Proof that Arcsin x is continuous ....

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    Continuous Proof
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the continuity of the function f(x) = Arcsin x on the interval [-1, 1]. Participants explore definitions and approaches related to continuity in mathematical analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Peter requests assistance in proving the continuity of Arcsin x on the specified interval.
  • Some participants inquire about the general definition of a continuous function.
  • One participant mentions that an invertible function is continuous at a point if its inverse is continuous at the corresponding point.
  • Another participant references a specific definition of continuity from a textbook, suggesting that to prove continuity, one must demonstrate the epsilon-delta condition for Arcsin x.
  • Peter expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with the proof after outlining the epsilon-delta condition.
  • Peter acknowledges assistance from another participant, HallsofIvy, regarding the continuity of invertible functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof method, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps to demonstrate continuity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to definitions and theorems from mathematical analysis, but does not resolve the mathematical steps necessary for the proof.

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Can someone please help me to prove that the function f(x) = Arcsin x is continuous on the interval [-1, 1] ...

Peter
 
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What is the definition of continuous function in general?
 
An invertible function, y= f(x), is continuous at x= x_0 if and only if y= f^{-1}(x) is continuous at x= f(x_0).
 
Cbarker1 said:
What is the definition of continuous function in general?
The definition of continuity in $$\mathbb{R}$$ is given in Stephen Abbott's book: Understanding Analysis, as follows:
View attachment 9348
Alternative characterizations of continuity are given by Abbott in Theorem 4.3.2 as follows:
View attachment 9349So to show (from first principles) that $$\text{Arcsin } x$$ is continuous on $$[-1, 1]$$ we would have to show that given an arbitrary point $$c \in [-1, 1]$$ that for every $$\epsilon \gt 0$$ we can find $$\delta \gt 0$$ such that

$$\mid x - c \mid \lt \delta \ \Longrightarrow \ \mid \text{Arcsin x } - \text{Arcsin } c \mid \lt \epsilon$$ ...But how do we proceed ... ?

Peter

- - - Updated - - -

HallsofIvy said:
An invertible function, y= f(x), is continuous at x= x_0 if and only if y= f^{-1}(x) is continuous at x= f(x_0).
Thanks for the help, HallsofIvy ...

Peter
 

Attachments

  • Abbott - Defintion 4.3.1 ... Continuity ... .png
    Abbott - Defintion 4.3.1 ... Continuity ... .png
    6.6 KB · Views: 155
  • Abbott - Theorem 4.3.2 ... Characterizations of Continuity ... .png
    Abbott - Theorem 4.3.2 ... Characterizations of Continuity ... .png
    14.6 KB · Views: 167

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