Pointwise convergence implies uniform convergence

In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of the theorem that if a sequence of equicontinuous functions converges pointwise to a function on a compact interval, then it also converges uniformly. The definition of equicontinuity and the use of Ascoli's theorem are also mentioned.
  • #1
Siron
150
0
Hi,

I have to prove the following theorem:

Let $f_n:[0,1] \to \mathbb{R}, \forall n \geq 1$ and suppose that $\{f_n|n \in \mathbb{N}\}$ is equicontinuous. If $f_n \to f$ pointwise then $f_n \to f$ uniformly.

Before I start the proof I'll put the definitions here:
$f_n \to f$ pointwise if and only if $\forall \epsilon>0, \forall x \in X, \exists N \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $\forall n \geq N: |f_n(x)-f(x)|<\epsilon$
$f_n \to f$ uniformly if and only if $\forall \epsilon>0, \exists N \in \mathbb{N}, \forall x \in X: |f_n(x)-f(x)|<\epsilon$
$\{f_n|n \in \mathbb{N}\}$ equicontinuous if and only if $\forall \epsilon>0, \exists \delta>0, \forall n \in \mathbb{N}: |x-y|<\delta \Rightarrow |f_n(x)-f_n(y)|<\epsilon$
Attempt:
Let $\epsilon>0$ and define the sets $U_k=\{x \in [0,1]||f_n(x)-f(x)|<\epsilon, \forall n \geq k\}$ then I claim $U_k$ are open sets and hence because of the pointwise convergence of $f_n \to f$ they form an open covering for $[0,1]$. Since $[0,1]$ is compact there exists a finite subcover, that is, $\exists k_1,\ldots,k_n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $[0,1] \subset \bigcup_{j=1}^{n} U_{k_j}$. We can assume that $k_1\leq k_2\leq \ldots \leq k_n$ and since $U_{k_j} \subseteq U_{k_1}, \forall j \geq 1$ I conclude $[0,1] \subseteq U_{k_1}$, i.e $\exists k_1 \in \mathbb{N}: \forall x \in X: |f_n(x)-f(x)|<\epsilon, \forall n \geq K$ which means $f_n \to f$ uniformly.

Is this proof correct? If yes, I'll show my proof for the claim: $U_k$ is open which follows by the equicontinuity.

Is there a way to show the statement by using Ascoli's theorem?Thanks in advance!
Cheers.
 
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  • #2
From mathwonk:

This seems to be a standard application of ascoli's theorem, as explained in wikipedia.

one remark, the questioner had misstated the definition of equicontinuous, giving instead the definition of uniformly equicontinuous.
 

FAQ: Pointwise convergence implies uniform convergence

What is pointwise convergence?

Pointwise convergence is a type of convergence in mathematics that occurs when the limit of a sequence of functions approaches a specific value at each point in a given domain.

What is uniform convergence?

Uniform convergence is a type of convergence in mathematics that occurs when the limit of a sequence of functions approaches a specific value at each point in a given domain, and the rate of convergence is the same at every point in the domain.

How are pointwise convergence and uniform convergence related?

Pointwise convergence implies uniform convergence, meaning that if a sequence of functions converges pointwise, it also converges uniformly. However, the reverse is not always true.

What are the benefits of uniform convergence?

Uniform convergence ensures that the limit of a sequence of functions is continuous and that it can be manipulated algebraically. It also allows for easier analysis and proof of properties of the limit function.

Are there any cases where pointwise convergence does not imply uniform convergence?

Yes, there are cases where pointwise convergence does not imply uniform convergence. For example, if the functions in the sequence have different domains, then pointwise convergence does not imply uniform convergence. Additionally, if the rate of convergence varies at different points in the domain, then pointwise convergence does not imply uniform convergence.

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