Uniform Continuity- extentions of functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of uniform continuity, specifically examining whether certain functions are uniformly continuous on given intervals. The original poster presents proofs regarding the function f(x) = 1/x on the interval (0, 2) and seeks feedback on their validity. Additionally, they explore an epsilon-delta proof for the function f(x) = x^2 on the interval [0, 3].

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove that f(x) = 1/x is not uniformly continuous on (0, 2) using two different arguments, one involving limits and the other using properties of Cauchy sequences. They also seek to validate their epsilon-delta proof for x^2.
  • Some participants question the clarity and correctness of the original poster's proofs, suggesting rewording and clarifying concepts related to uniform continuity versus uniform convergence.
  • Others suggest that the original poster should apply epsilon-delta reasoning to the first problem to demonstrate non-uniform continuity.
  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to construct an epsilon-delta proof to disprove uniform continuity for the first function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback and suggestions for improvement. Some guidance has been offered regarding the rephrasing of proofs and the application of epsilon-delta arguments. There is no explicit consensus on the validity of the original proofs, and multiple interpretations of the concepts are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the original poster's confusion regarding terminology and the need for clarity in their proofs. There is also mention of the constraints of the epsilon-delta framework in disproving uniform continuity.

SNOOTCHIEBOOCHEE
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Hi guys. Final tomorrow and i had some last minute questions for proving/disproving a function is uniformly cont.

Basically i want to know if the following proofs are acceptable

Consider f(x)=1/x for x element (0, 2) = I

Proof 1:

f(x) does not converge uniformly on I. In order for a function to be uniformly continuous on an open interval, say (a,b) it must be able to be extended to a continuous function on [a,b].

Since lim f(x) = Infinity , the extension function cannot be continuous, therefore f(x) is
x-->0
not uniformly continuous on I.//

Proof 2:

Thm: if f is uniformly continuous on S, and sn is a Cauchy sequence in S, then f(sn) is also a Cauchy sequence.

consider the sequence sn= 1/n which is clearly Cauchy on I

if f is uniformly continuous on I, then f(sn) will also be Cauchy. But f(sn) = n which is not a Cauchy sequence. thus, f is not uniformly continuous on I.//


Are those 2 proofs acceptable? Any feed back would greatly be appreciated


Also i want to know if my epsilon delta proof is correct.

Prove that X^2 is uniformly continuous on [0,3]
(i know i can use that one theorem, that states if its continuous on a closed interval, its uniformly continuous but i want to practice epsilon delta)

Scratch work

for each epsilon> 0 there exists delta>0 such that

|x-y|< delta ==> |x^2 - y^2| < epsilon

|x^2 - y^2| = |(x-y)(x+y)|< |(x-y)*9|<epsilon

thus choose delta = epsilon/9

Forward Proof

for each epsilon>0 there exists a delta>0 s.t.

|x-y|<delta= epsilon/9 implies |f(x)-f(y)|= |(x-y)(x+y)|< |(x-y)*9| < |(epsilon/9)*9| = epsilon //


Is this done correctly? Am i forgetting to do something. Any help is appreciated. Sorry for such a long post... Please reply over!
 
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Everything looks good. Although I would reword your "Forward Proof" to "for each epsilon>0 choose [or let/take/set/etc] delta=epsilon/9 ..." but this is just a matter of taste.
 
Last edited:
Don't confuse uniform continuity with uniform convergence. They are two different things. Your proofs of the first two are needlessly indirect. If you need practice with epsilon-delta proofs I would suggest you apply it to the first problem, it's much closer to the spirit of the concept. Show given an epsilon that there is no delta that will work. The second one is fine, but I'm a little confused why you chose 9, when if x and y are in [0,3] then (x+y)<=6. Not that 9 doesn't work :).
 
I suspect the OP meant to say "f is not uniformly continuous on I" instead of "f(x) does not converge uniformly on I" - a Freudian slip perhaps!
 
morphism said:
I suspect the OP meant to say "f is not uniformly continuous on I" instead of "f(x) does not converge uniformly on I" - a Freudian slip perhaps!

I thought so too. But it doesn't hurt to warn of coming of coming concepts with similar names. That's how freudian slips happen.
 
ya sorry guys i meant uniformly continuous... oops

and you it should be epsilon over six, i forgot how to add...

@ dick...

Epsilon delta proof for the first problem...

i actually don't know how to disprove something with an epsilon delta proof... could you help me out

here is what i have so far...

for some epsilon >0 there exits delta >0 such that
|x-y|<delta implies |f(x)-f(y)|< epsilon

|1/x - 1/y| = |(y-x)/xy|

I know i have to find some epsilon that violates this, or that
|x-y|< delta implies |f(x)-f(y)|> epsilon

or maybe the other way around... but any way ya, i don't know where to go from there.
 
f is unbounded. This means for NO epsilon is there a delta such that |x-y|<delta -> |f(x)-f(y)|<epsilon.
 

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