How to show a series of functions is not uniformly convergent

In summary, the problem with uniform convergence is that there is no guaranteed way to find a x that will ensure the M-test inequality is violated.
  • #1
gregmoon
2
0
Ok, I chose to ask about ways to determine if a series of functions is NOT uniformly convergent because I think that would best answer the overall difficulties I have with uniform convergence. I have a good idea of what uniform convergence is, I can give the definition, and if the problem is uniformly convergent there is a good chance I can show it. But if the problem is not then I don't think that "None of my tests work" is a rigorous mathematical argument to deny uniform convergence and none of the tests I have give explicit conditions for non-uniformity.

Homework Statement


Here is just one example. Show whether [tex]\sum \sin( \frac{x}{n^2})[/tex] converges uniformly for the interval "All x".

Homework Equations


The first time around I showed that this series was convergent by comparing it to [tex]\sum\frac{x}{n^2}[/tex] and was thus able to show that it was absolutely convergent for all x.
[tex]\sum \left|\sin( \frac{x}{n^2})\right|\leq\sum\frac{x}{n^2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Now that I want to prove uniform convergence I'm wanting to do the same thing except I need to make the comparing series not dependent on x, make it a series of constants (which is essentialy the Weierstrass test, correct?). Unfortunately the way I see it, no matter what x I choose to make [tex]\sum\frac{x}{n^2}[/tex] a constant, there will always be a greater x that will ruin the M-Test inequality. It is the connection from here to non-uniform convergence which I can't seem to make.

I appreciate any helpful comments. I also have a few other confusions which seem to result from the interval to be checked. Particularly when it is an open interval where the series of functions is undefined at either endpoint.
 
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  • #2
Oh I want to ask the same thing. How can I prove something is *not* uniformly convergent?

Too bad there's no answer here. :confused:
 
  • #4
Limn→∞sin(x/n2) = 0 for any fixed x.

Given any n can you find x s.t. |sin(x/n2) - 0| > 1/2? I'm letting epsilon = 1/2.
 

FAQ: How to show a series of functions is not uniformly convergent

What is uniform convergence?

Uniform convergence is a property of a sequence or series of functions where the convergence of the functions is independent of the point in the domain at which the limit is taken. In other words, the functions converge to the same limit at every point in the domain.

How can I show that a series of functions is not uniformly convergent?

One way to show that a series of functions is not uniformly convergent is to find a point in the domain where the limit of the functions does not converge to the same value. This can be done by evaluating the limit of the series at different points in the domain and showing that the values are not consistent.

Are there any tests for uniform convergence?

Yes, there are several tests that can be used to determine if a series of functions is uniformly convergent. Some common tests include the Weierstrass M-test, the Cauchy criterion, and the Dirichlet test. These tests can be used to evaluate the behavior of the functions in the series and determine if they converge uniformly.

Can a series of functions be uniformly convergent on some intervals but not others?

Yes, it is possible for a series of functions to be uniformly convergent on some intervals and not others. This is because uniform convergence is a pointwise property, meaning that it depends on the behavior of the functions at each point in the domain. So, while the series may converge uniformly on one interval, it may not do so on another.

Why is uniform convergence important in mathematics?

Uniform convergence is important in mathematics because it allows us to make stronger statements about the behavior of a series of functions. It ensures that the limit of the functions is consistent across the entire domain, which can be useful in applications such as numerical analysis and approximation. Additionally, many important theorems in analysis rely on the concept of uniform convergence.

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