Show the Cube root of x is uniform continuous on R.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the function f(x) = x^(1/3) is uniformly continuous on the real numbers. Participants are exploring the definition of uniform continuity and considering different cases based on the values of x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss starting with the definition of uniform continuity and manipulating expressions involving the function. Some suggest separating cases for |x| ≤ 1 and |x| > 1. Others express uncertainty about how to show uniform continuity, particularly in relation to the behavior of the function as x approaches certain values.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to demonstrate uniform continuity. Some participants have proposed using the minimum value of certain expressions to aid in the proof. While one participant believes they have a proof, they seek confirmation on its correctness. No explicit consensus has been reached regarding the final proof.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints such as the inability to use the definition of the derivative at this stage and the challenges posed by the function's behavior near zero. There is also mention of the compactness of the interval [-1, 1] as a factor in the discussion.

billy2908
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Homework Statement


Let f(x)=[tex]x^{1/3}[/tex] show that it is uniform continuous on the Real metric space.


Homework Equations



By def. of uniform continuity [tex]\forall\epsilon[/tex]>0 [tex]\exists\delta>0[/tex] s.t for [tex]\forall x,y\in\Re[/tex] where |x-y|<[tex]\delta[/tex] implies |f(x)-f(y)|< [tex]\epsilon[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I started w/ |[tex]x^{1/3}[/tex] -[tex]y^{1/3}[/tex]|* (|[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] +[tex]xy^{1/3}[/tex]+[tex]y^{2/3}[/tex]|/|[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] +[tex]xy^{1/3}[/tex]+[tex]y^{2/3}[/tex]|)

=|x-y|/(|[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] +[tex]xy^{1/3}[/tex]+[tex]y^{2/3}[/tex]|)

But it doesn't seem to be uniform cont. if I set [tex]\delta[/tex]=[tex]\epsilon[/tex]*(|[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] +[tex]xy^{1/3}[/tex]+[tex]y^{2/3}[/tex]|)
 
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Hint: Consider two cases separately: |x| ≤ 1 and |x| > 1. Then combine the results.
 
that's exactly how I wanted to prove it. By showing it is uniformly cont. on (-inf, -1) U (1, inf) and given it is uniformly cont. on [-1,1] since it's compact.

But even when I choose x,y say from (1,inf) I still get left off with d=e*(x^2/3 +(xy)^1/3 +y^2/3)

Which doesn't help to show uniform continuity. So far I only am familiar w/ the Lipgarbagez proof for Uniform continuity. i.e.
if |f(x)-f(y)|<M for some real M. then f is unif. cont.

I'm aware there's another type of unif. cont. maybe dealing w/ f(x)=x^1/3 but I have no experience in proving for those.
 
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But x^(1/3) is Lipgarbagez on (1,inf) isn't it? It has a bounded derivative, right?
 
Sorry, can't use the def. of derivative yet at this point. Also even if I can, and the derivative is bounded on (1,inf) is unbounded as x-> 0 since it looks like a vertical line.
 
billy2908 said:
Sorry, can't use the def. of derivative yet at this point. Also even if I can, and the derivative is bounded on (1,inf) is unbounded as x-> 0 since it looks like a vertical line.

It's hardly 'vertical'. What the minimum value of (x^(2/3)+(xy)^(1/3)+y^(2/3)) for x and y in (1,inf)?
 
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minimum value should be x=1, y=1 in (1,inf)

so (x^(2/3)+(xy)^(1/3)+y^(2/3))= 3.

But I don't know what you are trying to lead me to...
 
billy2908 said:
minimum value should be x=1, y=1 in (1,inf)

so (x^(2/3)+(xy)^(1/3)+y^(2/3))= 3.

But I don't know what you are trying to lead me to...

I want you to use that to show me that |x^(1/3)-y^(1/3)|<|x-y|/3 for x and y in (1,inf).
 
I think I got the proof, but want to make sure it's correct.

let z=(x^(2/3)+(xy)^(1/3)+y^(2/3)) then z>3 since x and y are in (1,inf)
=> 1/z <1/3
It actually works on (-inf, -1) as wellso again |x^1/3 - y^1/3| = |x-y|/z < d/3

So we can pick d=3*e.

Also since we know x^1/3 is cont. on [-1,1] which is compact. Then for all e>0 exist a d'>0 that works.

So then I just pick d=min{3e, d'}. Since I already showed it is uniform cont. on |x|>1.

would that suffice as a proof?
 
  • #10
It looks ok to me.
 

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