Does the function $f_n(x)$ converge pointwise to zero on $(0,+\infty)$?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter evinda
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the pointwise convergence of the function $f_n(x)=\frac{n}{x}[\frac{x}{n}]$ for $x > 0$ and its behavior when considering negative values. Participants explore the conditions under which $f_n$ converges to zero on the interval $(0,+\infty)$ and the implications of including negative numbers in the set of inputs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that for $x > 0$, there exists an $n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n > x$, leading to $[\frac{x}{n}] = 0$ and thus $f_n(x) \to 0$ pointwise.
  • Others discuss the case when $x_0 < 0$, questioning why $[\frac{x_0}{n}] = -1$ for sufficiently large $n$ and seek clarification on this point.
  • One participant explains that if $n > |x_0|$, then $0 > \frac{x_0}{n} > -1$, which implies $\lfloor \frac{x_0}{n} \rfloor = -1$.
  • Several participants engage in clarifying the definition of the floor function and provide examples of its application to negative numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the pointwise convergence of $f_n(x)$ to 0 for positive $x$. However, there is ongoing discussion and uncertainty regarding the behavior of $f_n$ for negative values and the implications of including negative numbers in the set of inputs.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the behavior of the floor function for negative inputs and its implications for the convergence of $f_n$. The discussion includes various interpretations and clarifications of the floor function's definition.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for those studying pointwise convergence, the properties of the floor function, or exploring the behavior of piecewise-defined functions in mathematical analysis.

evinda
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,741
Reaction score
0
Hi! :)

Let $f_n(x)=\frac{n}{x}[\frac{x}{n}], \forall x \neq 0$ ($[\frac{x}{n}]$ is the integer part of $\frac{x}{n}$).
  • Prove that $f_n \to 0$ pointwise at $(0,+\infty)$
  • Prove that,if $A \subseteq \mathbb{R}- \{0\}$ contains at least one negative number, $f_n$ does not converge pointwise at any function in $A$.

  • Let $x>0$. $\exists n\in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n>x \Rightarrow [\frac{x}{n}]=0$(if $n$ is great enough).So, $f_n(x)=\frac{n}{x}[\frac{x}{n}] \to 0$ pointwise.
  • Let $x_0<0$. $\exists n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n>x_0$...But,why is it then like that: $[\frac{x_0}{n}]=-1$?Could you explain it to me?? (Blush)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
evinda said:
Prove that,if $A \subseteq \mathbb{R}- \{0\}$ contains at least one negative number, $f_n$ does not converge pointwise at any function in $A$.
"does not converge to any function" (and, I believe, "on $A$").

evinda said:
Let $x>0$. $\exists n\in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n>x \Rightarrow [\frac{x}{n}]=0$(if $n$ is great enough).So, $f_n(x)=\frac{n}{x}[\frac{x}{n}] \to 0$ pointwise.
Yes.

evinda said:
Let $x_0<0$. $\exists n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n>x_0$...But,why is it then like that: $[\frac{x_0}{n}]=-1$?Could you explain it to me??
There exists an $n>|x_0|=-x_0$, i.e., $x_0>-n$ Then $0>x_0/n>-n/n=-1$, so $\lfloor x_0/n\rfloor=-1$.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
There exists an $n>|x_0|=-x_0$, i.e., $x_0>-n$ Then $0>x_0/n>-n/n=-1$, so $\lfloor x_0/n\rfloor=-1$.

I haven't really understood why $\lfloor x_0/n\rfloor=-1$ .. (Blush) Could you explain it further to me?
 
By definition,
\[
\lfloor x \rfloor=\max\, \{m\in\mathbb{Z}\mid m\le x\}
\]
What is $\lfloor-0.5\rfloor$? $\lfloor-0.9\rfloor$? $\lfloor-0.1\rfloor$? $\lfloor x\rfloor$ where $-1<x<0$?
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
By definition,
\[
\lfloor x \rfloor=\max\, \{m\in\mathbb{Z}\mid m\le x\}
\]
What is $\lfloor-0.5\rfloor$? $\lfloor-0.9\rfloor$? $\lfloor-0.1\rfloor$? $\lfloor x\rfloor$ where $-1<x<0$?

These are all equal to $-1$..right?
 
evinda said:
These are all equal to $-1$..right?
Yes.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Yes.

Nice..thank you very much! :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K