Showing composition of functions are uniformly continuous

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the sum of two uniformly continuous functions, f and g, defined on an interval I, is also uniformly continuous. The proof utilizes the definitions of uniform continuity and the triangle inequality to establish that for any ε > 0, there exists a δ such that |f(y) + g(y) - (f(x) + g(x))| < ε when |y - x| < δ. The participants also suggest minor improvements to the proof, such as using ε/2 for the inequalities and omitting unnecessary multiplications in the δ selection. The conclusion confirms that the sum of uniformly continuous functions is uniformly continuous.

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  • Understanding of uniform continuity and its definition
  • Familiarity with the triangle inequality in real analysis
  • Basic knowledge of limits and ε-δ definitions in calculus
  • Experience with function properties in mathematical analysis
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  • Learn about the triangle inequality and its applications in proofs
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Showing the sum of functions are uniformly continuous

Homework Statement


Suppose f and g are uniformly continuous on an interval I. Prove f + g are uniformly continuous on I.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Let ε >0

By definition, since f and g are uniformly continuous on I, there exists a [itex]\delta[/itex]_1 such that |f(y)-f(x)| < ε for all x,y in I that satisfy |x-y| < [itex]\delta[/itex]_1

Similarly, for g, there exists a [itex]\delta[/itex]_2 such that |g(y)-g(x)| < ε for all |y-x| < [itex]\delta[/itex]_2

Then, for all x,y in I, |f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| ≤ |f(y)-f(x)|+|g(y)-g(x)| by the triangle inequality. This implies |f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| < 2ε

Choose [itex]\delta[/itex]=min{[itex]\delta[/itex]_1,[itex]\delta[/itex]_2} * 1/2

Then |f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| < 2ε for all x,y in I that satisfy |y-x| < [itex]\delta[/itex]

∴f+g is uniformly continuous on I.

Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
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Yes, but a couple of minor changes would make it slightly nicer. For your first two inequalites use ##\frac \epsilon 2## so it will only add to ##\epsilon## at the end. And choosing ##\delta##, there is no need to multiply by 1/2. Finally, where you have:

|f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| ≤ |f(y)-f(x)|+|g(y)-g(x)| by the triangle inequality. This implies |f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| < 2ε

you could instead just write

|f(y)+g(y)-(f(x)+g(x))| ≤ |f(y)-f(x)|+|g(y)-g(x)| < ε/2+ε/2 =ε.

Nice work. And, by the way, you have shown the sum of two u.c. functions is u.c. If you really meant the composition, you did the wrong problem :rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
Oops! I did mean the sum. I am not sure why I wrote that... Thank you for the suggestions. I will rewrite it to make it look nicer!
 

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