Prove That a Function Is Not Uniformly Continuous

Prove That a Function Is Not Uniformly Continuous
$\begingroup$

Show that: $f:\mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ where $f(x) = x^2 + x$ is not uniformly continuous.

To prove that, I need to show that there are $x,y \in \mathbb{R}$ such that $\exists \epsilon > 0$, $\forall \delta > 0$ and it follows that $|x-y| \leq \delta$ but $|f(x) - f(y)| > \epsilon$.

First suppose that thee following statements are true:

  • $x > \frac{1}{2\delta}$
  • $\epsilon = 1$
  • $y = x + \delta$

Now let $\delta > 0$.

Clearly $|x-y| \leq \delta$ because $|x-y|=|x-(x+\delta)| = |\delta| = \delta \leq \delta$. Now see that $$ \begin{align*} |f(x)-f(y)|&=|x^2 + x - (x+\delta)^2 - (x+\delta)|\\ &=|2x\delta + \delta^2 + \delta|\\ &=2x\delta + \delta^2 + \delta\\ &>2x\delta = 2 > 1 = \epsilon \end{align*} $$

Terefore $f(x)$ is no uniformly continuous.


Can someone please check my proof? Also, it's a proved theorem that if $a_n,b_n$ are functions in the domain of $f$ such that $(a_n - b_n) \rightarrow 0$ and $f(a_n) - f(b_n) \nrightarrow 0$ then $f$ is not uniformly continuous. Can someone please show me an example of $a_n$ and $b_n$ for that case?

I tried to prove some not uniformly continuous functions using the previous theorem but it's not trivial (at least for me), to find those sequences...

Thanks!

$\endgroup$

2 Answers

$\begingroup$

Take $a_n=n$ and $b_n=n+\frac{1}{n}$ to see what will happen!

$\endgroup$
3
$\begingroup$

In your own estimate $|f(y)-f(x)| \ge 2x\delta$, with $y=x+\delta$. So choose the sequence so that $x \delta$ is never close to $0$, so $\delta=\frac1n$, $x=n$ is a good option, and sort of the simplest. This suggests taking $a_n = n$ and $b_n = n+\frac1n$ as the sequences. Or $2n,2n+\frac{1}{n}$ etc. Lots of options.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

David Miller
Author

David Miller

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.