What is the Pointwise Limit of This Sequence of Integral Functions?

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  • Thread starter Euge
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    2015
In summary, a pointwise limit is the value that a function approaches as the input variable approaches a specific point. A sequence of integral functions is a series of functions that are connected by a common integral. The pointwise limit of a sequence of integral functions is calculated by evaluating the function at values closer and closer to the specific point. This concept is important because it helps us understand the behavior of functions at specific points and determine continuity. Pointwise limits of sequences of integral functions have various applications in mathematics, science, and engineering, such as in calculus, physics, and the study of series and functions.
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Find the pointwise limit of the sequence of integral functions

$$ f_n(x) = \int_0^{2\pi} \frac{\cos n\phi}{1 - 2x\cos \phi + x^2}\, d\phi, \quad 0 < x < 1$$-----Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to Opalg and Ackbach for solving this week's POTW!

Here is Opalg's solution:

Substitute $z=e^{i\phi}$. Then $\cos n\phi = \operatorname{re\,}(z^n)$, $2\cos\phi = z + z^{-1}$, $dz = ie^{i\phi}d\phi$ so that $d\phi = \frac{dz}{iz}$, and the $z$-integral is taken round the unit circle. Therefore $$f_n(x) = \operatorname{re\,} \oint \frac{z^n}{(z-x)(z^{-1}-x)} \,\frac{dz}{iz} = \operatorname{re\,}\frac1i \oint \frac{z^n}{(z-x)(1-xz)}\,dz. $$ There is only one pole inside the contour, at $z=x$, where the residue is $\dfrac{x^n}{1-x^2}$. Therefore $f_n(x) = \dfrac{2\pi x^n}{1-x^2}$, which converges pointwise to zero as $n\to\infty$, for $0<x<1$.

You can read Ackbach's solution below.

Suppose $0<x<1$. Let
$$g(\phi):=\frac{1}{1-2x\cos(\phi)+x^2}.$$
Then $g(\phi)$ is continuous on $[0,2\pi]$, since its denominator is continuous on $[0,2\pi]$ and nowhere zero, hence is Riemann integrable. By the Riemann-Lebesgue Lemma,
$$\lim_{n\to\infty}f_n(x)=0.$$
 

FAQ: What is the Pointwise Limit of This Sequence of Integral Functions?

What is a pointwise limit?

A pointwise limit is the value that a function approaches as the input variable approaches a specific point. It is the limit of the function at that specific point.

What is a sequence of integral functions?

A sequence of integral functions is a series of functions in which each function is the integral of the previous one. This means that the functions are connected by a common integral.

How is the pointwise limit of a sequence of integral functions calculated?

The pointwise limit of a sequence of integral functions is calculated by taking the limit of each function in the sequence as the input variable approaches the specific point. This can be done by evaluating the function at values closer and closer to the point and observing the resulting values.

Why is the pointwise limit important?

The pointwise limit is important because it helps us understand how a function behaves at a specific point. It also allows us to determine if a function is continuous at that point, which is crucial in many areas of mathematics and science.

What are some applications of pointwise limits of sequences of integral functions?

Pointwise limits of sequences of integral functions are used in many areas of mathematics and science, such as in calculus, physics, and engineering. They are also important in the study of Fourier series and other types of series, as well as in the analysis of functions and their properties.

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