# Cauchy sequence $a_n = 1 + \frac12 + \frac14 + … + \frac{1}{2^n}$

For the sequence $a_n = 1 + \frac12 + \frac14 + ... + \frac{1}{2^n}$, $n \ge 1$, find a formula $N = N(\epsilon)$ such that for all $\epsilon > 0$ and for all $m,n \ge N(\epsilon)$, $|a_m - a_n| < \epsilon$.

I have tried many things but it's just not working. I know that the condition is the definition of Cauchy sequences. But that didn't help.

• Have you tried writing what $a_n-a_m$ is? – 5xum Feb 10 '14 at 9:04
• You may notice that $|a_m-a_n|<1/2^N$. Thus you can choose $\epsilon$ accordingly. – Zuriel Feb 10 '14 at 9:06

Pick $N(\epsilon)$ so that $\frac{2}{2^N} < \epsilon$.
• @ZZZZZZzzzzzz Good question; one way is just to pick $N > \frac{2}{\epsilon}$ (such an $N$ exists by the archimedian property) and then we have $$\frac{2}{2^N} < \frac{2}{N} < \frac{2}{2 / \epsilon} = \epsilon.$$ – 6005 Feb 10 '14 at 21:36
• @ZZZZZZzzzzzz And just to clarify, $N$ doesn't have to be an "equation" in terms of epsilon necessarily; it just has to be some function of $\epsilon$. So you can just say, let $N$ be some integer such that $N > \frac{2}{\epsilon}$. – 6005 Feb 10 '14 at 21:37
• @ZZZZZZzzzzzz That works too; I was being cautious just in case you hadn't yet defined the function $\log_2$ in the class. In my analysis class we didn't rigorously define $\log_2$ until much after doing Cauchy sequences, and therefore we wouldn't have been allowed to use it. – 6005 Feb 10 '14 at 23:27