Showing a function converges uniformly

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the uniform convergence of a series defined by the function fn(x) = n/(1+n²x²) - (n-1)/(1+(n-1)²x²) over the interval (0, L). Participants are examining the conditions under which the series converges uniformly and referencing a textbook example that suggests it does not.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the definition of uniform convergence and how it applies to their specific function and interval. They question the interpretation of the maximum and supremum in the context of the convergence criteria. There is also a focus on the specific interval used for analysis and the implications of that choice.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying definitions and addressing potential misunderstandings regarding the interval and the nature of convergence. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the maximum and supremum, but no consensus has been reached on the overall conclusion about uniform convergence.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the interval notation and the specific statements made in the textbook example. Participants are also addressing potential typos in the equations referenced, which may affect their understanding of the problem.

trap101
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let fn(x) = n/(1+n2x2) - (n-1)/(1+(n-1)2x2) in the interval 0<x< L

I am trying to show that this series converges uniformly.

I have solved that the sum of the series from n=1 to n = N is:

N/(1+N2x)

now by definition a series converges uniformly if:

max (a≤x≤b) |f(x) - Sn(x)| ---> 0 as N-->∞

my issue is that in the solution example they provided in the textbook they said the series does not uniformly converge because:

max(0,L) 1/(1+N2x2) = N

how did they get 1/(1+N2x2) from the definition of uniform convergence? What is it that I am not interpreting right to get a solution?
 
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trap101 said:
let fn(x) = n/(1+n2x2) - (n-1)/(1+(n-1)2x2) in the interval 0<x< L

I am trying to show that this series converges uniformly.

On what interval? Are you sure you stated the interval correctly? Was it [a,L) for any a between 0 and L and you restated it (0,L)?

I have solved that the sum of the series from n=1 to n = N is:

N/(1+N2x)

now by definition a series converges uniformly if:

max (a≤x≤b) |f(x) - Sn(x)| ---> 0 as N-->∞

my issue is that in the solution example they provided in the textbook they said the series does not uniformly converge because:

max(0,L) 1/(1+N2x2) = N

That isn't true on (0,L). It's true on [0,L]. On (0,L) is is a sup, not a max.

how did they get 1/(1+N2x2) from the definition of uniform convergence? What is it that I am not interpreting right to get a solution?

I don't know where those last two lines came from. And I would like to see the exact statement of the problem. I don't believe it is true as you have stated it.
 
LCKurtz said:
On what interval? Are you sure you stated the interval correctly? Was it [a,L) for any a between 0 and L and you restated it (0,L)?



That isn't true on (0,L). It's true on [0,L]. On (0,L) is is a sup, not a max.



I don't know where those last two lines came from. And I would like to see the exact statement of the problem. I don't believe it is true as you have stated it.




You were right in terms of the interval supposed to be closed on [0,L] as well as the exact definition of uniform convergence I just didn't communicate it correctly. If I polished up on my latex it would be easier for me to restate. I attached a jpeg of the question and statement that is confusing me so you can see the exact question.
 

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That last equation$$
\max_{(0,L)}\frac 1 {1+N^2x^2}=N$$obviously has typos and should read$$
\max_{[0,L]}\frac N {1+N^2x^2}=N$$
 
LCKurtz said:
That last equation$$
\max_{(0,L)}\frac 1 {1+N^2x^2}=N$$obviously has typos and should read$$
\max_{[0,L]}\frac N {1+N^2x^2}=N$$



I'm still having issues with how they got N, because are we not evaluating the difference between f(x) and the sum of the series? I don't see how that difference translates into just N.
 
OK, maybe they meant to write$$
\sup_{(0,L)}\frac N {1+N^2x^2}=N$$The point is that although you have pointwise convergence to ##0## it is not uniform because the larger N is the bigger the sum is near zero. You can't uniformly bound the sum near 0 no matter how large N is.
 
LCKurtz said:
OK, maybe they meant to write$$
\sup_{(0,L)}\frac N {1+N^2x^2}=N$$The point is that although you have pointwise convergence to ##0## it is not uniform because the larger N is the bigger the sum is near zero. You can't uniformly bound the sum near 0 no matter how large N is.


Ahhhh, now I see. Thanks.
 

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