Understanding the Proof of a Bounded Function in a Closed Interval

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Petrus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proof
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof that a function \( f \) is bounded if it is continuous on a closed interval \([a,b]\). Key points include the importance of the closed interval being compact and the application of the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem. Participants emphasize that a closed interval must be bounded to be compact, and they discuss the implications of continuity on limit points within the interval. The conversation concludes with a participant expressing understanding after considerable effort.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of continuous functions on closed intervals
  • Familiarity with the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem
  • Knowledge of compactness in mathematical analysis
  • Concept of limit points in sequences
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem in detail
  • Learn about compactness and its implications in real analysis
  • Explore the concept of uniform continuity on closed intervals
  • Review proofs related to bounded functions and continuity
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone studying real analysis, particularly those focusing on properties of continuous functions and compact sets.

Petrus
Messages
702
Reaction score
0
Hello MHB,
I have hard understanding a proof..
"show that if a function f is cotinuetet in $$[a,b]$$ Then f is limited."

pretty much I Dont get the poin, I got the proof in swedish but Dont understand what is happening.. Any advice or Link that explain this proof well?Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: Help understand a proof

Petrus said:
"show that if a function f is cotinuetet in $$[a,b]$$ Then f is limited."

The correct statement is, if a function $$f$$ is continuous on a closed interval then it is bounded there.

The proof really depends upon what you know.
Do you know that a closed interval is compact?

Do you know that if a function $$f$$ is continuous on a closed interval then it is uniformly continuous there?

Tell us what you have to work with.
 
Re: Help understand a proof

Plato said:
Do you know that a closed interval is compact?

I think you mean closed bounded interval because $$[a,\infty)$$ is closed but not bounded hence not compact.

EDIT : I know a proof using the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem if you took it.
 
Re: Help understand a proof

ZaidAlyafey said:
I think you mean closed bounded interval because $$[a,\infty)$$ is closed but not bounded hence not compact.
That depends upon how one uses the term interval. As I use it $$[a,\infty)$$ is not an interval.
I understand an interval as a bounded connect set.
 
Re: Help understand a proof

Thanks evryone for taking your time! Did take me a lot of time but I got it now!:)
Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: Help understand a proof

Petrus said:
Thanks evryone for taking your time! Did take me a lot of time but I got it now!:)
Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

Can you sketch a proof ?
 
Re: Help understand a proof

ZaidAlyafey said:
Can you sketch a proof ?
Ehmm.. My proof is wrong.. I am back to square 0.. I Will post later the proof That i want to try understand (it's on swedish I Will need to translate)
Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: Help understand a proof

Petrus said:
Ehmm.. My proof is wrong.. I am back to square 0..

Look into your notes/text to see if you have done these theorems. If not try them.

1) Every sequence contains a monotone subsequence.
2) Every bounded monotone sequence has a limit point.

Now the interval $$[a,b]$$ is closed. The limit of any convergent sequence from the set is in the set.

Suppose that the function $$f$$ is not bounded above on $$[a,b]$$.

That means the exists a sequence of points from $$[a,b]$$ such that $$\forall N~[f(x_N)>N]$$.

Because of continuity if $$(y_n)\to L$$ then $$f(y_n)\to f(L)$$.

There is a lot left out of that. But does that help you?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K