2: Sequences
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
We introduce the notion of limit first through sequences. As mentioned in Chapter 1, a sequence is just a function with domain N. More precisely, a sequence of elements of a set A is a function f:N→A. We will denote the image of n under the function with subscripted variables, for example, an=f(n). We will also denote sequences by {an}∞n=1, {an}n, or even {an}. Each value an is called a term of the sequence, more precisely, the n-th term of the sequence.
Consider the sequence an=1n for n∈N.
Solution
This is a sequence of rational numbers. On occasion, when the pattern is clear, we may list the terms explicitly as in
(1,12,13,14,15,…
Let an=(−1)n for n∈N. This is a sequence of integers, namely,
−1,1,−1,1,−1,1,…
Solution
Note that the sequence takes on only two values. This should not be confused with the two-element set {1,−1}.
- 2.4: The Bolazno-Weierstrass Theorem
- The Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem is at the foundation of many results in analysis. it is, in fact, equivalent to the completeness axiom of the real numbers.