Is the Function f(x) = x + 2 Unlimited on the Set of Real Numbers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving whether the function f(x) = x + 2 is unbounded on the set of real numbers, as well as exploring a similar question regarding the function f(x) = x + sin(x). Participants are examining definitions and conditions related to unboundedness, providing mathematical reasoning and examples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to prove that f(x) = x + 2 is unbounded for E = R, asking for guidance on how to approach this proof.
  • Another participant clarifies that "unlimited" likely refers to "unbounded," explaining the definitions of unbounded above and below.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of the inequalities related to unboundedness, suggesting various approaches to demonstrate that f(x) exceeds any given Y.
  • There is a discussion about the use of absolute values in defining unboundedness, with some participants referencing their textbooks and definitions.
  • A later post introduces a new function, f(x) = x + sin(x), and seeks to prove its unboundedness, leading to further exploration of inequalities and conditions.
  • Participants engage in correcting each other’s mathematical reasoning, particularly regarding the implications of inequalities and the behavior of the sine function.
  • There are multiple interpretations of the conditions necessary to prove unboundedness, with some participants questioning the correctness of each other's arguments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of unboundedness but disagree on specific approaches and interpretations of the inequalities involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the proofs for both functions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the implications of certain mathematical statements and the proper application of definitions, indicating a need for clarity in the reasoning process. There are also unresolved issues regarding the connection between the sine function and the proof of unboundedness.

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Здравствуйте!

How will I prove that some function f(x) is unlimited of some set E\subseteqDf, where Df is the domain of the function, or the values of x, which can be used in the function.
For example:

How will I prove that this function f(x)=x+2 is unlimited for E=R (set of real numbers)?

Спасибо за помощь!
 
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By "unlimited" I presume you mean what I would call unbounded "unbounded".
Pretty much any time you are asked to prove "f is ****", where **** is some word, you prove it by showing that f satisfies the definition of ****.

A function is unbounded if it is both unbounded above and unbounded below.

A function is unbounded above if, given any number Y, there exist x such that f(x)> Y.
A function is unbounded below if, given any number Y, there exist x such that f(x)< Y.


Given any Y, is there an x such that x+ 2> Y?

Given any Y, is there an x such that x+ 2< Y?

For that simple function, it is just a matter of solving the inequalities.
 
I think you're right, but also in my book there is |f(x)|>Y, and that means f(x)>Y and -f(x)>Y, or f(x)<-Y.

So x+2>Y and
x+2<-Y

x>Y-2

Let's say x=Y-1, so:

|f(x)|=|x+2|=|Y-1+2|=|Y+1|=Y+1&gt;Y, for every Y \geq 0.

x<-2-Y

x=-3-Y

|f(x)=|x+2|=|-3-Y+2|=|-Y-1|=-Y-1&lt;-Y, for every Y \geq 0

So |f(x)|>K , for K \in \mathbb{R}.

Did I solved it correctly?
 
Last edited:
Дьявол said:
I think you're right, but also in my book there is |f(x)|>Y, and that means f(x)>Y and -f(x)>Y, or f(x)<-Y.
Well, yes, but those are equivalent definitions. If you can find a number X so that f(x)> X and a number Z so that f(x)< Z, take Y to be the larger of |X| and |Z|.

So x+2>Y and
x+2<-Y

x>Y-2

Let's say x=Y-1, so:

|f(x)|=|x+2|=|Y-1+2|=|Y+1|=Y+1&gt;Y, for every Y \geq 0.

x<-2-Y

x=-3-Y

|f(x)=|x+2|=|-3-Y+2|=|-Y-1|=-Y-1&lt;-Y, for every Y \leq 0

So |f(x)|>K , for K \in \mathbb{R}.

Did I solved it correctly?[/QUOTE]

Yes.
 
Just to correct, one mistake of mine. It is Y \geq 0, down on the second function written with LateX.

Also I think that in my book, the autors use |f(x)|>K (for unbounded functions), because |f(x)|<K is bounded of it (the opposite one, vice versa).

But also your statement is also good. f(x)>K and f(x)<K. Also in some cases maybe it is better to use |f(x)| \leq K.
 
Sorry, for posting in same topic. I did not know if I need to open new topic.
I want to ask you about this problem.
The problem is to prove that f(x)=x+sinx ; E=R

So, |f(x)|>Y

x+sinx>Y

x=Y+2

Y+2+sin(Y+2)>Y

sin(Y+2)>-2

Which is correct.

So |f(x)|=|x+sinx|=|Y+2+sin(Y+2)|=Y+2+sin(Y+2)>Y

Is this good?
 
While the order in which you listed things makes it slightly confusing to see what you are doing, it looks like the right idea is there
 
Дьявол said:
Sorry, for posting in same topic. I did not know if I need to open new topic.
I want to ask you about this problem.
The problem is to prove that f(x)=x+sinx ; E=R
do you mean you want to prove that f(x) is unbounded?

So, |f(x)|>Y

x+sinx>Y

x=Y+2

Y+2+sin(Y+2)>Y

sin(Y+2)>-2

Which is correct.
Which is certainly NOT correct! "x+ sin x> Y" does NOT imply x= Y+2! I think what you meant to say was that -1\le sin x\le 1 for all x so x- 1\le x+ sin x\le x+ 1.<br /> Now, given in Y, if x&gt; Y+1, x+ sin x&gt; Y+1- 1= Y if x&lt; Y+1, x+ sin x&lt; Y+1- 1= Y.<br /> <br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> So |f(x)|=|x+sinx|=|Y+2+sin(Y+2)|=Y+2+sin(Y+2)&gt;Y<br /> <br /> Is this good? </div> </div> </blockquote>
 
If -1\leq sinx \leq 1, then -1+x\leq sinx+x\leq 1+x.

So if x+sinx > x-1 >Y; so x-1>Y ; x>Y+1

x=Y+2

|f(x)|=|x+sinx|=Y+2+sin(Y+2)>Y;

I think we got the same thing. Why you think it is not correct?
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy said:
Which is certainly NOT correct! "x+ sin x> Y" does NOT imply x= Y+2! I think what you meant to say was that -1\le sin x\le 1 for all x so x- 1\le x+ sin x\le x+ 1.<br /> Now, given in Y, if x&gt; Y+1, x+ sin x&gt; Y+1- 1= Y if x&lt; Y+1, x+ sin x&lt; Y+1- 1= Y.
<br /> <br /> I think you got it backwards, reading it I interpreted it as intending to say x=Y+2 implies x+sinx&gt;Y (hence proving the function is unbounded)
 
  • #11
Either way, there is no need to connect the argument of the sine with Y at all.
 
  • #12
Ok, we got: x+sinx > x-1 >Y; so x-1>Y ; x>Y+1

But where does this x+ sin x> Y+1- 1= Y if x< Y+1, x+ sin x< Y+1- 1= Y comes from?

Thanks in advance.
 
  • #13
Дьявол said:
Ok, we got: x+sinx > x-1 >Y; so x-1>Y ; x>Y+1

But where does this x+ sin x> Y+1- 1= Y if x< Y+1, x+ sin x< Y+1- 1= Y comes from?

Thanks in advance.
That was a typo on my part. What I meant to say was "If x< Y- 1, then x+ sin x< Y-1+ sin x and, since sin x\le 1, x+ sin x\le Y-1+ 1= Y so that Y is not a lower bound for x+ sin x.
 

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