Skip to content

Problem Set

Problem 1. Let A,BRA, B \subseteq \mathbb{R} be non-empty and bounded above. Prove that sup(AB)=max(supA,supB)\sup(A \cup B) = \max(\sup A, \sup B).

Solution

Solution. Let M=max(supA,supB)M = \max(\sup A, \sup B). Without loss, assume supAsupB\sup A \geq \sup BSo M=supAM = \sup A. For all xABx \in A \cup B: either xAx \in ASo xsupA=Mx \leq \sup A = M; or xBx \in BSo xsupBMx \leq \sup B \leq M. Thus MM is an upper bound for ABA \cup B.

For the least property: since M=supAM = \sup A and AABA \subseteq A \cup BEvery upper bound of ABA \cup B Is an upper bound of AAHence supA=M\geq \sup A = M. Therefore sup(AB)=M\sup(A \cup B) = M. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 1.3 (Supremum and Infimum), Section 1.5 (Properties).

Problem 2. Prove that infA=sup(A)\inf A = -\sup(-A) for any non-empty bounded set ARA \subseteq \mathbb{R}.

Solution

Solution. Let u=sup(A)u = \sup(-A). For all aAa \in A: aA-a \in -ASo au-a \leq uGiving aua \geq -u. Thus u-u is a lower bound for AA. If vv is any lower bound for AAThen v-v is an upper bound for A-ASo uvu \leq -vI.e., uv-u \geq v. Hence u-u is the greatest lower bound, so infA=u=sup(A)\inf A = -u = -\sup(-A). \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 1.5 (Properties of Supremum and Infimum).

Problem 3. Using the ε\varepsilon-NN definition, prove that limnn2+3n2n2+1=12\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n^2 + 3n}{2n^2 + 1} = \frac{1}{2}.

Solution

Solution. Let ε>0\varepsilon > 0. Compute:

n2+3n2n2+112=2(n2+3n)(2n2+1)2(2n2+1)=6n12(2n2+1)\left|\frac{n^2 + 3n}{2n^2 + 1} - \frac{1}{2}\right| = \left|\frac{2(n^2 + 3n) - (2n^2 + 1)}{2(2n^2 + 1)}\right| = \left|\frac{6n - 1}{2(2n^2 + 1)}\right|

For n1n \geq 1: 6n1<6n6n - 1 \lt 6n and 2n2+1>2n22n^2 + 1 > 2n^2So

6n12(2n2+1)<6n4n2=32n\frac{6n - 1}{2(2n^2 + 1)} \lt \frac{6n}{4n^2} = \frac{3}{2n}

We need 32n<ε\frac{3}{2n} \lt \varepsilonI.e., n>3/(2ε)n > 3/(2\varepsilon). Choose N=3/(2ε)N = \lceil 3/(2\varepsilon) \rceil. For nNn \geq N: the expression is <ε\lt \varepsilon. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 2.1 (Convergence), Section 2.7 (Worked Examples).

Problem 4. Let a1=1a_1 = 1 and an+1=12(an+2an)a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2}\left(a_n + \frac{2}{a_n}\right). Prove (an)(a_n) converges And find its limit.

Solution

Solution. Step 1: (an)(a_n) is bounded below by 2\sqrt{2}. By AM-GM: an+1=12(an+2/an)an2/an=2a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2}(a_n + 2/a_n) \geq \sqrt{a_n \cdot 2/a_n} = \sqrt{2}.

Step 2: (an)(a_n) is decreasing for n2n \geq 2. Note a1=1a_1 = 1, a2=3/2a_2 = 3/2. an+1an=12(an+2/an)an=12(2/anan)=2an22ana_{n+1} - a_n = \frac{1}{2}(a_n + 2/a_n) - a_n = \frac{1}{2}(2/a_n - a_n) = \frac{2 - a_n^2}{2a_n}. Since an2a_n \geq \sqrt{2} for n2n \geq 2, an22a_n^2 \geq 2So an+1an0a_{n+1} - a_n \leq 0.

Step 3: By the Monotone Convergence Theorem, L=limanL = \lim a_n exists. Taking limits: L=12(L+2/L)L = \frac{1}{2}(L + 2/L)Giving 2L=L+2/L2L = L + 2/LSo L=2/LL = 2/LHence L2=2L^2 = 2. Since an2a_n \geq \sqrt{2} for n2n \geq 2, L0L \geq 0So L=2L = \sqrt{2}. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 2.2 (Monotone Convergence Theorem), Section 2.7 (recursive sequences).

Problem 5. Compute lim supnan\limsup_{n \to \infty} a_n and lim infnan\liminf_{n \to \infty} a_n for an=2+(1)nnn+1a_n = 2 + (-1)^n \frac{n}{n+1}.

Solution

Solution. Write an=2+(1)nnn+1a_n = 2 + (-1)^n \cdot \frac{n}{n+1}.

For even n=2kn = 2k: a2k=2+2k2k+12+1=3a_{2k} = 2 + \frac{2k}{2k+1} \to 2 + 1 = 3. For odd n=2k1n = 2k - 1: a2k1=22k12k21=1a_{2k-1} = 2 - \frac{2k-1}{2k} \to 2 - 1 = 1.

Since these are the only two subsequential limits: lim supan=3\limsup a_n = 3 and lim infan=1\liminf a_n = 1. The sequence diverges since lim suplim inf\limsup \neq \liminf. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 2.6 (Limit Superior and Limit Inferior).

Problem 6. Determine whether n=21n(lnn)2\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n(\ln n)^2} converges.

Solution

Solution. Apply the integral test with f(x)=1/(x(lnx)2)f(x) = 1/(x(\ln x)^2) on [2,)[2, \infty). The function is Positive, continuous, and decreasing. Compute via u=lnxu = \ln x, du=dx/xdu = dx/x:

21x(lnx)2dx=ln21u2du=[1u]ln2=1ln2<\int_2^{\infty} \frac{1}{x(\ln x)^2}\, dx = \int_{\ln 2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{u^2}\, du = \left[-\frac{1}{u}\right]_{\ln 2}^{\infty} = \frac{1}{\ln 2} \lt \infty

The integral converges, so by the integral test, the series converges. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.2 (Integral Test), Section 3.6 (Worked Examples).

Problem 7. Does n=1(1)n+1n1/3\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n^{1/3}} converge absolutely, conditionally, or diverge?

Solution

Solution. The absolute series is 1/n1/3\sum 1/n^{1/3}Which is a pp-series with p=1/3<1p = 1/3 \lt 1 So it diverges. Hence the series does not converge absolutely.

For conditional convergence, apply the alternating series test: an=1/n1/3a_n = 1/n^{1/3} is positive, Decreasing, and an0a_n \to 0. Therefore (1)n+1/n1/3\sum (-1)^{n+1}/n^{1/3} converges.

Since it converges but not absolutely, it converges conditionally. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.3 (Absolute and Conditional Convergence), Section 3.6 (Alternating Series Test).

Problem 8. Find the sum of n=11n(n+2)\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n(n+2)}.

Solution

Solution. Use partial fractions: 1n(n+2)=12(1n1n+2)\frac{1}{n(n+2)} = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+2}\right). The NN-th partial sum telescopes:

SN=12[(1113)+(1214)+(1315)++(1N1N+2)]S_N = \frac{1}{2}\left[\left(\frac{1}{1} - \frac{1}{3}\right) + \left(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{4}\right) + \left(\frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{5}\right) + \cdots + \left(\frac{1}{N} - \frac{1}{N+2}\right)\right]

Most terms cancel. The surviving terms are:

SN=12(1+121N+11N+2)S_N = \frac{1}{2}\left(1 + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{N+1} - \frac{1}{N+2}\right)

As NN \to \infty: SN12(1+1/2)=34S_N \to \frac{1}{2}(1 + 1/2) = \frac{3}{4}. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.1 (Definitions and Convergence), telescoping series.

Problem 9. Give an explicit rearrangement of n=1(1)n+1n\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n} whose sum is 00.

Solution

Solution. By the Riemann Rearrangement Theorem, such a rearrangement exists. We construct it Explicitly. The positive terms are 1,1/3,1/5,1, 1/3, 1/5, \ldots and the negative terms are 1/2,1/4,1/6,-1/2, -1/4, -1/6, \ldots.

Start: S1=1S_1 = 1. Then add negative terms until we go below 00: S2=11/2=1/2>0S_2 = 1 - 1/2 = 1/2 > 0. S3=11/21/4=1/4>0S_3 = 1 - 1/2 - 1/4 = 1/4 > 0. S4=11/21/41/6=1/12<0S_4 = 1 - 1/2 - 1/4 - 1/6 = -1/12 \lt 0.

Then add positive terms until we exceed 00: S5=1/12+1/3=1/4>0S_5 = -1/12 + 1/3 = 1/4 > 0.

Then add negative terms until below 00: S6=1/41/8=1/8>0S_6 = 1/4 - 1/8 = 1/8 > 0. S7=1/81/10=1/40>0S_7 = 1/8 - 1/10 = 1/40 > 0. S8=1/401/12=7/120<0S_8 = 1/40 - 1/12 = -7/120 \lt 0.

Continue this process. Since 1/(2k1)=\sum 1/(2k-1) = \infty and 1/(2k)=\sum 1/(2k) = \inftyWe can always Continue. Since 1/n01/n \to 0The oscillations shrink to 00. The resulting rearrangement converges to 00. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.5 (Rearrangement of Series).

Problem 10. Prove using ε\varepsilon-δ\delta that f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3 is continuous at every aRa \in \mathbb{R}.

Solution

Solution. Let aRa \in \mathbb{R} and ε>0\varepsilon > 0. Compute:

f(x)f(a)=x3a3=xax2+ax+a2|f(x) - f(a)| = |x^3 - a^3| = |x - a| \cdot |x^2 + ax + a^2|

Restrict to xa<1|x - a| \lt 1So x<a+1|x| \lt |a| + 1Giving x2+ax+a2(a+1)2+a(a+1)+a2=3a2+3a+1|x^2 + ax + a^2| \leq (|a|+1)^2 + |a|(|a|+1) + a^2 = 3a^2 + 3|a| + 1. Let M=3a2+3a+1M = 3a^2 + 3|a| + 1.

Choose δ=min(1,ε/M)\delta = \min(1, \varepsilon/M). Then xa<δ|x - a| \lt \delta implies:

x3a3xaM<εMM=ε|x^3 - a^3| \leq |x - a| \cdot M \lt \frac{\varepsilon}{M} \cdot M = \varepsilon

\blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 4.2 (Continuity), Section 4.7 (Worked Examples).

Problem 11. Prove that f(x)=xsin(1/x)f(x) = x \sin(1/x) (with f(0)=0f(0) = 0) is continuous on R\mathbb{R} but not Uniformly continuous on (0,1)(0, 1). (Trick question --- see solution.)

Solution

Solution. Continuity at 00: Given ε>0\varepsilon > 0Choose δ=ε\delta = \varepsilon. For x0=x<δ|x - 0| = |x| \lt \delta: f(x)f(0)=xsin(1/x)x<δ=ε|f(x) - f(0)| = |x \sin(1/x)| \leq |x| \lt \delta = \varepsilon. So ff is continuous at 00. For x0x \neq 0, ff is a product of continuous functions, hence continuous.

On uniform continuity: Actually, f(x)=xsin(1/x)f(x) = x\sin(1/x) is uniformly continuous on (0,1)(0, 1)! Here is why: ff extends continuously to [0,1][0, 1] (define f(0)=0f(0) = 0). By the Heine-Cantor theorem (Theorem 4.5), ff is uniformly continuous on [0,1][0, 1]And hence on the subset (0,1)(0, 1).

The function that is not uniformly continuous on (0,1)(0, 1) is g(x)=sin(1/x)g(x) = \sin(1/x)Which does not Extend continuously to 00. Or h(x)=1/xh(x) = 1/xWhich is unbounded. But f(x)=xsin(1/x)f(x) = x\sin(1/x) is bounded And has a continuous extension, so it is uniformly continuous. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 4.5 (Uniform Continuity), Section 4.6 (Heine-Cantor).

Problem 12. Prove that if f"(x)=g(x)f"(x) = g'(x) for all x(a,b)x \in (a, b)Then f(x)=g(x)+Cf(x) = g(x) + C for some Constant CC.

Solution

Solution. Let h(x)=f(x)g(x)h(x) = f(x) - g(x). Then h(x)=f(x)g(x)=0h'(x) = f'(x) - g'(x) = 0 for all x(a,b)x \in (a, b). By Corollary 5.4 (a consequence of the Mean Value Theorem), hh is constant on (a,b)(a, b). So f(x)g(x)=Cf(x) - g(x) = C for some CRC \in \mathbb{R}I.e., f(x)=g(x)+Cf(x) = g(x) + C. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 5.3 (Mean Value Theorem, Corollary 5.4).

Problem 13. Use Taylor’s theorem with remainder to bound the error in approximating e0.2e^{0.2} Using the fourth-degree Maclaurin polynomial.

Solution

Solution. The fourth-degree Maclaurin polynomial of exe^x is:

T4(x)=1+x+x22+x36+x424T_4(x) = 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2} + \frac{x^3}{6} + \frac{x^4}{24}

By Taylor’s theorem, R4(x)=eξ5!x5R_4(x) = \frac{e^{\xi}}{5!} x^5 for some ξ\xi between 00 and xx. For x=0.2x = 0.2: ξ(0,0.2)\xi \in (0, 0.2)So eξ<e0.2<e1/4<1.3e^{\xi} \lt e^{0.2} \lt e^{1/4} \lt 1.3.

R4(0.2)=eξ120(0.2)5<1.31200.00032=1.3×0.000321203.47×106|R_4(0.2)| = \frac{e^{\xi}}{120} (0.2)^5 \lt \frac{1.3}{120} \cdot 0.00032 = \frac{1.3 \times 0.00032}{120} \approx 3.47 \times 10^{-6}

So T4(0.2)=1+0.2+0.02+0.001333+0.000067=1.221400T_4(0.2) = 1 + 0.2 + 0.02 + 0.001333 + 0.000067 = 1.221400 approximates e0.2e^{0.2} with Error less than 3.5×1063.5 \times 10^{-6}. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 5.4 (Taylor’s Theorem), Section 5.7 (Worked Examples).

Problem 14. Compute 01x3dx\int_0^1 x^3\, dx from the definition using upper and lower Riemann sums.

Solution

Solution. Let Pn={0,1/n,2/n,,1}P_n = \{0, 1/n, 2/n, \ldots, 1\}. On [(i1)/n,i/n][(i-1)/n, i/n], f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3 has Mi=(i/n)3M_i = (i/n)^3 and mi=((i1)/n)3m_i = ((i-1)/n)^3.

U(f,Pn)=i=1ni3n31n=1n4i=1ni3=1n4n2(n+1)24U(f, P_n) = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{i^3}{n^3} \cdot \frac{1}{n} = \frac{1}{n^4} \sum_{i=1}^{n} i^3 = \frac{1}{n^4} \cdot \frac{n^2(n+1)^2}{4}

As nn \to \infty:

limnU(f,Pn)=limn(n+1)24n2=14\lim_{n \to \infty} U(f, P_n) = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{(n+1)^2}{4n^2} = \frac{1}{4}

Similarly, L(f,Pn)1/4L(f, P_n) \to 1/4. So 01x3dx=1/4\int_0^1 x^3\, dx = 1/4. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 6.1 (Definition), Section 6.5 (Worked Examples).

Problem 14b. Show that the Dirichlet function f(x)={1xQ0xQf(x) = \begin{cases} 1 & x \in \mathbb{Q} \\ 0 & x \notin \mathbb{Q} \end{cases} is not Riemann integrable on [0,1][0, 1].

Solution

Solution. Every non-empty subinterval [xi1,xi][x_{i-1}, x_i] of any partition contains both rational and Irrational numbers (by density of Q\mathbb{Q} and density of RQ\mathbb{R} \setminus \mathbb{Q}). So Mi=supf=1M_i = \sup f = 1 and mi=inff=0m_i = \inf f = 0 for every subinterval.

For any partition PP: U(f,P)=1Δxi=1U(f, P) = \sum 1 \cdot \Delta x_i = 1 and L(f,P)=0Δxi=0L(f, P) = \sum 0 \cdot \Delta x_i = 0. Hence 01f=10=01f\overline{\int_0^1} f = 1 \neq 0 = \underline{\int_0^1} fSo ff is not Riemann integrable.

This also follows from Lebesgue’s criterion: ff is discontinuous everywhere, and [0,1][0,1] does not Have measure zero. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 6.2 (Integrability Criteria), Theorem 6.4b.

Problem 15. Evaluate 01x1x2dx\int_0^1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}\, dx as an improper integral.

Solution

Solution. The integrand f(x)=x/1x2f(x) = x/\sqrt{1 - x^2} is unbounded as x1x \to 1^-. This is a Type II Improper integral.

01x1x2dx=limb10bx1x2dx\int_0^1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}\, dx = \lim_{b \to 1^-} \int_0^b \frac{x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}\, dx

Compute via substitution u=1x2u = 1 - x^2, du=2xdxdu = -2x\, dx:

=limb1[1x2]0b=limb1(1b2+1)=0+1=1= \lim_{b \to 1^-} \left[-\sqrt{1 - x^2}\right]_0^b = \lim_{b \to 1^-} \left(-\sqrt{1 - b^2} + 1\right) = 0 + 1 = 1

The improper integral converges to 11. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 6.6 (Improper Integrals).

Problem 16. Let fn(x)=nx1+n2x2f_n(x) = \frac{nx}{1 + n^2 x^2} on (0,)(0, \infty). Find the pointwise limit and Determine whether the convergence is uniform on (0,)(0, \infty).

Solution

Solution. Pointwise limit: For fixed x>0x > 0: limnfn(x)=limnnx1+n2x2=limnx/n1/n2+x2=0\lim_{n \to \infty} f_n(x) = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{nx}{1 + n^2 x^2} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{x/n}{1/n^2 + x^2} = 0.

So fn0f_n \to 0 pointwise on (0,)(0, \infty).

Uniform convergence? We check supx>0fn(x)0=supx>0nx1+n2x2\sup_{x > 0} |f_n(x) - 0| = \sup_{x > 0} \frac{nx}{1 + n^2 x^2}. To maximize, differentiate with respect to xx (treating nn as fixed):

ddx(nx1+n2x2)=n(1+n2x2)nx2n2x(1+n2x2)2=nn3x2(1+n2x2)2\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{nx}{1 + n^2 x^2}\right) = \frac{n(1 + n^2 x^2) - nx \cdot 2n^2 x}{(1 + n^2 x^2)^2} = \frac{n - n^3 x^2}{(1 + n^2 x^2)^2}

Setting to zero: nn3x2=0n - n^3 x^2 = 0So x=1/nx = 1/n. The maximum value is fn(1/n)=n1/n1+n2/n2=12f_n(1/n) = \frac{n \cdot 1/n}{1 + n^2/n^2} = \frac{1}{2}.

Since supx>0fn(x)=1/2\sup_{x > 0} |f_n(x)| = 1/2 for all nnThis does not tend to 00. Therefore the convergence Is not uniform on (0,)(0, \infty). \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.2 (Uniform Convergence), Section 7.1 (Pointwise Convergence).

Problem 17. Find the radius of convergence of n=1(2n)!(n!)2xn\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(2n)!}{(n!)^2} x^n.

Solution

Solution. Apply the ratio test to the terms:

an+1an=(2(n+1))!((n+1)!)2(n!)2(2n)!x=(2n+2)(2n+1)(n+1)2x\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{(2(n+1))!}{((n+1)!)^2} \cdot \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n)!} \cdot |x| = \frac{(2n+2)(2n+1)}{(n+1)^2} \cdot |x|

=2(2n+1)n+1x=4n+2n+1x4xas n= \frac{2(2n+1)}{n+1} \cdot |x| = \frac{4n + 2}{n + 1} \cdot |x| \to 4|x| \quad \mathrm{as\ } n \to \infty

The series converges when 4x<14|x| \lt 1I.e., x<1/4|x| \lt 1/4And diverges when 4x>14|x| > 1. The radius of convergence is R=1/4R = 1/4. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.7 (Power Series), Section 3.2 (Ratio Test).

Problem 18. Let fn(x)=xn/nf_n(x) = x^n/n on [0,1][0, 1]. Show that fn0f_n \to 0 uniformly, but fn(x)=xn1f_n'(x) = x^{n-1} does not converge uniformly on (0,1)(0, 1).

Solution

Solution. Uniform convergence of fnf_n: supx[0,1]xn/n=1/n0\sup_{x \in [0,1]} |x^n/n| = 1/n \to 0 as nn \to \infty. So fn0f_n \to 0 uniformly on [0,1][0, 1].

Non-uniform convergence of fnf_n': fn(x)=xn1f_n'(x) = x^{n-1}. The pointwise limit is g(x)=0g(x) = 0 for 0x<10 \leq x \lt 1 and g(1)=1g(1) = 1. So supx[0,1]fn(x)g(x)fn(1)g(1)=11=0\sup_{x \in [0,1]} |f_n'(x) - g(x)| \geq |f_n'(1) - g(1)| = |1 - 1| = 0.

Actually, check supx[0,1)xn1=1\sup_{x \in [0,1)} |x^{n-1}| = 1 (approached as x1x \to 1^-). But g(x)=0g(x) = 0 on [0,1)[0, 1)So supx[0,1)xn10=1\sup_{x \in [0,1)} |x^{n-1} - 0| = 1 for all nn. This does not Tend to 00So fnf_n' does not converge uniformly on [0,1)[0, 1).

This illustrates that uniform convergence of functions does not imply uniform convergence of Derivatives, which is why Theorem 7.4 requires the stronger hypothesis of uniform convergence of (fn)(f_n'). \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.2 (Uniform Convergence), Section 7.6 (Uniform Convergence and Differentiation).

Problem 19. Let fn(x)=x1+nx2f_n(x) = \frac{x}{1 + nx^2} on [0,)[0, \infty). Find the pointwise limit and determine Whether the convergence is uniform.

Solution

Solution. Pointwise limit: For x=0x = 0: fn(0)=0f_n(0) = 0 for all nn. For x>0x > 0: limnx1+nx2=limn11/x+nx=0\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{x}{1 + nx^2} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{1/x + nx} = 0. So fn0f_n \to 0 pointwise.

Uniform convergence on [0,)[0, \infty)? We check supx0fn(x)\sup_{x \geq 0} |f_n(x)|. Differentiate: ddx(x1+nx2)=1nx2(1+nx2)2\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{x}{1 + nx^2}\right) = \frac{1 - nx^2}{(1 + nx^2)^2}. Setting to zero: x=1/nx = 1/\sqrt{n}. The maximum value is fn(1/n)=1/n1+n/n=12nf_n(1/\sqrt{n}) = \frac{1/\sqrt{n}}{1 + n/n} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{n}}.

Since supx0fn(x)=12n0\sup_{x \geq 0} |f_n(x)| = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{n}} \to 0 as nn \to \inftyThe convergence is Uniform on [0,)[0, \infty). \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.2 (Uniform Convergence).

Problem 20. Prove that the series n=0(1)n2n+1x2n+1\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{2n+1} x^{2n+1} converges uniformly on [1,1][-1, 1] and identify its sum.

Solution

Solution. For x1|x| \leq 1: (1)nx2n+12n+112n+1\left|\frac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\right| \leq \frac{1}{2n+1}. The series 12n+1\sum \frac{1}{2n+1} diverges (it dominates half the harmonic series), so the Weierstrass M-test does not apply directly with these bounds.

However, by the alternating series test, the series converges pointwise for every x1|x| \leq 1 (since x2n+12n+1\frac{|x|^{2n+1}}{2n+1} decreases to 00 for x1|x| \leq 1). The sum is arctanx\arctan x Which is the Taylor series of arctan\arctan about 00.

For uniform convergence, we use Abel’s test for uniform convergence of series: if fn(x)\sum f_n(x) has uniformly bounded partial sums and gn(x)g_n(x) decreases uniformly to 00Then fn(x)gn(x)\sum f_n(x) g_n(x) converges uniformly. Here fn(x)=(1)nx2n+1f_n(x) = (-1)^n x^{2n+1} and gn(x)=1/(2n+1)g_n(x) = 1/(2n+1) Is independent of xx.

The partial sums k=0n(1)kx2k+1=x1(x2)n+11+x22x1+x21\left|\sum_{k=0}^{n} (-1)^k x^{2k+1}\right| = \frac{|x| \cdot |1-(-x^2)^{n+1}|}{1+x^2} \leq \frac{2|x|}{1+x^2} \leq 1 for x1|x| \leq 1 (geometric series with closed form). And 1/(2n+1)01/(2n+1) \to 0 uniformly. By Abel’s test, the convergence is uniform on [1,1][-1, 1].

Setting x=1x = 1: n=0(1)n2n+1=arctan1=π/4\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{2n+1} = \arctan 1 = \pi/4. \blacksquare

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.3 (Weierstrass M-Test), Section 7.7 (Power Series), Abel’s theorem.

Common Pitfalls

  • Assuming every bounded set has a maximum. A set can be bounded above without having a maximum; the supremum always exists but may not be a member of the set. Fix: The supremum sup(S)\sup(S) is the least upper bound; it equals the maximum only when sup(S)S\sup(S) \in S.
  • Misusing the ε\varepsilon-δ\delta definition. The order of quantifiers matters: “for every ε>0\varepsilon > 0, there exists δ>0\delta > 0” — δ\delta depends on ε\varepsilon and the point, not the other way around. Fix: In proofs, choose δ\delta after ε\varepsilon is given; δ\delta depends on both ε\varepsilon and x0x_0 (unless the function is uniformly continuous).
  • Confusing pointwise and uniform convergence. Pointwise: δ\delta may depend on xx. Uniform: δ\delta works for all xx simultaneously. Fix: Uniform convergence implies pointwise convergence but not conversely; the Weierstrass M-test gives a sufficient condition for uniform convergence.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Proving a limit using ε\varepsilon-δ\delta

Problem. Prove that limx2(3x1)=5\lim_{x \to 2} (3x - 1) = 5.

Solution. Let ε>0\varepsilon > 0 be given. We need 3x15<ε|3x - 1 - 5| < \varepsilon, i.e. 3x6<ε|3x - 6| < \varepsilon, i.e. 3x2<ε3|x - 2| < \varepsilon.

Choose δ=ε/3\delta = \varepsilon/3. Then x2<δ|x - 2| < \delta implies 3x2<3ε/3=ε3|x - 2| < 3 \cdot \varepsilon/3 = \varepsilon.

Therefore limx2(3x1)=5\lim_{x \to 2}(3x - 1) = 5. \blacksquare

Example 2: Supremum and infimum

Problem. Find sup\sup and inf\inf of the set S={1/n:nN}S = \{1/n : n \in \mathbb{N}\}.

Solution. The elements are 1,1/2,1/3,1, 1/2, 1/3, \ldots. The sequence decreases and approaches 00.

sup(S)=1S\sup(S) = 1 \in S (this is also the maximum). inf(S)=0S\inf(S) = 0 \notin S.

\blacksquare

Summary

  • R\mathbb{R} is a complete ordered field; the completeness axiom guarantees sup(S)\sup(S) exists for every non-empty bounded-above set.
  • Supremum sup(S)\sup(S) is the least upper bound; it equals max(S)\max(S) iff sup(S)S\sup(S) \in S.
  • ε\varepsilon-δ\delta definition: limxaf(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L iff for every ε>0\varepsilon > 0 there exists δ>0\delta > 0 such that 0<xa<δ0 < |x-a| < \delta implies f(x)L<ε|f(x) - L| < \varepsilon.
  • Uniform convergence preserves continuity, differentiability (under appropriate conditions), and integrability.

Cross-References

TopicSiteLink
Real Analysis (Overview)WyattsNotesView
Complex AnalysisWyattsNotesView
Multivariable CalculusWyattsNotesView
Differential EquationsWyattsNotesView
Real Analysis — MIT 18.100MIT OCWView