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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between complete metric spaces and sequentially compact metric spaces, exploring definitions, properties, and examples. Participants seek intuitive explanations and clarification on the implications of these concepts in the context of sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that in a complete metric space, every Cauchy sequence converges within the space, while in a sequentially compact space, every sequence has a convergent subsequence.
  • Another participant questions how to find a convergent subsequence in a finite sequence, specifically using the example of (1,2,3,4,5,6) within the interval [1,9].
  • A participant provides a definition of a sequence, emphasizing that it is an ordered list where order matters and elements can repeat.
  • It is pointed out that the sequence (1,2,3,4,5,6) is finite and thus does not converge in the same way as infinite sequences do.
  • One participant clarifies that in a complete metric space, convergence and Cauchy sequences are equivalent, while in a compact metric space, every sequence contains a Cauchy subsequence.
  • A simple example is provided, contrasting the interval (0,1) as a complete metric space but not compact due to it not being closed, referencing the Heine-Borel theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the definitions and implications of complete and sequentially compact spaces. There is no consensus on the intuitive grasp of these concepts, particularly concerning finite versus infinite sequences.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the definitions and properties of sequences, particularly in relation to finite sequences and their convergence. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on how these concepts apply differently in various contexts.

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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