Sequences of Functions - Pointwise and Uniform Convergence

MATH 401 - NOTES
Sequences of functions
Pointwise and Uniform Convergence
Fall 2005
Previously, we have studied sequences of real numbers. Now we discuss
the topic of sequences of real valued functions. A sequence of functions {fn }
is a list of functions (f1 , f2 , . . .) such that each fn maps a given subset D of
R into R.
I. Pointwise convergence
Definition. Let D be a subset of R and let {fn } be a sequence of functions
defined on D. We say that {fn } converges pointwise on D if
lim fn (x) exists for each point x in D.
This means that lim fn (x) is a real number that depends only on x.
n
If {fn } is pointwise convergent then the function defined by f (x) = lim fn (x),
n
for every x in D, is called the pointwise limit of the sequence {fn }.

Example 1. Let {fn } be the sequence of functions on R defined by fn (x) =
nx. This sequence does not converge pointwise on R because lim fn (x) =
n
for any x > 0.
Example 2.
Let {fn } be the sequence of functions on R defined by fn (x) = x/n. This
sequence converges pointwise to the zero function on R.
Example 3. Consider the sequence {fn } of functions defined by
nx + x2
n2
Show that {fn } converges pointwise.
for all x in R.
fn (x) =
Solution: For every real number x, we have:

x x2
1
1
2
lim fn (x) = lim + 2 = x lim
+x
lim
=0+0=0
n
n n
n n
n n2
n
1
Thus, {fn } converges pointwise to the zero function on R.

Example 4. Consider the sequence {fn } of functions defined by
fn (x) =
sin(nx + 3)
n+1
for all x in R.
Show that {fn } converges pointwise.

Solution: For every x in R, we have
sin(nx + 3)
1
1

n+1
n+1
n+1
Moreover,
1
= 0.
n
n+1
Applying the squeeze theorem for sequences, we obtain that
lim
lim fn (x) = 0
for all x in R.
Therefore, {fn } converges pointwise to the function f 0 on R.

Example 5. Consider the sequence {fn } of functions defined by fn (x) =
n2 xn for 0 x 1. Determine whether {fn } is pointwise convergent.
Solution: First of all, observe that fn (0) = 0 for every n in N. So the
sequence {fn (0)} is constant and converges to zero. Now suppose 0 < x < 1
then n2 xn = n2 en ln(x) . But ln(x) < 0 when 0 < x < 1, it follows that
lim fn (x) = 0 for 0 < x < 1
Finally, fn (1) = n2 for all n. So, lim fn (1) = . Therefore, {fn } is not
n
pointwise convergent on [0, 1].

Example 6. Let {fn } be the sequence of functions defined by fn (x) = cosn (x)
for /2 x /2. Discuss the pointwise convergence of the sequence.
Solution: For /2 x < 0 and for 0 < x /2, we have
0 cos(x) < 1.
2
It follows that
lim (cos(x))n = 0
for x 6= 0.
Moreover, since fn (0) = 1 for all n in N, one gets lim fn (0) = 1. Therefore,
n
{fn } converges pointwise to the function f defined by

0 if 2 x < 0 or 0 < x
f (x) =
1 if
x=0
Example 7. Consider the sequence of functions defined by

fn (x) = nx(1 x)n
on [0, 1].
Show that {fn } converges pointwise to the zero function.

Solution: Note that fn (0) = fn (1) = 0, for all n N. Now suppose
0 < x < 1, then
lim fn (x) = lim nxen ln(1x) = x lim nen ln(1x) = 0
because ln(1 x) < 0 when 0 < x < 1. Therefore, the given sequence converges pointwise to zero.
Example 8. Let {fn } be the sequence of functions on R defined by
3
n
if
0 < x n1
fn (x) =
1 otherwise
Show that {fn } converges pointwise to the constant function f = 1 on R.
Solution: For any x in R there is a natural number N such that x does
not belong to the interval (0, 1/N ). The intervals (0, 1/n) get smaller as
n . Therefore, fn (x) = 1 for all n > N . Hence,
lim fn (x) = 1 for all x.
The formal definition of pointwise convergence

Let D be a subset of R and let {fn } be a sequence of real valued functions
defined on D. Then {fn } converges pointwise to f if given any x in D and
given any > 0, there exists a natural number N = N (x, ) such that
|fn (x) f (x)| < for every n > N.
Note: The notation N = N (x, ) means that the natural number N depends
on the choice of x and .
3
I. Uniform convergence
Definition. Let D be a subset of R and let {fn } be a sequence of real
valued functions defined on D. Then {fn } converges uniformly to f if given
any > 0, there exists a natural number N = N () such that
|fn (x) f (x)| < for every n > N
and for every x in D.
Note: In the above definition the natural number N depends only on .

Therefore, uniform convergence implies pointwise convergence. But the converse is false as we can see from the following counter-example.
Example 9. Let {fn } be the sequence of functions on (0, ) defined by
fn (x) =
nx
.
1 + n2 x2
This function converges pointwise to zero. Indeed, (1 + n2 x2 ) n2 x2 as n

gets larger and larger. So,
1
1
nx
=
lim
= 0.
n n2 x2
x n n
lim fn (x) = lim
But for any < 1/2, we have

fn 1 f 1 = 1 0 > .

n
n 2
Hence {fn } is not uniformly convergent.
Theorem. Let D be a subset of R and let {fn } be a sequence of continuous
functions on D which converges uniformly to f on D. Then f is continuous
on D
Homework
Problem 1.
Let {fn } be the sequence of functions on [0, 1] defined by fn (x) = nx(1x4 )n .
Show that {fn } converges pointwise. Find its pointwise limit.
Problem 2.
1
Is the sequence of functions on [0, 1) defined by fn (x) = (1 x) n pointwise
convergent? Justify your answer.
Problem 3.
Consider the sequence {fn } of functions defined by
fn (x) =
n + cos(nx)
2n + 1
for all x in R.
Show that {fn } is pointwise convergent. Find its pointwise limit.

Problem 4.
Consider the sequence {fn } of functions defined on [0, ] by fn (x) = sinn (x).
Show that {fn } converges pointwise. Find its pointwise limit. Using the
above theorem, show that {fn } is not uniformly convergent.

Sequences of Functions - Pointwise and Uniform Convergence

Uploaded by

Sequences of Functions - Pointwise and Uniform Convergence

Uploaded by

MATH 401 - NOTES

for every x in D, is called the pointwise limit of the sequence {fn }.

Solution: For every real number x, we have:

Thus, {fn } converges pointwise to the zero function on R.

Show that {fn } converges pointwise.

Therefore, {fn } converges pointwise to the function f 0 on R.

pointwise convergent on [0, 1].

{fn } converges pointwise to the function f defined by

Example 7. Consider the sequence of functions defined by

Show that {fn } converges pointwise to the zero function.

The formal definition of pointwise convergence

and for every x in D.

Note: In the above definition the natural number N depends only on .

This function converges pointwise to zero. Indeed, (1 + n2 x2 ) n2 x2 as n

lim fn (x) = lim

But for any < 1/2, we have

Show that {fn } is pointwise convergent. Find its pointwise limit.

You might also like