Proof involving sequences of functions and uniform convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves sequences of functions and uniform convergence, specifically examining the behavior of the integral of a product of a sequence of functions, \(\phi_n(x)\), and a continuous function \(g(x)\) over the interval \([-1, 1]\). The original poster is tasked with showing that the limit of the integral of this product approaches \(g(0)\) as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a theorem regarding the convergence of integrals and discusses the implications of uniform convergence on the integrals of \(\phi_n(x)\) and \(g(x)\). Some participants question the setup and assumptions regarding the intervals of convergence and the behavior of \(g(x)\) near zero. Others suggest breaking down the integral and considering the continuity of \(g\) to explore the limit further.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some have pointed out potential misunderstandings in the original assumptions, while others are attempting to clarify the implications of uniform convergence and continuity. There is a recognition of the need for careful reasoning regarding the limits and the behavior of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the continuity of \(g(x)\) at \(0\) and the implications of uniform convergence of \(\phi_n(x)\) on specified intervals. There is also mention of the need to quantify the behavior of \(g(x)\) in relation to \(g(0)\) as \(c\) approaches zero.

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Homework Statement


Let [tex]\phi_n(x)[/tex] be positive valued and continuous for all x in [tex][-1,1][/tex] with:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) = 1[/tex]

Suppose further that [tex]\{\phi_n(x)\}[/tex] converges to 0 uniformly on the intervals [tex][-1,-c][/tex] and [tex][-c,1][/tex] for any [tex]c > 0[/tex]

Let g be any function which is continuous on [tex][-1,1][/tex].

Show that:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x)dx = g(0)[/tex]


Homework Equations



Theorem:

If the functions [tex]\{f_n\}[/tex] and F are integrable on a bounded closed set E, and [tex]\{f_n\}[/tex] converges to F pointwise on E, and if [tex]\Vert {f_n} \Vert < M[/tex] for some M and all n = 1,2,3,..., then:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{E} {f_n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{E} F[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution



Alrighty, so the first thing I did was apply the theorem on:

[tex]f_n = \phi_n[/tex] on the intervals [-1,-c] and [-c,1]

and came up with the following integrals(since uniform convergence implies pointwise convergence):

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{-c} \phi_n(x) = 0[/tex]
and
[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-c}^{-1} \phi_n(x) = 0[/tex]

If we add these integrals together we know what happens at c=0.

Looking at our new sequence:

[tex]f_n = \phi_n g(x)[/tex]

This sequence is uniformly bounded on [-1,-c] and [-c,1] and converges pointwise to 0.

Thus I think because of the continuity of [tex]\phi_n[/tex] and g, and the uniform convergence of [tex]\phi_n[/tex]:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{-c} \phi_n(x) g(x) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-c}^{-1} \phi_n(x) g(x) = 0[/tex]

Again if we add these integrals together we know what happens when c = 0. But I'm not entirely sure where to go from here or if I'm going in the right direction. Any help is appreciated.
 
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Second attempt at solution

Okay so I've tried a little bit more now:

Just adding and subtracting a term from the limit we want to prove:

[tex] \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x)dx = <br /> \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x)(g(x)-g(0))dx + \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(0)dx[/tex]

but

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(0)dx = g(0)[/tex]

and by the mean value theorem for integrals we know there exists a t in [tex][-1,1][/tex] such that:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x)(g(x)-g(0))dx = (g(t)-g(0))\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) = g(t) - g(0)[/tex]

and now I want to make an argument that states g(t) must be g(0).

So I started by breaking my integral up:
[tex] \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{-c} \phi_n(x) g(x) + \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-c}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x) = 0[/tex]

as c goes to zero.

But then g(t) - g(0) = 0 and thus g(t) = g(0) and then we would have:

[tex] \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x)dx = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x)(g(x)-g(0))dx + \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(0)dx = g(t) - g(0) + g(0) = g(0)[/tex]

The very last step seems a little hand wavy, I hope someone can help me.

Edit: (I also realize some of the stuff in my first post is wrong, but it won't let me edit it)
 
Last edited:
You MUST mean phi_n converges uniformly to zero on [-1,-c] and [c,1] for any c>0. Not [-1,-c] and [-c,1]. If that were the case then the integral of phi_n would go to zero as n->infinity.
 
Right, thanks for pointing that out.

Then my integrals at the bottom of my second post change to:

[tex] <br /> \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{-c} \phi_n(x) g(x) + \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{c}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x) = 0<br /> [/tex]

and then as c goes to zero:
[tex] 0 = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{-c} \phi_n(x) g(x) + \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{c}^{1} \phi_n(x) g(x) = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x)(g(x)-g(0))dx = (g(t)-g(0))\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \int_{-1}^{1} \phi_n(x) = g(t) - g(0)[/tex]

Edit: Ya this is wrong.

I just don't feel right about this though.
 
Last edited:
Ah I'm all messed up now lol
 
g(x) is continuous at 0. So if c is small enough g(x) is 'almost' g(0) on [-c,c]. phi_n is 'almost' zero outside of [-c,c] for large enough n. Now put in some epsilons to quantify 'almost'.
 

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