# Thread: Cluster point of a finite sequence

1. ## Cluster point of a finite sequence

The terms of a sequence X_n take on only finitely many values a_1,...,a_k.

That is, for every n, X_n = a_i for some i (the index i depending on n). Prove X_n has a cluster point.

2. Originally Posted by cgiulz
The terms of a sequence X_n take on only finitely many values a_1,...,a_k.

That is, for every n, X_n = a_i for some i (the index i depending on n). Prove X_n has a cluster point.
This seems false. Consider the sequence $X_n=(-1)^n$.

3. However, $X_n$ will always have a subsequence with a limit point.

Proof: Let $A=\{a_1,...,a_k\}$. Because there are only finitely many points, $A$ is compact, and thus $X_n$ is a sequence in a compact set. So it follows from the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem that $X_n$ has a convergent subsequence (and therefore a limit point in that subsequence).

4. Originally Posted by redsoxfan325
However, $X_n$ will always have a subsequence with a limit point.

Proof: Let $A=\{a_1,...,a_k\}$. Because there are only finitely many points, $A$ is compact, and thus $X_n$ is a sequence in a compact set. So it follows from the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem that $X_n$ has a convergent subsequence (and therefore a limit point in that subsequence).
Yes, but that is irrelevant to the question. Any such convergent subsequence is "eventually constant". The definition of "cluster point" is that p is a cluster point if, given any $\epsilon> 0$, there exist an infinite] number of points other than p itself whose distance to p is less than $\epsilon$. If the sequence has only a finite number of points then the set of distances a given point p and points in the sequence, other than p itself, is finite and has a non-zero minimum. Let $\epsilon$ be that minimum distance. Given any p, there exist no other point whose distance is less than $\epsilon$. A finite set does NOT have a cluster point and so no finite valued sequence has a cluster point.

5. Originally Posted by HallsofIvy
Yes, but that is irrelevant to the question. Any such convergent subsequence is "eventually constant". The definition of "cluster point" is that p is a cluster point if, given any $\epsilon> 0$, there exist an infinite] number of points other than p itself whose distance to p is less than $\epsilon$. If the sequence has only a finite number of points then the set of distances a given point p and points in the sequence, other than p itself, is finite and has a non-zero minimum. Let $\epsilon$ be that minimum distance. Given any p, there exist no other point whose distance is less than $\epsilon$. A finite set does NOT have a cluster point and so no finite valued sequence has a cluster point.
OK. I was treating $x_n$ as a distinct point from $x_m$, even if they both had the same value $a_i$. I was thinking that if $x_n\to x$, then for all $n$ greater than some $N$, $d(x_n,x)=0<\epsilon$ and $\{x_N,x_{N+1},...\}$ was the infinite set (even though all members of that set have the same value). It was a definition mix-up on my part.