Math and science::Analysis::Tao::06. Limits of sequences
Limits of sequences
If a sequence of reals converges to a real , we say that is
convergent and that is the
limit of the sequence. We write:
If a sequence does not converge to a real, then it is said to diverge or be divergent. is left undefined for a divergent sequence.
is unique as per the Uniqueness of Convergence proposition. The uniqueness allows us to create the limit notation , dependent only on the sequence , 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 , as the starting index is irrelevant and neglected. So the is the limit for any sequences where is some integer.
Example
, proof
is true if the sequence converges to 0, where .
Let be an arbitary real. We must show that there exists an integer such that for all .
.
is true if . Such an integer exists as per the Achimedean principal. Thus for all . Thus, is eventually close to 0 for arbitary . Thus, converges to 0. This allows us to write .
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