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Chapter 3

Real Analysis

TU BEd past exam questions

Past questions and answers

10 questions set from this chapter. Most repeated first.

  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Define axioms of order in RR. If a,b∈Ra, b \in R, then show that (a+b)∈R(a + b) \in R, but ab∈R+ab \in R^+. OR Define completeness axiom in RR. Show that the set of rational numbers QQ is not complete.

Answer

TU BEd — Bachelor Level (4 Years), Second Year

Group A: Attempt any ONE question [7 marks]


Option 1: Axioms of Order and the Closure Property

Definition of Axioms of Order in R\mathbb{R}

The axioms of order are the fundamental properties that describe the ordering relation "<<" on the set of real numbers R\mathbb{R}. For any a,b,c∈Ra, b, c \in \mathbb{R}, the following axioms hold:

(O1) Trichotomy Law: For any two real numbers aa and bb, exactly one of the following is true: a<b,a=b,ora>ba < b, \quad a = b, \quad \text{or} \quad a > b

(O2) Transitivity: If a<ba < b and b<cb < c, then a<ca < c.

(O3) Additive Compatibility: If a<ba < b, then a+c<b+ca + c < b + c for every c∈Rc \in \mathbb{R}.

(O4) Multiplicative Compatibility: If a<ba < b and c>0c > 0, then ac<bcac < bc. If a<ba < b and c<0c < 0, then ac>bcac > bc.

These four axioms together make R\mathbb{R} a totally ordered field.


To Show: (a+b)∈R(a + b) \in \mathbb{R}, but ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+

Given: a,b∈Ra, b \in \mathbb{R}

Part 1: Show that (a+b)∈R(a + b) \in \mathbb{R}

By the closure axiom of addition in R\mathbb{R}, the sum of any two real numbers is again a real number. Since a∈Ra \in \mathbb{R} and b∈Rb \in \mathbb{R}, it follows directly that: (a+b)∈R(a + b) \in \mathbb{R}

Part 2: Show that ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+

Here, the statement requires careful interpretation. The product abab belongs to R+\mathbb{R}^+ (the set of positive real numbers) if and only if aa and bb have the same sign. That is:

  • If a>0a > 0 and b>0b > 0, then by axiom (O4), ab>0ab > 0, so ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+.
  • If a<0a < 0 and b<0b < 0, then −a>0-a > 0 and −b>0-b > 0. By axiom (O4), (−a)(−b)>0(-a)(-b) > 0, i.e., ab>0ab > 0, so ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+.

In both cases, when aa and bb have the same sign, the product abab is positive, hence ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+.

Note: If aa and bb have opposite signs, then ab<0ab < 0, so ab∈R−ab \in \mathbb{R}^- (negative reals). If either a=0a = 0 or b=0b = 0, then ab=0∉R+ab = 0 \notin \mathbb{R}^+.

Conclusion: (a+b)∈R(a + b) \in \mathbb{R} always (by closure of addition), while ab∈R+ab \in \mathbb{R}^+ when aa and bb have the same sign.


Option 2: Completeness Axiom and Incompleteness of Q\mathbb{Q}

Definition of Completeness Axiom in R\mathbb{R}

Completeness Axiom (Least Upper Bound Property): Every non-empty subset SS of R\mathbb{R} that is bounded above has a least upper bound (supremum) in R\mathbb{R}.

In symbols: If S⊆RS \subseteq \mathbb{R}, S≠ϕS \neq \phi, and SS is bounded above, then there exists sup⁡S∈R\sup S \in \mathbb{R} such that:

  1. s≤sup⁡Ss \leq \sup S for all s∈Ss \in S (upper bound)
  2. If MM is any upper bound of SS, then sup⁡S≤M\sup S \leq M (least upper bound)

This axiom distinguishes R\mathbb{R} from Q\mathbb{Q} and is the foundation of real analysis.


To Show: The Set of Rational Numbers Q\mathbb{Q} is Not Complete

Proof by Counterexample:

Consider the set S={x∈Q:x2<2}S = \{x \in \mathbb{Q} : x^2 < 2\}

Step 1: SS is non-empty and bounded above.

Clearly 1∈S1 \in S since 12=1<21^2 = 1 < 2. Also, every element of SS satisfies x<2x < 2 (since x2<2x^2 < 2 implies x<2x < 2 for positive xx, and negative rationals are certainly less than 22). So SS is bounded above by 22.

Step 2: SS has no rational supremum.

We know that 2∉Q\sqrt{2} \notin \mathbb{Q} (since 2\sqrt{2} is irrational). The only possible candidate for sup⁡S\sup S in Q\mathbb{Q} would be 2\sqrt{2}, but 2∉Q\sqrt{2} \notin \mathbb{Q}.

More rigorously, suppose sup⁡S=u∈Q\sup S = u \in \mathbb{Q}. Then by trichotomy, either u2<2u^2 < 2, u2=2u^2 = 2, or u2>2u^2 > 2.

  • If u2<2u^2 < 2, then u∈Su \in S. But we can always find a rational r>ur > u with r2<2r^2 < 2 (by density of Q\mathbb{Q}), contradicting that uu is an upper bound.
  • If u2=2u^2 = 2, then u=2∉Qu = \sqrt{2} \notin \mathbb{Q}, a contradiction.
  • If u2>2u^2 > 2, then uu is an upper bound, but we can find a smaller rational upper bound v<uv < u with v2>2v^2 > 2, contradicting that uu is the least upper bound.

In all cases, we reach a contradiction. Hence SS has no least upper bound in Q\mathbb{Q}.

Step 3: Conclusion.

There exists a non-empty subset SS of Q\mathbb{Q} that is bounded above but has no supremum in Q\mathbb{Q}. Therefore, the completeness axiom fails in Q\mathbb{Q}.

Hence Q is not complete.\boxed{\text{Hence } \mathbb{Q} \text{ is not complete.}}


Note: In contrast, in R\mathbb{R}, the same set S={x∈R:x2<2}S = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 < 2\} has sup⁡S=2∈R\sup S = \sqrt{2} \in \mathbb{R}, illustrating that R\mathbb{R} satisfies the completeness axiom while Q\mathbb{Q} does not.

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Prove that the union of any finite number of closed sets is closed. Show by means of an example that the theorem does not hold for union of an arbitrary family of closed sets.

Answer

Let (X) be a metric space (or a topological space). A subset (F\subseteq X) is closed iff its complement (X\setminus F) is open.

Theorem

If (F_1,F_2,\dots,F_n) are closed subsets of (X), then
[ F=\bigcup_{i=1}^{n}F_i ] is closed.

Proof

Since each (F_i) is closed, each complement [ G_i=X\setminus F_i ] is open.

By De Morgan’s law, [ X\setminus F

X\setminus \left(\bigcup_{i=1}^{n}F_i\right)

\bigcap_{i=1}^{n}(X\setminus F_i)

\bigcap_{i=1}^{n}G_i. ]

Now we show that the finite intersection of open sets is open. Let [ x\in \bigcap_{i=1}^{n}G_i. ] Then (x\in G_i) for every (i). Since each (G_i) is open, for each (i) there exists (\varepsilon_i>0) such that [ B(x,\varepsilon_i)\subseteq G_i. ] Let [ \varepsilon=\min{\varepsilon_1,\varepsilon_2,\dots,\varepsilon_n}. ] Because the number of sets is finite, (\varepsilon>0). Hence [ B(x,\varepsilon)\subseteq B(x,\varepsilon_i)\subseteq G_i ] for every (i). Therefore [ B(x,\varepsilon)\subseteq \bigcap_{i=1}^{n}G_i. ] So (\bigcap_{i=1}^{n}G_i) is open.

Thus (X\setminus F) is open. Hence (F=\bigcup_{i=1}^{n}F_i) is closed. (\square)


Counterexample for an arbitrary family

The theorem does not hold for the union of an arbitrary family of closed sets.

Consider (\mathbb R) with the usual topology. For each (n\in\mathbb N), let [ F_n=\left{\frac1n\right}. ] Each (F_n) is a singleton, hence closed in (\mathbb R).

But [ \bigcup_{n=1}^{\infty}F_n

\left{1,\frac12,\frac13,\frac14,\dots\right}. ] This union is not closed, because (0) is a limit point of the set: [ \frac1n\to 0 \quad \text{as } n\to\infty, ] but [ 0\notin \left{1,\frac12,\frac13,\dots\right}. ] A closed set must contain all its limit points. Since this union does not contain its limit point (0), it is not closed.

Therefore, although the union of finitely many closed sets is always closed, the union of infinitely many closed sets need not be closed.

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Test for the convergence of the sequence <(3n−1n+2)(n4−nn3+1)>\left< \left( \frac{3n - 1}{n + 2} \right) \left( \frac{n^4 - n}{n^3 + 1} \right) \right>

Answer

Let

un=(3n−1n+2)(n4−nn3+1).u_n=\left(\frac{3n-1}{n+2}\right)\left(\frac{n^4-n}{n^3+1}\right).

First factor:

3n−1n+2=3−1n1+2n→3(n→∞).\frac{3n-1}{n+2}=\frac{3-\frac1n}{1+\frac2n}\to 3 \quad (n\to\infty).

Second factor:

n4−nn3+1=n⋅1−1n31+1n3.\frac{n^4-n}{n^3+1}=n\cdot\frac{1-\frac1{n^3}}{1+\frac1{n^3}}.

The fraction tends to 11, so this factor behaves like nn and tends to ∞\infty.

Bounding unu_n. For n≥2n\ge 2, 3n−1n+2≥54>1\dfrac{3n-1}{n+2}\ge\dfrac54>1 and n4−nn3+1≥7n9\dfrac{n^4-n}{n^3+1}\ge\dfrac{7n}{9}. Hence

un≥3536 n(n≥2),u_n\ge \frac{35}{36}\,n \quad (n\ge 2),

so un→+∞u_n\to+\infty.

Conclusion: A convergent sequence must be bounded and have a finite limit. Here ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is unbounded above and tends to +∞+\infty, so it has no finite limit. The sequence is therefore not convergent; it diverges (properly divergent to +∞+\infty).

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

If lim⁡x→af(x)\lim_{x \to a} f(x) and lim⁡x→ag(x)\lim_{x \to a} g(x) donot exist, then show that lim⁡x→a(f(x)±g(x))\lim_{x \to a} (f(x) \pm g(x)) and lim⁡x→af(x)g(x)\lim_{x \to a} f(x) g(x) may or may not exist.

Answer

We show by counterexamples that, when lim⁡x→af(x)\lim_{x\to a}f(x) and lim⁡x→ag(x)\lim_{x\to a}g(x) both fail to exist, the limits of f±gf\pm g and fgfg may or may not exist. Take a=0a=0.

1. Sum/difference may exist. Let f(x)=1xf(x)=\dfrac1x, g(x)=−1xg(x)=-\dfrac1x. Neither limit exists at 00, but f(x)+g(x)=0f(x)+g(x)=0 for x≠0x\ne0, so lim⁡x→0(f+g)=0\lim_{x\to0}(f+g)=0 exists. Similarly, for f(x)=g(x)=1xf(x)=g(x)=\dfrac1x we get f−g=0f-g=0, so lim⁡x→0(f−g)=0\lim_{x\to0}(f-g)=0 exists.

2. Sum/difference may fail to exist. For f(x)=g(x)=1xf(x)=g(x)=\dfrac1x, f+g=2xf+g=\dfrac2x, which has no limit at 00. For f(x)=1xf(x)=\dfrac1x, g(x)=−1xg(x)=-\dfrac1x, f−g=2xf-g=\dfrac2x, which has no limit at 00.

3. Product may exist. Let f(x)={1,x>0−1,x<0,g(x)={−1,x>01,x<0.f(x)=\begin{cases}1,&x>0\\-1,&x<0\end{cases},\qquad g(x)=\begin{cases}-1,&x>0\\1,&x<0.\end{cases} The left and right limits of each differ, so neither lim⁡f\lim f nor lim⁡g\lim g exists. But f(x)g(x)=−1f(x)g(x)=-1 for x≠0x\ne0, so lim⁡x→0f(x)g(x)=−1\lim_{x\to0}f(x)g(x)=-1 exists.

4. Product may fail to exist. For f(x)=g(x)=1xf(x)=g(x)=\dfrac1x, f(x)g(x)=1x2→∞f(x)g(x)=\dfrac1{x^2}\to\infty, so the limit does not exist (finitely).

Conclusion: lim⁡x→a(f±g)\lim_{x\to a}(f\pm g) and lim⁡x→afg\lim_{x\to a}fg may or may not exist when lim⁡f\lim f and lim⁡g\lim g do not exist. ■\blacksquare

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Prove that f−1f^{-1} exists and is continuous and one-one on f(I)f(I), if ff is continuous and one-one on an interval II.

Answer

Let ff be continuous and one-one on an interval II, and let J=f(I)J=f(I).

Existence and one-one property. Since ff is one-one, each y∈Jy\in J equals f(x)f(x) for exactly one x∈Ix\in I. Define f−1(y)=xf^{-1}(y)=x. So f−1:J→If^{-1}:J\to I exists. If f−1(y1)=f−1(y2)=xf^{-1}(y_1)=f^{-1}(y_2)=x, then y1=f(x)=y2y_1=f(x)=y_2. Hence f−1f^{-1} is one-one.

Step 1: ff is strictly monotonic on II. Suppose not. Then there exist a<b<ca<b<c in II with f(b)f(b) not between f(a)f(a) and f(c)f(c). Since ff is one-one the values are distinct, so say f(b)>max⁡{f(a),f(c)}f(b)>\max\{f(a),f(c)\} (the other case is similar). Choose kk with max⁡{f(a),f(c)}<k<f(b)\max\{f(a),f(c)\}<k<f(b). By the intermediate value theorem on [a,b][a,b] and on [b,c][b,c] there are x1∈(a,b)x_1\in(a,b) and x2∈(b,c)x_2\in(b,c) with f(x1)=f(x2)=kf(x_1)=f(x_2)=k, and x1≠x2x_1\ne x_2. This contradicts that ff is one-one. So for every a<b<ca<b<c the value f(b)f(b) lies between f(a)f(a) and f(c)f(c), which forces ff to be strictly increasing or strictly decreasing on II.

Step 2: JJ is an interval. By the intermediate value theorem a continuous function maps an interval onto an interval.

Step 3: f−1f^{-1} is continuous. Let ff be strictly increasing (the decreasing case is similar), and write g=f−1g=f^{-1}, which is also strictly increasing. Take y0∈Jy_0\in J, x0=g(y0)x_0=g(y_0) and ε>0\varepsilon>0.

If x0x_0 is an interior point of II, take ε\varepsilon small enough that [x0−ε,x0+ε]⊂I[x_0-\varepsilon,x_0+\varepsilon]\subset I. Then f(x0−ε)<y0<f(x0+ε).f(x_0-\varepsilon)<y_0<f(x_0+\varepsilon). Let δ=min⁡{y0−f(x0−ε),  f(x0+ε)−y0}>0\delta=\min\{y_0-f(x_0-\varepsilon),\;f(x_0+\varepsilon)-y_0\}>0. If y∈Jy\in J and ∣y−y0∣<δ|y-y_0|<\delta, then f(x0−ε)<y<f(x0+ε)f(x_0-\varepsilon)<y<f(x_0+\varepsilon), and since gg is increasing, x0−ε<g(y)<x0+ε,i.e. ∣g(y)−g(y0)∣<ε.x_0-\varepsilon<g(y)<x_0+\varepsilon,\quad\text{i.e. }|g(y)-g(y_0)|<\varepsilon.

If x0x_0 is an end point of II, the same argument works with only the one side that lies in II. Hence g=f−1g=f^{-1} is continuous at every point of JJ.

Therefore f−1f^{-1} exists, and is one-one and continuous on f(I)f(I). ■\blacksquare

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

If a function ff is derivable at a point, then show that it is continuous at that point. Show by means of an example that the converse may not be true.

Answer

Statement: If a function ff is derivable (differentiable) at a point x=ax = a, then ff is continuous at that point.

Proof:

Let ff be derivable at x=ax = a. Then the derivative

f′(a)=lim⁡x→af(x)−f(a)x−af'(a) = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a}

exists (is finite).

We must show that lim⁡x→af(x)=f(a)\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a), i.e. ff is continuous at x=ax = a.

Now, for x≠ax \neq a,

f(x)−f(a)=f(x)−f(a)x−a⋅(x−a)f(x) - f(a) = \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \cdot (x - a)

Taking limits as x→ax \to a,

lim⁡x→a[f(x)−f(a)]=lim⁡x→af(x)−f(a)x−a⋅lim⁡x→a(x−a)\lim_{x \to a} \big[f(x) - f(a)\big] = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \cdot \lim_{x \to a} (x - a)

=f′(a)⋅0=0= f'(a) \cdot 0 = 0

Therefore,

lim⁡x→af(x)−f(a)=0⇒lim⁡x→af(x)=f(a)\lim_{x \to a} f(x) - f(a) = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a)

Hence ff is continuous at x=ax = a. ■\blacksquare

Converse need not be true (counter-example):

Consider the function

f(x)=∣x∣={x,x≥0−x,x<0f(x) = |x| = \begin{cases} x, & x \geq 0 \\ -x, & x < 0 \end{cases}

Continuity at x=0x = 0:

lim⁡x→0−f(x)=lim⁡x→0−(−x)=0,lim⁡x→0+f(x)=lim⁡x→0+x=0\lim_{x \to 0^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 0^-} (-x) = 0, \qquad \lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 0^+} x = 0

Also f(0)=0f(0) = 0. Since both one-sided limits equal f(0)f(0), the function is continuous at x=0x = 0.

Derivability at x=0x = 0:

Left-hand derivative:

f′(0−)=lim⁡x→0−f(x)−f(0)x−0=lim⁡x→0−−xx=−1f'(0^-) = \lim_{x \to 0^-} \frac{f(x) - f(0)}{x - 0} = \lim_{x \to 0^-} \frac{-x}{x} = -1

Right-hand derivative:

f′(0+)=lim⁡x→0+f(x)−f(0)x−0=lim⁡x→0+xx=1f'(0^+) = \lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{f(x) - f(0)}{x - 0} = \lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{x}{x} = 1

Since f′(0−)≠f′(0+)f'(0^-) \neq f'(0^+), the derivative at x=0x = 0 does not exist. Hence ff is not derivable at x=0x = 0, although it is continuous there.

Conclusion: Derivability at a point implies continuity at that point, but continuity does not imply derivability. Thus the converse of the given statement is not true.

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Show that a function f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re [a, b] if it is monotonic on [a,b][a, b]. OR If KK is a constant function, then show that k∈ℜ[a,b]k \in \Re [a, b] and ∫abk=k(b−a)\int_a^b k = k(b - a).

Answer

Monotonic function is integrable. Let ff be monotonically increasing on [a,b][a,b] (the decreasing case is similar). Then ff is bounded, since f(a)≤f(x)≤f(b)f(a)\le f(x)\le f(b).

Constant case. If f(b)=f(a)f(b)=f(a), then ff is constant, and U(P,f)−L(P,f)=0U(P,f)-L(P,f)=0 for every partition, so f∈ℜ[a,b]f\in\Re[a,b] trivially. Now assume f(b)>f(a)f(b)>f(a).

Take the partition P={a=x0<x1<⋯<xn=b}P=\{a=x_0<x_1<\dots<x_n=b\}. On [xr−1,xr][x_{r-1},x_r], mr=f(xr−1)m_r=f(x_{r-1}) and Mr=f(xr)M_r=f(x_r). Therefore U(P,f)−L(P,f)=∑r=1n[f(xr)−f(xr−1)](xr−xr−1).U(P,f)-L(P,f)=\sum_{r=1}^{n}\big[f(x_r)-f(x_{r-1})\big](x_r-x_{r-1}).

Let ∥P∥=max⁡r(xr−xr−1)\|P\|=\max_r(x_r-x_{r-1}). Since each bracket is ≥0\ge0 and the sum telescopes, U(P,f)−L(P,f)≤∥P∥∑r=1n[f(xr)−f(xr−1)]=∥P∥ [f(b)−f(a)].U(P,f)-L(P,f)\le\|P\|\sum_{r=1}^{n}\big[f(x_r)-f(x_{r-1})\big]=\|P\|\,[f(b)-f(a)].

Given ε>0\varepsilon>0, take the partition into nn equal parts with b−an<εf(b)−f(a)\dfrac{b-a}{n}<\dfrac{\varepsilon}{f(b)-f(a)}. Then U(P,f)−L(P,f)<εU(P,f)-L(P,f)<\varepsilon. By the Riemann criterion, f∈ℜ[a,b]f\in\Re[a,b]. ■\blacksquare

OR

Constant function. Let k(x)=ck(x)=c on [a,b][a,b]. For any partition PP, every subinterval has mr=Mr=cm_r=M_r=c, so U(P,k)=L(P,k)=c∑r=1n(xr−xr−1)=c(b−a).U(P,k)=L(P,k)=c\sum_{r=1}^{n}(x_r-x_{r-1})=c(b-a).

Hence the upper integral inf⁡PU(P,k)\inf_P U(P,k) and the lower integral sup⁡PL(P,k)\sup_P L(P,k) are both c(b−a)c(b-a). They are equal, so k∈ℜ[a,b]k\in\Re[a,b] and ∫abk dx=k(b−a).■\int_a^b k\,dx=k(b-a). \qquad\blacksquare

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 7 marks

Test for x>0x > 0, the convergence of the series 2232x+22423252x2+224262325272x3+…\frac{2^2}{3^2}x + \frac{2^2 4^2}{3^2 5^2}x^2 + \frac{2^2 4^2 6^2}{3^2 5^2 7^2}x^3 + \dots OR Prove that a series ∑un\sum u_n converges if and only if to each ε>0\varepsilon > 0, ∃m∈N\exists m \in N such that ∣un+1+un+2+un+3+⋯+un+p∣<ε  ∀n≥m∧p≥0|u_{n+1} + u_{n+2} + u_{n+3} + \dots + u_{n+p}| < \varepsilon \; \forall n \ge m \land p \ge 0.

Answer

First alternative: Test the convergence of

[ \frac{2^2}{3^2}x+\frac{2^2 4^2}{3^2 5^2}x^2+\frac{2^2 4^2 6^2}{3^2 5^2 7^2}x^3+\cdots ]

Let the general term be
[ u_n=\left(\frac{2\cdot4\cdot6\cdots(2n)}{3\cdot5\cdot7\cdots(2n+1)}\right)^2 x^n. ]

Using the ratio test, [ \frac{u_{n+1}}{u_n}

\left(\frac{2n+2}{2n+3}\right)^2 x. ] Therefore, [ \lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{u_{n+1}}{u_n}\right|

\lim_{n\to\infty}\left(\frac{2n+2}{2n+3}\right)^2 x

x. ]

By d’Alembert’s ratio test:

  • If (0<x<1), the series converges.
  • If (x>1), the series diverges.

Now test the boundary case (x=1). Then [ u_n=\left(\frac{2\cdot4\cdot6\cdots(2n)}{3\cdot5\cdot7\cdots(2n+1)}\right)^2. ] For each (k), [ \left(\frac{2k}{2k+1}\right)^2>\frac{2k-1}{2k+1}, ] because [ 4k^2>4k^2-1. ] Hence [ \frac{2k}{2k+1}>\sqrt{\frac{2k-1}{2k+1}}. ] Multiplying from (k=1) to (n), [ \frac{2\cdot4\cdot6\cdots(2n)}{3\cdot5\cdot7\cdots(2n+1)}

\sqrt{\frac{1}{2n+1}}. ] Squaring, [ u_n>\frac{1}{2n+1}. ] But (\sum \frac{1}{2n+1}) diverges. Therefore, by the comparison test, (\sum u_n) diverges at (x=1).

Hence the given series converges for
[ \boxed{0<x<1} ] and diverges for
[ \boxed{x\ge 1}. ]


OR: Cauchy’s general principle of convergence for a series

Let
[ S_n=u_1+u_2+\cdots+u_n. ] The series (\sum u_n) converges if and only if the sequence ((S_n)) converges.

By Cauchy’s criterion for sequences, ((S_n)) converges if and only if for every (\varepsilon>0), there exists (m\in\mathbb N) such that [ |S_{n+p}-S_n|<\varepsilon ] for all (n\ge m) and (p\ge 0).

But [ S_{n+p}-S_n

u_{n+1}+u_{n+2}+\cdots+u_{n+p}. ] Therefore, [ |S_{n+p}-S_n|

|u_{n+1}+u_{n+2}+\cdots+u_{n+p}|. ]

Thus (\sum u_n) converges if and only if for every (\varepsilon>0), there exists (m\in\mathbb N) such that [ \boxed{ |u_{n+1}+u_{n+2}+\cdots+u_{n+p}|<\varepsilon } ] for all (n\ge m) and (p\ge 0).

This is Cauchy’s general principle of convergence for an infinite series.

Answer checked by Claude Haiku · Oct 21, 2026

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 12 marks

If f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re [a, b], c∈(a,b)c \in (a, b); then show that f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re [a, c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re [c, b] and conversely. Also, in either case show that ∫abf=∫acf+∫cbf\int_a^b f = \int_a^c f + \int_c^b f.

Answer

Riemann Integrability on Subintervals and Additivity of the Integral

Statement

Let ff be a bounded function on [a,b][a,b] and let c∈(a,b)c \in (a,b). Then:

f∈ℜ[a,b]  ⟺  f∈ℜ[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[a,b] \iff f \in \Re[a,c] \text{ and } f \in \Re[c,b]

Moreover, in either case,

∫abf=∫acf+∫cbf\int_a^b f = \int_a^c f + \int_c^b f


Part I: If f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b], then f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b]

Proof

Since f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b], by the Riemann criterion, for every ε>0\varepsilon > 0 there exists a partition PP of [a,b][a,b] such that

U(P,f)−L(P,f)<εU(P,f) - L(P,f) < \varepsilon

Let P={a=x0,x1,…,xn=b}P = \{a = x_0, x_1, \dots, x_n = b\}. Since c∈(a,b)c \in (a,b), we may refine PP by inserting the point cc (refinement does not increase U−LU - L). So assume c=xkc = x_k for some kk, 1≤k≤n−11 \le k \le n-1.

Now define partitions of the subintervals:

P1={a=x0,x1,…,xk=c}of [a,c]P_1 = \{a = x_0, x_1, \dots, x_k = c\} \quad \text{of } [a,c] P2={c=xk,xk+1,…,xn=b}of [c,b]P_2 = \{c = x_k, x_{k+1}, \dots, x_n = b\} \quad \text{of } [c,b]

Then

U(P,f)−L(P,f)=[U(P1,f)−L(P1,f)]+[U(P2,f)−L(P2,f)]U(P,f) - L(P,f) = \big[U(P_1,f) - L(P_1,f)\big] + \big[U(P_2,f) - L(P_2,f)\big]

Since both terms on the right are non-negative,

U(P1,f)−L(P1,f)≤U(P,f)−L(P,f)<εU(P_1,f) - L(P_1,f) \le U(P,f) - L(P,f) < \varepsilon

and

U(P2,f)−L(P2,f)≤U(P,f)−L(P,f)<εU(P_2,f) - L(P_2,f) \le U(P,f) - L(P,f) < \varepsilon

Since ε>0\varepsilon > 0 is arbitrary, by the Riemann criterion,

f∈ℜ[a,c]andf∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[a,c] \quad \text{and} \quad f \in \Re[c,b]

■\blacksquare


Part II: Conversely, if f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b], then f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b]

Proof

Let ε>0\varepsilon > 0 be given. Since f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c], there exists a partition P1P_1 of [a,c][a,c] such that

U(P1,f)−L(P1,f)<ε2U(P_1,f) - L(P_1,f) < \frac{\varepsilon}{2}

Since f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b], there exists a partition P2P_2 of [c,b][c,b] such that

U(P2,f)−L(P2,f)<ε2U(P_2,f) - L(P_2,f) < \frac{\varepsilon}{2}

Now let P=P1∪P2P = P_1 \cup P_2, which is a partition of [a,b][a,b]. Then

U(P,f)−L(P,f)=[U(P1,f)−L(P1,f)]+[U(P2,f)−L(P2,f)]U(P,f) - L(P,f) = \big[U(P_1,f) - L(P_1,f)\big] + \big[U(P_2,f) - L(P_2,f)\big]

<ε2+ε2=ε< \frac{\varepsilon}{2} + \frac{\varepsilon}{2} = \varepsilon

Since ε>0\varepsilon > 0 is arbitrary, by the Riemann criterion,

f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b]

■\blacksquare


Part III: Additivity of the Integral

Proof

Assume f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b] (equivalently, f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b]).

Let P1P_1 be any partition of [a,c][a,c] and P2P_2 any partition of [c,b][c,b]. Then P=P1∪P2P = P_1 \cup P_2 is a partition of [a,b][a,b], and we have the identity:

U(P,f)=U(P1,f)+U(P2,f)U(P,f) = U(P_1,f) + U(P_2,f)

L(P,f)=L(P1,f)+L(P2,f)L(P,f) = L(P_1,f) + L(P_2,f)

Taking the infimum over all partitions P1P_1 of [a,c][a,c] and all partitions P2P_2 of [c,b][c,b]:

∫ab‾f=∫ac‾f+∫cb‾f\overline{\int_a^b} f = \overline{\int_a^c} f + \overline{\int_c^b} f

Similarly, taking the supremum over all such partitions:

∫ab‾f=∫ac‾f+∫cb‾f\underline{\int_a^b} f = \underline{\int_a^c} f + \underline{\int_c^b} f

Since f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b], we have ∫ab‾f=∫ab‾f=∫abf\overline{\int_a^b} f = \underline{\int_a^b} f = \int_a^b f. Also, since f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b], we have

∫ac‾f=∫ac‾f=∫acfand∫cb‾f=∫cb‾f=∫cbf\overline{\int_a^c} f = \underline{\int_a^c} f = \int_a^c f \quad \text{and} \quad \overline{\int_c^b} f = \underline{\int_c^b} f = \int_c^b f

Therefore,

∫abf=∫acf+∫cbf\int_a^b f = \int_a^c f + \int_c^b f

■\blacksquare


Summary

DirectionResult
f∈ℜ[a,b]f \in \Re[a,b]  ⟹  f∈ℜ[a,c]\implies f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b]
f∈ℜ[a,c]f \in \Re[a,c] and f∈ℜ[c,b]f \in \Re[c,b]  ⟹  f∈ℜ[a,b]\implies f \in \Re[a,b]
Either case∫abf=∫acf+∫cbf\displaystyle\int_a^b f = \int_a^c f + \int_c^b f

Thus Riemann integrability on a closed interval is equivalent to Riemann integrability on each of its subintervals, and the integral is additive over adjacent intervals.

Answer checked by Claude Haiku · Oct 21, 2026

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  • 2082 · Real Analysis (Math.Ed.423, Major) · 12 marks

Define convergent sequence with an example. Prove that a sequence ⟨un⟩\langle u_n \rangle is convergent if and only if to each given ε>0\varepsilon > 0, ∃m∈N\exists m \in N such that ∣un+p−un∣<ε  ∀n≥m∧p≥0|u_{n+p} - u_n| < \varepsilon \; \forall n \ge m \land p \ge 0. OR If lim⁡an=l\lim a_n = l, finite or infinite, and ⟨Sn⟩\langle S_n \rangle be defined by Sn=a1+a2+⋯+annS_n = \frac{a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_n}{n}, then show that lim⁡Sn=l\lim S_n = l.

Answer

Convergent sequence.
A sequence ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is said to be convergent if there exists a real number ll such that for every ε>0\varepsilon>0, there is a natural number mm satisfying
∣un−l∣<εfor all n≥m.|u_n-l|<\varepsilon \quad \text{for all } n\ge m.
Then ll is called the limit of the sequence, and we write
lim⁡n→∞un=lorun→l.\lim_{n\to\infty}u_n=l \quad \text{or} \quad u_n\to l.

Example.
Let
un=1n.u_n=\frac{1}{n}.
For any ε>0\varepsilon>0, choose m∈Nm\in\mathbb N such that m>1εm>\frac1\varepsilon. Then for all n≥mn\ge m,
∣1n−0∣=1n≤1m<ε.\left|\frac1n-0\right|=\frac1n\le \frac1m<\varepsilon.
Hence 1n→0\frac1n\to 0, so ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is convergent.


Theorem (Cauchy’s criterion for convergence).
A sequence ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is convergent if and only if for every ε>0\varepsilon>0, there exists m∈Nm\in\mathbb N such that
∣un+p−un∣<εfor all n≥m and p≥0.|u_{n+p}-u_n|<\varepsilon \quad \text{for all } n\ge m \text{ and } p\ge0.

Proof.

1. Necessary part

Suppose ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is convergent, say
lim⁡n→∞un=l.\lim_{n\to\infty}u_n=l.
Let ε>0\varepsilon>0 be given. Then there exists m∈Nm\in\mathbb N such that
∣un−l∣<ε2for all n≥m.|u_n-l|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2} \quad \text{for all } n\ge m.
Now take any n≥mn\ge m and any p≥0p\ge0. Then n+p≥mn+p\ge m, so
∣un+p−l∣<ε2.|u_{n+p}-l|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}.
Hence
∣un+p−un∣≤∣un+p−l∣+∣l−un∣<ε2+ε2=ε.|u_{n+p}-u_n|\le |u_{n+p}-l|+|l-u_n|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}+\frac{\varepsilon}{2}=\varepsilon.
Therefore the given condition holds.

2. Sufficient part

Assume that for every ε>0\varepsilon>0, there exists m∈Nm\in\mathbb N such that
∣un+p−un∣<εfor all n≥m, p≥0.|u_{n+p}-u_n|<\varepsilon \quad \text{for all } n\ge m,\ p\ge0.

First we prove that ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is bounded.
Take ε=1\varepsilon=1. Then there exists m0∈Nm_0\in\mathbb N such that
∣um0+p−um0∣<1for all p≥0.|u_{m_0+p}-u_{m_0}|<1 \quad \text{for all } p\ge0.
So for every k≥m0k\ge m_0,
∣uk∣<∣um0∣+1.|u_k|<|u_{m_0}|+1.
The finite set {u1,u2,…,um0−1}\{u_1,u_2,\dots,u_{m_0-1}\} is also bounded. Hence the whole sequence is bounded.

By the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem, every bounded sequence has a convergent subsequence. Therefore, there exists a subsequence ⟨unk⟩\langle u_{n_k}\rangle such that
lim⁡k→∞unk=l.\lim_{k\to\infty}u_{n_k}=l.

Now we show that the whole sequence converges to ll.
Let ε>0\varepsilon>0. From the given Cauchy condition, choose m∈Nm\in\mathbb N such that
∣un+p−un∣<ε2for all n≥m, p≥0.|u_{n+p}-u_n|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2} \quad \text{for all } n\ge m,\ p\ge0.
Since unk→lu_{n_k}\to l, choose KK such that for all k≥Kk\ge K,
∣unk−l∣<ε2.|u_{n_k}-l|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}.
Also, since nk→∞n_k\to\infty, choose K′K' such that for all k≥K′k\ge K',
nk≥m.n_k\ge m.
Take k≥max⁡(K,K′)k\ge\max(K,K'). Then for any n≥mn\ge m, using the Cauchy condition,
∣un−unk∣<ε2.|u_n-u_{n_k}|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}.
Therefore,
∣un−l∣≤∣un−unk∣+∣unk−l∣<ε2+ε2=ε.|u_n-l|\le |u_n-u_{n_k}|+|u_{n_k}-l|<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}+\frac{\varepsilon}{2}=\varepsilon.
This is true for all n≥mn\ge m. Hence
lim⁡n→∞un=l.\lim_{n\to\infty}u_n=l.
So ⟨un⟩\langle u_n\rangle is convergent.

Thus a sequence is convergent if and only if the given Cauchy condition is satisfied.

Answer checked by Claude Sonnet · Oct 21, 2026

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