A sequence is defined as an ordered list of numbers. - Sequences are ordered, meaning two sequences that contain the same values but in a different order are not equal. - Sequences can be infinite if a rule is defined, i.e $\{1, 1, 1, 1, ...\}; a_i = 1$ # Behavior - A sequence is considered **increasing** if $a_n$ is smaller than $a_{n+1}$ for all $n$. - A sequence is considered **decreasing** if $a_n$ is greater than or equal to $a_{n+1}$ for all $n$. - Sequences exist that do not fall into either category, i.e, $a_n = (-1)^n$ - If the terms of a sequence grow $\{a_n\}$ get arbitrarily close to a single number $L$ as $n$ grows larger, this is noted by writing: $$\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = L$$ OR $$ a_n \to L \text{ as } n \to \infty $$ and say that $a_n$ *converges* to $L$. If no $L$ exists, we say $\{a_n\}$ *diverges*. # Properties of Sequences > The below properties assume two sequences are defined, $a_n \to L$ and $b_n \to M$ 1. $a_n + b_n \to L + M$ 2. $C*a_n \to CL$ 3. $a_n b_n \to LM$ 4. $\frac{a_n}{b_n} \to \frac{L}{M}$ holds true where all values are defined 5. If $L = M$ and a sequence $c_n$ exists such that $a_n \le c_n \le b_n$ for all $n$, then $c_n \to L = M$ 6. If $a_n$ and $b_n$ both approach infinity at a similar rate, $\frac{a_n}{b_n}$ will approach an arbitrary value. This value can be found by rewriting $\frac{a_n}{b_n}$ in such a manner that the end behavior of the series is more easily identifiable > For example, given the series $c_n = \frac{n}{2n+1}$, both the numerator and the denominator approach infinity at a similar rate. However, when the numerator and denominator are both multiplied by $\frac{1}{n}$, it becomes $\frac{1}{2+\frac{1}{n}}$, an equivalent sequence that more clearly converges on $1/2$.