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I'm playing with one of theorem in my notes:

Theorem

If a convergent sequence $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty} = L$ that is bounded by $M$, then $|L| \leq M$

I wonder is there a connection between $L$ and $M$ if the sequence is non-decreasing? In other words, is it always true that $L = M$ for non-decreasing sequence that is bounded? I can't find a counterexampe, as well as a convincing arugment to connect $L$ and $M$. A hint would be greatly appreciated.

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    $M$ can be of course larger than $L$. Think about $a_n=1-1/n$ and $M=2$2012-10-01

1 Answers 1

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The least upper bound is equal to the limit. To show this, let $\varepsilon > 0$. By the definition of the least upper bound, there is $N \in \mathbb{N}$ for which $M - \varepsilon < a_N$. Since the sequence is non-decreasing, we have:

$ \forall n > N : M - \varepsilon < a_N \le a_n $

Given that $a_n \le M$, Rearrange to get the definition of the limit:

$ \forall n > N : |a_n - M| < \varepsilon $