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

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Complete metric spaces ensure that every Cauchy sequence converges within the space, while sequentially compact spaces guarantee that every sequence has a convergent subsequence. The discussion highlights that a finite sequence, such as (1,2,3,4,5,6), does not apply to the concept of convergence in the same way as infinite sequences do. It clarifies that in a complete metric space, convergence and Cauchy sequences are equivalent, whereas in a compact metric space, every sequence contains a Cauchy subsequence. The Heine-Borel theorem is referenced to illustrate that the interval (0,1) is complete but not compact, emphasizing the distinct properties of these spaces.
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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.

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