Find Limsup and Liminf of fn & gn

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit superior and limit inferior of two sequences of functions, fn and gn, defined using indicator functions. Participants are exploring the definitions and behaviors of these functions as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to define fn and gn using indicator functions and seeks validation of their limit calculations. Some participants question the clarity and correctness of these definitions, particularly regarding the intended behavior of gn.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exchange about the definitions of fn and gn, with some participants providing alternative formulations for clarity. While some agreement on the limit calculations is suggested, there is no explicit consensus on the definitions or the approach taken by the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion arising from the use of indicator functions and the need for clearer definitions of the sequences involved. The discussion highlights the importance of specifying the domain of the functions to avoid misinterpretation.

aaaa202
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Homework Statement


Let 1A stand for an indicator function and
Let fn = 1{n} and gn={1{1} n odd, 1{1} n even.
Find limn->∞sup{fn} and limsupn->∞{gn}

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The limits are pointwise so I found given x, then
limn->∞sup{fn} = 0
limsupn->∞{gn} = {1 for x=1 or x=2 and 0 elsewhere}
Do you agree? I just wanted to check basically :)
 
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Your definition of gn seems to suggest it is always equal to 1{1}, was this intentional?
 
oops no 1{1} for n odd, 1{2} for n even
 
aaaa202 said:
oops no 1{1} for n odd, 1{2} for n even

What is fn? Your definition means that fn is a function, with fn(x) = 1 if x = n and fn(x) = 0 for x ≠ n. However, that does not seem to be what you really mean. Just tell us in words what are fn and gn---forget about trying to (mis)use indicator functions.
 
fn(x) = {1 if x=n, 0 elsewhere} How am I misusing indicator functions?
By definition an indicator 1A = {1 x\in A, 0 else}
 
I think you have the right answer, but it could be stated better. First, you need to include the argument ##(x)## of the functions, and second, you should try to typeset it so it will be clearer what you mean. I assume you meant the following:
$$f_n(x) = 1_{\{n\}}(x) = \begin{cases}1 & \text{ if }x = n \\
0 & \text{ otherwise}\end{cases}$$
$$g_n(x) = \begin{cases}1_{\{1\}}(x) & \text{ if }n\text{ is even} \\
1_{\{2\}}(x) & \text{ if }n\text{ is odd}\end{cases}\text{ (for all }x\text{)}$$
And I interpreted your answers as:
$$\limsup_{n \rightarrow \infty} f_n(x) = 0 \text{ (for all }x\text{)}$$
and
$$\limsup_{n \rightarrow \infty} g_n(x) = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{ if }x = 1\text{ or }x = 2 \\
0 & \text{ otherwise} \end{cases}$$
You can right click on my equations to see how they are typeset. If you show your work, we can check whether your reasoning is right.
 
Last edited:
aaaa202 said:
fn(x) = {1 if x=n, 0 elsewhere} How am I misusing indicator functions?
By definition an indicator 1A = {1 x\in A, 0 else}

Yes, I know what an indicator function is; that is why I wrote what I thought you meant for fn, and it turned out to be correct---that is exactly what you meant.

It is often impossible to tell when reading some messages whether or not the OP really knows what he/she is saying; often people write one thing when they mean another. (However, you could have made everything clear by saying that fn and gn are functions, and by specifying their domain.)
 
Last edited:

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