Chapter 2: Problem 7
Let \(\left\\{x_{n}\right\\}\) be a decreasing sequence such that \(\sum x_{n}\) converges. Show that \(\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} n x_{n}=0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence \( n x_n \) approaches zero because \( x_n \) diminishes faster than \( \frac{1}{n} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the sequence behavior
The sequence \( \{x_n\} \) is given to be decreasing, meaning \( x_{n+1} \leq x_n \) for all \( n \). Moreover, the series \( \sum x_n \) is convergent, which means that the terms \( x_n \) must approach zero as \( n \to \infty \).
02
Analyze convergence implications
Since \( \sum x_n \) converges, the terms \( x_n \) approach zero. For a convergent series, the terms must go to zero, i.e., \( \lim_{n\to\infty} x_n = 0 \), though this is not sufficient alone to conclude \( n x_n \rightarrow 0 \).
03
Employ the Cauchy criterion
Given the sequence \( \{x_n\} \) is decreasing and \( \sum x_n \) converges, for any \( \epsilon > 0 \), there exists an \( N \) such that for all \( n > N \), \( x_n < \frac{\epsilon}{n} \). This is a result of the fact that if the terms remained large, the series could not converge.
04
Showing \( n x_n \to 0 \)
For any \( \epsilon > 0 \), select a corresponding \( N \) from the previous step. For all \( n > N \), we have \( x_n < \frac{\epsilon}{n} \). Thus, \( n x_n < \epsilon \). As \( \epsilon \) is arbitrary, this implies that \( \lim_{n\to\infty} n x_n = 0 \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Decreasing Sequence
In mathematics, a decreasing sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term is less than or equal to the previous term. Decreasing sequences are common in various areas of mathematics and real analysis.
A sequence \( \{x_n\} \) is said to be decreasing if it satisfies the condition \( x_{n+1} \leq x_n \) for all values of \( n \). This property implies that as we progress through the sequence, the terms become smaller or remain the same.
A sequence \( \{x_n\} \) is said to be decreasing if it satisfies the condition \( x_{n+1} \leq x_n \) for all values of \( n \). This property implies that as we progress through the sequence, the terms become smaller or remain the same.
- Strictly Decreasing: If each subsequent term is strictly less than the previous one, it is known as strictly decreasing sequence (\( x_{n+1} < x_n \)).
- Application: Decreasing sequences are used to demonstrate various properties in limits and convergence, often simplifying analysis in calculus and real analysis problems.
- Recognizing the nature of a sequence can help in solving complex problems, especially when combined with convergence principles.
Convergent Series
A convergent series in real analysis is a series whose terms approach a specific value, or limit, as you sum more and more terms. More formally, the infinite series \( \sum x_n \) is considered convergent if the sequence of its partial sums \( S_n = x_1 + x_2 + ... + x_n \) approaches a finite limit.
This implies that as you keep adding more terms to the series, the total does not grow infinitely large or vary wildly. Instead, it settles close to a particular number.
This implies that as you keep adding more terms to the series, the total does not grow infinitely large or vary wildly. Instead, it settles close to a particular number.
- Key Feature: In a convergent series, \( \lim_{n\to\infty} S_n = L \, \) where \( L \) is a finite number.
- Convergence Test: Several tests, such as the ratio test and root test, help determine if a series converges or not. However, for our purposes, knowing that the terms of the series must tend to zero (\( \lim_{n \to \infty} x_n = 0 \)) is crucial.
Cauchy Criterion
The Cauchy Criterion is a vital tool in understanding series and sequences within real analysis. It provides a way to determine if a sequence converges based on the proximity of its elements as the sequence progresses.
A sequence \( \{a_n\} \) is convergent if for every \( \epsilon > 0 \, \) there exists a positive integer \( N \) such that for all \( m, n > N \, \) the difference \( |a_m - a_n| < \epsilon \.\)
This means that beyond a certain point in the sequence, the terms become arbitrarily close to each other.
A sequence \( \{a_n\} \) is convergent if for every \( \epsilon > 0 \, \) there exists a positive integer \( N \) such that for all \( m, n > N \, \) the difference \( |a_m - a_n| < \epsilon \.\)
This means that beyond a certain point in the sequence, the terms become arbitrarily close to each other.
- Application: The Cauchy Criterion is typically used where direct computation of a sequence's limit is challenging.
- Relation to Series: For series, if the series \( \sum a_n \) is convergent, then the partial sums form a Cauchy sequence.