Definition of the Limit and Limit Laws for Sequences

The following definition is precise, and is explained in some detail in the video below.  However, it will suffice to intuitively consider the limit of a convergent sequence to the number $L$ that the terms $a_n$ get closer and closer to as $n$ gets larger and larger.

Definition of the limit of a sequence

A sequence $\{a_n\}$ converges to $L$, denoted $$\lim_{n\to\infty}a_n=L$$ if, for any number $\epsilon >0$, there exists an integer $N$ such that $\lvert a_n - L\rvert<\epsilon$ whenever $n>N$.

In other words, no matter how close to the limit we want to get (within $\epsilon$ of $L$), we will eventually (when $n>N$ for some $N$) be that close and stay that close.

Limit Laws for Sequences

Assume that for sequences {$a_n$} and {$b_n$}, $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}a_n=L$ and $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}b_n=M$.  Then
  1. $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}(a_n+b_n)=L+M$

  2. $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}(a_n-b_n)=L-M$

  3. $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}(a_nb_n)=LM$

  4. $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{a_n}{b_n}=\frac{L}{M}$ as long as $M \ne 0$, and

  5. $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}ca_n=cL$ if $c$ is a constant.

As a result, the sum, difference, product and ratio of two convergent sequences automatically converge (if we're not dividing by numbers close to zero), as do multiples of convergent sequences.  As was the case with functions, we use these limit laws to help us compute limits of sequences.

This video explains the definition above, the limit laws, as well as definining other important terms:  bounded, (strictly) increasing/decreasing, and monotonic sequences.