Absolutely continuous functions and sets of measure 0.

In summary, the problem is asking us to prove that if a function f: [a,b] -> R is absolutely continuous and a set E ⊂ [a,b] with measure zero, then the image of E under f, f(E), also has measure zero. The key to solving this problem is to use the definition of absolute continuity and the fact that E has measure zero to cover E with intervals in a way that allows us to exploit absolute continuity.
  • #1
glacier302
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Homework Statement



Prove that if f: [a,b] -> R is absolutely continuous, and E ∁ [a,b] has measure zero, then f(E) has measure zero.

Homework Equations



A function f: [a,b] -> R is absolutely continuous if for every ε > 0 there is an δ > 0 such that for every finite sequence {(xj,xj')} of nonoverlapping intervals in [a,b] with ∑|xj'-xj| < δ, ∑|f(xj')-f(xj)| < ε .



The Attempt at a Solution



I think that there is an alternative definition of absolute continuity using countable intervals instead of finite intervals, and if I knew that the set E was countable I think I could go from there...but I don't know that E is countable; I only know that it has measure zero. So I'm not really sure where to start.

Any help would be much appreciated : )
 
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  • #2
Well, if you can show that the measure of f(E) is less than any epsilon, you'll be done right? Fix an [itex] \epsilon > 0 [/itex]. Furthermore, you know that E has zero measure, so can you cover it with intervals in a way that allows you to exploit absolute continuity?
 

FAQ: Absolutely continuous functions and sets of measure 0.

What is an absolutely continuous function?

An absolutely continuous function is a type of function in mathematics that is defined on a given interval and has a continuous derivative. This means that the function is smooth and has no abrupt changes or breaks in its graph. It is a stronger condition than continuity, as it also ensures that the function has a well-defined integral.

How is an absolutely continuous function different from a continuous function?

While both types of functions have no abrupt changes or breaks in their graphs, a continuous function may still have a derivative that is not defined at certain points. An absolutely continuous function, on the other hand, must have a continuous derivative on its entire domain.

What is a set of measure 0?

A set of measure 0 is a subset of a larger set that has a measure of 0. In other words, it is a set that contains no elements or has a very small number of elements compared to the size of the larger set. This concept is often used in measure theory to describe the size or "volume" of sets in a mathematical space.

How do absolutely continuous functions relate to sets of measure 0?

Absolutely continuous functions have the property that they map sets of measure 0 to sets of measure 0. This means that the "size" of the set is preserved under the function, and it is not "stretched" or "compressed". It also means that the function's integral over a set of measure 0 is equal to 0.

What is the significance of absolutely continuous functions and sets of measure 0?

These concepts are important in measure theory and analysis as they allow for the definition and study of more complex functions and sets. Absolutely continuous functions have many useful properties that make them easier to work with and provide a deeper understanding of the behavior of functions. Sets of measure 0 also have significant applications in probability theory and the study of fractals.

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