F: [0,infinity) -> R is continuous at every point of its domain

In summary, the problem is asking for a continuous function that is uniformly continuous on the set [0,infinity). To show that this is the case, one needs to prove that the continuity of the function on [0,b] implies the uniform continuity of the function on [0,∞). If you don't know what compact means, you can try to prove it by contradiction.
  • #1
whitey06
1
0
Problem:
Assume that f: [0,infinity) -> R is continuous at every point of its domain. Show that if there exists a b>0 so that f is uniformly continuous on the set [b,infinity) then f is uniformly continuous on [0,infinity).

I don't really know where to start with this one, any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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  • #2


The main point would be to prove that if f is continuous on [0,b], it will be uniformly continuous on that interval, and therefore on [0,∞).
 
  • #3


whitey06 said:
Problem:
Assume that f: [0,infinity) -> R is continuous at every point of its domain. Show that if there exists a b>0 so that f is uniformly continuous on the set [b,infinity) then f is uniformly continuous on [0,infinity).

I don't really know where to start with this one, any help would be greatly appreciated

Like suggested by mathman, since f is continuous on [0,infinity) by the hypothesis, and since for some b>0 f is uniformly continuous on the set [b,infinity), again by the hypothesis of the problem, then to show that f is uniformly continuous on [o,infinity) all you need to do is to show that the continuity of f on [0,b] implies the uniform continuity of f on that interval. Actually there is a more general theorem of this. Namely, if f:A->R is a continuous function on A, with A compact, then f is uniformly continuous on A. Have you proved such theorem during your course? if yes, use it, if not then prove it. Note, this same theorem can be proved by exploiting the compactness concept, and without using it. So, if you don't know what compact means, then there is a way around it. But compactness in this case makes things easier, since we know that every closed and bounded set is a compact set (heine-borel theorem), so for your problem that would mean that [0,b] is a compact set as well.
Like said, if you haven't learned compactness,then you can prove it by contradiction. that is, start by assuming that even though f is continuous on (lets take a more general case) [a,b], it is not uniformly continuous on [a,b]. What does this mean in terms of the definition of uniform continuity?? Try to generate two sequences a_n and b_n, such that |a_n-b_n|<d, implies |f(a_n)-f(b_n)|>=e, and come to a contradiction somewhere along those lines.

This theorem, (without using the notion of compactness, was part of one of my projects for HOnors Real Analysis, so if interested, let me know, i can email the whole project to you). But try it first on your own.

Cheers!
 

1. What does it mean for a function to be continuous?

A function is considered continuous if, intuitively, it has no sudden jumps or breaks in its graph. This means that the function can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. More formally, a function f is continuous at a point x if the limit of f(x) as x approaches a is equal to f(a).

2. How do you prove that a function is continuous at a point?

To prove that a function is continuous at a point, you must show that the limit of the function as x approaches that point is equal to the value of the function at that point. This can be done by using the definition of continuity and showing that for any given epsilon (ε), there exists a delta (δ) such that for all x within δ of a, the absolute value of f(x) - f(a) is less than ε.

3. Can a function be continuous at some points and not at others?

Yes, a function can be continuous at some points and not at others. For a function to be continuous at a specific point, it must satisfy the definition of continuity at that point. If it fails to meet this criteria at any point, it is not considered continuous at that point.

4. What is the difference between continuity and differentiability?

Continuity and differentiability are related concepts, but they are not the same. A function is continuous if it has no sudden jumps or breaks in its graph, while a function is differentiable if it has a defined derivative at each point in its domain. A function can be continuous at a point but not differentiable, and vice versa.

5. Are all continuous functions also differentiable?

No, not all continuous functions are also differentiable. A function can be continuous at a point without having a defined derivative at that point. For example, a function with a sharp corner or a cusp is continuous but not differentiable at that point. However, if a function is differentiable at a point, it must also be continuous at that point.

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