What is the Convergence Criterion for a Bounded Sequence with a Common Limit?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a bounded sequence \( a_n \) converges to a limit \( a \) if every convergent subsequence of \( a_n \) converges to \( a \). The proof by contradiction is established by assuming \( a_n \) does not converge to \( a \), which leads to the existence of a subsequence that converges to a limit different from \( a \), contradicting the initial condition. The participants emphasize the necessity of exploring various cases to solidify the proof.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bounded sequences in real analysis
  • Familiarity with the concept of subsequences
  • Knowledge of convergence criteria for sequences
  • Experience with proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of bounded sequences in real analysis
  • Learn about subsequences and their convergence behavior
  • Explore the concept of limits and convergence in metric spaces
  • Practice proof techniques, focusing on proof by contradiction in mathematical analysis
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Students of real analysis, mathematicians focusing on sequence convergence, and educators teaching advanced calculus concepts will benefit from this discussion.

cragar
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Homework Statement


Assume [itex]a_n[/itex] is a bounded sequence with the property that every convergent sub sequence of [itex]a_n[/itex] converges to the same limit a. Show that
[itex]a_n[/itex] must converge to a.

The Attempt at a Solution


Could I do a proof by contradiction. And assume that [itex]a_n[/itex] does not converge
to a. but then this would imply that there would be a sub sequence that did not converge
to a and this is a contradiction because I could pick a sub sequence that converged to the same thing that [itex]a_n[/itex] did
 
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Yes, that will work. Just fill in the details- why does the fact that [itex]a_n[/itex] does not converge to a imply that there exist a subsequence that does not converge to a? You will need to look at several cases- the sequence does not converge or it converges to some number other than a.
 
Could I say that eventually a sub sequence will have the same end behavior as
[itex]a_n[/itex] Or I could take 2 sub sequences that when put together would equal
[itex]a_n[/itex] Sub sequences aren't like subsets in the sense that a sub set could equal the set itself.
 

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