Is a Uniformly Convergent Sequence of Bounded Functions Also Bounded?

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In summary, a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions is one in which for every positive real number ε, there exists a natural number N such that for all x in the domain of the functions and for all natural numbers n greater than or equal to N, the difference between the value of the function at x and the limit of the sequence at x is less than ε. This relationship between convergence and boundedness means that the limit function in such a sequence is also bounded. However, a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions can still have unbounded terms. Additionally, the converse statement is not true as a sequence of bounded functions can be bounded without being uniformly convergent. Some real-world applications of uniformly convergent sequences of bounded functions include numerical
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Consider a sequence $f_n : M\to M'$ between two metric spaces $M$ and $M'$, where $n = 1,2,3,\ldots$. Prove that if each $f_n$ is bounded and $f_n$ converges uniformly to $f$, then $f$ is bounded.
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This week's problem was solved correctly by Janssens. You can read his solution below.
By one common definition, a subset $A$ of a metric space $(X, \rho)$ is bounded if there exist $x \in X$ and $r > 0$ such that $A \subseteq B(x,r)$, where the latter set denotes the open $\rho$-ball at $x$ with radius $r$. By the triangle inequality it is immediate that $A \subseteq X$ is bounded iff for each $x \in X$ there exists $r > 0$ such that $A \subseteq B(x,r)$.

Now, let $d'$ be the metric on $M'$ and fix a point $y \in M'$. Since each $f_n$ is bounded, for every $n \in \mathbb{N}$ there exists $r_n > 0$ such that $f_n(M) \subseteq B(y, r_n)$. So, by the triangle inequality,
\begin{align*}
d'(f(x), y) &\le d'(f(x), f_n(x)) + d'(f_n(x), y)\\
&< d'(f(x), f_n(x)) + r_n,
\end{align*}
for all $x \in M$ and all $n \in \mathbb{N}$. By the given uniform convergence, there exists $m \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $d'(f(x), f_m(x)) < 1$ for all $x \in M$. This implies that $d'(f(x),y) < 1 + r_m$, so $f(M) \subseteq B(y, 1 + r_m)$, showing that $f$ is bounded.
 

FAQ: Is a Uniformly Convergent Sequence of Bounded Functions Also Bounded?

What is the definition of a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions?

A sequence of bounded functions is said to be uniformly convergent if for every positive real number ε, there exists a natural number N such that for all x in the domain of the functions and for all natural numbers n greater than or equal to N, the difference between the value of the function at x and the limit of the sequence at x is less than ε.

How does uniform convergence relate to boundedness of functions?

In a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions, the limit function is also bounded. This means that the range of values of the limit function is finite and therefore the function is bounded.

Can a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions have unbounded terms?

Yes, a uniformly convergent sequence of bounded functions can have unbounded terms. This is because the convergence of the sequence is determined by the behavior of the functions as a whole, not by the behavior of individual terms.

Is the converse statement true: if a sequence of bounded functions is bounded, is it also uniformly convergent?

No, the converse statement is not true. A sequence of bounded functions can be bounded without being uniformly convergent. This is because boundedness only tells us about the range of values of the functions, while uniform convergence also takes into account the behavior of the functions at different points in the domain.

What are some real-world applications of uniformly convergent sequences of bounded functions?

Uniformly convergent sequences of bounded functions are commonly used in numerical analysis, where they are used to approximate the values of functions and solve differential equations. They are also used in physics and engineering to model physical phenomena and systems. Additionally, they are used in finance to model stock prices and other financial data.

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