Show that g is a continious function

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In summary, we can prove that the function g(x) = max{ f1(x),..., fN(x)} is continuous on the interval [a,b] by using an inductive proof. By showing that g(x) is continuous at a given point t, we can then use this to show that g(x) is continuous on the entire interval. Using the property that ##\max\{a, b\} = (a + b + |a-b|) / 2##, we can simplify the proof and show that g(x) is continuous at t for any given t in the interval.
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ares25
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Let f1,...,fN be continuous functions on interval [a,b]. Let g:[a,b] -> R be the function give by
g(x) = max{ f1(x),..., fN(x)}.


show that g is a continuous function.


I have let t ε [a,b]
NTS g(x) is continuous at t
if a≤t< b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in [a,t), such that g(x) = f1(x) for any x ε Vt.
Note that f1(x) is continuous on [a,b]. we obtain f1 is continuous on t. → g(x) is is continuous at t.
likewise, if a<t≤b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in (t,b], such that g(x) = fN(x) for any x ε Vt.
Note that fN is continuous on [a,b]. fN is continuous on t. g(x) is continuous at t.

by g(x) = f1(x) True, then g(x) = fi+1(x) is also true for all i ε N.

IS this getting close or in the right ballpark? because i also have another more general one.
 
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  • #2
ares25 said:
Let f1,...,fN be continuous functions on interval [a,b]. Let g:[a,b] -> R be the function give by
g(x) = max{ f1(x),..., fN(x)}.


show that g is a continuous function.


I have let t ε [a,b]
NTS g(x) is continuous at t
if a≤t< b, then there exists a neighborhood Vt of t contained in [a,t), such that g(x) = f1(x) for any x ε Vt.
How do you figure that? What is special about ##f_1## that would ensure that it is the smallest of the ##f_n##'s on this interval, or on any interval?

Here is a hint which may help. Note that for ##N > 1##, we have ##\max\{f_1(x), f_2(x), \ldots, f_N(x)\} = \max\{\max\{f_1(x), f_2(x), \ldots f_{N-1}(x)\}, f_N(x)\}##. So this suggests that an inductive proof could work.

Another hint: ##\max\{a, b\} = (a + b + |a-b|) / 2##.
 
  • #3
On my other proof https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=753405 I made it more general for the whole, but i believe its too general. I used that idea of max for whole but want to switch it to inductive. where the max of f,g is also continuous, then the max of any two are also continuous, and therefore we can show it for any fn+1. if you could take a look at that proof, it be great help. I'm still breaking it down but thanks for the advice.
 

FAQ: Show that g is a continious function

How do you show that g is a continuous function?

To show that g is a continuous function, we must prove that the limit of g(x) exists as x approaches a given value, and that the value of g(x) at that point is equal to the limit. This can be done using the formal definition of continuity, which states that a function is continuous at a point if the limit of the function at that point is equal to the value of the function at that point.

What is the formal definition of continuity?

The formal definition of continuity is that a function f(x) is continuous at a point c if the limit of f(x) as x approaches c exists and is equal to the value of f(c). This means that the function has no sudden jumps or breaks at that point, and that the value of the function at that point can be determined by taking the limit.

How can I prove that a function is continuous using the epsilon-delta method?

The epsilon-delta method is a common method used to prove the continuity of a function. It involves choosing a small value for epsilon (ε) and finding a corresponding value for delta (δ) such that if the distance between the input values of x and c is less than delta, then the distance between the output values of f(x) and f(c) is less than epsilon.

Can a function be continuous at one point and not at another?

Yes, it is possible for a function to be continuous at one point and not at another. This can happen if the limit of the function at one point exists and is equal to the value of the function at that point, but at another point, the limit does not exist or is not equal to the value of the function at that point.

What are the different types of continuity?

There are three types of continuity: pointwise continuity, uniform continuity, and local continuity. Pointwise continuity is when a function is continuous at each point on its domain. Uniform continuity is when a function remains continuous even if the input values are very close together. Local continuity is when a function is continuous at a specific point and the surrounding points within a certain distance.

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