Is $f_n(x_n) \to f(x)$ Given $f_n \to f$ Uniformly and $x_n \to x$?

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In summary, the given conversation discusses the uniform convergence of a sequence of continuous functions and the convergence of a sequence of real numbers. It is shown that if $f_n$ converges uniformly to $f$ and $x_n$ converges to $x$, then $f_n(x_n)$ also converges to $f(x)$. This is proven by using the definition of uniform convergence, the continuity of $f$, and the triangle inequality.
  • #1
evinda
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Hey! :)
Let $f_n: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ continuous,such that $f_n \to f$ uniformly.Also,let $x_n$ a sequence of real numbers,such that $x_n \to x$.Show that $f_n(x_n) \to f(x).$

Since $f_n$ continuous and $f_n \to f$ uniformly,we know that $f$ is continuous and that:
$ \text{ sup } \{ f_n(x)-f(x): x \in \mathbb{R} \} \to 0 $
As $x_n \to x: \forall \epsilon>0 \exists n_0 \text{ such that } \forall n \geq n_0: |x_n-x|< \epsilon$.

Can I conclude from the last relation that $f(x_n) \to f(x)$ ? If yes,how? Do I take $x_0=x_n$ at the relation $|x-x_0|< \delta \Rightarrow |f(x)-f(x_0)|< \epsilon$ ? (Thinking)
 
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  • #2
Given $\varepsilon>0$, the uniform convergence of the sequence $(f_n)$ tells you that there exists $M$ such that $n>M\;\Rightarrow\;|f_n(t) - f(t)| < \varepsilon$ for all $t$ in $\mathbb{R}$. The continuity of $f$ tells you that there exists $N$ such that $n>N\;\Rightarrow\;|f(x_n) - f(x)| < \varepsilon$. You want both those things to be true. So let $n_0 = \max\{M,N\}.$ Then use the triangle inequality to conclude that $$n>n_0\;\Rightarrow\;|f_n(x_n) - f(x)| \leqslant |f_n(x_n) - f(x_n)| + |f(x_n) - f(x)| < \varepsilon + \varepsilon.$$
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
The continuity of $f$ tells you that there exists $N$ such that $n>N\;\Rightarrow\;|f(x_n) - f(x)| < \varepsilon$.

How did you get to the relation $|f(x_n) - f(x)| < \varepsilon$ by the continuity of $f$? :confused:
 

Related to Is $f_n(x_n) \to f(x)$ Given $f_n \to f$ Uniformly and $x_n \to x$?

1. What does the notation "|x_n-x|< e" mean in this statement?

The notation "|x_n-x|< e" in this statement represents the absolute value of the difference between two values, x_n and x, being less than a given value, e. This is often used to show that x_n is approaching x as its limit.

2. Why is it important for x_n to approach x as its limit in this statement?

In this statement, x_n approaching x as its limit ensures that the function f is continuous at x. This means that as x_n gets closer and closer to x, the values of f(x_n) will also get closer to f(x), indicating that f is well-defined and behaves predictably at x and its surrounding points.

3. How does the statement "|x_n-x|< e => f(xn)->f(x)" relate to the concept of convergence?

The statement "|x_n-x|< e => f(xn)->f(x)" is a representation of the definition of convergence. It shows that as x_n approaches x, the values of f(x_n) converge to f(x). In other words, as the input values get closer and closer to a certain point, the output values also get closer and closer to a specific value.

4. Can this statement be applied to all types of functions?

Yes, this statement can be applied to all types of functions as long as they are continuous at x. This means that the function must have a well-defined and continuous value at x, and small changes in the input values should result in small changes in the output values.

5. How can this statement be used in real-life applications?

This statement is commonly used in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and economics, to model and predict the behavior of systems. For example, it can be used to analyze the rate of change of a chemical reaction, predict the future value of a stock, or estimate the trajectory of a moving object.

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