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Math and science::Analysis::Tao::06. Limits of sequences

Limits of sequences

If a sequence of reals (an)n=m converges to a real L, we say that (an)n=m is convergent and that L is the limit of the sequence. We write:
L=limnan

If a sequence does not converge to a real, then it is said to diverge or be divergent. limnan is left undefined for a divergent sequence.

L is unique as per the Uniqueness of Convergence proposition. The uniqueness allows us to create the limit notation limnan, dependent only on the sequence (an)n=m, and for that notation to be equated to a single real. If fact, the limit notation doesn't depend on the full specification of the sequence (an)n=m, as the starting index is irrelevant and neglected. So the limnan is the limit for any sequences (an)n=N where N is some integer.

Example

limn1n=0, proof

limn1n=0 is true if the sequence (an)n=1 converges to 0, where an=1n.

Let ε>0 be an arbitary real. We must show that there exists an integer N such that |an0|ε for all nN.

|an0|=|1n0|=1n1N.

1Nε is true if N1ε. Such an integer N exists as per the Achimedean principal. Thus |an0|ε for all nN. Thus, (an)n=1 is eventually ε close to 0 for arbitary ε>0. Thus, (an)n=1 converges to 0. This allows us to write limn1n=0.


Cauchy sequences of reals → convergence of sequences of reals → uniqueness of convergence → limit, the definition → subsumption of formal limits


Source

Tao, Analysis I
Chapter 6