Questions on notations about supremum

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In summary, the meaning of the notations (1) and (2) is the supremum of the absolute value of a real sequence and a real valued function, respectively, where some information may be left out for simplicity.
  • #1
julypraise
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Homework Statement



In usual textbooks, what are the meanings of the notations

(1) [itex]\sup_{k\in\mathbb{N}}|x_{k}|[/itex]

(2) [itex]\sup_{x\in [ a , b ] }|f(x)-g(x)|[/itex]

where [itex](x_{k})[/itex] is a real sequence and [itex]f[/itex] and [itex]g[/itex] are real valued functions



Homework Equations



None.



The Attempt at a Solution



The meaning I guessed is that

(1) [itex]\sup_{k\in\mathbb{N}}|x_{k}|=\sup\{|x_{k}|:k\in \mathbb{N}\}[/itex]

(2) [itex]\sup_{x\in[a,b]}|f(x)-g(x)|=\sup\{|f(x)-g(x)|:x\in[a,b]\}[/itex].
 
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  • #2
Your guess is correct.

I should also mention that when a supremum is written in the shorter form, it is (I believe) common to leave out some information. For example, if T is a bounded linear operator on a Hilbert space ##\mathcal H##, I would write
$$\sup_{\|x\|=1}\|Tx\|,$$ instead of
$$\sup\big\{\|Tx\|:x\in\mathcal H,\ \|x\|=1\big\}$$ and
$$\sup_{x\in\mathcal H}\frac{\|Tx\|}{\|x\|}$$ instead of
$$\sup\bigg\{\frac{\|Tx\|}{\|x\|}\bigg|\ x \in\mathcal H,\ x\neq 0\bigg\}.$$
 

1. What is the definition of supremum?

The supremum of a set S is the smallest upper bound of S, meaning that it is the smallest number that is greater than or equal to every element in S.

2. How is the supremum symbolically represented?

The supremum is symbolically represented as sup(S) or ∨S.

3. What is the difference between supremum and maximum?

The supremum is the smallest upper bound of a set, while the maximum is the largest element in a set. Not all sets have a maximum, but they all have a supremum.

4. Can the supremum of a set be infinite?

Yes, the supremum of a set can be infinite. For example, the supremum of the set {1, 2, 3, ...} is infinity.

5. How is the supremum used in mathematical analysis?

The supremum is an important concept in mathematical analysis as it can be used to define the continuity and convergence of functions. It is also used in the definition of the Riemann integral and in the proofs of various theorems in analysis.

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