A theorem on uniform convergence

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theorem regarding uniform convergence of sequences of functions, specifically that a sequence \( f_n \) is uniformly convergent on a set \( E \) if for every \( \epsilon > 0 \), there exists an \( N \) such that for all \( n, m \geq N \), the inequality \( | f_n(x) - f_m(x) | < \epsilon \) holds for all \( x \in E \). Two methods of proof are explored: the first involves demonstrating that uniform convergence implies the sequence is Cauchy and bounded, while the second method utilizes accumulation points to establish convergence. The discussion concludes that the first method is valid, while the second method, although more complex, also leads to the desired conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uniform convergence in mathematical analysis
  • Familiarity with Cauchy sequences and their properties
  • Knowledge of limits and convergence in the context of sequences of functions
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Cauchy sequences in depth
  • Explore the implications of uniform convergence on function continuity
  • Learn about the relationship between uniform convergence and pointwise convergence
  • Investigate examples of uniformly convergent sequences of functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying real analysis or functional analysis, as well as educators looking to deepen their understanding of convergence concepts in sequences of functions.

icantadd
Messages
109
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Theorem to be proved:
fn is uniformly convergent on E iff for every epsilon >0 there is an N, where n,m >= N then | fn(x) - fm(x) | < epsilon, for all x in E.

Homework Equations


Definition: fn is uniformly continuous on E if there is an f such that for every epsilon >0, there is an N such that for n >= N: | fn(x) - f(x) | < epsilon

The Attempt at a Solution


(only if):
Assume fn is uniformly convergent. Then
[tex]\forall x \in E, \forall n,m >= N, \left| f_n (x) - f(x) \right| < \frac{\epsilon}{2} and \left| f_m (x) - f(x) \right| < \frac{\epsilon}{2}[/tex] Thus
[tex]\left| f_n (x) - f_m (x) \right| \leq \left| f_n (x) - f(x) + f(x) - f_m(x) \right| < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2} = \epsilon[/tex] Great.

Now here comes the part I wish I was doing better. I just feel like something is off. So I have two ways.

Way number 1):
Assume [tex]\left| f_n (x) - f(x) \right| < \epsilon \forall x \in E, \forall m,n \geq N[/tex] . Then fn is cauchy, and because fn is cauchy, fn is bounded on E. Then let M = max{fn(x)} x in E. Also because fn is cauchy it is convergent, and because fn <= M for all x in E, fn is convergent for all x in E. By the definition of a convergent sequence | fn(x) - f(x) | < epsilon.

Way number 2):
Assume [tex]\left| f_n (x) - f_m(x) \right| < \epsilon \forall x \in E, \forall m,n \geq N[/tex]. Let f(x) be an accumulation point of \{f_n(x) : f \in E\} and, let n*>= N where [tex]f_{n*} \in (f(x) - \epsilon, f(x) + \epsilon) thus \left| f_{n*} (x) - f(x) \right| < \frac{\epsilon}{2}[/tex]. Therefore

[tex]\left| f_n (x) - f(x) \right| = \left| f_n (x) - f_{n*}(x) + f_{n*}(x) - f(x) \right| \leq \left| f_n (x) - f_{n*}(x) \right| + \left| f_{n*}(x) (x) - f(x) \right| < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2} = \epsilon \forall x \in E, \forall m,n \geq N[/tex]

Way number two should work, but gets ugly. I don't think way number one works.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Assume fn is Cauchy. Then fn is bounded (easy to show). Thus it contains a convergent subsequence, call it gn. Let g = lim gn. By fn Cauchy we have |fn - fm| < e/2 and gn convergent to g implies |gn - g| < e/2
So |fn - gn + gn - g| < (or equal) |fn - gn| + |gn - g| < e
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K