Why Is the Function Bounded in the Extreme Value Theorem Proof?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of the Extreme Value Theorem, specifically addressing the boundedness of continuous functions on closed intervals. It clarifies that the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem applies because the sequence defined in the interval [a,b] is indeed bounded. Additionally, it emphasizes that for a continuous function f defined on a compact set X, the image f(X) is both closed and bounded, confirming the boundedness of the set {y ∈ R : y = f(x) for some x ∈ [a,b]}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Extreme Value Theorem
  • Familiarity with the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem
  • Knowledge of continuous functions and compact sets
  • Basic concepts of real analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem in real analysis
  • Explore the properties of compact sets in topology
  • Learn about the relationship between continuity and boundedness in functions
  • Investigate alternative proofs of the Extreme Value Theorem
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Mathematicians, students of real analysis, and educators seeking a deeper understanding of the Extreme Value Theorem and its proofs.

Amer
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I was reading Wiki, I met a problem in understanding the the proof of boundedness theorem exactly when they said

"Because [a,b] is bounded, the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem implies that there exists a convergent subsequence"

but Bolzano theorem state that if the sequence is bounded, which is not necessary in our case.
What I miss here

And in the alternative proof they said
"The set {yR : y = f(x) for some x ∈ [a,b]} is a bounded set."
f is continuous at [a,b] but how should it be bounded it is clear but how to prove that ?

Thanks
 
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Re: Extreme vlaue theore Proof

but Bolzano theorem state that if the sequence is bounded, which is not necessary in our case.
Of course it is! If the sequence is defined in $[a,b]$, this means that for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$ we have $x_n \in [a,b]$, which in turn means that $a \leq x_n \leq b$.

As for the other, it is using the fact that if a function $f: X \to \mathbb{R}$ is continuous, then if $X$ is compact you have that $f(X)$ is compact. This of course means that $f(X) = \{ y \in \mathbb{R} : y = f(x) \text{ for some }x \in [a,b] \}$ is closed and bounded.
 

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