Uniform Continuity and Supremum

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a function that is uniformly continuous on the interval [-1,1] and has a supremum equal to infinity. Examples of functions are suggested, such as x*sin(1/x) and square root x, but the latter is ultimately deemed the easier example. The conversation then shifts to a proof about a function with a derivative of 0 at x=0 and the existence of a sequence xn that converges to 0 and satisfies f'(xn) converging to 0. The idea of using the mean value theorem is suggested. However, it is later revealed that the question was deleted due to cheating.
  • #1
renjean
7
0
thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
renjean said:

Homework Statement




Homework Equations



Give an example of a function f that is uniformly continuous on [-1,1] such that
sup{ [f(x)-f(y) / [x-y] } = infinity

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried to come up with functions for hours but I am just not getting it. Any help would be appreciated.

What kinds of functions have you tried and why do you think they aren't working?
 
  • #3
Hint: That's a difference quotient.
 
  • #4
Further hint: find a function whose derivative is infinite/doesn't exist...
 
  • #5
Does x*sin(1/x) work since its derivative is undefined at x=0 which is in [-1,1]?
 
  • #6
Well,

1) is it uniform continuous??
2) Do the difference quotients go to infinity??

Just saying that the derivative is undefined isn't really enough...

PS There is a much easier example
 
  • #7
I thought that any continuous function on a closed and bounded interval is also uniformly continuous. And in the case of x*sin(1/x) the derivative appears to go to infinity at x=0.
 
  • #8
chairbear said:
I thought that any continuous function on a closed and bounded interval is also uniformly continuous.

Correct.

And in the case of x*sin(1/x) the derivative appears to go to infinity at x=0.

Not really. Rather, the derivative does not exist (since it oscillates too much). Nevertheless the supremum you mention does indeed go to infinity. (you might want to give a further proof if it is not clear)
 
  • #9
I feel silly for making things more complicated than necessary. What was the easier example you had in mind? I was thinking square root x would work if the interval was [0,1].
 
  • #10
chairbear said:
I feel silly for making things more complicated than necessary. What was the easier example you had in mind? I was thinking square root x would work if the interval was [0,1].

Don't feel silly. Your example is very elegant.

The square root is indeed the one I had in mind. You just need to modify it a bit.
 
  • #11
So it would just be sqrt(x+1) for the [-1,1] interval as another solution?
 
  • #12
That should do it.
 
  • #13
thanks
 
Last edited:
  • #14
chairbear said:
Thank you for your help. I was wondering if you could help me to get started on another question I have.

I have to prove that for a function f with f'(0)=0, there's a sequence xn that converges to 0 for all n such that f'(xn) converges to 0. and xn can't = 0 for any n.

I'm not sure exactly how to get started on this, because I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a rigorous proof, or if I'm just supposed to come up with a sequence that satisfies the conditions for some f.

It's not even true. There are functions that differentiable at x=0, that aren't even differentiable anywhere else.
 
  • #15
Sorry, there's a condition also that f: R-->R and must be differentiable on R
 
  • #16
chairbear said:
Sorry, there's a condition also that f: R-->R and must be differentiable on R

Then maybe use the mean value theorem?
 
  • #17
Just out of curiosity, renjean and chairbear, what is the reason you deleted your questions?
 
  • #18
I like Serena said:
Just out of curiosity, renjean and chairbear, what is the reason you deleted your questions?

It's because they are cheating. Please report these kind of things.
 

FAQ: Uniform Continuity and Supremum

What is uniform continuity?

Uniform continuity is a mathematical concept that describes the behavior of a function. A function is considered to be uniformly continuous if, for any given value of the input variable, the output of the function does not change by a large amount when the input is changed by a small amount. In other words, the function's behavior is consistent and predictable.

How is uniform continuity different from regular continuity?

Uniform continuity differs from regular continuity in that it considers the behavior of a function over the entire domain, rather than just at a single point. Regular continuity only requires that the function be continuous at a specific point, whereas uniform continuity requires the function to be continuous across the entire domain.

What is the supremum of a function?

The supremum of a function is the least upper bound of the range of the function. In other words, it is the smallest value that the function can take on, without ever exceeding it. In terms of graphing a function, the supremum is the highest point on the graph.

Why is the concept of supremum important in mathematics?

The concept of supremum is important in mathematics because it allows us to define and compare the behavior of functions, especially in cases where the functions may not have a maximum or minimum value. It also helps us to prove the existence of certain mathematical objects, such as limits and derivatives.

How are uniform continuity and supremum related?

Uniform continuity and supremum are related in that uniform continuity is often used to prove the existence of the supremum of a function. In other words, if a function is uniformly continuous, we can use that information to show that the supremum of the function exists and is a well-defined value.

Back
Top