A theorem on uniform convergence

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of uniform convergence and its relationship to Cauchy sequences. It is stated that fn is uniformly convergent on E if and only if for every epsilon >0 there is an N, where n,m >= N, then | fn(x) - fm(x) | < epsilon for all x in E. Two approaches are given to prove this theorem, with one focusing on Cauchy sequences and the other on convergent subsequences.
  • #1
icantadd
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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:
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  • #2
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
 

1. What is the definition of uniform convergence?

Uniform convergence is a type of convergence in which a sequence of functions converges to a limit function in a way that the difference between the functions in the sequence and the limit function becomes arbitrarily small, or "uniformly small", as the input values increase. It is a stronger form of convergence compared to pointwise convergence.

2. How is uniform convergence different from pointwise convergence?

Pointwise convergence only requires the individual functions in a sequence to converge to the limit function at each specific point, while uniform convergence requires the functions to converge uniformly at all points within a given interval. This means that the rate of convergence is consistent at all points, rather than varying for each point.

3. What is the importance of uniform convergence in mathematics?

Uniform convergence is important in mathematics because it allows for the interchange of limit operations and infinite summations or integrals. This makes it a useful tool in the study of series and integrals, and it also has applications in fields such as calculus, analysis, and complex analysis.

4. Can uniform convergence be used to prove the continuity of a function?

Yes, uniform convergence can be used to prove the continuity of a function. If a sequence of continuous functions converges uniformly to a limit function, then the limit function is also continuous. This is known as the Uniform Limit Theorem, which is a useful tool in the study of continuous functions.

5. Are there any common misconceptions about uniform convergence?

One common misconception about uniform convergence is that it implies pointwise convergence. While every uniformly convergent sequence also converges pointwise, the converse is not necessarily true. There are also cases where a sequence of functions may converge pointwise but not uniformly, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinction between the two types of convergence.

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