Show that g is a continious function

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The function g defined as g(x) = max{f1(x),...,fN(x)} is continuous on the interval [a,b] if each function f1, f2, ..., fN is continuous on the same interval. The proof establishes continuity at a point t by showing that in neighborhoods around t, g(x) equals one of the continuous functions f1 or fN, thus inheriting their continuity. The discussion also suggests using an inductive approach to prove the continuity of g for N functions, leveraging the property that the maximum of continuous functions is continuous.

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Let f1,...,fN be continuous functions on interval [a,b]. Let g:[a,b] -> R be the function give by
g(x) = max{ f1(x),..., fN(x)}.


show that g is a continuous function.


I have let t ε [a,b]
NTS g(x) is continuous at t
if a≤t< b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in [a,t), such that g(x) = f1(x) for any x ε Vt.
Note that f1(x) is continuous on [a,b]. we obtain f1 is continuous on t. → g(x) is is continuous at t.
likewise, if a<t≤b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in (t,b], such that g(x) = fN(x) for any x ε Vt.
Note that fN is continuous on [a,b]. fN is continuous on t. g(x) is continuous at t.

by g(x) = f1(x) True, then g(x) = fi+1(x) is also true for all i ε N.

IS this getting close or in the right ballpark? because i also have another more general one.
 
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ares25 said:
Let f1,...,fN be continuous functions on interval [a,b]. Let g:[a,b] -> R be the function give by
g(x) = max{ f1(x),..., fN(x)}.


show that g is a continuous function.


I have let t ε [a,b]
NTS g(x) is continuous at t
if a≤t< b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in [a,t), such that g(x) = f1(x) for any x ε Vt.
How do you figure that? What is special about ##f_1## that would ensure that it is the smallest of the ##f_n##'s on this interval, or on any interval?

Here is a hint which may help. Note that for ##N > 1##, we have ##\max\{f_1(x), f_2(x), \ldots, f_N(x)\} = \max\{\max\{f_1(x), f_2(x), \ldots f_{N-1}(x)\}, f_N(x)\}##. So this suggests that an inductive proof could work.

Another hint: ##\max\{a, b\} = (a + b + |a-b|) / 2##.
 
On my other proof https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=753405 I made it more general for the whole, but i believe its too general. I used that idea of max for whole but want to switch it to inductive. where the max of f,g is also continuous, then the max of any two are also continuous, and therefore we can show it for any fn+1. if you could take a look at that proof, it be great help. I'm still breaking it down but thanks for the advice.
 

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