Unbounded Sequences w.r Divergence

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The discussion centers on the divergence of a sequence in the reals, specifically when a sequence \( a_n \) approaches \( +\infty \). It is established that \( a_n \to +\infty \) if and only if for every \( M \in \mathbb{R} \), there exists an \( N \in \mathbb{N} \) such that for all \( n \geq N \), \( a_n \geq M \). Participants debate whether being unbounded above is sufficient for divergence to \( +\infty \) or if the sequence must also be increasing. The consensus is that while unboundedness is necessary, it is not sufficient without the increasing condition.

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skunkswks
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considering divergence of a sequence in the reals, a_{n}, if such a sequence → +∞ as → n, then I would like to know what type of sequence this reuqires. (excluding divergence to -∞ for now)

so a_n → +∞ iif:
\forall M \exists N, \forall n\geqN \Rightarrow a_n \geq M .

So is the above equivalent to stating ( and so another way of saying a_n → +∞ ):
1. a_{n} is increasing &
2. a_{n} NOT bounded above ?

now my main question is, why can't i simply say a_n → +∞ iff a_{n} is NOT BOUNDED ABOVE (and nothing else).

surely then a_{n} by the definition of being unbounded above means a_{n}has no choice but to increase towards +∞? Right...?

and one more consideration: so then a_{n} could be something like :

http://tinypic.com/r/11udow4/5

as drawn. This sequence oscillates, diverges and heads to + ∞ as well as -∞. So can I say this sequence → ∞ or -∞ or which!?

Thanks for any help.
 
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skunkswks said:
considering divergence of a sequence in the reals, a_{n}, if such a sequence → +∞ as → n, then I would like to know what type of sequence this reuqires.

so a_n → +∞ iif:
\forall M [/itex]\exists N, \forall n\geqN \Rightarrow a_n \geq

a_n\rightarrow ∞ \Longleftrightarrow \forall M\in ℝ \,\,\exists N_M\in N\,\, s.t. \,\,n>N_M\Longrightarrow a_n > M .

DonAntonio
 
yep that is the definition. M>0 could also work fine instead in that defination?
 
skunkswks said:
yep that is the definition. M>0 could also work fine instead in that defination?


Any M works.

DonAntonio
 
skunkswks said:
yep that is the definition. M>0 could also work fine instead in that defination?

I don't understand, aren't you using M as a variable, not a constant?

Re your function, if the pattern extends to infinity, then the function does not have a limit of oo.
 
Bacle2 said:
I don't understand, aren't you using M as a variable, not a constant?

Re your function, if the pattern extends to infinity, then the function does not have a limit of oo.

Okay M as a variable then, but I am just trying to specfiy what range of values it can take.

So with my original post, for a_{n} → +∞ , does it only have to be Unbounded above (instead of also being increasing)?

and with the defination of a_{n} → +∞, that function would not 'diverge to +∞' right?
 

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