order matters, and the exact same elements can appear multiple times at different positions in the sequence.
Maybe it´s here that I am confused. :rolleyes:

Should we only work with Cauchy sequences maybe?
 
These definitions apply to infinite sequences. (1,2,3,4,5,6) is not an infinite sequence. It doesn't even mean anything for a finite sequence to converge!
 
To the original question..

In a complete metric space (an) converges <-> (an) is cauchy

In a compact metric space, every sequence an contains a convergent subsequence (ank).

We should note that convergence -> cauchy in any metric space.

Then, in a compact metric space, every sequence an contains a cauchy subsequence (ank).

Regardless, the properties of these two types of spaces are completely different.

A simple example highlighting the difference between the two is a subset of R1. Consider, the interval (0,1).

By the Heine-Borel theorem, this space is not compact since it is not closed.

It is, however, a complete metric space since cauchy <-> convergent in R1.

Was this your question?
 

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