Is Every Continuous Function on [-1,1] Riemann-Integrable?

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In summary: So if $\theta$ is a discontinuity point on $[-1,1]$, then there exists a neighborhood $U$ of $\theta$ such that $\int_{U}f(x)\,d\theta(x)=-1$.
  • #1
mm1239
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Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x)

Is this True/False- and demonstrate with a short proof or counterexample:

Let f(x) be the step function f(x) = 0 if x<0, f(x) = 1 if x>= (greater than or equal to) 0. Every continuous function on [-1,1] is in Riemann(x).

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
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  • #2
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

mm1239 said:
Let f(x) be the step function f(x) = 0 if x<0, f(x) = 1 if x>= (greater than or equal to) 0. Every continuous function on [-1,1] is in Riemann(x).
What is Riemann(x)? And what do you think yourself about the question?
 
  • #3
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

Sorry I think the question should actually end with "is in Riemann wrt f"

I think the answer is true since the function is clearly bounded and we can show f to be integrable. Is that correct?

Evgeny.Makarov said:
What is Riemann(x)? And what do you think yourself about the question?
 
  • #4
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

mm1239 said:
Sorry I think the question should actually end with "is in Riemann wrt f"
Sorry, but it is still not clear to me what it means for a function to be in Riemann wrt another function.
 
  • #5
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

Yes, I'm not sure either. The exact question is:

"Is the following question true or false? Motivate your answer with a short proof or counterexample:

Let theta(x) be the step function theta(x) = 0 if x<0 and theta(x) = 1 if x>= 0. Every continuous function on [-1,1] is in R(theta)."

There's also a follow-up question that asks whether "every left continuous function on [-1,1] is in R(theta)."

Evgeny.Makarov said:
Sorry, but it is still not clear to me what it means for a function to be in Riemann wrt another function.
 
  • #6
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

You have to find out the definition of R(θ) in your textbook or lecture notes. The only guess I have is that it may denote the set of functions \(f\) whose Riemann–Stieltjes integral \(\int f(x)\,d\theta(x)\) exists. Maybe someone has a better guess.
 
  • #7
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

Just looked it up- that's it! Still not sure how to prove this or the follow-up question though- any idea?

Evgeny.Makarov said:
You have to find out the definition of R(θ) in your textbook or lecture notes. The only guess I have is that it may denote the set of functions \(f\) whose Riemann–Stieltjes integral \(\int f(x)\,d\theta(x)\) exists. Maybe someone has a better guess.
 
  • #8
Re: Let f(x) be the step f'n f(x)=0 if x<0, f(x)=1 if x>=0. Every cts. f'n on [-1,1] is in Riemann{x

mm1239 said:
Just looked it up- that's it! Still not sure how to prove this or the follow-up question though- any idea?
This is a completely standard theorem is R-S integrals.
If $f$ is continuous on $[a,b]$ and $g$ is monotone non-decreasing there then $f$ is $g\text{-integerable}$ on $[a,b]$.

In this case it almost trivial. Any division of $[-1,1]$ has a refinement that includes 0 as an endpoint.
On any sub interval $[x_j,x_k]$ in the refinement if $x_k\ne 0$ then $\theta(x_k)-\theta(x_j)=0$.

Also, you know that $f$ is uniformity continuous on $[-1,1]$.
 

FAQ: Is Every Continuous Function on [-1,1] Riemann-Integrable?

What is the definition of a step function?

A step function is a mathematical function that takes on a constant value over a certain interval and then changes to a different constant value at a specific point. It is also known as a staircase function or a Heaviside function.

What is the domain and range of a step function?

The domain of a step function is the set of all real numbers, while the range is a finite set of values determined by the different constant values the function takes on.

How is a step function different from other types of functions?

A step function is different from other types of functions because it is not continuous. It only takes on specific values at specific points, rather than having a smooth, continuous graph.

How is a step function used in mathematics and science?

Step functions are commonly used in economics, physics, and engineering to model systems that have sudden changes or discontinuous behavior. They are also useful in statistics for creating histograms and in computer science for generating random numbers.

Can a step function be integrated?

Yes, a step function can be integrated, but it may require different methods than traditional integration techniques. The integral of a step function results in a continuous function, rather than a step function.

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