Prelim problem: bizarre integral expression

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    Expression Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an integral expression related to a bounded measurable function \( f \) defined on the interval \([0, \infty)\) with a specific limiting behavior as \( x \) approaches infinity. Participants explore the implications of this behavior for evaluating the limit of an integral expression as \( \lambda \) approaches zero from the positive side.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to utilize the endpoint behavior of \( f \) and suggests approximating \( f \) by \( 1/x^2 \).
  • Another participant references the theorem on dominated convergence as a potential tool for manipulating the limit inside the integral.
  • A participant derives a transformation involving a constant \( k \) and changes variables to relate the limit of \( f \) to the integral expression, suggesting that the limit can be expressed in terms of \( \frac{1}{x^2} \).
  • Concerns are raised about the applicability of dominated convergence due to the non-integrability of \( f \), leading to a suggestion of bounding \( f \) by a sum of integrals involving \( 1/x^2 \) to establish convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the application of dominated convergence or the validity of the transformations proposed. Multiple competing views on how to approach the problem remain evident.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the integrability of \( f \) and the conditions under which dominated convergence can be applied, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

laonious
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Hi all,
Let [itex]f:[0,\infty)\rightarrow\mathbb{R}[/itex] be a bounded measurable function such that
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}x^2f(x)=1.[/tex]
Find an integral expression for
[tex]\lim_{\lambda\rightarrow 0^+}\frac{\int_0^{\infty}(1-\cos(x))f(\frac{x}{\lambda})dx}{\lambda^2}.[/tex]

This one is really bizarre to me. I'm not sure how to use the information about f's endpoint behavior other than to try somehow to approximate f by 1/x^2?

I've tried changing lambda into 1/n where n goes to infinity but that seems to get me an expression that will tend to 0, not an integral expression as requested.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated; a solution isn't necessary, but maybe thoughts on how to think about the problem?

Thanks!
 
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The theorem on dominant convergence??
 
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}x^2f(x)=1.[/tex]

For k > 0, a constant

[itex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} (kx)^2 f(kx) = 1[/itex]

[itex]k^2 \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} x^2 f(kx) = 1[/itex]

[itex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} x^2 f(kx) = \frac{1}{k^2}[/itex]

Change variables [itex]x = 1/ \lambda[/itex] and let the [itex]k[/itex] in the above equation be represented by [itex]x[/itex]

[itex]\lim_{\lambda \rightarrow 0^+} \frac{1}{\lambda^2} f(\frac{x}{\lambda}) = \frac{1}{x^2}[/itex]

Then we need an excuse (dominated convergence?) to take the limit inside the integral sign, in order to do the manipulations:

[tex]\lim_{\lambda\rightarrow 0^+}\frac{\int_0^{\infty}(1-\cos(x))f(\frac{x}{\lambda})dx}{\lambda^2}[/tex]

=

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} (1 - cos(x)) \lim_{\lambda \rightarrow 0^+} \frac{1}{\lambda^2} f(\frac{x}{\lambda}) dx[/tex]

=

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{ (1 - cos(x))}{x^2} dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the insight, it was very helpful!
To apply dominated convergence I think we have to be careful because f isn't integrable, but I think we can say something like
[tex]\int_a^{\infty} f \leq \sum_i \int_{a_i}^{a_{i+1}}\frac{1}{x^2}+\frac{\epsilon}{2^i}\,dx<\infty.[/tex]
 

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