Proving Simple Summable Functions and Cauchy Sequences on [0,1]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving properties of the functions defined as $$f_{n}=\frac{[nx]}{n}$$ on the interval [0,1]. Participants explore whether these functions are simple summable, whether they form a Cauchy sequence under a specific metric, and whether there exists a simple summable function to which they converge.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that to show $$f_{n}$$ is a simple summable function, it can be expressed as a linear combination of indicator functions.
  • Others suggest defining sets $$A_{n}=f^{-1}(n)$$ and $$t_{n}=n^{-1}$$ as part of the exploration.
  • It is noted that $$f_n(x) = k/n$$ for intervals $$k/n \leqslant x <(k+1)/n$$, where $$0\leqslant k\leqslant n-1$$.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between the integer parts and the implications for the Cauchy sequence, suggesting that $$|f_n(x) - f_m(x)| <\frac1m$$ for $$n>m$$ indicates uniform Cauchy behavior.
  • There is a claim that $$f_n(x) \to x$$ uniformly on [0,1], but this raises the question of whether $$x$$ is a simple function.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the summability of $$f_n$$, questioning whether the finite nature of the sums over the interval [0,1] affects convergence.
  • Another participant confirms that the functions are not summable over the entire real line, emphasizing the importance of the defined interval.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of agreement on the definitions and properties of the functions, but there is no consensus on the implications of these properties, particularly regarding summability and convergence. Multiple competing views remain on how to approach the proofs and definitions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the functions are specifically defined on the interval [0,1], which influences their summability and convergence properties. There is acknowledgment of the limitations of applying these functions outside this interval.

Fermat1
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Let [x] be the integer part of x. Define the function $$f_{n}$$$$$$ by $$f_{n}=\frac{[nx]}{n}$$

1) show that every $$f_{n}$$ is a simple summable function.

So Firstly I need to show I can write is as a linear combination of indicator functions. Not sure how to proceed.

2)Show $$$$$$(f_{n}) $$is a cauchy sequence with the metric which is the integral from 0 to 1 of |f-g|.
I think the key to this question is what is the relation between the difference of the integer parts and the integer part of the difference.

3) show there is no simple summable f on [0,1] such that $$f_{n}$$ converges to f in the above metric

Thanks
 
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Maybe define $$A_{n}=f^{-1}(n)$$ and $$t_{n}=n^{-1}$$
 
Fermat said:
Let [x] be the integer part of x. Define the function $$f_{n}$$ by $$f_{n}=\frac{[nx]}{n}$$

1) show that every $$f_{n}$$ is a simple summable function.

So Firstly I need to show I can write is as a linear combination of indicator functions. Not sure how to proceed.

2)Show $$(f_{n}) $$is a cauchy sequence with the metric which is the integral from 0 to 1 of |f-g|.
I think the key to this question is what is the relation between the difference of the integer parts and the integer part of the difference.

3) show there is no simple summable f on [0,1] such that $$f_{n}$$ converges to f in the above metric

Thanks
I think you have omitted the very important condition that these functions are supposed to be defined on the interval [0,1]. In that case, for 1) you should show that $f_n(x) = k/n$ when $k/n \leqslant x <(k+1)/n$, for $0\leqslant k\leqslant n-1.$

For 2), show that $x - \frac1n < f_n(x) \leqslant x$ (for $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$) and deduce that $|f_n(x) - f_m(x)| <\frac1m$ whenever $n>m$. This shows that $f_n$ is uniformly Cauchy, and therefore Cauchy for the given metric.

For 3), $f_n(x) \to x$ uniformly on $[0,1]$. But the uniform metric is stronger than the given metric, so it follows that $f_n(x) \to x$ in the given metrix. But $x$ is not a simple function.

Intuitively, $f_n$ is a staircase function, going up from 0 to 1 in steps of height and width $1/n$.
 
Thanks. I will look at this evening and get back to you tomorrow.
 
Opalg said:
I think you have omitted the very important condition that these functions are supposed to be defined on the interval [0,1]. In that case, for 1) you should show that $f_n(x) = k/n$ when $k/n \leqslant x <(k+1)/n$, for $0\leqslant k\leqslant n-1.$

For 2), show that $x - \frac1n < f_n(x) \leqslant x$ (for $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$) and deduce that $|f_n(x) - f_m(x)| <\frac1m$ whenever $n>m$. This shows that $f_n$ is uniformly Cauchy, and therefore Cauchy for the given metric.

For 3), $f_n(x) \to x$ uniformly on $[0,1]$. But the uniform metric is stronger than the given metric, so it follows that $f_n(x) \to x$ in the given metrix. But $x$ is not a simple function.

Intuitively, $f_n$ is a staircase function, going up from 0 to 1 in steps of height and width $1/n$.

Is there a formula for [x]?
 
Fermat said:
Is there a formula for [x]?
The only formula is that if there is an integer $m$ such that $m\leqslant x<m+1$ then $\lfloor x\rfloor = m.$
 
Opalg said:
I think you have omitted the very important condition that these functions are supposed to be defined on the interval [0,1]. In that case, for 1) you should show that $f_n(x) = k/n$ when $k/n \leqslant x <(k+1)/n$, for $0\leqslant k\leqslant n-1.$

For 2), show that $x - \frac1n < f_n(x) \leqslant x$ (for $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$) and deduce that $|f_n(x) - f_m(x)| <\frac1m$ whenever $n>m$. This shows that $f_n$ is uniformly Cauchy, and therefore Cauchy for the given metric.

For 3), $f_n(x) \to x$ uniformly on $[0,1]$. But the uniform metric is stronger than the given metric, so it follows that $f_n(x) \to x$ in the given metrix. But $x$ is not a simple function.

Intuitively, $f_n$ is a staircase function, going up from 0 to 1 in steps of height and width $1/n$.

---
 
Last edited:
Ok the maths code has gone haywire for some reason. Basically, in trying to write $$f_{n}$$ as a linear combination of indicator functions, I came up with a choice which meant $$f_{n}$$$$$$ was not summable. By the way by summable I mean that the series of $|t_{k}|u(A_{k})$ converges, where u is the measure and the $t_{k}$ ,$A_{k}$ are the real numbers and measurable sets in the linear combination .

The other 2 questions I have completed.
 
I put $$t_{m}=\frac{m}{n}$$ and $A_{m}$=[m/n,(m+1)/n)
 
  • #10
Fermat said:
I put $$t_{m}=\frac{m}{n}$$ and $A_{m}$=[m/n,(m+1)/n)
(Yes)
 
  • #11
Opalg said:
(Yes)

But $$u(A_{m})=\frac{1}{n}$$ so $$t_{m}u(A_{m})=\frac{m}{n^2}$$, the series of which from m=1 to infinity does not converge. Is it that since the domain is [0,1], m only goes up to n, so it is in fact a finite sum?
 
  • #12
Fermat said:
But $$u(A_{m})=\frac{1}{n}$$ so $$t_{m}u(A_{m})=\frac{m}{n^2}$$, the series of which from m=1 to infinity does not converge. Is it that since the domain is [0,1], m only goes up to n, so it is in fact a finite sum?
That is what made me think that the domain must be the unit interval. The functions $f_n$ are certainly not summable over the whole real line. Also, question 2) refers to "the metric which is the integral from 0 to 1 of |f-g|", another indication that the domain should be the unit interval.
 

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