Chapter 2: Problem 1
Show that sup \(\\{1-1 / n: n \in \mathbb{N}\\}=1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The supremum of the set \(\{1-1 / n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\) is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the set
The set in question is \(\{1-1 / n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\). This set consists of numbers created by subtracting the reciprocal of a natural number from 1. As the value of \(n\) increases, the fraction \(1/n\) decreases, therefore the value of each term in the sequence approaches 1. As \(n\) tends to infinity, \(1-1/n\) tends to 1.
02
Verify upper bound
We first show that 1 is indeed an upper bound for the set. An upper bound is defined as a number which is greater than or equal to every number in the set. Since every element in the set is less than or equal to 1, it is clear that 1 is an upper bound.
03
Verify least upper bound
Next, we need to demonstrate that 1 is the least upper bound or supremum. We do this by contradiction. Assume that there exists a smaller upper bound, say \(1-\epsilon\), with \(0 < \epsilon < 1\). But if we choose \(n > 1/\epsilon\), then \(1-1/n > 1-\epsilon\), which contradicts the assumption that \(1-\epsilon\) is an upper bound. Therefore, 1 is indeed the least upper bound, or supremum, of the set.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Upper Bound
In mathematics, particularly in real analysis, an **upper bound** of a set is a crucial concept. An upper bound is a value that is greater than or equal to every element within a particular set. This concept helps us understand limits and assures that no element in the set exceeds this boundary.
Consider the set given in the problem: \(\{1-1/n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\). Each element in this set results from subtracting \(1/n\) from 1, where \(n\) is a natural number. As \(n\) becomes larger, \(1/n\) becomes smaller, hence, each sequence value from this set approaches 1.
Identifying 1 as an upper bound is simple here since every term \(1-1/n\) is less than or very close to 1. Hence, 1 can encapsulate the set without any of its terms surpassing it.
Consider the set given in the problem: \(\{1-1/n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\). Each element in this set results from subtracting \(1/n\) from 1, where \(n\) is a natural number. As \(n\) becomes larger, \(1/n\) becomes smaller, hence, each sequence value from this set approaches 1.
Identifying 1 as an upper bound is simple here since every term \(1-1/n\) is less than or very close to 1. Hence, 1 can encapsulate the set without any of its terms surpassing it.
- Upper bound ensures all values in a set are below or equal to this bound.
- It helps lay a foundational understanding for limits and bounds in analysis.
- The concept of least upper bound, or supremum, refines the idea of an upper bound to the smallest such bound possible.
Natural Numbers
The term **natural numbers** represents the most fundamental set of numbers, typically starting from 1 and going upwards without an end. These numbers are what children first learn to count with and are symbolized by the notation \(\mathbb{N}\).
In the exercise, natural numbers are vital as they determine the terms of the series \(1-1/n\). Each \(n\) in \(\{1-1/n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\) is a natural number, which means that it can take any positive integer value.
The role of natural numbers is significant because:
In the exercise, natural numbers are vital as they determine the terms of the series \(1-1/n\). Each \(n\) in \(\{1-1/n: n \in \mathbb{N}\}\) is a natural number, which means that it can take any positive integer value.
The role of natural numbers is significant because:
- They give structure to the sequence \(1 - 1/n\) by defining its domain.
- They ensure \(n\) is countable, which permits us the ability to analyze limiting behavior as \(n\) increases.
- Natural numbers form the underlying base in many mathematical concepts, stepping further into integers, rational numbers, and beyond.
Sequence Convergence
**Sequence convergence** describes the behavior of a sequence as its terms approach a specific value, known as the limit, as the index grows larger. Convergence is a foundational idea in calculus and analysis.
In the sequence \(1-1/n\), convergence is evident because as \(n\) increases indefinitely, the term \(1/n\) becomes very small, pushing \(1-1/n\) closer to 1. Therefore, 1 acts as the limit for this sequence.
Understanding sequence convergence in this context:
In the sequence \(1-1/n\), convergence is evident because as \(n\) increases indefinitely, the term \(1/n\) becomes very small, pushing \(1-1/n\) closer to 1. Therefore, 1 acts as the limit for this sequence.
Understanding sequence convergence in this context:
- The sequence \(1-1/n\) converges to 1, indicating the proximity of sequence terms to the upper bound as \(n\) increases.
- It formalizes how sequences behave and solidifies the use of limits in real analysis.
- Convergence reinforces the explanation and validity of the supremum, showing every greater term in the sequence approaching 1.