Why Does the Summation Converge in l_1(R) but Not for the Sequence (1)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the space l_1(R) and the convergence of series within this context. Participants explore why certain sequences, such as (1) and 1/n^2, behave differently regarding convergence in l_1(R), focusing on norms and the definitions of convergence in sequence spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek clarification on the definition of l_1(R) and the sequence (1), questioning the notation used in the initial post.
  • It is noted that the norm ||x||_1 cannot be extended to all real sequences, particularly for the sequence (1), as the sum diverges.
  • Participants discuss how the summation for the sequence (1) diverges, while the series 1/n^2 converges, with references to p-series.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of convergence in this context, with some participants expressing confusion about how a series can converge to a finite value when it seems to approach infinity.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the notation for convergence, emphasizing that a summation converges if it is less than infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions and properties of convergence in l_1(R), but there is some confusion and debate regarding the implications of these properties, particularly in relation to intuition about infinite sums.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the implications of convergence and the definitions used, particularly regarding how certain sequences are classified within l_1(R) and the nature of divergent versus convergent series.

bugatti79
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Im trying to understand the following. We have l_1(R)=( x=x_n in l(R): summation from n=1 to infinity for absolute value of x_n). It says that this summation converges, but converges to what?

Also , its says (1) is not in l_1(R) but 1/n^2 is. Can some one explain how these are so.

This is not homework, just trying 2 gain an understanding. Thanks.
 
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Please clarify. What is l_1(R)? What is (1)? Also your parenthetical expression ( x=x_n etc.) is not very clear.
 
mathman said:
Please clarify. What is l_1(R)? What is (1)? Also your parenthetical expression ( x=x_n etc.) is not very clear.

Ok, I will include a few additional lines previous to it. We are examining norms on sequences spaces.
The notes say that ##|| ||_1## cannot be extended to the set of all real sequences
ie ##x=(1)=(1,1,1...)## ##||x||_1=1+1+1+1## does not exist. What does this mean?

So we define

##l_1(R)=\{x=(x_n) \in l(R) : Ʃ |x_n|\}## from n=1 to infinity.
It says this summation converges, but to what?

Then it says
eg ##(1) \notin l_1(R)## and ##1/n^2 \in l_1(R)##
How are these determined?

Thanks
 
bugatti79 said:
Ok, I will include a few additional lines previous to it. We are examining norms on sequences spaces.
The notes say that ##|| ||_1## cannot be extended to the set of all real sequences
ie ##x=(1)=(1,1,1...)## ##||x||_1=1+1+1+1## does not exist. What does this mean?
You're being a little sloppy here.
As you have defined x, ||x||1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ... + 1 + ..., not 1 + 1 + 1 + 1, which equals 4.

The expression "does not exist" here means that ||x||1 is not a finite number. I.e., the sum is not finite.
bugatti79 said:
So we define

##l_1(R)=\{x=(x_n) \in l(R) : Ʃ |x_n|\}## from n=1 to infinity.
It says this summation converges, but to what?
Have you omitted something here? The usual way of saying a summation converges is to write it as Ʃ |xn| < ∞.
bugatti79 said:
Then it says
eg ##(1) \notin l_1(R)## and ##1/n^2 \in l_1(R)##
How are these determined?
Ʃ 1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ..., which is divergent.
Ʃ 1/n2 is a well known convergent series (a p-series, with p = 2).
 
Mark44 said:
You're being a little sloppy here.
As you have defined x, ||x||1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ... + 1 + ..., not 1 + 1 + 1 + 1, which equals 4.

Ok

Mark44 said:
The expression "does not exist" here means that ||x||1 is not a finite number. I.e., the sum is not finite.
Have you omitted something here? The usual way of saying a summation converges is to write it as Ʃ |xn| < ∞.

I am looking at some ones notes. Yes you are correct. It appears in another similar example.
It seems against my intuition. Isn't it not approaching infinity? How would it converge to < infinity?

Mark44 said:
Ʃ 1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ..., which is divergent.
Ʃ 1/n2 is a well known convergent series (a p-series, with p = 2).
 
bugatti79 said:
I am looking at some ones notes. Yes you are correct. It appears in another similar example.
It seems against my intuition. Isn't it not approaching infinity? How would it converge to < infinity?

I gave two examples, so I'm not sure which one you're referring to by "it."
Ʃ1 diverges
Ʃ1/n2 converges, so Ʃ1/n2 < ∞.
 
Mark44 said:
I gave two examples, so I'm not sure which one you're referring to by "it."
Ʃ1 diverges
Ʃ1/n2 converges, so Ʃ1/n2 < ∞.

Ok, I think I get you now. Thanks
 

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