# Homework Help: Convergence in Uniform and L2 sense, function interpretation

1. Nov 20, 2013

### trap101

Let:

gn(x) = 1 in [1/4 - 1/n2 to 1/4 + 1/ n2) for n = odd
1 in [3/4-1/n2 to 3/4 + 1/n2) for n = even
0 elsewhere

Show the function converges in the L2 sense but not pointwise.

My issue is in how I should use the definition of convergence because in all of the definitions of convergence between uniform, L2 and pointwise they all follow the similar rule of:

|f(x) - Ʃfn(x)| --> 0

I am having issues in determining my f(x) for the difference because fn(x) will be 1 depending on "n" being odd or even, so what would my exact value of f(x) be even though I am comparing the whole function?

2. Nov 20, 2013

### LCKurtz

You haven't told us on what interval. I'm guessing $[0,1]$?

This problem has nothing to do with sums. Have you drawn a picture of the functions for n even and n odd? Does that give you an idea of what function $g(x)$ that $g_n(x)$ might converge to in $L^2$? Can you calculate $\|g_n-g\|_2$ to get started?

3. Nov 20, 2013

### trap101

Well first off I am going to assume that my "n" could only be positive integers. In the odd case the smallest value I could have for my "n" is 1 and in the even case it is 2, so my odd value interval startz at -3/4 and the even one starts at 1/2 since n goes to infiniti, these intervals end at 1/4 and 3/4 respectively. Now I just drew it, and on those intervals the function is a constant. So is it wise to interpret this as the function is 1 on these intervals, and the series is attempting to converge to this? In which case I could say f(x) = 1 and since the piece wise portions also equal 1 in terms of the series, using the defintion I could show the integrals all equal 0....thus convergence.

they did not give an interval so I am assuming -∞ to ∞

4. Nov 20, 2013

### LCKurtz

Let me say it again: There is no summation and there is no series in this problem. You just have a sequence of functions and you are talking about whether $g_n\to g$ for some $g(x)$, either pointwise or in $L^2$. It doesn't matter whether the interval is $[0,1]$ or $(-\infty,\infty)$ because your functions are 0 except on short intervals.

Look at, for example, just even values of n. As those even values get larger, does $g_n(x)$ look like it converges pointwise to anything? Draw $g_2,g_4,g_6$ on the same graph and see what you think.

 I just noticed your title talks about uniform convergence but your post talks about pointwise vs. $L^2$. They aren't the same thing, you know...

[Edit+] What about the sequences $\{g_n(\frac 1 4)\}$ and $\{g_n(\frac 3 4)\}$?

Last edited: Nov 20, 2013