What is the Construction of R using Equivalence Classes of Cauchy Sequences?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of the real numbers (R) using equivalence classes of Cauchy sequences. Participants explore the proof related to this construction, focusing on the convergence of Cauchy sequences and the implications of their definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an attempt to define the equivalence class of Cauchy sequences converging to a real number x, expressing uncertainty about missing steps in their proof.
  • Another participant suggests that convergence theorems for Cauchy sequences are implied and recommends looking at delta-epsilon proofs for clarity, though they cannot provide specific resources.
  • Questions arise regarding the definitions of expressions involving equivalence classes, specifically the notation for differences and absolute values involving Cauchy sequences.
  • A participant proposes a revision to their earlier statement to clarify the definitions and relationships between sequences and their limits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and seek clarification on definitions and steps in the proof, indicating that there is no consensus on the correctness of the initial claims or the proposed revisions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clear definitions when discussing operations involving equivalence classes of Cauchy sequences, highlighting potential ambiguities in notation.

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This proof I think is related to our construction of R in class using equivalences classes of Cauchy sequences:

Let a[itex]\in[/itex]R, then there exists a sequence b s.t. {b_n}[itex]\in[/itex]Q for all n[itex]\in[/itex]N and lim {b_n} = x.

Here's my attempt:

Let [{b_n}][itex]\in[/itex]R be the equivalence class of all Cauchy sequences that converge to x. Thus, [{b_n}] = x. Let {b_n}[itex]\in[/itex][{b_n}]. Then, [itex]\exists[/itex]r[itex]\in[/itex]Q+ and n[itex]\in[/itex]N s.t. [itex]\forall[/itex]n>N, |b_n -x|<r. Thus, lim {b_n} = x.

I feel like I'm missing something, as if I missed a step somewhere. Ideas?
 
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autre said:
This proof I think is related to our construction of R in class using equivalences classes of Cauchy sequences:

Let a[itex]\in[/itex]R, then there exists a sequence b s.t. {b_n}[itex]\in[/itex]Q for all n[itex]\in[/itex]N and lim {b_n} = x.

Here's my attempt:

Let [{b_n}][itex]\in[/itex]R be the equivalence class of all Cauchy sequences that converge to x. Thus, [{b_n}] = x. Let {b_n}[itex]\in[/itex][{b_n}]. Then, [itex]\exists[/itex]r[itex]\in[/itex]Q+ and n[itex]\in[/itex]N s.t. [itex]\forall[/itex]n>N, |b_n -x|<r. Thus, lim {b_n} = x.

I feel like I'm missing something, as if I missed a step somewhere. Ideas?

Hello autre.

Since you are talking about Cauchy sequences, all the convergence theorems automatically are implied (they can be proven for a general Cauchy sequence).

Maybe what you could do is look at the actual proof that all Cauchy sequences converge in the delta-epsilon setting.

Unfortunately the proof that I have is from material I took in a Wavelets course and I can not distribute the content freely, but I'm sure there has to be some analysis book out there that does your standard delta-epsilon proof for these sequences, and based on that you could either use it directly, or use the proof to suggest a valid epsilon for your problem.

I'm sorry I can't be more specific at this time, but again if the sequence is a valid Cauchy sequence, then there really should not be more to do.

Hopefully someone more well versed than myself can give you more specific advice (and correct me if I am wrong).
 
How are you defining such things as "[itex]a- x[/itex]" (a rational) and "|x|" for x an equivalence class of Cauchy sequences?
 
How are you defining such things as "a−x" (a rational) and "|x|" for x an equivalence class of Cauchy sequences?

Good question. That didn't really make sense. Maybe I should have:

Let {b_n}∈[{b_n}] and {a_n}}∈x. Then, ∃r∈Q+ and n∈N s.t. ∀n>N, |b_n -a_n|<r. Thus, lim {b_n} = x.

Would that work?
 

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