Uniform convergence of a sequence of functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the uniform convergence of a sequence of functions defined by \( n[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)] \) for a function \( f \) that is twice differentiable on \( \mathbb{R} \) with a bounded second derivative. The original poster attempts to show that this sequence converges uniformly to \( f'(x) \) on \( \mathbb{R} \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of differentiation and its application in the context of the problem. There are concerns about the original poster's use of the definition, particularly regarding the limit as \( h \) approaches 0. Additionally, some participants question the necessity of the bounded second derivative in proving uniform convergence.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to clarify definitions and the importance of the bounded second derivative, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to ensure that \( f' \) is well-defined and that the existence of limits should be carefully considered before making claims about convergence.

AllRelative
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Homework Statement



This is a translation so sorry in advance if there are funky words in here[/B]
f: ℝ→ℝ a function 2 time differentiable on ℝ. The second derivative f'' is bounded on ℝ.
Show that the sequence on functions $$ n[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)] $$ converges uniformly on f'(x) on ℝ.

Homework Equations


In my attempt I used the definition of differentiation:
$$\lim_{x\to\infty} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} $$

and I used a criteria for uniform convergence of sequences of functions:

fn fonverges to f uniformely on A
if and on if
for all ε > 0, ∃ N ∈ ℕ, for which
$$\lim_{x\to\infty} sup|fn - f(x)| \leqslant \varepsilon$$
for all n≥ N, for all x ∈ A

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I arrived to an answer but I fear I got sidetracked somewhere because I did not use the bounded second derivative.

I rewrote
$$ n[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)] = \frac{[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)]}{1/n} $$

Now this looks awefully like the derivative of fn for all x which is:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)]}{1/n}$$

And now I applied the definition of the uniform convergence which is:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} sup| \frac{[f(x + 1/n) - f(x)]}{1/n} - f'(x)| \leqslant \varepsilon $$

And therefore, I proved the uniform convergence to f'(x) on ℝ.

(I am missing a few for all ε belonging to...and stuff, I just wanted to write it quickly)
Thank you
 
Last edited:
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1) Your definition of differentiation is wrong. It should have h -> 0.
2) You have not used the bound on f''. I think you need that to prove uniform convergence.
 
FactChecker said:
1) Your definition of differentiation is wrong. It should have h -> 0.
2) You have not used the bound on f''. I think you need that to prove uniform convergence.

Thanks for the reply.
You're right my definition is not good when I wrote down the definitions at the start. But in the problem I think it is.
I did not write it but here I implied that h = (1/n)
So n -> ∞ ⇒ h -> 0 because
 
We need to be somewhat careful about whether or not f' is well defined. We have to be certain that the limit exists before we claim that it is equal to anything. The existence of some limits is trivial, while others are a little more questionable. Suppose, for example,
$$f''=\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}$$
 

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