The formal definition

Definition
The real number L is the limit of the sequence {an } if for all  > 0, there
exists N ∈ N such that |an − L| <  for all n ≥ N.
In symbols, we write
lim an = L.
n→∞

If such a limit exists, the sequence is said to converge. Otherwise, the

sequence diverges.

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In symbols

∀ > 0, ∃N ∈ N such that ∀n ≥ N |an − L| < .

however small there is a point such beyond that all terms are
epsilon is in the sequence that point within epsilon of L.

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Proving that a sequence converges

Prove the following.

Do some scratch work before writing the proof. And do not confuse the
scratch work with the proof!
 
4
1 lim 3 − = 3.
n→∞ n
 
4n + 1
2 lim = 2.
n→∞ 2n + 5
 
n+4 1
3 lim = .
n→∞ 3n − 14 3

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Convergence and other properties

Which of the following statements do you think are FALSE? If you think a
statement is false, provide a counterexample.
1 Every bounded sequence is convergent.
2 Every convergent sequence is bounded.
3 Every monotonic sequence is convergent.
4 Every convergent sequence is monotonic.
5 Every monotonic sequence is bounded.
6 Every bounded sequence is monotonic.
7 Every bounded monotonic sequence is convergent.

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Convergence and other properties

Which of the following statements do you think are FALSE? If you think a
statement is false, provide a counterexample.
1 Every bounded sequence is convergent. False; {(−1)n }
2 Every convergent sequence is bounded.
3 Every monotonic sequence is convergent. False; {n2 }
4 Every convergent sequence is monotonic. False; {4 + sin(n)/n}
5 Every monotonic sequence is bounded. False; {n2 }
6 Every bounded sequence is monotonic. False; {(−1)n }
7 Every bounded monotonic sequence is convergent.

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Theorems

Theorem
The limit of a sequence is unique.

Theorem
If a sequence converges then it is bounded.

Theorem
If a sequence is bounded and monotonic, then it converges.

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Limit of a function - Activity

PhD Math Ed. September 14, 2019 7/9

The formal definition

Definition
The real number L is the limit of the function f (x) as x approaches c if
for all  > 0, there exists δ > 0 such that |f (x) − L| <  whenever
0 < |x − c| < δ.
In symbols, we write
lim f (x) = L.
x→c

PhD Math Ed. September 14, 2019 8/9

In symbols

∀ > 0, ∃δ > 0 s.t. if 0 < |x − c| < δ, then |f (x) − L| < .

however there is a s.t. if the dist. between x then the dist. between f(x)
small  is distance delta and a is less than δ and L is less than epsilon.

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