[Math] Meaning of Infinite Union/Intersection of sets

elementary-set-theorylimsup-and-liminfmeasure-theoryreal-analysissequences-and-series

I have a doubt.

What does it mean this notation
$$
\bigcup_{n=1}^{\infty}A_n
$$

where $A_n$ is a sequence of sets.

Is there a limit involved ?

Because, for instance, in the case of a series , we write the infinite summation
$$
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n
$$

But this is simply a notation to denote a series and its, eventual, limit. It should be written, more correctly, as
$$
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n = \lim_\limits{n\rightarrow\infty} S_n
$$

Where $S_n$ is defined as $\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k$.

I have difficulties in understanding the nature of the quantities involved in the definition of superior/inferior limit.

Best Answer

$A=\bigcup_{n=1}^{\infty}A_n$ means $x\in A$ iff there exists $k\in\Bbb{N}$ such that $x\in A_k$. So there is no notion of limit really needed. In order to define limits you need more structure on your sets (an order for example) but it not strictly necessary here.