- #1
StarTiger
- 9
- 1
Tricky problem. Any tips? Thanks SOO much! ![Big Grin :biggrin: :biggrin:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Let f be continuous on [a,b] and let c be a real number. If for every x in [a,b] f(x) is NOT c, then either f(x) > c for all x in [a,b] OR f(x) < c for all x in [a,b]. Prove this using a) Bolzano-Wierstrass and b) Heine-Borel property.
B-W property: A set of reals is closed and bounded if and only if every sequence of points chosen fro E has a subsequence that converges to a point in E.
H-B property: A subset of the reals has the HB property if and only if A is both closed and bounded.
(Note the function given fits HB and BW propertis by definition).
Some hints:
For WB: suppose false. Explain how there exist sequences {x_n} and {y_n} such that f(x_n) > c, f(y_n) < c and |x_n - y_n| < 1/n
For HB: Suppose false and xplain why there should exist at each point x in [a,b] an open interval I_x centered so that either f(t)>c for all t in intersection of I_x and [a,b] or else f(t)<c for all t in the intersection of I_x in [a,b]
Homework Statement
Let f be continuous on [a,b] and let c be a real number. If for every x in [a,b] f(x) is NOT c, then either f(x) > c for all x in [a,b] OR f(x) < c for all x in [a,b]. Prove this using a) Bolzano-Wierstrass and b) Heine-Borel property.
Homework Equations
B-W property: A set of reals is closed and bounded if and only if every sequence of points chosen fro E has a subsequence that converges to a point in E.
H-B property: A subset of the reals has the HB property if and only if A is both closed and bounded.
(Note the function given fits HB and BW propertis by definition).
The Attempt at a Solution
Some hints:
For WB: suppose false. Explain how there exist sequences {x_n} and {y_n} such that f(x_n) > c, f(y_n) < c and |x_n - y_n| < 1/n
For HB: Suppose false and xplain why there should exist at each point x in [a,b] an open interval I_x centered so that either f(t)>c for all t in intersection of I_x and [a,b] or else f(t)<c for all t in the intersection of I_x in [a,b]