1
$\begingroup$

If $\{a_n\}$ is a sequence of real numbers, prove that $\limsup_{n \to \infty}{a_n} = \lim_{N \to \infty} \sup{\{a_n: n \ge N\}}$.

Please, verify this proof:

Suppose $\alpha = \limsup_{n \to \infty}{a_n} $. It means that $\alpha = \sup{\mathcal{L}(\{a_n\})}$, where ${\mathcal{L}(\{a_n\})}$ is a set of subsequential limits of $a_n$.

Let A = ${\mathcal{L}(\{a_n\})}$. Let $B = {\mathcal{L}(\{a_n: n \ge N\})}$.

$\gamma = \lim{a_{n_k}}$ means: $\forall \epsilon > 0$ $ \exists N \in \mathbb{N}$, s. t. if $n_k \ge M$, then $|a_{n_k} - \gamma| < \epsilon$.

Consider $\{a_{n_k}: n_k > L\}$. It is clear that, by the definition of a limit, if $\gamma = \lim{a_{n_k}}$, then $\gamma = \lim\{{a_{n_k}}: n_k > L\}$.

Thus we proved that $A \subset B$. Similarly, using the definition of the limit, we prove that $B \subset A$. Therefore $A = B$ and ${\mathcal{L}(\{a_n\})} = {\mathcal{L}(\{a_n: n \ge N\})}$. It follows that $\sup\{{\mathcal{L}(\{a_n\})}\} = \sup{\{\mathcal{L}(\{a_n: n \ge N\})\}}$.

By the definition of limsup the last equation is equivalent to $\limsup\limits_{n \to \infty}{a_n} = \limsup\limits_{N \to \infty}{\{a_n: n \ge N\}}$, as desired.

$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Do you mean $\sup\{a_n: n \ge N\}$? $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 20, 2016 at 2:11
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, exactly. I have just edited the post. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 20, 2016 at 2:15

1 Answer 1

0
$\begingroup$

It's not clear (proven) that $\limsup_{N\to\infty} \{a_n : n \geq N\}$ in your conclusion is the same as $\lim_{N \to\infty} \sup\{a_n : n \geq N\}$, which is what you seek.

$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Do you mean that I need to prove $\limsup\limits_{n \to \infty}\{a_n: n \ge N\} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \sup{\{a_n: n \ge N\}}$ as an additional step or the above approach to the proof is wrong (because in this case proof seems to grow too big and complicated)? $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 20, 2016 at 3:21

You must log in to answer this question.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.