MATH 215

Mathematical Analysis
Lecture Notes
Anıl Taş∗
September 2005

∗
M.A. student at the Department of Economics, Bilkent University, Bilkent, 06800,
Ankara, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected]. This course was given by Prof. Mefharet
Kocatepe in the 2005 Bilkent Summer School.
Contents
1 The Real And Complex Number Systems 3
1.1 The Real Number System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Extended Real Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 The Complex Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 Sets And Functions 12

2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 Countable And Uncountable Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3 Basic Topology 18
3.1 Metric Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.2 Subspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.3 Compact Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.4 The Cantor Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.5 Connected Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4 Sequences And Series 34

4.1 Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.2 Subsequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.3 Cauchy Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.4 Upper And Lower Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.5 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.6 Operations With Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5 Continuity 64
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5.2 Continuity And Compactness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.3 Continuity And Connectedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5.4 Uniform Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

6 Sequences And Series Of Functions 73

6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.2 Uniform Convergence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
6.3 Uniform Convergence And Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
6.4 Uniform Convergence And Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
6.5 Uniform Convergence And Differentiation . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

7 Figures 86

2
1 The Real And Complex Number Systems
1.1 The Real Number System
R : The set of real numbers
m
Q : The set of rational numbers (Numbers in the form n
where m, n are
integers, n 6= 0)
Z : The set of integers, {0, 1, −1, 2, −2, 3, −3, . . .}
N : The set of natural numbers, {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .}

Proofs:
1) Direct Proofs
2) Indirect Proofs
a) Proof by Contraposition
b) Proof by Contradiction
1.1 Example (Direct Proof). If f is differentiable at x = c then f is con-
tinuous at x = c.

Proof. Hypothesis: f is differentiable at x = c, i.e.

f (x) − f (c)
lim = f 0 (c) exists and it is a number.
x→c x−c
Claim: f is continuous at c, i.e. limx→c f (x) = f (c).
 
f (x) − f (c)
lim f (x) = lim (x − c) + f (c)
x→c x→c x−c
f (x) − f (c)
= lim lim(x − c) + lim f (c)
x→c
| x
{z − c x→c
} | {z } | {z }
x→c

f 0 (c) 0 f (c)

= f (c)

1.2 Example (Indirect Proof: Proof by Contraposition). Let n be an integer.

If |n2 is{zeven} then n
| is{zeven}.
p q

If p then q: p ⇒ q. This is equivalent to: If not q then not p, i.e. ∼ q ⇒∼ p.

If n is odd then n2 is odd.

3
Proof. Assume n is odd then n = 2k + 1 for some integer k. Then

n2 = 4k 2 + 4k + 1 = 2(2k 2
| {z + 2k}) + 1
an integer

So n2 is odd.
√
1.3 Example (Indirect Proof: Proof by Contradiction). Show that 2 is
not a rational number.

Proof. If c|2 {z
= 2} then c| is not{zrational}. We assume p and ∼ q, proceed and
p q
get a contradiction. So assume c2 = 2 and c is rational. Then c = mn
where
2 m2
m, n ∈ Z, n 6= 0 and m, n have no common factors. We have c = n2 then
m2 = 2n2 . So m2 is even and m is even. Then m = 2k for some integer k.
We get 4k 2 = 2n2 or 2k 2 = n2 . Then n2 is even and n is even. Then n = 2`
for some integer `. So m and n have a common factor. A contradiction.
Some Symbols And Notation

• p ⇒ q : if p then q (p implies q)

• p ⇔ q : if p then q and if q then p (p iff q)

• 3 : such that

• ∴ : therefore, so

• ∀ : for all, for every

• ∃ : for some, there exists

1.4 Example. Consider the following two statements:

(1) ∀x ∈ R ∃y ∈ R, y<x
(2) ∃y ∈ R ∀x ∈ R, y<x −→ not true
(1) says, given any real number x we can find a real number y (depending
on x) such that y is smaller than x.
(2) says, there is a real number y that is smaller than every real number x.
This is false.

4
1.5 Example. Let A = {p : p ∈ Q, p > 0, p2 < 2} and B = {p : p ∈ Q, p >
0, p2 > 2}.
Claim: A has no largest element and B has no smallest element.

−2 2
Proof. Given any p ∈ Q, p > 0, let q = p − pp+2 = 2p+2
p+2
. Then q ∈ Q and
2
q > 0. Let p ∈ A, i.e. p < 2. Then show q ∈ A and p < q.
p2 − 2
p2 − 2 < 0 so q = p − >p
p+2
2
4p2 + 4 + 8p − 2p2 − 8 − 8p 2(p2 − 2)

2 2p + 2
q −2= −2= = <0
p+2 p2 + 4 + 4p (p + 2)2
So q 2 < 2. Then we have q ∈ A and A has no largest element.
Properties of R
1) R has two operations + and · with respect to which it is a field.
(i) ∀x, y ∈ R, x+y ∈R
(ii) ∀x, y ∈ R, x + y = y + x (commutativity of +)
(iii) ∀x, y, z ∈ R, x + (y + z) = (x + y) + z (associativity of +)
(iv) ∃ an element (0 element) such that ∀x ∈ R, x+0=x
(v) ∀x ∈ R ∃ an element −x ∈ R such that x + (−x) = 0
(vi) ∀x, y ∈ R, x·y ∈R
(vii) ∀x, y ∈ R, x·y =y·x
(viii) ∀x, y, z ∈ R, x · (y · z) = (x · y) · z
(ix) ∃ an element 1 6= 0 in R such that ∀x ∈ R, x·1=x
1 1
(x) ∀x 6= 0 in R there is an element x
in R such that x · x
=1
(xi) ∀x, y, z ∈ R, x · (y + z) = x · y + x · z
1.6 Remark. Note that Q with + and · is also a field.
2) R is an ordered field, i.e. there is a relation < with the following properties
(i) ∀x, y ∈ R one and only one of the following is true:

x < y, x = y, y < x (Trichotomy Law)

5
 (ii) ∀x, y, z ∈ R, x < y and y < z ⇒ x < z (Transitive Law)

(iii) ∀x, y, z ∈ R, x<y ⇒x+z <y+z

(iv) 0 < x and 0 < y ⇒ 0 < x · y

1.7 Remark. Note that Q is also an ordered field.

3) R is complete.

1.8 Definition. Let E ⊂ R. We say E is bounded above if there is an element

b ∈ R such that ∀x ∈ E we have x ≤ b. b is called an upper bound for E.

1.9 Example. E = {p : p ∈ Q, p > 0, p2 < 2}. Then b = 23 , b = 2, b = 5,

√
b = 100, b = 2 are all upper bounds for E.

1.10 Example. E = N = {1, 2, 3, 4, . . .} is not bounded above.

1.11 Remark. Bounded below and lower bound are defined analogously.

1.12 Definition. Let E ⊂ R be bounded above. A number b ∈ R is called

a least upper bound (lub) or supremum (sup) of E if

(i) b is an upper bound for E

and

(ii) if b0 any upper bound for E, then b ≤ b0

1.13 Remark. sup E need not be a member of E. If sup E is in E then it

is called the maximum element.

Completeness Property (or Least Upper Bound Property) of R:

Every non-empty set E ⊂ R that is bounded above has a least upper bound
in R.

1.14 Remark. Q does not have LUB property.

Proof. Let E = {p : p ∈ Q, p > 0, p2 < 2} is a non-empty subset of Q that

is bounded above but it has no least upper bound in Q. Assume b ∈ Q is a
least upper bound of E. Since p = 1 ∈ E and p ≤ b we have 1 ≤ b. We have
two possibilities:

6
 (i) b ∈ E

(ii) b ∈
/E

If b ∈ E, then ∃q ∈ E such that b < q. Then b cannot be an upper bound.

So b ∈/ E. Since b ∈ Q and 0 < b, we have that b2 < 2 is not true. By
trichotomy law, we have either b2 = 2 or 2 < b2 . If b ∈ Q, b2 = 2 cannot be
true. So 2 < b2 .
Let F = {p : p ∈ Q, p > 0, 2 < p2 }. Then b ∈ F and there is an element
q in F such that q < b. Show q is an upper bound for E. Let p ∈ E be an
arbitrary element. Then p > 0 and p2 < 2. Also q ∈ F so q > 0 and 2 < q 2 .

p2 < 2 and 2 < q 2 ⇒ p2 < q 2 ⇒ p < q

So q is bigger than every p ∈ E, i.e. q is an upper bound for E. Then b ≤ q.

Also q < b. Contradiction.

1.15 Remark. Analogously we have greatest lower bound (glb) or infimum

(inf) and the Greatest Lower Bound Property.

1.16 Theorem.

(a) (Archimedian Property) For every x, y ∈ R, x > 0, there is n ∈ N

(depending on x, y) such that nx > y.

(b) (Q is dense in R) For every x, y ∈ R with x < y, ∃p ∈ Q such that

x < p < y.

Proof.

(a) Assume it is not true. So there are x, y ∈ R such that x > 0 for which
there is no n ∈ N such that nx > y. So for all n ∈ N we have nx ≤ y.
Let E = {nx : n ∈ N} = {x, 2x, 3x, . . .}. Then y is an upper bound
for E and E 6= ∅. So E has a least upper bound, say α ∈ R. Since
x > 0, α − x < α. Then α − x is not an upper bound for E. So there
is an element of E, say mx (where m ∈ N) such that α − x < mx.
Then α < (m + 1)x. This element of E is bigger than α = sup E.
Contradiction.

7
 (b) Let x, y ∈ R be such that x < y. Then y − x > 0. By part (a),
∃n ∈ N such that n(y − x) > 1, i.e. ny > 1 + nx. In (a), replace
y by nx and x by 1 > 0. So ∃m1 ∈ N such that m1 > nx. Let
A = {m : m ∈ Z, nx < m}. Then A 6= ∅ since m1 ∈ A. Since A
is non-empty set of integers which is bounded below, A has a smallest
element m0 . Then nx < m0 and m0 ∈ Z. m0 − 1 ∈ / A. So we have
nx ≥ m0 − 1. So m0 − 1 ≤ nx < m0 . Then nx < m0 , m0 ≤ 1 + nx and
1 + nx < ny. So nx < m0 < ny. If we divide this by n > 0, we get
x < mn0 < y. mn0 is a rational number.
Uniqueness of Least Upper Bound: Assume E ⊂ R is non-empty and
bounded above. Then E has only one least upper bound.
Proof. Assume b, b0 are two least upper bounds for E.
(i) b = sup E and b0 is an upper bound for E ⇒ b ≤ b0

(ii) b0 = sup E and b is an upper bound for E ⇒ b0 ≤ b

Then b = b0 .

1.17 Fact. Let E ⊂ R be non-empty and bounded above and let α ∈ R.

Then

α = sup E ⇔ (i) ∀x ∈ E, x ≤ α
and
(ii) Given any ε > 0, ∃y ∈ E such that α − ε < y

1.2 Extended Real Numbers

In the set of extended real numbers we consider the set R ∪ {−∞, +∞}.
Preserve the order of R and ∀x ∈ R, set −∞ < +∞. This way every non-
empty subset E of R ∪ {−∞, +∞} has a least upper bound and greatest
lower bound in R ∪ {−∞, +∞}. For example, if E = N, then sup E = +∞.
Also for x ∈ R, we define the following
x x
x + ∞ = +∞, x + (−∞) = −∞, = =0
+∞ −∞
If x > 0, we define x · (+∞) = +∞ and x · (−∞) = −∞
If x < 0, we define x · (+∞) = −∞ and x · (−∞) = +∞
0 · (∓∞) is undefined.

8
1.3 The Complex Field
Let C denote the set of all ordered pairs (a, b) where a, b ∈ R. We say

(a, b) = (c, d) ⇔ a = c and b = d

Let x = (a, b), y = (c, d) ∈ C. We define

x + y = (a + c, b + d) and x · y = (ac − bd, ad + bc)

Under these operations C becomes a field with (0, 0), (1, 0) being the zero
element and multiplicative unit.
Define φ : R → C by φ(a) = (a, 0). Then

φ(a + c) = φ(a + c, 0) = (a, 0) + (c, 0) = φ(a) + φ(c)

φ(ac) = (ac, 0) = (a, 0)(c, 0) = φ(a) · φ(c)

φ is 1-1 (one-to-one), i.e. if a 6= a0 then φ(a) 6= φ(a0 ). This way we can

identify R with the subset {(a, 0) : a ∈ R} by means of φ.
Let i = (0, 1). Then i2 = (0, 1) · (0, 1) = (−1, 0) = φ(−1). Also if (a, b) ∈ C,
then
φ(a) + iφ(b) = (a, 0) + (0, 1)(b, 0) = (a, 0) + (0, b) = (a, b)
If we identify φ(a) with a then we identify (a, b) with a + ib. So C is the set
of all imaginary numbers in the form a + ib where a, b ∈ R and i2 = −1.
If z = x + iy ∈ C, x, y ∈ R we define
z = x − iy (Conjugate of z)
x = Re z (Real Part of z)
y = Im z (Imaginary Part of z)
If z, w ∈ C, we have
z+z z−z
z + w = z + w, zw = z · w, Re z = , Im z =
2 2i
√ p
Since zz = x2 + y 2 ≥ 0, we define the modulus of z as |z| = zz = x2 + y 2 .
1.18 Proposition. Let z, w ∈ C. Then
(a) z 6= 0 ⇒ |z| > 0 and z = 0 ⇒ |z| = 0

(b) |z| = |z|

(c) |zw| = |z||w|

9
 p
(d) |Re z| ≤ |z| (i.e. |x| ≤ x2 + y 2 )

(e) |z + w| ≤ |z| + |w| (Triangle Inequality)

Proof of (e).

|z + w|2 = (z + w)(z + w) = (z + w)(z + w)

= zz + zw + wz} +ww = |z|2 + 2 Re(zw) +|w|2
| {z | {z }
2Re(zw) ≤|zw|=|z||w|

≤ |z| + 2|z||w| + |w| = (|z| + |w|)2

2 2

So |z + w|2 ≤ (|z| + |w|)2 . If we take positive square root of both sides, we

get |z + w| ≤ |z| + |w|.

1.19 Theorem (Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality). Let aj , bj ∈ C where j =

1, 2, . . . , n. Then
 n 2 n
! n !
X  X X
2 2
aj b j  ≤ |aj | |bj |
 

 
j=1 j=1 j=1

Proof. Let us define

n
X n
X n
X
2 2
A= |aj | , B= |bj | , C= aj bj
j=1 j=1 j=1

We have B ≥ 0. If B = 0, then all bj = 0. Then inequality becomes 0 ≤ 0.

So assume B > 0. Then
n
X n
X
|Baj − Cbj |2 =


0≤ (Baj − Cbj ) Baj − C bj
j=1 j=1
Xn
B 2 |aj |2 − BCaj bj − CBbj aj + |C|2 |bj |2


=
j=1

= B 2 A − |BCC
{z } − CBC
2
| {z } +|C| B
B|C|2 |C|2 B
2


= B AB − |C|

So 0 ≤ B (AB − |C|2 ) and since B > 0, we have AB − |C|2 ≥ 0. Then

|C|2 ≤ AB.

10
Replacing bj by bj and using z = z, |z| = |z| we get
 2 ! !
Xn  n
X n
X
a j j ≤
b |aj |2 |bj |2
 

 
j=1 j=1 j=1

If aj ≥ 0, bj ≥ 0 are real numbers then

n
!2 n
! n
!
X X X
aj b j ≤ a2j b2j
j=1 j=1 j=1

11
2 Sets And Functions
2.1 General
Let X and Y be two non-empty sets. A function f : X → Y is a rule which
assigns to each x ∈ X a unique element y = f (x) in Y .
2.1 Example. Given x ∈ R, consider its decimal expansion in which there
is no infinite chain of 9’s. x = 41 is represented as 0.25000 · · · instead of
0.24999 · · · Let y = f (x) be the fortyninth digit after the decimal point. We
have f : R → {0, 1, 2, . . . , 9}.

2.2 Definition. Let f : X → Y , A ⊂ X. We define the image of A under

f as the set f (A) = {y ∈ Y : ∃x ∈ A such that y = f (x)}. Let B ⊂ Y . We
define the inverse image of B under f as the set f −1 (B) = {x ∈ X : f (x) ∈
B}.

2.3 Example. f : R → R, f (x) = x2 . Then

A = (1, 2] then f (A) = (1, 4]
A = (−1, 3) then f (A) = [0, 9)
B = [1, 4] then f −1 (B) = [−2, −1] ∪ [1, 2]
B = [−1, 4] then f −1 (B) = [−2, 2]
B = [−2, −1] then f −1 (B) = ∅

2.4 Definition. Let f : X → Y be a function. Then we define

X: Domain of f and f (X): Range of f

If f (X) = Y , then f is called a surjection or onto.

If x1 6= x2 then f (x1 ) 6= f (x2 ) (equivalently f (x1 ) = f (x2 ) ⇒ x1 = x2 ) then
f is called one-to-one (1-1 ) or an injection.
If f is both an injection and a surjection, then f is called a bijection or a 1-1
correspondence.
Let f : X → Y , A ⊂ X, B ⊂ Y . We have
(a) f (f −1 (B)) ⊂ B. f (f −1 (B)) = B for all B ⇔ f is onto

(b) A ⊂ f (f −1 (A)). A = f (f −1 (A)) for all A ⇔ f is 1-1

(c) f (A1 ∩ A2 ) ⊂ f (A1 ) ∩ f (A2 ). f (A1 ∩ A2 ) = f (A1 ) ∩ f (A2 ) for all A1

and A2 ⇔ f is 1-1

12
 (d) f (A1 ∪ A2 ) = f (A1 ) ∪ f (A2 )
Proof of (b).
A ⊂ f −1 (f (A))
Let x ∈ A and let y = f (x). Then y ∈ f (A), i.e. f (x) ∈ f (A). So
x ∈ f −1 (f (A)) and A ⊂ f −1 (f (A)).
A = f −1 (f (A)) for all A ⊂ X ⇔ f is 1-1
(⇐): Assume f is 1-1. Show for all A ⊂ X, A = f −1 (f (A)), i.e. show
A ⊂ f −1 (f (A)) and f −1 (f (A)) ⊂ A. So show f −1 (f (A)) ⊂ A. Let x ∈
| {z }
always true
f −1 (f (A)). Then f (x) ∈ f (A). Then ∃x0 ∈ A such that f (x) = f (x0 ).
Since f is 1-1, x = x0 . So x ∈ A and f −1 (f (A)) ⊂ A.
(⇒): Assume A = f −1 (f (A)) for all A ⊂ X. Show f is 1-1. Assume f is
not 1-1. Then there are x1 , x2 ∈ X such that x1 6= x2 and f (x1 ) =
f (x2 ). Let y = f (x1 ) = f (x2 ). Let A = {x1 }. Then f (A) = {y} and
f −1 (f (A)) = {x1 , x2 , . . .}. Then A 6= f −1 (f (A)). Contradiction.
Let {Ai : i ∈ I} be an arbitrary class of subsets of a set X indexed by a set
I of subscripts. We define
[
Ai = {x : x ∈ Ai for at least one i ∈ I}
i∈I
\
Ai = {x : x ∈ Ai for every i ∈ I}
i∈I
S T
If I = ∅, then we define i∈∅ Ai = ∅ and i∈∅ Ai = X. (If we require of an
element that it belongs to each set in the class and if there are no sets in the
class, then every element x ∈ X satisfies this requirement.) If A ⊂ X we
define AC = {x : x ∈/ A} complement of A.
!C !C
[ \ \ [
Ai = AC
i , A i = ACi (De Morgan’s Laws)
i∈I i∈I i∈I i∈I

Let f : X → Y , let {Ai : i ∈ I}, {Bj : j ∈ J} be classes of subsets of X and

Y. ! !
[ [ \ \
f Ai = f (Ai ) , f Ai ⊂ f (Ai )
i∈I i∈I i∈I i∈I
! !
[ [ \ \
f −1 Bj = f −1 (Bj ) , f −1 Bj = f −1 (Bj )
j∈J j∈J j∈J j∈J

For all B ⊂ Y we have

13
 (a) f −1 (B C ) = (f −1 (B))C

(b) f (A)C ⊂ f (AC ) for all A ⊂ X ⇔ f is onto

(c) f (AC ) ⊂ f (A)C for all A ⊂ X ⇔ f is 1-1

Proof of (a). Let x ∈ f −1 (B C ). Then f (x) ∈ B C . Show x ∈ (f −1 (B))C .

C
Assume it is not true, i.e. x ∈ f −1 (B) ⇒ f (x) ∈ B. So f (x) ∈ B| {z∩ B}.
∅
−1 C −1 C −1 C
Contradiction. Thus, x ∈ (f (B)) . So, f (B ) ⊂ (f (B)) .
−1 −1
Let x ∈ (f (B)) . Show x ∈ f (B ), i.e. f (x) ∈ B C . Assume it is
C C

not true, i.e. f (x) ∈ B so x ∈ f −1 (B). Then, x ∈ (f −1 (B))C ∩ f −1 (B).

| {z }
∅
Contradiction. So, (f −1 (B))C ⊂ f −1 (B C ).
If f : X → Y is 1-1 onto, then ∀y ∈ Y ∃ unique x ∈ X such that y = f (x).
Send Y → X. This way we get f −1 : Y → X (the inverse function of f )
f −1 (f (x)) = x ∀x ∈ X, f (f −1 (y)) = y ∀y ∈ Y .

2.2 Countable And Uncountable Sets

Let C be any collection of sets. For A, B ∈ C we write A ∼ B (and say A
and B are numerically equivalent) if there is a 1-1 correspondence f : A → B.
∼ has the following properties

(i) A ∼ A

(ii) A ∼ B ⇒ B ∼ A

(iii) A ∼ C ⇒ A ∼ C

2.5 Example. A = N = {1, 2, 3, . . .}, B = 2N = {2, 4, 6, . . .}. Then A ∼ B

by f : A → B, f (n) = 2n.

2.6 Definition. For n = 1, 2, 3, . . . let Jn = {1, 2, 3, . . . , n}. Let X 6= ∅ be

any set. We say

• X is finite if ∃n ∈ N such that X ∼ Jn .

• X is infinite if it is not finite.

• X is countable (or denumerable) if X ∼ N.

• X is uncountable if X is not finite and not countable.

14
 • X is at most countable if X is finite or countable.

2.7 Example. N, 2N are countable.

2.8 Example. Z = {. . . , −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .} is countable. Define f :

N → Z as follows
N : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . .
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ···
Z : 0, 1, -1, 2, -2, . . .
So we have ( n
2
if n is even
f (n) =
− n−1
2
if n is odd

2.9 Example. Q+ = {q : q ∈ Q, q > 0} is countable. Given q ∈ Q+ , we

have m, n ∈ Z m > 0, n > 0 such that q = m
n
. List the elements of Q+ in

m\n 1 2 3 4 ···

1 1 1 1
1 1 2 3 4
···
. . .
2 2 2 2
2 1 2 3 4
···
. . .
3 3 3 3
3 1 2 3 4
···
. . .
4 4 4 4
4 1 2 3 4
···
.. .. .. .. .. ..
. . . . . .

this order omitting the ones which are already listed before. Then we get the
following sequence
1 1 2 1 3 1 2 3 4
, , , , , , , , ···
1 2 1 3 1 4 3 2 1
Define f : N → Q+ as follows
1 1 2 1
f (1) = , f (2) = , f (3) = , f (4) = ···
1 2 1 3

15
Suppose X is countable, so we have 1-1, onto function f : N → X. Let
f (n) = xn . Then we can write the elements of X as a sequence

X = {x1 , x2 , x3 , . . .}

2.10 Example. Q is countable. (Similar to the proof of Z is countable.)

2.11 Proposition. Let I be a countable

S index set and assume for every
i ∈ I, Ai is a countable set. Then i∈I Ai is countable. (Countable union of
countable sets is countable.)

2.12 Example. X = [0, 1) is not countable. Every x ∈ X has a binary

(i.e. base 2) expansion x = 0.x1 x2 x3 x4 · · · where each of x1 , x2 , x3 , . . . is 0 or
1. Assume X = [0, 1) is countable. Then write its elements as a sequence.
X = {y 1 , y 2 , y 3 , . . .}. Then write each of y 1 , y 2 , y 3 , . . . in the binary expansion.

y 1 = 0.y11 y21 y31 · · ·

y 2 = 0.y12 y22 y32 · · ·
y 3 = 0.y13 y23 y33 · · ·
..
.

Define
( ( (
0 if y11 = 1 0 if y22 = 1 0 if ynn = 1
z1 = z2 = zn =
1 if y11 = 0 1 if y22 = 0 1 if ynn = 0

Let z = 0.z1 z2 z3 · · · ∈ [0, 1). But z 6= y 1 , z 6= y 2 , . . . Contradiction.

2.13 Example. [0, 1], (0, 1), R, (a, b) are all uncountable. They are all
numerically equivalent.

2.14 Example. f : − π2 , π2 → R and f (x) = tan x gives − π2 , π2 ∼ R.

2.15 Theorem (Cantor-Schröder-Bernstein). Let X, Y be two non-empty

sets. Assume there are 1-1 functions. f : X → Y and g : Y → X. Then
X ∼Y.

16
2.16 Example. Let X = {(x, y) : 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1}. Then X ∼ (0, 1).
Define g : (0, 1) → X by g(x) = x, 12 .

Define f : X → (0, 1) as follows: Given (x, y) ∈ X, write X and Y in their

decimal expansion with no infinite chain of 9’s.

x = 0.x1 x2 x3 · · · and y = 0.y1 y2 y3 · · ·

Let
f (x, y) = 0.x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 · · ·
Then f, g are 1-1 so by the above theorem X ∼ (0, 1).

17
3 Basic Topology
3.1 Metric Spaces
In R, Rk = {(x1 , . . . , xk ) : x1 , . . . , xk ∈ R} we have the notion of distance.
In R, d(x, y) = |x − y|
In Rk , x = (x1 , . . . , xk ), y = (y1 , . . . , yk ). We have
p
d(x, y) = (x1 − y1 )2 + · · · + (xk − yk )2

3.1 Definition. Let X 6= ∅ be a set. Suppose we have a function

d: X × X}
| {z →R
{(x,y):x,y∈X}

with the following properties

(i) ∀x, y ∈ X, d(x, y) ≥ 0 d(x, y) = 0 ⇔ x = y

(ii) ∀x, y ∈ X, d(x, y) = d(y, x)

(iii) ∀x, y, z ∈ X, d(x, y) ≤ d(x, z) + d(z, y) (Triangle Inequality)

d is called a metric and the pair (X, d) is called a metric space.

p
Proof of (iii). X = Rk , d(x, y) = (x1 − y1 )2 + · · · + (xk − yk )2 then d sat-
isfies (i) and (ii). For triangle inequality, let x, y, z ∈ Rk be given. Then we
have

d(x, y)2 =(x1 − y1 )2 + · · · + (xk − yk )2

=((x1 − z1 ) + (z1 − y1 ))2 + · · · + ((xk − zk ) + (zk − yk ))2
=(x1 − z1 )2 + · · · + (xk − zk )2 + (z1 − y1 )2 + · · · + (zk − yk )2
+ 2[(x1 − z1 )(z1 − y1 ) + · · · + (xk − zk )(zk − yk )]
≤(d(x, z))2 + (d(z, y))2
+ 2 |(x1 − z1 )(z1 − y1 ) + · · · + (xk − zk )(zk − yk )|
| {z }
≤((x1 −z1 )2 +···+(xk −zk )2 )1/2 ((z1 −y1 )2 +···+(zk −yk )2 )1/2
(from Cauchy-Schwarz inequality)

≤(d(x, z)) + (d(z, y))2 + 2d(x, z)d(z, y)

2

≤(d(x, z) + d(z, y))2

18
3.2 Example.
1) X 6= ∅ any set. Given any x, y ∈ X let

1 if x 6= y
d(x, y) =
0 if x = y

(i) and (ii) are trivially true. Check (iii).

Proof of (iii). If d(x, y) = 0, then it is true as RHS ≥ 0. If d(x, y) = 1, then
we cannot have RHS = 0. If RHS = 0 we have, d(x, z) = 0 and d(z, y) = 0.
That is x = z and z = y. So x = y. Then d(x, y) = 0. Contradiction.
This metric is called the discrete metric.
2) Let X = Rk = {x = (x1 , . . . , xk ) : x1 , · · · , xk ∈ R}

d1 (x, y) = |x1 − y1 | + |x2 − y2 | + · · · + |xk − yk |

(i) and (ii) are trivially true. Check (iii).

Proof of (iii). Given x, y, z ∈ Rk

d1 (x, y) = |x1 − y1 | + · · · + |xk − yk |

= |(x1 − z1 ) + (z1 − y1 )| + · · · + |(xk − zk ) + (zk − yk )|
≤ |x1 − z1 | + |z1 − y1 | + · · · + |xk − zk | + |zk − yk |
= d1 (x, z) + d1 (z, y)

d1 is called the `1 metric on Rk .

3) X = Rk
d∞ (x, y) = max{|x1 − y1 |, . . . , |xk − yk |}
(i) and (ii) are trivially true. Check (iii).
Proof of (iii). Given x, y, z ∈ Rk

d∞ (x, y) = max{|x1 − y1 |, . . . , |xk − yk |}

= |xi − yi | (1 ≤ i ≤ k)
= |(xi − zi ) + (zi − yi )| ≤ |xi − zi | + |zi − yi |
| {z } | {z }
≤max ≤max

≤ d∞ (x, z) + d∞ (z, y)

19
d∞ is called the `∞ metric on Rk .
4) Let S be any fixed non-empty set. A function f : S → R is called bounded
if f (S) is a bounded subset of R, i.e. there are two numbers A, B such that
∀s ∈ S, A ≤ f (s) ≤ B.
√
For example, f : R → R, f (s) = arctan s is bounded, f (s) = s2 + 1 is
unbounded.
Let X = B(s) = all bounded functions f : S → R. Let f, g ∈ B(S), then
f − g is also bounded. We define

d(f, g) = sup{|f (s) − g(s)| : s ∈ S}

Geometrically, it is the supremum of the vertical distances between the two

graphs (See Figure 1). (i) and (ii) are trivially true. Check (iii). We need the
following: Let A, B be two non-empty subsets of R that are bounded above.
Then, sup(A + B) ≤ sup A + sup B. A + B = {x + y : x ∈ A, y ∈ B}. Let
a = sup A and b = sup B. Let z ∈ A + B be arbitrary. Then ∃x ∈ A, y ∈ B
such that z = x + y. Then we have x + y ≤ a + b. Since z = x + y, z ≤ a + b.
So a + b is an upper bound for the set A + B. Since supremum is the smallest
upper bound, sup(A+B) ≤ a+b. In fact we have sup(A+B) = sup A+sup B.
Show sup(A + B) ≥ sup A + sup B. Given ε > 0, ∃x ∈ A and ∃y ∈ B such
that a − ε < x and b − ε < y. Then a + b − 2ε < x + y. Since x + y ∈ A + B,
we have x + y ≤ sup(A + B). Then a + b − 2ε < sup(A + B). Here a, b,
sup(A + B) are fixed numbers, i.e. they do not depend on ε > 0. We have
a+b < sup(A+B)+2ε true for every ε > 0. Then we have a+b ≤ sup(A+B).
If it is not true, then a + b > sup(A + B). Let δ = a+b−sup(A+B)
4
then δ > 0.
So we have

a + b < sup(A + B) + 2δ
a + b − sup(A + B)
< sup(A + B) +
2
a + b sup(A + B)
<
2 2
Contradiction.
Proof of (iii). Given f, g, h ∈ B(S), let

C = {|f (s) − g(s)| : s ∈ S}

A = {|f (s) − h(s)| : s ∈ S}
B = {|h(s) − g(s)| : s ∈ S}

20
Then sup C = d(f, g), sup A = d(f, h) and supB = d(h, g). Let x ∈ C. Then
∃s ∈ S such that x = |f (s) − g(s)|. Then

x = |f (s) − g(s)|
= |(f (s) − h(s)) + (h(s) − g(s))|
≤ |f (s) − h(s)| + |h(s) − g(s)|
| {z } | {z }
call y call z

=y+z ∈A+B

So ∀x ∈ C, there is an element u ∈ A + B such that x ≤ u. Then, sup C ≤

sup(A + B) ≤ sup A + sup B. That is, d(f, g) ≤ d(f, h) + d(h, g).

3.3 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space, p ∈ X and r > 0. Then

The open ball centered at p of radius r is defined as the set

Br (p) = {x ∈ X : d(x, p) < r}

The closed ball centered at p of radius r is defined as the set

Br [p] = {x ∈ X : d(x, p) ≤ r}

3.4 Example.
p
1) X = Rk , d2 (x, y) = (x1 − y1 )2 + · · · + (xk − yk )2 . (See Figure 2).

2) X 6= ∅, d: discrete metric. Then

( (
{p} if r ≤ 1 {p} if r < 1
Br (p) = Br [p] =
X if r > 1 X if r ≥ 1

3) X = Rk with `1 metric d1 . Let X = R2 , p = (p1 , p2 ), x = (x1 , x2 ).

Then |x1 − p1 | + |x2 − p2 | < r. If p1 = p2 = 0 we have |x1 | + |x2 | < r.
(See Figure 3).

4) X = Rk with `∞ metric d∞ . Let X = R2 , p = (0, 0), x = (x1 , x2 ).

Then max{|x1 |, |x2 |} < r. (See Figure 4).

5) X = B(S) with sup metric. Let S = [a, b]. Then Br (f ) is the set of all
functions g whose graph is in the shaded area. (See Figure 5).

21
3.5 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space and E a subset of X.

1) A point p ∈ E is called an interior point of E if ∃r > 0 such that

Br (p) ⊂ E. (See Figure 6).

2) The set of all interior points of E is called the interior of E. It is

denoted by int E or E ◦ . We have int E ⊂ E. (See Figure 7).

3) E is said to be open if int E = E, i.e. if every point of E is an interior

point of E, i.e. ∀p ∈ E ∃r > 0 such that Br (p) ⊂ E. (See Figure 8).

3.6 Proposition. Every open ball Br (p) is an open set.

Proof. Let q ∈ Br (p). Show that ∃s > 0 such that Bs (q) ⊂ Br (p). Since
q ∈ Br (p) we have d(q, p) < r. So r − d(q, p) > 0. Show Bs (q) ⊂ Br (p). Let
| {z }
let this be s
x ∈ Bs (q), i.e. d(x, q) < s. Then

d(x, p) ≤ d(x, q) + d(q, p)

< s + d(q, p)
< r − d(q, p) + d(q, p)
<r

So x ∈ Br (p).

4) Let p ∈ X. A subset N ⊂ X is called a neighborhood of p if p ∈ int N .

(See Figure 9).
Br (p) is a neighborhood of p or Br (p) is a neighborhood of all of its
points.

5) A point p ∈ X is called a limit point (or accumulation point or cluster

point) of E if every neighborhood N of p contains a point q ∈ E with
q 6= p. (See Figure 10).

6) A point p ∈ E is called an isolated point of E if p is not a limit point

of E, i.e. if there is a neighborhood N of p such that N ∩ E = {p}.

3.7 Example. Let X = R, E = {1, 12 , 31 , 14 , . . .}, d(x, y) = |x − y|. Isolated

points of E are 1, 21 , 31 , 14 , . . . E has only one limit point that is 0. Given any
open ball Br (0) = (−r, r), find n ∈ N such that 1r < n. Then x = n1 ∈
Br (0) ∩ E and x 6= 0.

22
 7) E 0 is the set of all limit points of E. We define E = E ∪ E 0 . E is called
the closure of E.
We have p ∈ E ⇔ for every neighborhood N of p we have N ∩ E 6= ∅.

8) E is closed if every limit point of E is an element of E, i.e. E 0 ⊂ E,

i.e. E = E. (See Figure 11).

9) E is perfect if E is closed and has no isolated points. (See Figure 12).

10) E is bounded if ∃m > 0 such that ∀x, y ∈ E d(x, y) ≤ m. (See Fig-

ure 13).

11) E is dense in X if E = X, i.e. ∀p ∈ X and for all neighborhood N of

p we have N ∩ E 6= ∅.

3.8 Example. Let X = R, E = Q. We have Q = R. Given p ∈ R and given

a neighborhood Br (p) = (p − r, p + r), find a rational number x such that
p − r < x < p + r. So x ∈ Br (p) ∩ Q.

3.9 Theorem. E is open ⇔ E C is closed.

Proof.

(⇒): Let E be open. Show that every limit point p of E C is an element of E C .

Assume it is not true. Then E C has a limit point p0 such that p0 ∈
/ EC .
Then p0 ∈ E. Since E is open ∃r > 0 such that Br (p0 ) ⊂ E. Also
since p0 is a limit point of E C , every neighborhood N of p0 contains a
point q ∈ E C such that q 6= p0 . Since Br (p0 ) is also a neighborhood
of p0 we have that Br (p0 ) contains a point q ∈ E C such that q 6= p0 .
Then q ∈ Br (p0 ) ⊂ E but also q ∈ E C . Contradiction.

(⇐): Let E C be closed. Show that every point p in E is an interior point.

Let p ∈ E be arbitrary. Since p ∈/ E C , p is not a limit point of E C .
Then p has a neighborhood N such that N does not contain any point
q ∈ E C with q 6= p. Then N ∩ E C = ∅ so N ⊂ E. Since N is a
neighborhood of p, ∃r > o such that Br (p) ⊂ N . So Br (p) ⊂ E.

3.10 Theorem. p is a limit point of E ⇔ every neighborhood N of p contains

infinitely many points of E.

Proof.

23
(⇐): Trivial.

(⇒): Let p be a limit point of E and let N be an arbitrary neighborhood of

p. Then ∃r > 0 such that Br (p) ⊂ N .
∃q1 ∈ Br (p) ∩ E such that q1 6= p. d(q1 , p) > 0. Let r1 = d(q1 , p) < r.
∃q2 ∈ Br1 (p) ∩ E such that q2 6= p. d(q2 , p) < r1 = d(q1 , p). Then
q2 6= q1 . d(q2 , p) > 0. Let r2 = d(q2 , p) < r1 .
Continue this way and get a sequence of points q1 , q2 , q3 , . . . , qn , . . . in
E such that qi 6= qj for i + j and also each qi 6= p and qi ∈ Br (p).

3.11 Corollary. If E is a finite set then E has no limit points.

3.12 Theorem. Let E ⊂ X. Then

(a) E is a closed set.

(b) E = E ⇔ E is a closed set.

(c) E is the smallest closed set that contains E, i.e. if F is any closed set
such that E ⊂ F then E ⊂ F .

Proof.

(a) Show (E)C is an open set. Let p ∈ (E)C . Then ∃r > 0 such that
Br (p) ∩ E = ∅. This means Br (p) ⊂ E C . Show that actually Br (p) ⊂
(E)C . If not true, ∃q ∈ Br (p) such that q ∈
/ (E)C , i.e. q ∈ E. Then for
every neighborhood N of q we have N ∩ E 6= ∅. This is also true for
N = Br (p), i.e. Br (p) ∩ E 6= ∅. But Br (p) ∩ E = ∅. Contradiction. So
Br (p) ⊂ (E)C .

(b) (⇒): E is closed by (a) so E is closed.

(⇐): Let E be closed. Then E is contains all of its limit points, i.e.
E 0 ⊂ E, E = E ∪ E 0 ⊂ E. Since E ⊂ E is always true, we have
E = E.

(c) Let E be given and F be a closed set such that E ⊂ F . Show E ⊂ F .

Let p ∈ E = E ∪ E 0 . If p ∈ E then p ∈ F . If p ∈ E 0 show p ∈ F .
Given any neighborhood N of p, N contains infinitely many points of
E so N contains infinitely many points of F , i.e. p ∈ F 0 ⊂ F .

Basic properties: Let (X, d) be a metric space.

24
 1) The union of any collection of open sets is open.
2) The intersection of a finite number of open sets is open.
3) The intersection of any collection of closed sets is closed.
4) The union of a finite number of closed sets is closed.
5) E is open ⇔ E C is closed.
6) E is closed ⇔ E = E.
7) E is the smallest closed set that contains E.
8) E is open ⇔ E = int E.
9) int E is the largest open set that is contained in E.
3.13 Example. Intersection of infinitely many open sets may not be
open.
Let X = R, d(x, y)T= |x − y|. For n = 1, 2, 3, . . . let En = − n1 , n+1
n
. All
En ’s are open but ∞ E
n=1 n = [0, 1] is not open.

3.14 Proposition. Let ∅ =

6 E ⊂ R be bounded above. Let y = sup E. Then
y ∈ E.

Proof. Let N be an arbitrary neighborhood of y. Then ∃r > 0 such that

Br (y) ⊂ N . y − r cannot be an upper bound for E. Then ∃x ∈ E such that
y −r < x. Also, x ≤ y < y +r. So y −r < x < y +r, i.e. x ∈ Br (y) ⇒ x ∈ N .
So x ∈ E ∩ N , i.e. E ∩ N 6= ∅.

3.2 Subspaces
3.15 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space and Y 6= ∅ be a subset of X.
Then Y is a metric space in its own right with the same distance function.
In this case we say (Y, d) is a subspace of (X, d).

3.16 Example. X = R2 , Y = {(x, 0) : x ∈ R}. Let E = {(x, 0) : 1 < x <

2}. Then E ⊂ Y so E ⊂ X. As a subset of Y , E is an open set. As a subset
of X, E is not an open set. Let E ⊂ Y ⊂ X. We say E is open (closed)
relative to Y if E is open (closed) as a subset of the metric space (Y, d).
E is open relative to Y ⇔ ∀p ∈ E ∃r > 0 such that BrY (p) ⊂ E.
| {z }
BrX (p)∩Y

E is closed relative to Y ⇔ Y \ E is open relative to Y .

25
3.17 Theorem. Let E ⊂ Y ⊂ X. Then

(a) E is open relative to Y ⇔ there is an open set F ⊂ X such that

E =F ∩Y.

(b) E is closed relative to Y ⇔ there is a closed set F ⊂ X such that

E =F ∩Y.

Proof.

(a) (⇒): Let E be open relative toSY . Then ∀p ∈ E ∃rp > 0 such that
BrXp (p) ∩ Y ⊂ E. Let F = p∈E BrXp (p). Then F is an open set in
X. Show F ∩ Y = E.
!
[ [ 
F ∩Y = BrXp (p) ∩ Y = BrXp (p) ∩ Y ⊂ E
p∈E p∈E | {z }
⊂E for all p

Conversely, let p0 ∈ E. Then p0 ∈ Y since E ⊂ Y . Then p0 ∈

BrXp0 ⊂ F . So p0 ∈ Y ∩ F .
(⇐): Assume E = F ∩ Y where F ⊂ X is open in X. Let p ∈ E.
Then p ∈ Y and p ∈ F . Since F is open in X, ∃r > 0 such that
BrX (p) ⊂ F . Then BrX (p) ∩ Y ⊂ F ∩ Y = E.

(b) (⇒): Let E ⊂ Y be closed relative to Y . Then Y \ E is open relative to

Y . So there exists an open set A ⊂ X such that Y \ E = A ∩ Y .
Then E = Y \ (Y \ E) = Y \ (A ∩ Y ) = (A ∩ Y )C ∩ Y = (AC ∪
Y C ) ∩ Y = (AC ∩ Y ) ∪ (Y C ∩ Y ) = AC ∩ Y . AC is closed in X
| {z }
∅
and we may call it F .
(⇐): Assume E = F ∩ Y where F ⊂ X is a closed set. Then Y \ E =
F C is
Y \ (F ∩ Y ) = Y ∩ (F ∩ Y )C = Y ∩ (F C ∪ Y C ) = Y ∩ |{z}
open in X
open relative to Y .

3.3 Compact Sets

3.18 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space and E be a non-empty subset
of X. An open coverSof X is a collection of {Gi : i ∈ I} of open subsets Gi
of X such that E ⊂ i∈I Gi .

26
3.19 Example.S X = R, d(x, y) = |x − y|, E = (0, 1). For every x ∈ E let
Gx = (−1, x). x∈E Gx = (−1, 1) ⊃ E. So {Gx : x ∈ E} is an open cover of
E.

3.20 Example.
S∞ X = R2 with d2 and E = B1 (0). For n ∈ N let Gn =
B n+1 n=1 Gn = E. So {Gn : n ∈ N} is an open cover of E.
n (0).

3.21 Definition. A subset K of a metric space (X, d) is said to be compact

if every open cover of K contains a finite subcover, i.e. given any open cover
{Gi : i ∈ I} of K, we have that ∃i1 , . . . , in ∈ I such that K ⊂ Gi1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gin .

3.22 Example. X = R, d(x, y) = |x − y|. E S = (0, 1) is not compact. Take

I = E = (0, 1). For x ∈ I, Gx = (−1, x). x∈I Gx = (−1, 1) ⊃ E. So,
{Gx : x ∈ I} is an open cover for E. This open cover does not have any
finite subcover. Assume it is not true, so assume x1 , . . . , xn ∈ E such that
Gx1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gxn ⊃ E. Let xk = max{x1 , . . . , xn }. Then (0, 1) ⊂ (−1, xk ) but
xk ∈ E = (0, 1), i.e. xk < 1. Let x = xk2+1 . Then x ∈ E but x ∈ / (−1, xk ).

3.23 Theorem. Let K ⊂ Y ⊂ X. Then K is compact relative to Y ⇔ K

is compact relative to Y .

Proof.

(⇒): Assume K is compact relative to YS. Let {Gi : i ∈ I} be any collection of

sets open relative to X such that i∈I Gi ⊃ K. Then {Y S ∩Gi : i
∈ I} is
aScollection of sets open relative to Y and K = K ∩Y ⊂ i∈I Gi ∩Y =
i∈I (Y ∩ G i ). So {Y ∩ G i : i ∈ I} is an open (relative to Y ) cover
of K. Since K is compact relative to Y , ∃i1 , . . . , in ∈ I such that
K ⊂ (Y ∩ Gi1 ) ∪ · · · ∪ (Y ∩ Gin ). Then K ⊂ Gi1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gin .

(⇐): Let K be compact relative to X. Let {Gi : i ∈ I}S be an arbitrary

collection of sets open relative to Y such that K ⊂ i∈I Gi . S Then we
have GS i = Y ∩ Ei for some open subset Ei of X. Then K ⊂ i∈I (Y ∩
Ei ) ⊂ i∈I Ei . So {Ei : i ∈ I} is an open cover of K in X. Since K is
compact relative to X, ∃i1 , . . . , in such that K ⊂ Ei1 ∪ · · · ∪ Ein . Then
K = K ∩ Y ⊂ (Ei1 ∩ Y ) ∪ · · · ∪ (Ein ∩ Y ) = Gi1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gin .

3.24 Theorem. If K ⊂ X is compact then K is closed.

27
Proof. We will show K C is open. Let p ∈ K C . Show ∃r > 0 such that
Br (p) ⊂ K C ∀q ∈ K (since q 6= p). d(q, p) > 0. Let

d(q, p)
rq = Vq = Brq (p) Wq = Brq (q)
2
S
Then Vq ∩ Wq = ∅. Find Vq and Wq ∀q ∈ K K ⊂ q∈K Wq . The collection
{Wq : q ∈ K} is an open cover of K. Since K is compact, ∃q1 , . . . , qn ∈ K
such that K ⊂ Wq1 ∪ · · · ∪ Wqn . Let V = Vq1 ∩ · · · ∩ Vqn . Then V is an open
set and p ∈ V . If rqk = min{rq1 , . . . , rqn } then V = Brqk (p). Show V ⊂ K C .
If it is not true, then ∃z ∈ V but z ∈ / K C , i.e. z ∈ K. Then z ∈ Wqi for
some i ∈ {1, . . . , n}. z ∈ V ⊂ Vqi (the same i). So z ∈ Wqi ∩ Vqi = ∅.
Contradiction.

3.25 Theorem. Closed subsets of compact sets are compact.

Proof. Let F ⊂ K ⊂ X where K is compact and F is closed. (relative to X

same since K is closed.) Let {Gi : i ∈ I} be a set
and relative to K are the S
open in X such that F ⊂ i∈I Gi . Then {Gi : i ∈ I} ∪ {F C } is an open cover
of K. Since K is compact, ∃i1 , . . . , in ∈ I such that K ⊂ Gi1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gin ∪ F C .
Then F = F ∩K ⊂ (Gi1 ∩F )∪· · ·∪(Gin ∩F )∪(F C ∩ F ) ⊂ Gi1 ∪· · ·∪Gin .
| {z }
∅

3.26 Corollary. Let F, K ⊂ X where K is compact and F is closed. Then

F ∩ K is compact.

3.27 Theorem. Let {Ki : i ∈ I} be a collection of compact subsets of X

T intersection of every finite subcollection of {Ki : i ∈ I} is
such that the
non-empty. i∈I Ki 6= ∅.
T
Proof. Assume the contrary. i∈I Ki = ∅. Fix one of these sets, Ki0 . Then
T  T C
, i.e. Ki0 ⊂ i6=i0 KiC . So
S
Ki0 ∩ i6=i0 Ki = ∅. Then Ki0 ⊂ i6=i0 Ki
{KiC : i 6= i0 } is an open cover of Ki0 . Since Ki0 is compact, ∃i1 , . . . , in such
that Ki0 ⊂ KiC1 ∪ · · · ∪ KiCn . But Ki0 ∩ Ki1 ∩ · · · ∩ Kin = ∅. This contradicts
| {z }
(Ki1 ∩···∩Kin )C
the hypothesis.

3.28 Corollary. Let {Kn : n ∈ N} be aTsequence of non-empty compact

sets such that K1 ⊃ K2 ⊃ K3 ⊃ · · · Then ∞
n=1 Kn 6= ∅.

28
3.29 Example. X = R, d(x, y) = |x − y|, En = [n, +∞) = {x : x ∈ R, x ≥
n}, n = 1,
T2, 3, . . . Then En ’s are closed, En 6= ∅ and E1 ⊃ E2 ⊃ E3 ⊃ · · ·
∞
We have n=1 En = ∅.

3.30 Theorem (Nested Intervals). Let {In : n = 1, 2, . . .} be a sequence

of non-empty,
T∞ closed, bounded intervals in R such that I1 ⊃ I2 ⊃ I3 ⊃ · · ·
Then n=1 In 6= ∅.

Proof. Let In = [an , bn ] and an ≤ bn . That is, a1 ≤ a2 ≤ a3 ≤ · · · and

· · · ≤ b3 ≤ b2 ≤ b1 . We also have that ∀n ∀k an ≤ bk . Given n, k ∈ N
(i) If n = k then an ≤ bn = bk .
(ii) If n > k then In ⊂ Ik . Then an ∈ In ⊂ Ik ⇒ ak ≤ an ≤ bk .
(iii) If n < k then Ik ⊂ In . Then bk ∈ Ik ⊂ In ⇒ an ≤ bk ≤ bn .
Let E = {a1 , a2 , a3 , . . .}. Then E 6= ∅ and E is bounded above. Let x =
sup E. Then an ≤ x for all n.
Claim: x ≤ bn ∀n.
Assume it is not true. Then ∃n such that bn0 < X. Then bn0 cannot be an
upper bound for E. So there is an element ak0 ∈ E such that T∞ak0 > bn0 .
Contradiction. So ∀n we have an ≤ x ≤ bn , i.e. x ∈ In . So x ∈ n=1 In .
T∞
3.31 Remark. If also limn→∞ (bn − an ) = 0 then n=1 In consists of only
one point.

3.32 Definition. Let a1 ≤ b1 , . . . , ak ≤ bk be real numbers. Then the set of

all points p = (x1 , . . . , xk ) ∈ Rk such that a1 ≤ x1 ≤ b1 , . . . , ak ≤ xk ≤ bk is
called a k-cell in Rk . (See Figure 14).

3.33 Theorem. Let k be fixed. LetT{In } be a sequence of non-empty k-cells

such that I1 ⊃ I2 ⊃ I3 ⊃ · · · Then ∞
n=1 In 6= ∅.

3.34 Theorem. Let K be a compact subset of a metric space (X, d). Then
K is bounded.

Proof. Fix a point p0 ∈ K. X = ∞

S S∞
n=1 Bn (p0 ) and K ⊂ n=1 Bn (p0 ).
So ∃n1 , . . . nr ∈ N such that K ⊂ Bn1 (p0 ) ∪ · · · ∪ Bnr (p0 ). Let n0 =
max{n1 , . . . , nr }. Let p, q ∈ K, then p ∈ Bni (p0 ) and q ∈ Bnj (p0 ) where ni , nj
are one of n1 , . . . , nr . We have d(p, q) ≤ d(p, p0 )+d(p0 , q) ≤ ni +nj ≤ 2n0 .

29
3.35 Theorem (Heine-Borel). A subset K of Rk is compact ⇔ K is closed
and bounded.

Proof.

(⇒): True in all metric spaces.

(⇐): Let K ⊂ Rk be closed and bounded. Since K is bounded, there is a

k-cell I such that K ⊂ I. I is compact, so K being a closed subset of
the compact set I is compact.

3.36 Theorem. Every k-cell is a compact set in Rk .

Proof. Let E ⊂ Rk be a k-cell. Then there are real numbers

a1 , b1 , a2 , b2 , . . . , ak , bk such that a1 ≤ b1 , a2 ≤ b2 , . . . , ak ≤ bk and

E = {p = (x1 , . . . , xk ) ∈ Rk : a1 ≤ x1 ≤ b1 , . . . , ak ≤ xk ≤ bk }

If a1 = b1 , a2 = b2 , . . . , ak = bk then E consists of one point which is compact.

So assume there is at least one j, 1 ≤ j ≤ k, such that aj < bj . Let
p
δ = (b1 − a1 )2 + (b2 − a2 )2 + · · · + (bn − an )2

Then δ > 0. Assume E is not compact. So there is an open cover {Gα : α ∈

A} such that no finite subcollection of Gα ’s covers E. Let

ai + b i
ci =
2
We divide each side of E into two parts and this way we divide E into 2k
subcells. Call them Q1 , Q2 , . . . , Q2k . Then at least one of these Qj ’s cannot
be covered by finitely many sets, Gα ’s. Call this Qj E1 . For all p, q ∈ E we
have d2 (p, q) ≤ δ and for all p, q ∈ E1 , d2 (p, q) ≤ 2δ . Next divide E1 into 2k
subcells by halving each side and continue this way. This way we obtain a
sequence {En } of k-cells such that

(a) E ⊃ E1 ⊃ E2 ⊃ E3 ⊃ · · ·

(b) En cannot be covered by any finite subcollection of {Gα : α ∈ A}

δ
(c) For all p, q ∈ En , d2 (p, q) ≤ 2n

30
By (a), ∞
T ∗
T∞ ∗
n=1 E n 6
= ∅. Let p ∈ n=1 En . Then p ∈ E. Since {Gα : α ∈ A} is
an open cover of E, there is an α0 ∈ A such that p∗ ∈ Gα0 . Since Gα0 is open,
there is r > 0 such that Br (p∗ ) ⊂ Gα0 . Find a natural number n0 such that
δ
r
< 2n0 , i.e. 2nδ 0 < r. Now we show that En0 ⊂ Gα0 . p∗ ∈ En0 . Let p ∈ En0
be an arbitrary point. By (c), d2 (p, p∗ ) ≤ 2nδ 0 . Also, 2nδ 0 < r. So d2 (p, p∗ ) < r.
So p ∈ Br (p∗ ) ⊂ Gα0 . Thus, p ∈ En0 ⇒ p ∈ Gα0 . So En0 ⊂ Gα0 . This means
En0 can be covered by finitely many sets from {Gα : α ∈ A} (indeed just by
one set). This contradicts (b).

3.37 Theorem. Let (X, d) be a metric space and K ⊂ X. Then K is

compact ⇔ every infinite subset of K has a limit point in K.

Proof.
(⇒): Let K be compact. Assume claim is not true. Then there is an infinite
subset A ⊂ K such that A has no limit point in K. So, given any
point p ∈ K, p is not a limit point of A. So there is rp > 0 such
that Brp (p) contains no point of A different from p. The collection of
{Brp (p) : p ∈ K} is an open cover of K. Since K is compact, there are
p1 , p2 , . . . , pn ∈ K such that K ⊂ Brp1 (p1 ) ∪ Brp2 (p2 ) ∪ · · · ∪ Brpn (pn ).
Since A ⊂ K and A is an infinite set, one of the open balls on the right
hand side must contain infinitely many points of A. Contradiction.
(⇐): Omitted.

3.38 Theorem (Bolzano-Weierstrass). Every infinite, bounded subset E of

Rk has a limit point in Rk .

Proof. Since E is bounded, there is a k-cell I such that E ⊂ I. Then since

I is compact, the infinite subset E of I has a limit point p ∈ I ⊂ Rk .

3.4 The Cantor Set

Let us define
E0 = [0, 1]
   
1 2
E1 = 0, ∪ ,1
3 3
       
1 2 1 2 7 8
E2 = 0, ∪ , ∪ , ∪ ,1
9 9 3 3 9 9
..
.

31
Continue this way by removing the open middle thirds of the remaining
intervals. This way we get a sequence E1 ⊃ E2 ⊃ E3 ⊃ · · · ⊃ En ⊃ · · · such
that En is the union of 2n disjoint closed intervals of length 31n . We define
∞
\
C= En
n=1

which is called the Cantor Set.

Properties of C
(1) C is compact
(2) C =
6 ∅
(3) int C = ∅
(4) C is perfect
(5) C is uncountable
Proof of (3). Assume int C =6 ∅. Then there is a non-empty open
interval
(α, β) ⊂ C and C does not contain intervals of the form 3k+13m
, 3k+2
3m
. Since
they are removed in the process of construction. Assume C contains (α, β)
where α < β. Let a > 0 be a constant which will be determined later. Choose
m ∈ N such that β−αa
< 3m , i.e. 31m < β−α
a
. Let k be the smallest integer
α3m −1 m
3k+1
such that α < 3m , i.e. 3
< k. Then k − 1 ≤ α3 3 −1 . Show 3k+2
3m
< β.
α3m − 1 α3m − 1
k−1≤ ⇒k≤ +1
3 3
Show
α3m − 1 3m β − 2
+1<
3 3
3m β − 2 3m α − 1
1< −
3 3
m
3 (β − α) − 1
1<
3
Now we have
3m (β − α) − 1 3m a 31m − 1 a−1
> =
3 3 3
a−1
So let 3
≥ 1, i.e. a ≥ 4. Choose a = 4. This way we have that
   
3k + 1 3k + 2 3k + 1 3k + 2
, ⊂ (α, β) ⇒ , ⊂C
3m 3m 3m 3m
Contradiction.

32
3.5 Connected Sets
3.39 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space and A, B ⊂ X. We say A
and B are separated if A ∩ B = ∅ and A ∩ B = ∅.

3.40 Example. X = R, A = Q, B = R\Q. We have A∩B = R∩(R\Q) 6= ∅.

Then Q, R \ Q in R are not separated.

3.41 Definition. A subset E ⊂ X is said to be disconnected if there are two

non-empty separated sets A, B such that E = A ∪ B.
A subset E ⊂ X is said to be connected if it is not disconnected, i.e. there
are no non-empty separated sets A, B such that E = A ∪ B.

3.42 Theorem. A non-empty subset E ⊂ R is connected ⇔ E is an interval.

Proof. An interval is defined as follows: Whenever x < z and x, z ∈ E for

all y with x < y < z we have y ∈ E.

(⇒): Let E ⊂ R be connected. Assume E is not an interval. So there are

two points x, z ∈ E with x < z, there is y with x < y < z and y ∈
/ E.
Let A = E ∩ (−∞, y), B = E ∩ (y, +∞). x ∈ A, z ∈ B. So A 6= ∅,
B 6= ∅. Show A ∩ B = ∅, A ∩ B = ∅. A ⊂ (−∞, y) ⇒ A ⊂ (−∞, y].
So A ∩ B ⊂ (−∞, y) ∩ (y, +∞) = ∅. Similarly we have A ∩ B = ∅.

A ∪ B = (E ∩ (−∞, y)) ∪ (E ∩ (y, +∞))

= E ∩ ((−∞, y) ∪ (y, +∞)) = E since y ∈
/E
| {z }
R\{y}

(⇐): Omitted.

33
4 Sequences And Series
4.1 Sequences
Let (X, d) be a metric space. A sequence in X is a function f : N → X. If
pn = f (n), we denote this sequence by (pn ) or {pn }.
 
(−1)n
4.1 Example. X = R2 , pn = 1−n n
, n
where n = 1, 2, 3, . . . Then

p1 = (0, −1)
 
−1 1
p2 = ,
2 2
 
−2 −1
p3 = ,
3 3
..
.

4.2 Definition. We say the sequence {pn } converges to p ∈ X if for every

ε > 0 there is a natural number n0 (depending on ε > 0 in general) such that
for all n ∈ N with n ≥ n0 we have d(pn , p) < ε, i.e. pn ∈ Bε (p). We write
pn → p or limn→∞ pn = p.
pn → p ⇔ every neighborhood of p contains all but finitely many terms pn .
If {pn } does not converge to any p ∈ X, we say {pn } is divergent.

 
1−n (−1)n
4.3 Example. X = R2 , pn = n
, n . p = (−1, 0). Show pn → p. Let
√
ε > 0 be given. Let n0 be any natural number such that ε2 < n0 . Let n be
any natural number such that n0 ≤ n.
s 2  2
1−n (−1)n
d2 (pn , p) = − (−1) + −0
n n
s 
2  2
1 (−1)n
= +
n n
r √
2 2
= 2
=
n n
√
2
≤ <ε
n0

34
 1
4.4 Remark. {xn } = n
converges to x = 0 in (R, | · |), but it is divergent
in ((0, 2), | · |).

4.5 Definition. We say that the sequence {pn } is bounded if the set E =
{p1 , p2 , p3 , . . .} is a bounded subset of X, i.e. there is a constant M > 0 such
that for all pi , pj ∈ E we have d(pi , pj ) ≤ M .

4.6 Theorem.
(a) Let {pn } be a sequence such that pn → p and pn → p0 . Then p = p0 .
(b) If {pn } is convergent then {pn } is bounded.
(c) Let E 6= ∅ be subset of X. Then p ∈ E ⇔ there is a sequence {pn }
contained in E such that pn → p.

Proof.
(a) Let pn → p and pn → p0 . Assume p 6= p0 . Then d(p, p0 ) > 0. Let ε0 =
d(p,p0 )
3
then ε0 > 0. We have pn → p so there is n1 ∈ N such that for all
n ≥ n1 we have d(pn , p) < ε0 . We also have pn → p0 so there is n2 ∈ N
such that for all n ≥ n2 we have d(pn , p0 ) < ε0 . Let n0 = max{n1 , n2 }.
Then n0 ≥ n1 ⇒ d(pn0 , p) < ε0 and n0 ≥ n2 ⇒ d(pn0 , p0 ) < ε0 . Then
3ε0 = d(p, p0 ) ≤ d(p, pn0 ) + d(pn0 , p0 ) < ε0 + ε0 = 2ε0 . So 3ε0 < 2ε0 .
Since ε0 > 0, this cannot be true.
(b) Let pn → p. For ε = 1 > 0, there is n0 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n0 we
have d(pn , p) < 1. If i, j ≥ n0 , then d(pi , pj ) ≤ d(pi , p) + d(p, pj ) < 1 +
1 = 2. Let K = max{1, d(p1 , p), . . . , d(pn0 −1 , p)}. Then for all n ∈ N we
have d(pn , p) ≤ K. For any i, j ∈ N, d(pi , pj ) ≤ d(pi , p)+d(p, pj ) ≤ 2K.
(c) (⇐): {pn } in E such that pn → p. Show p ∈ E. Given r > 0 we have
n0 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n0 , d(pn , p) < r. So pn0 ∈ Br (p) ∩ E.
So Br (p) ∩ E 6= ∅. So p ∈ E.
(⇒): Let p ∈ E. Then for every r > 0, Br (p) ∩ E 6= ∅.

For r = 1, find p1 ∈ B1 (p) ∩ E

1
For r = , find p2 ∈ B 1 (p) ∩ E
2 2

..
.
1
For r = , find pn ∈ B 1 (p) ∩ E
n n

35
 Then {pn } is a sequence in E. Given ε > 0 let n0 be such that
1
ε
< n0 . Then for all n ≥ n0 we have d(pn , p) < n1 ≤ n10 < ε. So
pn → p.

4.7 Theorem. Let {sn } and {tn } be sequences in R such that sn → s and
tn → t where s, t ∈ R. Then
(a) sn + tn → s + t
(b) For all constants c ∈ R, csn → c · s
(c) sn tn → s · t
1 1
(d) If s 6= 0 then sn
→ s

Proof of (a). We have that

d(sn + tn , s + t) = |sn + tn − (s + t)|
= |(sn − s) + (tn − t)|
≤ |sn − s| + |tn − t|
Given ε > 0, let ε0 = 2ε > 0. We have sn → s so there is n1 ∈ N such that
for all n ≥ n1 we have |sn − s| < ε0 . We also have tn → t so there is n2 ∈ N
such that for all n ≥ n2 we have |tn − t| < ε0 . Let n0 = max{n1 , n2 }. Then
n ≥ n0 ⇒ n ≥ n1 ⇒ |sn − s| < ε0 and n ≥ n0 ⇒ n ≥ n2 ⇒ |tn − t| < ε0 . So
for all n ≥ n0 we have
d(sn + tn , s + t) ≤ |sn − s| + |tn − t|
< ε0 + ε0 = 2ε0 = ε

Proof of (d). Let ε0 = |s| 2

then ε0 > 0. So there is n1 ∈ N such that for all
n ≥ n1 we have |sn −s| < ε0 . Let n ≥ n1 , |s| = |s−sn +sn | ≤ |s−sn |+|sn | <
|s|
2
+ |sn |. So for all n ≥ n1 , |s|
2
< |sn |. In particular for all n ≥ n1 , sn 6= 0
so s1n is defined. And also |s1n | < |s|
2
. To show limn→∞ s1n = 1s , let ε > 0 be
2
given. Let ε0 = ε|s|
2
> 0. We have sn → s so there is n2 ∈ N such that for
all n ≥ n2 we have |sn − s| < ε0 . Let n0 = max{n1 , n2 } and n ≥ n0 . Then
   
 − 1  =  s − sn  = |s − sn |
1   
 sn s   s · sn  |s||sn |
0
ε 1 ε0 2
< · < ·
|s| |sn | |s| |s|
ε|s|2 2
= · 2 =ε
2 |s|

36
4.8 Theorem.

(a) Let {pn } be a sequence in Rk where pn = (xn1 , . . . , xnk ) and p =

(x1 , . . . , xk ) ∈ Rk . Then pn → p ⇔ xn1 → x1 , xn2 → x2 , . . . , xnk → xk .

(b) Let {pn }, {qn } be two sequences in Rk and {αn } be a sequence in R.

Assume pn → p, qn → q in Rk and αn → α in R. Then pn + qn → p + q
and αn pn → αp.

Proof of (a). We need the following: If q = (y1 , . . . , yk ) ∈ Rk then for all

i = 1, 2, . . . , k
q
|yi | ≤ y12 + y22 + · · · + yk2 ≤ |y1 | + |y2 | + · · · + |yk |
|yi |2 = yi2 ≤ y12 + y22 + · · · + yk2
y12 + y22 + · · · + yk2 ≤ (|y1 | + |y2 | + · · · + |yk |)2

Assume pn → p. Given ε > 0, we have n0 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n0 ,

d2 (pn , p) < ε. Let n ≥ n0 . Then
q
n
|x1 − x1 | ≤ (xn1 − x1 )2 + (xn2 − x2 )2 + · · · + (xnk − xk )2 = d2 (pn , p) < ε
|xn2 − x2 | ≤ · · · < ε
..
.

Conversely, assume xn1 → x1 , xn2 → x2 , . . . , xnk → xk . To show pn → p, let

ε > 0 be given. Let ε0 = kε > 0.

xn1 → x1 so we have n1 such that for all n ≥ n1 , |xn1 − x1 | < ε0

xn2 → x2 so we have n2 such that for all n ≥ n2 , |xn2 − x2 | < ε0
..
.
xk → xk so we have nk such that for all n ≥ nk , |xnk − xk | < ε0
n

Let n0 = max{n1 , n2 , . . . , nk }. For all n ≥ n0

q
d2 (pn , p) = (xn1 − x1 )2 + (xn2 − x2 )2 + · · · + (xnk − xk )2
≤ |xn1 − x1 | + |xn2 − x2 | + · · · + |xnk − xk |
< ε 0 + ε0 + · · · + ε0
= kε0 = ε

37
4.2 Subsequences
4.9 Definition. Let {pn } be a sequence in X. Let {nk } be a sequence of
natural numbers such that n1 < n2 < n3 < · · · Then the sequence {pnk } is
called a subsequence of {pn }.

4.10 Example. {p1 , p3 , p7 , p10 , p23 , . . .} is a subsequence of {pn }. n1 = 2,

n2 = 3, n3 = 7, n4 = 10, n5 = 23 and so on.

4.11 Proposition. pn → p ⇔ every subsequence of {pn } converges to p.

Proof.

(⇐): Since {pn } is a subsequence of itself, pn → p.

(⇒): Let pn → p. Let {pnk } be an arbitrary subsequence of {pn }. To show

pnk → p, let ε > 0 be given. Since pn → p, we have n0 such that for all
n ≥ n0 , d(pn , p) < ε. If k ≥ n0 then nk ≥ k ≥ n0 so d(pnk , p) < ε.

4.12 Remark. Limits of subsequences are limit points of the sequence.

 
n+(−1)n n+1 1
4.13 Example. X = R2 and pn = n
,n
 
2n + 1 1
n is even ⇒ pn = , → (2, 0)
n n
 
1 1
n is odd ⇒ pn = , → (0, 0)
n n

So the sequence {pn } has limit points (2, 0) and (0, 0).

1
4.14 Example. In X = R, xn = n + (−1)n n + n

1
n is even ⇒ xn = 2n + → +∞
n
1
n is odd ⇒ xn = →0
n
We do not accept +∞ as a limit since +∞ is not a member of R. So 0 is
the only limit point of the sequence {xn } but {xn } is divergent since it is not
bounded.

38
4.15 Theorem.

(a) Let (X, d) be a compact metric space and {pn } be any sequence in X.
Then {pn } has a subsequence that converges to a point p ∈ X.

(b) Every bounded sequence in Rk has a convergent subsequence.

Proof.

(a) Case 1: {pn } has only finitely many distinct terms. Then at least one
term, say pn0 is repeated infinitely many times, i.e. the sequence {pn }
has a subsequence all of whose terms are p. Then the limit of this
subsequence is p = pn0 ∈ X.
Case 2: {pn } has infinitely many distinct terms. Then the set E =
{p1 , p2 , p3 , . . .} is an infinite subset of the compact set X. So it has a
limit point p ∈ X. Then p is the limit of a subsequence of {pn }.

(b) Since {pn } is bounded, there is a k-cell I such that {pn } ⊂ I. I is

compact, so by (a), {pn } has a subsequence that converges to a point
p ∈ I.

4.3 Cauchy Sequences

4.16 Definition. Let (X, d) be a metric space. A sequence {pn } in X is
called a Cauchy sequence if for every ε > 0 we have n0 ∈ N such that for all
n, m ≥ n0 , d(pn , pm ) < ε.

4.17 Example. In X = R
Z n
cos t
xn = dt
1 t2

Then {xn } is a Cauchy sequence in R. Given n, m if n = m then xn = xm

39
so d(xn , xm ) = |xn − xm | = 0 < ε. If n 6= m, assume m < n.

d(xn − xm ) = |xn − xm |
Z n Z m 
 cos t cos t 
=  2
dt − 2
dt
t t
Z1 n  1
 cos t 
=  dt
m t2
Z n   
 cos t   cos t  | cos t| 1
≤  t2  dt
  We know  2  = 2
≤ 2
t t t
Zmn n
1 1  1 1
≤ 2
dt = −  = − +
m t t m n m
1 1
≤ ≤ <ε
m n0
1
Given ε > 0, choose n0 ∈ N such that ε
< n0 . Then for all n, m ∈ N with
n0 ≤ m ≤ n we have d(xn , xm ) < ε.
√
4.18 Example. X = R, xn = n. If n = m + 1 then

d(xn , xm ) = |xm+1 − xm |
√ √ √ √
= | m + 1 − m| = m + 1 − m
√ √
√ √ m+1+ m
= ( m + 1 − m) √ √
m+1+ m
1 1
=√ √ <√
m+1+ m m
1
Given ε > 0, choose n0 ∈ N such that ε2
< n0 . Then for all m ≥ n0 we have
d(xm+1 , xm ) < ε.
So the distance between successive terms gets smaller as the index gets larger
but this sequence {xn } is not a Cauchy sequence. For example, for ε = 1,
consider
√ √
d(xm , x3m+1 ) = | m − 3m + 1|
√ √ √ √
= 3m + 1 − m = m + 2m + 1 − m
q√ √
≥ ( m + 1)2 − m
√ √
≥ m+1− m≥1

4.19 Theorem. Let (X, d) be a metric space.

40
 (a) Every convergent sequence in X is Cauchy.

(b) Every Cauchy sequence is bounded.

Proof.
(a) Assume pn → p. Show {pn } is Cauchy. Given ε > 0 let ε0 = 2ε > 0.
Since pn → p, there is n0 ∈ N such that d(pn , p) < ε0 for all n ≥ n0 .
Let n, m ≥ n0 . Then

d(pn , pm ) ≤ d(pn , p) + d(p, pm ) < ε0 + ε0 = 2ε0 = ε

(b) Let {pn } be a Cauchy sequence in X. For ε = 1 there is n0 ∈ N

such that for all n, m ≥ n0 we have d(pn , pm ) < 1. Let K =
max{1, d(p1 , pn0 ), . . . , d(pn0 −1 , pn0 )} and M = 2k. Then we show that
for all n, m ∈ N, d(pn , pm ) ≤ M .
Case 1: n, m ≥ n0 . Then

d(pn , pm ) < 1 ≤ K < M

Case 2: n, m < n0 . Then

d(pn , pm ) ≤ d(pn , pn0 ) + d(pn0 , pm ) ≤ K + K = M

Case 3: m < n0 and n ≥ n0 . Then

d(pn , pm ) ≤ d(pn , pn0 ) + d(pn0 , pm ) < 1 + K ≤ K + K = M

| {z } | {z }
<1 ≤K

Converse of (a) is not true in general.

4.20 Example. X = (0, 1) = {x ∈ R : 0 < x < 1} with d(x, x0 ) = |x − x0 |.
1
xn = 2n . {xn } is a Cauchy sequence in X but {xn } has no limit in X.

4.21 Definition. A metric space (X, d) is said to be complete if every Cauchy

sequence in (X, d) is convergent to some point p ∈ X.

4.22 Theorem.
(a) Every compact metric space (X, d) is complete.

(b) (Rk , d2 ) is complete. ((Rk , d1 ), (Rk , d∞ ) are also complete.)

41
Proof.

(a) Let (X, d) be a compact metric space and let {pn } be a Cauchy sequence
in X. Then {pn } has a subsequence {pnk } which converges to a point
p ∈ X. Show pn → p. Let ε > 0 be given. Let ε0 = 2ε > 0. {pn }
is Cauchy, so there is N1 ∈ N such that for all n, m ≥ N1 we have
d(pn , pm ) < ε0 . pnk → p, so there is N2 such that for all k ≥ N2 we
have d(pnk , p) < ε0 . Let N = max{N1 , N2 }. Then for all n ≥ N

d(pn , p) ≤ d(pn , pnN ) + d(pnN , p) < 2ε0 = ε

| {z } | {z }
<ε0 <ε0

(b) Let {pn } be a Cauchy sequence in Rk . Then {pn } is bounded so there

is a k-cell I such that {pn } ⊂ I. (I, d2 ) is compact. Then by (a), {pn }
has a limit p ∈ I ⊂ Rk .

4.23 Remark. S 6= ∅, B(S) all bounded functions f : S → R.

d(f, g) = sup{|f (s) − g(s)| : s ∈ S}

(B(S), d) is complete.

4.24 Theorem. Let (X, d) be a complete metric space and Y 6= ∅ be a

subset of X. The subspace (Y, d) is complete ⇔ Y is a closed subset of X.

Proof.

(⇒): Assume (Y, d) is complete and show Y is closed, i.e. Y ⊂ Y . Let p ∈ Y .

Then there is a sequence {pn } in Y such that pn → p. Then {pn } is
convergent in X. So {pn } is Cauchy in X. Since all pn ∈ Y , {pn } is
Cauchy in Y . Since Y is complete, there is an element q ∈ Y such that
pn → q. Then p = q ∈ Y . So p ∈ Y , i.e. Y ⊂ Y .

(⇐): Assume Y is closed. Show (Y, d) is complete. Let {pn } be a Cauchy

sequence in Y . Then {pn } is a Cauchy sequence in X. Since (X, d) is
complete, there is p ∈ X such that pn → p. Then p is the limit of the
sequence {pn } in Y . Then p ∈ Y . Since Y is closed, Y = Y . So p ∈ Y .
So (Y, d) is complete.

4.25 Example. X = R2 , Y = {(x, y) : x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0}. Then (Y, d2 ) is

complete.

42
Monotone Sequence Property In R
Let {sn } be a sequence in R. We say
{sn } is increasing if s1 ≤ s2 ≤ s3 ≤ · · · ≤ sn ≤ sn+1 ≤ · · ·
{sn } is decreasing if s1 ≥ s2 ≥ s3 ≥ · · · ≥ sn ≥ sn+1 ≥ · · ·
{sn } is monotone if {sn } is either increasing or decreasing.

4.26 Theorem (Monotone Sequence Property). Let {sn } be a monotone

sequence in R. Then {sn } is convergent ⇔ {sn } is bounded.

Proof.

(⇒): True for all sequences.

(⇐): We do the proof for decreasing sequences. Let s = inf{s1 , s2 , s3 , . . .}.

Show limn→∞ sn = s. Let ε > 0 be given. Then s + ε cannot be a
lower bound for the set {s1 , s2 , s3 , . . .}. Then there is sn0 such that
sn0 < s + ε. Let n ≥ n0 . s − ε < s ≤ sn ≤ sn0 < s + ε. For all n ≥ n0

s − ε < sn < s + ε
−ε < sn − s < ε
|sn − s| < ε
d(sn , s) < ε

4.27 Example. Let A > 0 be fixed. Start with any x1 > 0 and define
 
1 A
xn = xn−1 + n = 2, 3, 4, . . .
2 xn−1
√
Then limn→∞ xn = A. We will show x2 ≥ x3 ≥ x4 ≥ · · · For n ≥ 2

A2
 
2 1 2
xn − A = xn−1 + 2 + 2A − A
4 xn−1
A2
 
1 2
= xn−1 + 2 − 2A
4 xn−1
 2
1 A
= xn−1 − ≥0
4 xn−1

43
 √
So x2n ≥ A for all n ≥ 2. Since all xn > 0, xn ≥ A for all n ≥ 2. For n ≥ 2
 
1 A
xn − xn+1 = xn − xn +
2 x
  n
1 A
= xn −
2 xn
2
1 xn − A
= ≥0
2 xn
So xn ≥ xn+1 for all n ≥ 2. So {xn }∞ n=2 is decreasing and bounded. So
limn→∞ xn = x exists. Then we solve for x. We have that
 
xn+1 = 12 xn + xAn
↓ ↓

x = 21 x + Ax

Then
A
2x = x +
x
x2 = A
√
x=∓ A
√
Since all xn > 0, limit x cannot be negative. So x = A.

4.4 Upper And Lower Limits

Let {xn } be a sequence in R.
We write limn→∞ xn = +∞ (or xn → +∞) if for every M > 0 we can find a
natural number n0 (depending on M in general) such that for all n ≥ n0 we
have M ≤ xn .
We write limn→∞ xn = −∞ (or xn → −∞) if for every M < 0 we can find a
natural number n0 (depending on M in general) such that for all n ≥ n0 we
have xn ≤ M .
In either case, we say {xn } is divergent.
1
4.28 Example. xn = n + n
and limn→∞ xn = +∞. {xn } is divergent.

4.29 Definition. Let {xn } be a sequence in R. Let E be the set of all

subsequential limits of {xn }. Then E ⊂ R ∪ {−∞, +∞}.

44
4.30 Example. xn = n + (−1)n n + n1 . Subsequential limits are +∞ and 0.
So E = {0, +∞}.

4.31 Definition. Let x∗ = sup E and x∗ = inf E (Considered in the set of

extended real numbers.)
x∗ is called the upper limit (or limit superior ) of {xn } and it is denoted by

x∗ = lim sup xn = lim xn

n→∞ n→∞

x∗ is called the lower limit (or limit inferior ) of {xn } and it is denoted by

x∗ = lim inf xn = lim xn

n→∞ n→∞

4.32 Example. The function Π : N × N → N defined by Π(r, s) = 2r−1 (2s −

1), is 1-1 and onto. Let s be fixed. Ns = {2r−1 (2s − 1) : r = 1, 2, 3, . . .} =

r\s 1 2 3 4 ···

1 1 3 5 7 ···
2 2 6 10 14 · · ·
3 4 12 20 28 · · ·
4 8 24 40 56 · · ·
.. .. .. .. .. ..
. . . . . .

0
{2s
S∞ − 1, 2(2s − 1), 4(2s − 1), . . .} Then for s 6= s , Ns ∩ Ns0 = ∅. Also
s=1 Ns = N. Define a sequence {xn } in R as follows: Given n ∈ N, there is
sn
a unique s such that n ∈ Ns . Define xn = n+1 . What are the subsequential
limits of {xn } ? What are lim supn→∞ xn and lim inf n→∞ xn ?
n
If n ∈ N1 = {1, 2, 4, 8, . . .} then xn = →1
n+1
2n
If n ∈ N2 = {3, 6, 12, 24, . . .} then xn = →2
n+1
..
.
sn
If n ∈ Ns = {· · · } then xn = →s
n+1
So all 1, 2, 3, . . . are subsequential limits. Then we have {1, 2, 3, . . .} ⊂ E.
Then sup E = +∞, i.e. lim supn→∞ xn = +∞.

45
 sn n
Since xn = n+1 , s ≥ 1 ⇒ xn ≥ n+1 so all xn ≥ 12 . So if x is a subsequential
1
limit of {xn } then x ≥ 2 . Can we have a subsequential limit x such that
1 sn 2n
2
≤ x ≤ 1 ? If n ∈ Ns where s ≥ 2 then xn = n+1 ≥ n+1 ≥ 1. If n ∈ N1
n
then xn = n+1 → 1. So 1 is the smallest subsequential limit of {xn }. Thus
lim inf n→∞ xn = 1.
Properties
(i) lim inf n→∞ xn ≤ lim supn→∞ xn

(ii) lim inf xn = lim sup xn ⇔ limn→∞ xn = x (Here x ∈ R or x = +∞ or

n→∞
| {z n→∞ }
call this x
x = −∞)

(iii) Let x ∈ R, i.e. x 6= ∓∞. We have that lim supn→∞ xn = x ⇔

(a) For every ε > 0 there is a natural number n0 such that for all
n ≥ n0 , xn < x + ε
and
(b) For every ε > 0 there are infinitely many n such that x − ε < xn

4.33 Theorem (Squeeze Property or Sandwich Property). Let {xn }, {yn },

{zn } be three sequences in R such that xn ≤ yn ≤ zn for all n. Assume that
{xn } and {zn } are convergent and lim xn = lim zn . Then {yn } is convergent
|n→∞ {z n→∞ }
call this c
and limn→∞ yn = c.

Proof. Given ε > 0

xn → c, so there is n1 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n1 , |xn − c| < ε
zn → c, so there is n2 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n2 , |zn − c| < ε
Let n0 = max{n1 , n2 } and n ≥ n0 . Show |yn − c| < ε
If c ≤ yn then |yn − c| = yn − c ≤ zn − c ≤ |zn − c| < ε
If c > yn then |yn − c| = c − yn ≤ c − xn ≤ |c − xn | = |xn − c| < ε
Some Special Sequences In R
4.34 Theorem.
1
(a) If p > 0 constant then limn→∞ np
=0
√
(b) If p > 0 constant then limn→∞ n p=1

46
 √
(c) limn→∞ n
n=1
nα
(d) If p > 0 and α ∈ R are constants then limn→∞ (1+p)n
=0
Note: This is usually expressed as polynomials tend to increase slower
than exponentials.

(e) If x is constant and |x| < 1, i.e. −1 < x < 1 then limn→∞ xn = 0

Proof of (b).
√ √
If p = 1 then np = 1 for all n, so limn→∞ n p = 1.
√
If p > 1 let xn = n p − 1. Then xn > 0 for all n.

n(n − 1) 2
p = (1 + xn )n = 1 + nxn + xn + · · · + xnn
| 2 {z }
positive

So p ≥ 1 + nxn . So 0 < xn < p−1 . By sandwich property, limn→∞ xn = 0.

√ n
Then p = 1 + xn → 1.
n

q √
If p < 1 then n p1 → 1 by the previous case so n p → 1.

√
Proof of (c). Let xn = n
n − 1. Then xn ≥ 0 for all n.

n(n − 1) 2 n(n − 1)(n − 2) 3

n = (1 + xn )n = 1 + nxn + xn + xn + · · · + xnn
2 | 6 {z }
≥0
n(n − 1) 2
≥ xn
2
q
n(n−1) 2 2 2
So n ≥ 2
⇒0≤
xn ≤ x2n⇒ 0 ≤ xn ≤
n−1 n−1
. By sandwich theorem,
√
limn→∞ xn = 0. Then n = 1 + xn → 1.
n

n α
Proof of (d). If α ≤ 0 we have limn→∞ (1+p) n = 0. So assume α > 0. Fix a

natural number k such that α < k. Then for n ≥ 2k

n n n  n k
n(n − 1) · · · (n − k + 1) > · · · · =
| {z } |2 2{z 2} 2
k terms
k terms

47
 n  
n
X n
(1 + p) = p` · 1n−`
`=0
`
 
n k n(n − 1) · · · (n − k + 1) k
> p = p
k k!
n k


nk nk−α nα k
> 2 pk = k pk = p
k! 2 k! 2k k!
2k k! 1 nα
> >0
pk nk−α (1 + p)n
nα
By sandwich property, we have limn→∞ (1+p)n
= 0.

4.5 Series
4.35 Definition. Given a sequenceP{an } in R, the symbol ∞
P
n=1 an is called
∞
an (infinite) series. Given a series n=1 an we define the following sequence
{sn }

s 1 = a1
s2 = a1 + a2
s3 = a1 + a2 + a3
..
.
sn = a1 + a2 + · · · + an

{sn } is called the sequence of partial sums.

If limn→∞ sn = s exists in R (s = ∓∞ isP
not acceptable) we say the series is
convergent and has sum = s. We write ∞ n=1 an = s.

If
P∞ limn→∞ sn = ∓∞ or limn→∞ sn does not exist we say that the series
n=1 an is divergent.

P∞ 1 1 1 1
4.36 Example. n=1 (n+1)2 −1 = 22 −1
+ 32 −1
+ 42 −1
+ · · · Then

1 1 A B
an = 2
= = +
(n + 1) − 1 n(n + 2) n n+2
1
Then A = 2
and B = − 12 . We get
1 1  
2 1 2 1 1 1n+2−n
− = − =
n n+2 2 n n+2 2 n(n + 2)

48
 1 1 1


So an = 2 n
− n+2
. Then

s n = a1 + a2 + · · · + an
       
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= − + − + − + ··· + −
2 1 3 2 2 4 2 3 5 2 n n+2
Cancellation pattern: ( |X) + ( | ) + (X| )+ · · · Then
   
1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
sn = + − − = − −
2 1 2 n+1 n+2 2 2 n+1 n+2
1 3 3 3 1 1 3
Then limn→∞ sn = 2
· 2
= 4
so s = 4
i.e. 22 −1
+ 32 −1
+ ··· = 4

P∞
4.37 Example. Let r ∈ R be a constant. Consider n=0 rn = 1 + r + r2 +
r3 + · · · geometrical series.
sn = 1 + r + r 2 + · · · + r n
rsn = r| + r2 +{z· · · + rn} +rn+1
sn −1
n+1
rsn = sn − 1 + r
1 − rn+1 = sn − rsn
1 − rn+1
sn = if r 6= 1
1−r
1
If |r| < 1, i.e. −1 < r < 1 then rn+1 → 0 so limn→∞ sn = 1−r
If r = 1 then sn = n + 1 → +∞
For any other value of r, limn→∞ sn does not exist. So the geometrical series
is convergent only for −1 < r < 1.
∞
X 1
rn = 1 + r + r2 + r3 + · · · = if − 1 < r < 1
n=0
1−r

4.38 Theorem (Cauchy Criterion). ∞

P
n=1 an is convergent ⇔ forP
every ε > 0
there is n0 ∈ N such that for all n, m ≥ n0 with n ≥ m we have | nk=m ak | =
|am + am+1 + · · · + an | < ε.
P∞
Proof. n=1 an is convergent then {sn } is convergent. So {sn } is Cauchy.
That is, for every ε > 0 there is n0 ∈ N such that for all n, m ≥ n0 with
n ≥ m we have |sn − sm−1 | < ε.
sn − sm−1 = a1 + a2 + · · · + an − (a1 + · · · + am−1 ) = am + · · · + an

49
 P
4.39 Theorem. If an is convergent then limn→∞ an = 0.

Proof. an = sn − sn−1 → s − s = 0.

4.40 Example. ∞ n
P
n=1 (−1) = (−1) + 1 + (−1) + 1 + (−1) + · · · is divergent
since limn→∞ (−1)n does not exist. So limn→∞ (−1)n 6= 0.

0 if n is even
sn =
−1 if n is odd

P∞
4.41 Definition. A series n=1 an is said to be non-negative if there is
n0 ∈ N such that for all n ≥ n0 we have an ≥ 0.

P P
4.42 Theorem. Let an be a non-negative series. Then an is convergent
⇔ {sn } is bounded.

Proof. There is n0 such that for all n ≥ n0 we have an ≥ 0.

sn0 = sn0 −1 + an0 ≥ sn0 −1

sn0 +1 = sn0 + an0 +1 ≥ sn0
..
.
sn+1 = sn + an+1 ≥ sn
..
.
sn0 ≤ sn0 +1 ≤ · · · ≤ sn ≤ sn+1 ≤ · · ·

By monotone sequence property (since {sn }∞

n=n0 is increasing), {sn } is con-
vergent ⇔ {sn } is bounded.

4.43 Theorem (Comparison Test).

P
0 such that for all n ≥ n0 |an | ≤ cn and
(a) Suppose there is nP cn is
convergent. Then an is also convergent.
P
n0 such that for all n ≥ n0 an ≥ dn ≥ 0 and
(b) Suppose there is P dn is
divergent. Then an is also divergent.

Proof.

50
 P
(a) Use Cauchy criterion. Let ε > 0 be given. Since cn is convergent,
there
Pn is n 1 ∈ N such that for all n, m ≥ n 1 with m ≤ n we have
| k=m ck | < ε. Let n2 = max{n0 , n1 }. Let n ≥ m ≥ n2 . Then
 n 
X 
ak  = |am + am+1 + · · · + an | ≤ |am | + |am+1 | + · · · + |an |
 

  |{z} | {z } |{z}
k=m ≤cm ≤cm+1 ≤cn

≤ cm + cm+1 + · · · + cn = |cm + cm+1 + · · · + cn | < ε

P P
(b) This follows from (a). If an were convergent, then by (a), dn
would be convergent.

4.44 Theorem
P∞ (Cauchy Condensation
P∞ Test). Suppose a1 ≥ a2 ≥ a3 ≥ · · · ≥
k
0. Then n=1 an is convergent ⇔ k=0 2 a2k = a1 + 2a2 + 4a4 + 8a8 + · · ·
is convergent.

Proof. Let sn = a1 + a2 + · · · + an and tn = a1 + 2a2 + · · · + 2n a2n .

tn = a1 + 2a2 + 4a4 + · · · + 2n a2n

= a1 + (a2 + a2 ) + (a4 + a4 + a4 + a4 ) + · · · + (a2n + a2n + · · · + a2n )
| {z }
2n terms
≥ a1 + a2 + a3 + · · · + a2n+1 −1 = s2n+1 −1
s2n = a1 + a2 + (a3 + a4 ) + (a5 + a6 + a7 + a8 ) + · · · + (a2n−1 +1 + · · · + a2n )
| {z }
2n−1 terms
1
≥ a1 + a2 + 2a4 + 4a8 + · · · + 2n−1 a2n
2
1 1
= (a1 + 2a2 + 4a4 + 8a8 + · · · + 2n a2n ) = tn
2 2
P
Then s2n+1 −1 ≤Ptn ≤ 2s2n . So an is convergent ⇔ {sn } is bounded ⇔ {tn }
k
is bounded ⇔ 2 a2k is convergent.
P∞ 1
4.45 Example. Let p > 0 be constant and consider the p-series n=1 np .
Then an = n1p > 0 and a1 ≥ a2 ≥ a3 ≥ · · ·
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X X 1 X X
2k a2k = 2k = 2k−kp
= (21−p )k
k=0 k=0
(2k )p k=0 k=0

Geometric series with r = 21−p > 0. It is convergent ⇔ r < 1, i.e.

21−p < 1 ⇔ p > 1. If p ≤ 0 let q = −p ≥ 0. an = n1p = n−q1
= nq

51
 1
P
then limn→∞ an 6= 0. So is divergent.
np
Summary: Let p be a constant. Then ∞ 1
P
n=1 np is convergent ⇔ p > 1.
P∞ 1 P∞ 1 P∞ 1
For example, n=1 n2 and n=1 n n are convergent but
√
n=1 n and
P∞ 1 P∞ 1
P ∞ 1
n=1 n are divergent. n=1 n1.00001 is convergent. n=1 1+ 1 is not a
√
n n
1
p-series since the exponent 1 + n
is not a constant.

4.46 Remark. ∞
X 1 π2
=
n=1
n2 6

The Number e
The series ∞
X 1 1 1 1
= 1 + 1 + + + + ···
n=0
n! 2! 3! 4!
is convergent. For n ≥ 2
1 1 1
an = = ≤ n−1
n! |2 · 3{z· · · n} 2
n−1 factors

1 n
P 1
P
P∞ P∞ 1
2n−1
=2 2
is convergent. So by comparison test, n=0 an = n=0 n!
is convergent.

4.47 Definition. ∞
X 1
e=
n=0
n!

4.48 Theorem. e is not rational.

p
Proof. Suppose e is rational. Then e = q
where p, q are natural numbers.

52
 1
Since all an > 0, we have sn < e for all n. We have 0 < e − sq < q!q

1 1 1
e − sq = + + + ···
(q + 1)! (q + 2)! (q + 3)!
 
1 1 1
= 1+ + + ···
(q + 1)! q + 2 (q + 2)(q + 3)
 
1 1 1
< 1+ + + ···
(q + 1)! q + 1 (q + 1)(q + 1)
∞  n
1 X 1 1
= Geometrical series with r =
(q + 1)! n=0 q + 1 q+1
1 1 1 q+1 1
< 1 = =
(q + 1)! 1 − q+1 (q + 1)! q q!q

Then 0 < q!(e − sq ) < 1q . p = e · q is an integer. So q! · e = 1 · 2 · · · (q − 1) · q · e

 
is an integer. q!sq = q! 1 + 1 + 2!1 + · · · + q!1 is also an integer. So q!e − qsq
1
is an integer. Also, q
≤ 1 so 0 < q!e − q!sq < 1. Contradiction.

4.49 Remark. e is not even an algebraic number.

A real number r is called an algebraic number if there is a polynomial P (x) =
an xn + an−1 xn−1 + · · · + a1 x + a0 with integer coefficients an , an−1 , . . . , a1 , a0
such that P (r) = 0.
√
4.50 Example. r = 2 is algebraic. P (x) = x2 − 2 then P (r) = 0.
A real number that is not algebraic is called transcendental. e, π are tran-
scendental numbers.
P p
4.51 Theorem (Root Test). Given an let α = lim supn→∞ n |an |. Then
0 ≤ α ≤ +∞.
P
(a) α < 1 ⇒ an is convergent
P
(b) α > 1 ⇒ an is divergent
(c) α = 1 ⇒ No information

Proof.
(a) Find β such thatpα < β < 1. Then there is n0 ∈ N such that forP alln
n
n ≥ n0 we have |an | < β. That is, |an | < β for all n ≥ n0 .
n
β
is
Pconvergent (geometrical series, 0 < β < 1) so by comparison test,
an is convergent.

53
 (b) We have α > 1. Since lim sup is the largest subsequential p limit, we can
find a subsequence {nkp } of natural numbers such that nk |ank | → α.
nk
Since α > 1, we have P |ank | > 1 ⇒ |ank | > 1. Then “limn→∞ an = 0”
cannot be true. So an is divergent.
P1 q 
n 1
(c) n
is divergent and α = 1. (in fact lim n→∞ n
= 1)
P 1 q 
n  1 
n2
is convergent and α = 1. (in fact lim n→∞ n2
= 1)

(−2)n n
4.52 Example. Consider ∞ Then an = (−2)
P
n=1 n n
. We apply root test.
q P (−2)n
n
pn
|an | = n 2n = √2
n n . We have α = limn→∞ √
2
n n = 2. α > 1 so n
is
divergent.

P
4.53 Theorem (Ratio Test). Let an be an arbitrary series.
|an+1 | P
(a) If lim supn→∞ |an |
< 1 then an is convergent.
|an+1 | P
(b) If lim inf n→∞ |an |
> 1 then an is divergent.
|an+1 | |an+1 |
(c) If lim inf n→∞ |an |
≤ 1 ≤ lim supn→∞ |an |
then no information.

Proof. Omitted. Similar to the proof of the root test.

P
4.54 Example. Consider an where
( n2
10n
if n is odd
an = 3
n
100n
if n is even

an > 0 for all n so |an | = an . Then

(n+1)3

100n+1

 n2
if n is odd
|an+1 | an+1 
10n
= = (n+1)2
|an | an 
10n+1
if n is even


n3
100n

Then
(n+1)3
( 1
|an+1 | n2 10n+2
if n is odd
=
|an | (n+1)2
10n−1 if n is even
n3

54
So lim supn→∞ |a|an+1
n|
|
= +∞ and lim inf n→∞ |a|an+1
n|
|
= 0. So ratio test gives no
information. Then try root test.
( (√n n)2
p
n 10
if n is odd
|an | = √
( n n)3
100
if n is even
1 1
p
10
and 100 are the only subsequential limits of { n |an |}. We have
p 1
P
lim supn→∞ n |an | = 10 < 1. So by root test, the series an is conver-
gent.

4.55 Remark. Root test has wider scope.

Ratio test shows convergence ⇒ Root test shows convergence
Root test gives no information ⇒ Ratio test gives no information

4.56 Theorem. Let {cn } be any sequence of positive numbers. Then

cn+1 √ √ cn+1
lim inf ≤ lim inf n cn ≤ lim sup n cn ≤ lim sup
n→∞ cn n→∞ n→∞ n→∞ cn
P
Raabe’s Test: Let an be a series of real numbers.
 
(a) lim inf n→∞ n |a|an+1
n|
P
|
− 1 = p If 1 < p then an is convergent.
 
|an | P
(b) lim supn→∞ n |an+1 |
−1 =q If q < 1 then an is divergent.
P∞ 1·3···(2n−1)
4.57 Example. Consider n=1 2·4···(2n)

1·3···(2n−1)·(2n+1)
|an+1 | an+1 2·4···(2n)·(2n+2) 2n + 1
= = 1·3···(2n−1)
= →1
|an | an 2n + 2
2·4···(2n)

We have lim supn→∞ |a|an+1

n|
|
= lim inf n→∞ |a|an+1
n|
|
. So ratio test gives no infor-
mation. Then try Raabe’s test.
   
|an | 2n + 2 1 1
n −1 =n −1 =n →
|an+1 | 2n + 1 2n + 1 2
 
We have lim supn→∞ n |a|an+1 n|
|
− 1 = 12 < 1. So the series is divergent.

55
4.58 Definition (Power Series). Let {cn } be a fixed sequence of real numbers
and x ∈ R be a variable. The series
∞
X
2 n
c0 + c1 x + c2 x + · · · + cn x + · · · = cn xn
n=0

is called a power series.

1 x2 x3
P∞ xn
4.59 Example. Let cn = n!
. Consider 1 + x + 2!
+ 3!
+ ··· = n=0 n!

General Question: Given a power series, find the set of all x for which the
power series is convergent.
We apply root test.
p p p
lim sup n |cn xn | = lim sup |x| n |cn | = |x| lim sup n |cn | = |x|α
n→∞ n→∞
| n→∞{z }
call α
1
cn xn is convergent.
P
If |x|α < 1, i.e. |x| < α
then
1
cn xn is divergent.
P
If |x|α > 1, i.e. |x| > α
then

cn xn is associated a radius of
P
4.60 Theorem. With any power series
convergence R, 0 ≤ R ≤ +∞ such that
(i) The series converges for all x with |x| < R
(ii) The series diverges for all x with |x| > R
R = α1 where α = lim supn→∞ n |cn | or α = limn→∞ |c|cn+1 |
p
n|
if this limit exists.
If α =P 0 then R = +∞. If α = +∞ then R = 0. (For R = 0, it means the
series cn xn converges only for x = 0.)
P∞
4.61 Example. Consider n=0 n!xn = 1+x+2!x2 +3!x3 +· · · Then cn = n!
|cn+1 |
α = lim = lim (n + 1) = +∞
n→∞ |cn | n→∞

n!xn converges only for x = 0.

P
So R = 0 and
P∞ xn x2 x3 1
4.62 Example. Consider n=0 n! =1+x+ 2!
+ 3!
+ · · · Then cn = n!

|cn+1 | 1
α = lim = lim =0
n→∞ |cn | n→∞ n + 1
P xn
So R = +∞ and n!
converges for all x ∈ R with |x| < +∞, i.e. for all
x ∈ R.

56
 P∞ xn 1
4.63 Example. Consider n=1 n . Then cn = n
s 
1 1
α = lim sup n   = lim sup √ =1
n→∞ n n→∞
n
n

So R = 1 and
P xn
The series n
is convergent for all x with |x| < 1, i.e. −1 < x < 1
P xn
The series n
is divergent for all x with |x| > 1, i.e. x < −1, 1 < x
No information for |x| = 1, i.e. x = ∓1
If x = 1, ∞
P 1n
P∞ 1
n=1 n = n=1 n is divergent. (p-series with p = 1)
P∞ (−1)n
If x = −1, n=1 n = −1 + 12 − 13 + 14 − · · ·
Abel’s Partial Summation Formula: Let {an } and {bn } be two se-
quences.
n
X
An = ak = a1 + a2 + · · · + an
k=1

Then
n+1
X n
X
ak bk = An+1 bn+1 − Ak (bk+1 − bk )
k=1 k=1

Proof. Let A0 = 0. Then ak = Ak − Ak−1 , k = 1, 2, . . .

n+1
X n+1
X
ak b k = (Ak − Ak−1 ) bk
k=1 k=1
n+1
X n+1
X
= Ak b k − Ak−1 bk
k=1 k=1
|P {z }
n
k=1 Ak bk+1
n
X n
X
= Ak bk + An+1 bn+1 − Ak bk+1
k=1 k=1
n
X
= An+1 bn+1 + Ak (bk − bk+1 )
k=1

4.64 Theorem (Dirichlet’s Test). Let {an } and {bn } be two sequences of
real numbers. An = nk=1 ak = a1 + · · · + an . Assume
P

(a) The sequence {An } is bounded

57
 (b) b1 ≥ b2 ≥ b3 ≥ · · ·

(c) limn→∞ bn = 0
Then ∞
P
n=1 an bn is convergent.

Proof. Let sn = a1 b1 + · · · + an bn . Show {sn } converges in R. By Abel’s

formula n
X
sn+1 = An+1 bn+1 − Ak (bk+1 − bk )
k=1

{An } is bounded, so there is a constant M > 0 such that |An | ≤ M for all n.

−M ≤ An+1 ≤ M

If we multiply by bn+1 ≥ 0 we get

−M bn+1 ≤ An+1 bn+1 ≤ M bn+1

So limn→∞ An+1 bn+1 = 0. Next, show limn→∞ (P nk=1 Ak (bk+1 − bk )) exists in

P
R. This isPthe n-th partial sum of the series ∞ n=1 An (bn+1 − bn ). So show
∞
the series n=1 An (bn+1 − bn ) is convergent. Use Cauchy criterion. Let ε > 0
be given. Let ε0 = 2M ε
> 0. Since limn→∞ bn = 0, we have n0 ∈ N such that
for all n ≥ n0 , |bn | = |bn − 0| < ε0 . Let n, m ≥ n0 and n ≥ m.
 n  n n
X  X X
Ak (bk+1 − bk ) ≤ |Ak | |bk+1 − bk | ≤ M k = m |bk+1 − bk |
 

  |{z} | {z }
k=m k=m ≤M bk −bk+1

= M ((bm − bm+1 ) + (bm+1 − bm+2 ) + · · · + (bn − bn+1 ))

= M (bm − bn+1 ) ≤ M |bm − bn+1 | ≤ M (|bm | − |bn+1 |)
|{z} | {z }
<ε0 <ε0
0
< M 2ε = ε

4.65 Example. Consider

1 + 112 2 3 1 + 12 2 3 1 + 12 2 3
√ + √ − √ + √ 4 + √ − √ + √ 7 + √ − √ + ···
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Then b1 = √11 , b2 = √12 , b3 = √13 · · · bn = √1n · · · {bn } satisfies (b) and (c).
Also a1 = 1 + 112 , a2 = 2, a3 = −3, a4 = 1 + 412 , a5 = 2, a6 = 3, a7 = 1 + 712 ,
a8 = 2, a9 = −3, . . .
Then A1 = 1 + 112 , A2 = 3 + 112 , A3 = 1
12
, A4 = 1
12
+ 1 + 412 , A5 = 1
12
+ 3 + 412 ,

58
 1 1
A6 = 12
+6+ 42
···
1 1 1
We have An ≤ 3 + 2
+ 2 + 2 + · · · So {An } is bounded. So the series is
|1 4 {z 7 }
2
≤ π6
convergent by Dirichlet’s test.

Alternating Series Test Of Leibniz: Assume b1 ≥ b2 ≥ b3 ≥ · · · and

limn→∞ bn = 0. Then
∞
X ∞
X
n
(−1) bn = −b1 + b2 − b3 + · · · and (−1)n+1 bn = b1 − b2 + b3 − · · ·
n=1 n=1

are convergent.

4.66 Example. Let bn = n1 . Then

∞
X 1 1 1 1 1
(−1)n+1 = 1 − + − + − · · · = ln 2
n=1
n 2 3 4 5

is convergent.
P∞ P∞ (−1)n+1 (−1)n+1
The
P∞ series Pn=1 cn = n=1 n
i.e. cn = n
is convergent but
∞ 1
|c
n=1 n | = n=1 n is divergent.

P P P
4.67 Definition.P Let cn be a series. If cn is convergent
P but |cn | is di-
vergent,Pwe say cn is conditionally convergent. If |cn | is also convergent,
we say cn is absolutely convergent.

P P
4.68 Theorem. If |cn | is convergent then cn is also convergent.

P
Proof. Use Cauchy criterion. Let ε > 0 be given. SinceP |cn | is convergent,
there is n0 such that for all n ≥ m ≥ n0 we have | nk=m |ck || < ε. Let
n ≥ m ≥ n0 . Then  n 
X  X n
ck  ≤ |ck | < ε
 

 
k=m k=m
P P
So cn satisfies Cauchy criterion. Then cn is convergent.
For absolute convergence we can use root test, ratio test or comparison test.
For conditional convergence we can use Dirichlet’s test or alternating series
test. (Only for alternating series.)

59
4.69 Example. Consider
∞
X (−1)n+1 1 1 1
=1− + − + ··· = S
n=1
n 2 3 4

The series is convergent by the alternating series test.

    
1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5
S = 1− + − − + − + · · · = −(a positive number) <
2 3 4 5 6 7 6 6
Consider the rearrangement
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1+ − + + − + + − + + − +···
3 2} |5 {z
| {z 7 4} |9 11
{z 6} |13 {z
15 8}

Each group is in the form

1 1 1 (4n − 1)2n + (4n − 3)2n − (4n − 3)(4n − 1)
+ − =
4n − 3 4n − 1 2n (4n − 3)(4n − 1)2n
8n2 − 2n + 8n2 − 6n − 16n2 + 4n + 12n − 3
=
···
8n − 3
= >0
···
If tn is the n-th partial sum of the rearrangement. Then t3 < t6 < t9 < · · ·
Then lim supn→∞ tn > t3 = 1 + 31 − 21 = 56 . It follows that limn→∞ tn cannot
be S since S < 56 . This is a property of the conditionally convergent series.
P
Given a conditionally convergent series an and −∞ ≤ r ≤ +∞, it is
possible to find a rearrangement of the series such that rearrangement has
sum= r.
P∞
4.70 Definition. Let φ : N → N be a P 1-1, onto function. Let n=1 an
. The series ∞ ∞
P
be a series. Let bn = aφ(n)P b
n=1 n = a
n=1 φ(n) is called a
∞
rearrangement of the series n=1 an .
If
∞
X 1 1 1 1
an = 1 − + − + − ···
n=1
2 3 4 5
∞
X 1 1 1 1 1
bn = 1 + − + + − + ···
n=1
3 2 5 7 4

Then φ(1) = 1, φ(2) = 3, φ(3) = 2, φ(4) = 5, φ(5) = 7, φ(6) = 4, . . .

60
4.71 Theorem. Assume ∞
P P∞
n=1 a n is absolutely convergent, i.e. n=1 |an |
is convergent. Then every rearrangement of ∞
P
a
n=1 n is convergent and it
converges to the same sum.

P∞ P∞
Proof. Let n=1 aφ(n) be a rearrangement of n=1 an . Let

s n = a1 + a2 + · · · + an
tn = aφ(1) + aφ(2) + · · · + aφ(n)

Given sn → s where sP∈ R (s 6= ∓∞). Show sn − tn → 0 as n → ∞. Let

ε > 0 be given. SinceP an converges absolutely, there is N such that for all
n ≥ m ≥ N we have nk=m |ak | < ε. Find p ≥ N such that

{1, 2, . . . , N } ⊂ {φ(1), φ(2), . . . , φ(p)}

Take n > p. Then

|sn − tn − 0| =|sn − tn |
=|a1 + a2 + · · · + aN + aN +1 + · · · + an
−aφ(1) − aφ(2) − · · · − aφ(p) − · · · − aφ(n) |
| {z }
N of them will be cancelled
| {z }
The remaining terms will be of the form −ak where k>N

Let q = max{k : ∓ak remains in the above}. Then

q
X
|sn − tn − 0| ≤ |ak | < ε
k=N +1

4.6 Operations With Series

P P
4.72 Theorem. Let an , bn be convergent series with sums A and B.
Let c ∈ R be a constant. Then
X
(an + bn ) is convergent and has sum A + B
X
can is convergent and has sum cA

4.73 Remark. The sum of two divergent series may be convergent.

61
4.74 Example.
P∞ 1 P∞ 1
n=1 n and n=1 − n+1 are both divergent.
P∞ 1 1

P∞ 1
n=1 n − n+1
= n=1 n(n+1) is convergent.

P∞  2 n n

− 5 (−1)


4.75 Example. n=0 3 4n
is convergent.

∞  n ∞  n
X 2 X 1 1 1 4
−5 − = 2 −5 1

= 3 − 5 = −1
n=1
3 n=1
4 1− 3 1 − −4 5

Cauchy Product Of Two Series: Consider the series

∞
X ∞
X
an = a0 + a1 + a2 + · · · and bn = b0 + b1 + b2 + · · ·
n=0 n=1
P∞
We define a new series n=0 cn as follows

c 0 = a0 b 0
c 1 = a0 b 1 + a1 b 0
c 2 = a0 b 2 + a1 b 1 + a2 b 0
..
.
n
X
cn = a0 bn + a1 bn−1 + · · · + an−1 b1 + an b0 = ak bn−k
k=0
P∞ P∞ P∞
n=0 cn is called the Cauchy product of n=0 an and n=0 bn .

4.76 Theorem. Assume

P∞ P∞
(a) n=0 an is absolutely convergent and n=0 an = A
P∞ P∞
(b) n=0 bn is convergent and n=0 bn = B

(c) cn = nk=0 ak bn−k n = 0, 1, 2, . . .

P

Then ∞
P
n=0 cn is convergent and has sum C = AB.

4.77 Remark. The above theorem is not true if both series are conditionally
convergent.

62
4.78 Example. Consider the Cauchy product of the conditionally conver-
gent series
∞
X (−1)n 1 1 1 1
√ = √ − √ + √ − √ + ···
n=0
n+1 1 2 3 4
(−1)n
with itself. We have an = bn = √
n+1
. Then
n n
X (−1)k (−1)n−k n
X 1
cn = √ ·√ = (−1) p
k=0
k+1 n−k+1 k=0
(k + 1)(n − k + 1)

We have
n2  n 2
(n−k+1)(k+1) = nk+n−k 2 −k+k+1 = n+1+k(n−k) ≤ n+1+ = +1
4 2
n2
When 0 ≤ x ≤ n, max. of x(n − x) is 4
so we have
n n
X 1 X 1
|cn | = p ≥ q
(k + 1)(n − k + 1) n


k=0 k=0 2
+ 1
n
X 1 n+1 2n + 2
= n = n = ≥1
k=0 2
+1 2
+1 n+2
P
So “limn→∞ cn = 0” cannot be true. So the series cn is divergent.

63
5 Continuity
5.1 General
Let (X, dX ) and (Y, dY ) be two metric spaces. Let E 6= ∅ be a non-empty
subset of X, f : E → Y , p ∈ E 0 , q ∈ Y . We say limx→p f (x) = q (or f (x) → q
as x → p) if for every ε > 0 there is δ > 0 with the following property: For
every x ∈ E with dX (x, p) < δ we have dY (f (x),
q) < ε. Equivalently, for
every ε > 0 there is δ > 0 such that f BδX (p) ∩ E ⊂ BεY (q). δ > 0 depends
in general on ε > 0 and the point p. For limx→p f (x), f (p) need not be
defined.
5.1 Example. Let X = R2 with d2 and Y = R with | · | metric.
Let E = {(x, y) : (x, y) ∈ R2 and xy 6= 0}. f : E → R, f (x, y) = xy sin xy

Let p = (a, 0) where a > 0. Then p ∈ E 0 . Show lim(x,y)→(a,0) f (x, y) = 1. Let

ε > 0 be given. Since limt→0 sint t = 1, we have δ 0 > 0 such that for all t with
aδ 0
0 < |t| < δ 0 we have  sint t − 1 < ε. Choose δ = 1+δ 0 . Then 0 < δ < a. Show

that for all (x, y) ∈ E with d2 ((x, y), (a, 0)) < δ we have that |f (x, y)−1| < ε.
Let (x, y) ∈ E be such that d2 ((x, y), (a, 0)) < δ i.e.
(x − a)2 + (y − 0)2 < δ 2 ⇒ |x − a| < δ and |y − 0| < δ
a − δ < x < a + δ so 0 < x. Let t = xy . Then
aδ 0 aδ 0
|y| |y| δ 0 1+δ 0 aδ 0
0 < |t| = = < = 1+δaδ0 = a+aδ 0 −aδ 0
= = δ0
|x| x a−δ a − 1+δ0 1+δ 0
a
y
So t = x
satisfies 0 < |t| < δ 0 , thus
 

 sin t

  sin y

 t − 1 < ε i.e.  y x − 1 < ε
   
 x 

5.2 Theorem. limx→p f (x) = q ⇔ for every sequence {pn } in E with

limn→∞ pn = p and pn 6= p we have that limn→∞ f (pn ) = q.

Proof.
(⇒): Suppose limx→p f (x) = q. Let {pn } be an arbitrary sequence in E such
that limn→∞ pn = p and pn 6= p. Show limn→∞ f (pn ) = q. Let ε > 0
be given. Since limx→p f (x) = q, there is δ > 0 such that for all x ∈ E
with dX (x, p) < δ we have dY (f (x), q) < ε. Since limn→∞ pn = p,
there is n0 such that for all n ≥ n0 , dX (pn , p) < δ. Let n ≥ n0 .
Then dY (f (pn ), q) < ε since x = pn (for n ≥ n0 ) satisfies x ∈ E and
dX (x, p) < δ.

64
(⇐): Proof by contraposition. Suppose limx→p f (x) 6= q. So there is an
ε0 > 0 such that for every δ > 0 there is x ∈ E such that dX (x, p) < δ
and dY (f (x), q) ≥ ε0 .
Let δ = 1, find x = p1 ∈ E s.t. dX (p1 , p) < 1 and dY (f (p1 ), q) ≥ ε0
1 1
Let δ = , find x = p2 ∈ E s.t dX (p2 , p) < and dY (f (p2 ), q) ≥ ε0
2 2
..
.
1 1
Let δ = , find x = pn ∈ E s.t. dX (pn , p) < and dY (f (pn ), q) ≥ ε0
n n
Then {pn } is a sequence in E such that limn→∞ pn = p and
limn→∞ f (pn ) 6= q.

5.3 Corollary. Let E ⊂ X, p ∈ E 0 , f, g : E → R such that limx→p f (x) = A

and limx→p g(x) = B. Then
lim (f (x) + g(x)) = A + B
x→p

lim f (x)g(x) = AB
x→p
f (x) A
lim = if B 6= 0
x→p g(x) B

5.4 Definition. Let (X, dX ) and (Y, dY ) be metric spaces. Let ∅ =6 E ⊂ X,

f : E → Y , p ∈ E. We say f is continuous at the point p if limx→p f (x) =
f (p), i.e. for every ε > 0 there is δ > 0 such that for all x ∈ E with
dX (x, p) < δ we have dY (f (x), f (p)) < ε. In general δ depends on ε and p.
If f is continuous at every point p of E, we say f is continuous on E.

5.5 Theorem. Let (X, dX ) and (Y, dY ) be metric spaces and f : X → Y

(i.e. E = X). f is continuous on X ⇔ for every open set V ⊂ Y , the inverse
image f −1 (V ) is an open set.

Proof.
(⇒): Let f be continuous on X. Let V ⊂ Y be an arbitrary open set. Show
f −1 (V ) is an open set in X. Let p ∈ f −1 (V ) be an arbitrary point.
Then f (p) ∈ V . V is open, so there is s > 0 such that BsY (f (p)) ⊂ V . f
is continuous at p. Then for ε = s > 0, we find δ > 0 such that for all x
with dX (x, p) < δ we have dY (f (x), f (p)) < ε. Show BδX (p) ⊂ f −1 (V ).
Let x ∈ BδX (p), i.e. dX (x, p) < δ ⇒ dY (f (x), f (p)) < ε = s ⇒ f (x) ∈
BsY (f (p)) ⊂ V . f (x) ∈ V , so x ∈ f −1 (V ).

65
(⇐): Suppose f −1 (V ) is open for every open set V ⊂ Y . Show f is continuous
on X, i.e. show f is continuous at every point of X. Let p ∈ X be
an arbitrary point. Let ε > 0 be given. The set V = BεY (f (p)) is an
open set in Y . Then f −1 (V ) is an open set in X. Also p ∈ f −1 (V ).
Then there is δ > 0 such that BδX (p) ⊂ f −1 (V ). Let x be such that
dX (x, p) < δ, i.e. x ∈ BδX (p). Then x ∈ f −1 (V ), i.e. f (x) ∈ V , i.e.
dY (f (x), f (p)) < ε.

5.6 Corollary. Let f : X → Y . f is cotinuous on X ⇔ for every closed set

F ⊂ Y we have that the inverse image f −1 (F ) is closed in X.

C
Proof. F ⊂ Y is closed ⇔ F C is open. Using f −1 (F C ) = (f −1 (F )) and
“f is continuous ⇔ the inverse image of every open set is open” we get the
result.

5.7 Theorem. Let (X, dX ), (Y, dY ) and (Z, dZ ) be metric spaces. ∅ =

6 E⊂
X, f : E → Y , g : f (E) → Z, p ∈ E. If f is continuous at p and g is
continuous at q = f (p) then g ◦ f is continuous at p.

Proof. Let ε > 0 be given. Since g is continuous at q, we have a δ 0 > 0

such that for all y ∈ f (E) with dY (y, q) < δ 0 we have dZ (g(y), g(q)) < ε.
Since f is continuous at p, we have a δ > 0 such that for all x ∈ E with
dX (x, p) < δ we have dY (f (x), f (p)) < δ 0 . Let x ∈ E and dX (x, p) < δ. Then
dY (f (x), f (p)) < δ 0 . So dZ (g(y), g(q)) < ε i.e. dZ (g(f (x)), g(f (p))) < ε.
Let (X, d) be a metric space and f : X → Rk . f (x) ∈ Rk , so we have
f (x) = (f1 (x), f2 (x), . . . , fk (x)) where f1 , f2 , . . . , fk : X → R.

5.8 Example. f : R3 → R2 and f (x, y, z) = (x2 y + 1, |z 3 x{z− 3}) ∈ R2 .

| {z }
f1 (x,y,z) f2 (x,y,z)

5.9 Theorem. f : X → Rk is continuous on X ⇔ f1 , f2 , . . . , fk are all

continuous on X.

In the above example, f1 , f2 : R3 → R are continuous (since they are poly-

nomials) we have that f : R3 → R2 is also continuous.

5.10 Theorem. Let f, g : X → R be continuous at the point p. Then f + g

and f · g are continuous at p. fg is continuous at p if g(p) 6= 0.

66
5.11 Example. X = Rk . Fix a coordinate, say j-th coordinate. Define
f : Rk → R. f is continuous on Rk . x = (x1 , x2 , . . . , xk ) → xj . Fix
p = (p1 , p2 , . . . , pk ) in Rk . Show f is continuous at p. Given ε > 0, choose
δ = ε. Let x ∈ Rk be any point such that d2 (x, p) < δ. Then
q
|f (x) − f (p)| = |xj − pj | = (xj − pj )2
p
≤ (x1 − p1 )2 + · · · + (xk − pk )2 = d2 (x, p) < δ = ε

If n1 , n2 , . . . , nk are non-negative integers then define g : Rk → R by

g(x) = xn1 1 xn2 2 · · · xnk k . Then
P by then1 theorem, g is continuous on Rk . So
nk
every polynomial P (x) = cn1 ···nk x1 · · · xk is continuous on X.

5.12 Example. P : R2 → R and P (x, y) = 5x2 − 7x3 y 4 + 8y 6 + 5xy 2 − 3 is

continuous on R2 .

5.2 Continuity And Compactness

5.13 Theorem. Let f : X → Y be continuous on X. Let E be a compact
subset of X. Then the image f (E) is a compact subset of Y . (Continuous
image of a compact set is compact.)

Proof. Let C = {Gα : α ∈ S A} be an open cover of f (E), i.e. every Gα

is an open set and f (E) ⊂ α∈A Gα . Let VαS = f −1 (Gα ) and α ∈ A. Vα
is open for every α ∈ A. Do we have E ⊂ α∈A Vα ? Let x ∈ E. Then
f (x) ∈ fS(E). Then f (x) ∈ Gα0 for some α0 ∈ A. So x ∈ f −1 (Gα0 ) = Vα0 .
So E ⊂ α∈A Vα . So the collection C 0 = {f −1 (Gα ) : α ∈ A} is an open cover
of E. Since E is compact, there are α1 , . . . , αn ∈ A such that

E ⊂ f −1 (Gα1 ) ∪ · · · ∪ f −1 (Gαn )
f (E) ⊂ f f −1 (Gα1 ) ∪ · · · ∪ f −1 (Gαn )

= f f −1 (Gα1 ) ∪ · · · ∪ f f −1 (Gαn )

⊂ G α1 ∪ · · · ∪ Gαn

So C has a finite subcover {Gα1 , . . . , Gαn } of f (E).

In the proof of the following corollary, we will need the following proposition.

5.14 Proposition. Let S 6= ∅ be a bounded subset of R. Then sup S, inf S ∈

S.

67
Proof. For sup S only. Let α = sup S. Show every neighborhood B of α
contains a point s from S. B = (α − ε, α + ε). Since α − ε < sup S, α − ε
cannot be an upper bound for S. So there is an element s ∈ S such that
α − ε < S. Also if s ∈ S then s ≤ α < α + ε. So α − ε < s < α + ε, i.e.
s ∈ B.

5.15 Corollary. Let (X, d) be a compact metric space and f : X → R be

continuous on X. Then there are points p, q ∈ X such that for all x ∈ X we
have f (p) ≤ f (x) ≤ f (q). (A continuous real valued function on a compact
set attains its min.= f (p) and max.= f (q))

Proof. The set S = f (X) 6= ∅ is a compact subset of R. S is bounded. Then

sup S ∈ S. S is closed, i.e. S = S so sup S = S = f (X). That is, there is
q ∈ X such that sup S = f (q). For all x ∈ X we have f (x) ≤ sup S = f (q).
Similarly, inf S ∈ S so inf S = f (p) for some p ∈ X.

5.16 Corollary. Let f : [a, b] → R be continuous on [a, b]. Then there are
two points p, q ∈ [a, b] such that for all x ∈ [a, b] we have f (p) ≤ f (x) ≤ f (q).

5.17 Theorem. Let X be a compact metric space, Y be an arbitrary metric

space, f : X → Y be continuous, 1-1, onto. Then the inverse function
g = f −1 : Y → X is also continuous.

Proof. Show that for every closed set F ⊂ X, the inverse image g −1 (F ) is a
closed set in Y . We have g −1 (F ) = f (F ). X is compact, F is closed so F is
compact. f is continuous, so f (F ) is compact. So f (F ) is closed.

5.18 Remark. If compactness of X is removed then the theorem is not true.

5.19 Example. X = [0, 2π] in R with d(x1 , x2 ) = |x1 − x2 |. Y = {(x, y) :

(x, y) ∈ R2 , x2 +y 2 = 1} with d2 metric restricted to Y . Define f : X → Y as
f (t) = (cos t, sin t). f is continuous, 1-1 and onto. But f −1 is not continuous
at the point p = (1, 0).

68
5.3 Continuity And Connectedness
5.20 Theorem. Let X, Y be metric spaces and f : X → Y be continuous.
Assume X is connected. Then f (X) is also connected. (Continuous image
of a connected set is connected.)

Proof. Assume f (X) is disconnected. Then there are sets E, F ⊂ Y such

that f (X) = E ∪ F and E ∩ F = ∅, E ∩ F = ∅, E 6= ∅, F 6= ∅. Let
A = f −1 (E) and B = f −1 (F ). A 6= ∅. Let q ∈ E ⊂ f (X), so q = f (x) for
some x ∈ X. Since f (x) = q ∈ E, x ∈ f −1 (E) = A. Similarly, B 6= ∅.

X ⊂ f −1 (f (X)) = f −1 (E ∪ F ) = f −1 (E) ∪ f −1 (F ) = A ∪ B

Also A ∪ B ⊂ X. So X = A ∪ B. Show A ∩ B = ∅ and A ∩ B = ∅. Assume

A ∩ B 6= ∅. Let p ∈ A ∩ B. Then p ∈ A and p ∈ B = f −1 (F ). p ∈ A,
| {z }
f (p)∈F
then there is a sequence {pn } in A such that pn → p. f is continuous, so
limn→∞ f (pn ) = f (p). pn ∈ A = f −1 (E) ⇒ f (pn ) ∈ E. So f (p) is the limit of
a sequence in E. It means that f (p) ∈ E. So f (p) ∈ E ∩ F}. Contradiction.
| {z
∅
So A ∩ B = ∅. Then X is the union of the separated non-empty sets A, B.
It means that X is disconnected.

5.21 Corollary (Intermediate Value Theorem). Let f : [a, b] → R be con-

tinuous on [a, b]. Assume f (a) and f (b) have different signs. Then there is a
point p such that a < p < b and f (p) = 0.

Proof. [a, b] is connected ⇒ f ([a, b]) is connected. So f ([a, b]) = [c, d] is

an interval. The interval [c, d] contains both negative and positive numbers
(namely f (a), f (b)). So [c, d] contains y = 0. So 0 ∈ f ([a, b]), i.e. there is
p ∈ [a, b] such that f (p) = 0.

5.4 Uniform Continuity

Let (X, dX ) and (Y, dY ) be two metric spaces. E ⊂ X and f : E → Y . We
say
(i) f is continuous on E if for every p ∈ E, for every ε > 0 there is
δ = δ(p, ε) > 0 such that for all q ∈ E with dX (q, p) < δ we have
dY (f (q), f (p)) < ε. (In general δ > 0 depends on ε > 0 and the point
p ∈ E.)

69
 (ii) f is uniformly continuous on E if for every ε > 0 there is δ =
δ(ε) > 0 such that for all points p, q ∈ E with dX (p, q) < δ we have
dY (f (p), f (q)) < ε. (δ depends only on ε. The same δ works for all
p ∈ E.)

⇒
Uniform Continuity Continuity
:

5.22 Example. Let X = R, Y = R, E = (0, 1), dX = dY = | · | and let

f : E → R, f (x) = x1
Claim 1: f is continuous on E.
Claim 2: f is not uniformly continuous on E.
εp2
1) Let p ∈ E and ε > 0 be given. Then 0 < p < 1. Let δ = 1+εp
> 0. If
q ∈ E such that |q − p| < δ then
 
 1 1  |q − p| δ
|f (p) − f (q)| =  −  =
 <
p q pq pq

We have |q − p| < δ, so p − δ < q < p + δ. We have δ < p, i.e.

εp2
< p ⇔ εp2 < p + εp2
1 + εp
So 0 < p − δ and
εp2 εp2
δ δ 1+εp 1+εp εp2
|f (p) − f (q)| < < =   = 2 −εp2 = =ε
pq p(p − δ) εp2
p p − 1+εp p p+εp p2
1+εp

So f is continuous at p ∈ E. Since p ∈ E is arbitrary, f is continuous on E.

εp2
Note that δ = 1+εp depends on both ε and p. So we are inclined to say that
f is not uniformly continuous on E. But maybe by some other calculation,
we can find δ depending only on ε.
2) Show that f is not uniformly continuous on E, i.e. δ cannot be found
depending only on ε. Assume for ε = 1, we have a δ > 0 such that for all
p, q ∈ E with |p − q| < δ we have |f (p) − f (q)| < 1.
Case 1: 0 < δ ≤ 31 . Let p = δ and q = δ + 2δ . Then p, q ∈ E and
|p − q| = 2δ < δ. So |f (p) − f (q)| < 1.
 
 1 1  |p − q| δ/2 1
|f (p) − f (q)| =  −  = = 3δ = ≥1
p q pq δ2 3δ

70
Contradiction.
0
Case 2: 13 < δ. Let δ 0 = 13 < δ. As in case 1, let p = δ 0 and q = δ 0 + δ2 . Then
|p − q| < δ 0 < δ and |f (p) − f (q)| ≥ 1. Contradiction.

5.23 Example. Let X = Y = R, E = [2, 5], f : E → R, f (x) = x2 . Then

ε
f is uniformly continuous on E. Let ε > 0 be given. Let δ = 10 > 0. Let
p, q ∈ E be such that |p − q| < δ. Then

|f (p) − f (q)| = |p2 − q 2 | = |(p − q)(p + q)|

= |p − q||p + q| = |p − q| (p + q) < 10δ = ε
| {z } | {z }
<δ ≤10

5.24 Theorem. Let f : X → Y be continuous on X and let E ⊂ X be

compact. Then f is uniformly continuous on E.

Proof. Let ε > 0 be given. Given p ∈ E, since f is continuous at p, we have

a δ = δ(p, ε) > 0 such that for all q ∈ E with dX (q, p) < δ(p, ε) we have
dY (f (q) − f (p)) < 3ε n o
C = B δ(p,ε) (p) : p ∈ E
3

Do this for every p ∈ E. Then C is an open cover of E. Since E is compact,

this open cover has a finite subcover
n o
C = B δ(p1 ,ε) (p1 ), . . . , B δ(pn ,ε) (pn )
0
3 3

for some finite set p1 , . . . , pn ∈ E. So

E ⊂ B δ(p1 ,ε) (p1 ) ∪ · · · ∪ B δ(pn ,ε) (pn )

3 3

n o
Let δ = min δ(p31 ,ε) , · · · , δ(p3n ,ε) . Then δ > 0. Show this δ > 0 has the
property in the definition of uniform continuity. Let p, q ∈ E be two ar-
bitrary points such that dX (p, q) < δ. We have that p ∈ B δ(pi ,ε) (pi ) and
3
q ∈ B δ(pj ,ε) (pj ) for some pi , pj from p1 , . . . , pn .
3

p ∈ B δ(pi ,ε) (pi ) q ∈ B δ(pj ,ε) (pj )

3 3
⇓ ⇓
δ(pi ,ε) δ(pj ,ε)
dX (p, pi ) < 3
< δ(pi , ε) dX (q, pj ) < 3
< δ(pj , ε)
⇓ ⇓
ε ε
dY (f (p), f (pi )) < 3
dY (f (q), f (pj )) < 3

71
Assume δ(pi , ε) ≤ δ(pj , ε). Also
ε
dX (pi , pj ) ≤ dX (pi , p) + dX (p, q) + dX (q, pj ) < δ(pj , ε) ⇒ dY (f (pi ), f (pj )) <
| {z } | {z } | {z } 3
<
δ(pi ,ε) <δ δ(pj ,ε)
3 < 3

So we have

dY (f (p), f (q)) ≤ dY (f (p), f (pi )) + dY (f (pi ), f (pj )) + dY (f (pj ), f (q)) < ε

| {z } | {z } | {z }
< 3ε < 3ε < 3ε

72
6 Sequences And Series Of Functions
6.1 General
Consider the following sequence of functions defined for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.

f1 (x) = x, f2 (x) = x2 , f3 (x) = x3 , . . . , fn (x) = xn , . . .

Fix any x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and consider limn→∞ fn (x) = limn→∞ xn (x: fixed). If

0 ≤ x ≤ 1 then limn→∞ xn = 0. If x = 1 then limn→∞ xn = 1. Define

0 if 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
f (x) =
1 if x = 1

Then for every fixed x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, we have limn→∞ fn (x) = f (x).

6.1 Definition. Let E be any non-empty set and fn : E → R, n = 1, 2, . . .
f : E → R. We say fn → f pointwise on E if for every fixed x ∈ E,
limn→∞ fn (x) = f (x), i.e. for every x ∈ E and for every ε > 0, there is a
natural number N = N (x, ε) such that for all n ≥ N , |fn (x) − f (x)| < ε.
f is called the pointwise limit of {fn }. In the above example, observe that
every fn is continuous but their pointwise limit f is not continuous on the
set E = [0, 1]. Also every fn is differentiable on the interval E = [0, 1] but
their pointwise limit f is not differentiable on E = [0, 1].

6.2 Example. Consider fn (x) = sin√nxn

on E = R, f (x) = 0. Then for every
√
fixed x ∈ R, limn→∞ fn (x) = 0 = f (x). We have fn0 (x) = n √cos nx 0and
0 0 0 0
f (x) = 0. But limn→∞ fn (x) 6= f (x). Take x = 0, then fn (0) = n 9 f (0).

6.3 Example. On E = [0, 1], consider the following sequence

 2 1
 4n x
 if 0 ≤ x ≤ 2n
1
fn (x) = 4n − 4n2 x if 2n ≤ x ≤ n1

if n1 ≤ x ≤ 1

0

limn→∞ fn (x) = 0 for every fixed x so f (x) = 0. We have

Z 1 Z 1 Z 1
1 1
f (x)dx = 0 and fn (x)dx = · ·2n = 1 so lim fn (x)dx = 1
0 0 2 n n→∞ 0

So we have Z 1 Z 1
lim fn (x)dx 6= lim fn (x)dx
n→∞ 0 0 n→∞

73
 x2
P∞
6.4 Example. fn (x) = (1+x2 )n
and E = R. Consider f (x) = n=0 fn (x)
where n = 0, 1, 2, . . .

2 x2 x2 x2
f (x) = x + + + ··· + + ···
1 + x2 (1 + x2 )2 (1 + x2 )n
 2  n !
1 1 1
= x2 1 + 2
+ 2
+ ··· + + ···
1+x 1+x 1 + x2
| {z }
1
geometric series with r=
1+x2

1
= x2 1 = 1 + x2 if x 6= 0
1− 1+x2

If x = 0 then f (0) = 0 + 0 + · · · = 0. So

1 + x2 if x 6= 0
f (x) =
0 if x = 0
P
So the sum f (x) of continuous functions fn (x) is not continuous on R.
Pointwise convergence is not strong enough for the calculus of limits of se-
quences of functions.

6.2 Uniform Convergence

6.5 Definition. Let E be any non-empty set and fn : E → R, n = 1, 2, . . .,
f : E → R be functions. We say fn → f uniformly on E if for every ε > 0
we have N = N (ε) such that for all n ≥ N (ε) and for all x ∈ E we have
|fn (x) − f (x)| < ε. Here N = N (ε) depends on ε only and it works for every
x ∈ E.

6.6 Example. Let 0 < c < 1 be a fixed constant. Let E = [0, c], fn (x) = xn .
We have for every fixed x ∈ E, limn→∞ fn (x) = limn→∞ xn = 0. So f (x) = 0,
i.e. xn → 0 pointwise on E. Does xn → 0 uniformly on E ? Let ε > 0 be
given. Since limn→∞ cn = 0, we have N such that cN < ε. Let n ≥ N , x ∈ E

|fn (x) − f (x)| = |xn − 0| = xn ≤ cn ≤ cN < ε

6.7 Example. E = [0, 1), fn (x) = xn . For every fixed x with 0 ≤ x < 1, we
have limn→∞ fn (x) = limn→∞ xn = 0. So f (x) = 0 and fn → f , i.e. xn → 0
pointwise on E = [0, 1). But this convergence is not uniform. Assume fn → f

74
uniformly on E. Then for ε = 14 we can find N1 such that for all n ≥ N1 and
for all x ∈ E = [0, 1) we have |fn (x) − f (x)| < 41 i.e. xn < 14 . Also
 n    n
n+1 1 n 1
lim = lim 1 + = e ⇒ lim =
n→∞ n n→∞ n n→∞ n+1 e
So for ε = 1e − 13 > 0 we have N2 such that for all n ≥ N2 we have
 n   n
 n 1  1 1 1 1 n 1 1 1

 n+1 − < − ⇒− + < − < −
e e 3 e 3 n+1 e e 3
 n
1 n
⇒ < for all n ≥ N2
3 n+1
N
Let N = max{N1 , N2 }, x = N +1
and x ∈ E. Since N ≥ N1 , we have xN < 41
1

N
and since N ≥ N2 , we have 3
< xN . So 13 < NN+1 < 41 i.e. 13 < 41 which is
not true.
Cauchy Criterion For Uniform Convergence
Let E 6= ∅, fn : E → R, n = 1, 2, . . . Assume for every ε > 0 there is a
natural number N = N (ε) such that for all n, m ≥ N (ε) and for all x ∈ E
we have |fn (x) − fm (x)| < ε. Then there is a function f : E → R such that
fn → f uniformly on E.
If we have a series of functions ∞
P
n=1 fn (x) defined on a set E, we define
sn (x) = f1 (x) + · · · + fn (x). If there is a function
P∞ f : E → R such that
sn → f uniformly on E then we say the series n=1 fn (x) = f (x) uniformly
on E.
Cauchy Criterion: Assume for every ε > 0, there is a natural number
N = N (ε) Psuch that for all n, m ≥ N (ε) with n ≥ m and for all x ∈ E
n
we
P∞ have | k=m k (x)| < ε. Then there is a function f : E → R such that
f
n=1 fn (x) = f (x) uniformly on E.

Weierstrass M -Test: Let fn : E → R, n = 1, 2, . . . Assume for every n

there is a number Mn > 0 such that
(i) |fn (x)| ≤ Mn for all x ∈ E
P∞
(ii) n=1 Mn is convergent

Then the series ∞

P
n=1 fn (x) converges uniformly to some function f (x) on E.
P∞ cos(2nx)
6.8 Example. E = R. Consider n=1 (2n−1)(2n+1) . Then fn (x) =
cos(2nx)
(2n−1)(2n+1)

| cos(2nx)| 1
|fn (x)| = ≤ = Mn for all x ∈ E
(2n − 1)(2n + 1) (2n − 1)(2n + 1)

75
P∞
Mn is
n=1 Pconvergent since 0 < Mn ≤ n12 . So there is a function f : R → R
∞
such that n=1 fn (x) = f (x) uniformly on R.

P∞ x
6.9 Example. Consider n=1 n+n2 x2 and E = [0, +∞). We have
x
fn (x) = |fn (x)| =
n + n2 x2
To find Mn we use calculus. Find max. of fn (x) for x ≥ 0.

n + n2 x2 − xn2 2x n − n2 x2 1 1
fn0 (x) = 2 2 2
= 2 2 2
= 0 ⇒ x2 = ⇒ x = √
(n + n x ) (n + n x ) n n

0≤x≤ √1
n
⇒ x2 ≤ 1
n
⇒ n2 x2 ≤ n ⇒ 0 ≤ n − n2 x2 ⇒ fn0 (x) ≥ 0
√1
n
≤x⇒ 1
n
≤ x2 ⇒ n ≤ n2 x2 ⇒ n − n2 x2 ≤ 0 ⇒ fn0 (x) ≤ 0
So fn (x) has its max. at the point x = √1 .
n

√1
 
1 n 1
Mn = fn √ = =
n n+ n2 n1 2n3/2

Mn = 12
P P 1
P∞ n3/2
is convergent. So there is a function f : E → R such that
x
n=1 n+n2 x2 = f (x) uniformly on the set E = [0, +∞).

6.10 Example. Consider a power series ∞ n

c2 x2 + · · ·
P
n=0 cn x = c0 + c1 x +p
Assume it has radius of convergence R > 0. If x = lim supn→∞ n |cn | then
R = α1 . Let 0 < r < R and E = [−r, r]. fn (x) = cn xn . For all x ∈ E

|fn (x)| = |cn ||x|n ≤ |cn |rn

| {z }
Mn
P
Is Mn convergent ? Use root test.
p p p
lim sup n |Mn | = lim sup n |cn |r = r lim sup n |cn | = rα < Rα = 1
n→∞ n→∞
| n→∞{z }
α

cn xn con-
P P
So by the root test, Mn is convergent. So the power series
verges uniformly on E = [−r, r] where 0 < r < R.

76
6.3 Uniform Convergence And Continuity
6.11 Theorem. Let (X, d) be a metric space and E 6= ∅ subset of X.
fn : E → R, n = 1, 2, . . . and f : E → R. Assume fn → f uniformly on E.
Let x0 be a limit point of E and assume for every n, limx→x0 fn (x) = An .
Then {An } is convergent and limx→x0 f (x) = limn→∞ An . That is

lim lim fn (x) = lim lim fn (x)

x→x0 n→∞
| {z } n→∞ x→x | 0{z }
f (x) An

The two limits can be interchanged.

Proof. Show {An } is a Cauchy sequence in R. Given ε > 0, find N = N (ε)

such that for all n ≥ N (ε) and for all x ∈ E, |fn (x) − f (x)| < 2ε . Let
n, m ≥ N (ε). Then for any x ∈ E

|fn (x) − fm (x)| ≤ |fn (x) − f (x)| + |f (x) − fm (x)| < ε

| {z } | {z }
< 2ε < 2ε

This proof shows uniformly convergent ⇒ uniformly Cauchy

Take n, m ≥ N (ε) and fix them. For every x ∈ E we have |fn (x)−fm (x)| < ε.
Let x → x0 . |An − Am | ≤ ε. True for all n, m ≥ N (ε). So {An } is Cauchy.
Since R is complete, limn→∞ An = A exists in R. To show limx→x0 f (x) = A,
let ε > 0 be given. fn → f uniformly on E, so there is N1 = N1 (ε) such that
for all n ≥ N1 (ε) and for all x ∈ E
ε
|fn (x) − f (x)| < · · · (1)
3
An → A, so there is N2 = N2 (ε) such that for all n ≥ N2 (ε) we have
ε
|An − A| < · · · (2)
3
Let N = max{N1 (ε), N2 (ε)}. Since limx→x0 fN (x) = AN , we have δ > 0 such
that for all x ∈ E with dX (x, x0 ) < δ we have
ε
|fN (x) − AN | < · · · (3)
3
Let x ∈ E and dX (x, x0 ) < δ. Then

|f (x) − A| ≤ |f (x) − fN (x)| + |fN (x) − AN | + |AN − A| < ε

| {z } | {z } | {z }
< 3ε by (1) < 3ε by (3) < 3ε by (2)

77
6.12 Corollary. Let (X, d) be a metric space. Let fn : X → R, n = 1, 2, . . .
f : X → R. Assume fn → f uniformly on X and each fn is continuous on
X. Then f is also continuous on X. (Uniform limit of continuous functions
is continuous.)

Proof. Fix x0 ∈ X. Show limx→x0 f (x) = f (x0 ).

lim f (x) = lim lim fn (x) = lim lim fn (x) = lim fn (x0 ) = f (x0 )
x→x0 x→x0 n→∞ n→∞ x→x0 n→∞

6.13 Remark. If each fn is uniformly continuous on X and fn → f uni-

formly on X then f is also uniformly continuous on X.

6.14 Example. E = [0, 1], fn (x) = xn , n = 1, 2, . . .


0 if 0 ≤ x < 1
f (x) =
1 if x = 1

Each fn is continuous on E but f is not continuous. So {fn } does not

converge to f uniformly.

lim lim xn 6= lim lim− xn

x→1− n→∞
| {z } n→∞ x→1| {z }
0
| {z } | {z 1 }
0 1

(1) x fixed. Take limit as n → ∞ (1) n fixed. Take limit as x → 1−

(2) Take limit as x → 1− (2) Take limit as n → ∞

6.15 Corollary. Let (X, d) be a metric space. P∞ Assume fn : X → R, n =

1, 2, . . . is continuous on X for every n and n=1 fn (x) = f (x) uniformly on
X. Then f is also continuous on X.

limx→x0 ∞
P P∞
n=1 fn (x) and n=1 limx→x0 fn (x)

q q
P∞
limx→x0 f (x) n=1 fn (x0 )
q q
equal
f (x0 ) = f (x0 )

So limx→x0 ∞
P P∞ P
n=1 fn (x) = n=1 limx→x0 fn (x) if fn (x) = f (x) uniformly
on X.

78
6.16 Example. Consider
∞
X
x(1 − x)n = x(1 − x) + x(1 − x)2 + x(1 − x)3 + · · ·
n=1
= x(1 − x) 1 + (1 − x) + (1 − x)2 + · · ·
 
| {z }
geometric series with r=1−x

Also for x = 0 we have 0 + 0 + · · · so let f (x) = ∞ n

P
n=1 x(1 − x) . Then

1 − x if 0 < x < 2
f (x) =
0 if x = 0

So E = [0, 2). Do we have uniform convergence on E = [0, 2) ?

∞ ∞
?
X X
lim+ x(1 − x)n = lim x(1 − x)n
x→0 x→0+
n=1 n=1

LHS=limx→0+ f (x) = limx→0+ (1 − x) = 1

RHS= ∞ n
P
n=1 limx→0+ x(1 − x) = 0 + 0 + · · · = 0

1 6= 0 so convergence is not uniform.

P∞ nx2
6.17 Example. limx→0+ n=1 n3 +x3 = ? Take E = [0, 1].

nx2 n 1
fn (x) = |fn (x)| =
3 3
≤ 3 = 2 = Mn
n +x n n

Mn is convergent so by Weierstrass M -test, ∞ nx2

P P
n=1 n3 +x3 converges to some
f (x) uniformly on E. Then
∞ ∞ ∞
X nx2 X nx2 X
lim = lim = 0 = 0 + 0 + ··· = 0
x→0+
n=1
n3 + x3 n=1
x→0+ n3 + x3
n=1

6.18 Example. Let ∞ n 2

P
n=0 cn x = c0 + c1 x + c2 x + · · · be a power series
with radius of convergence R > 0. Then for all x with −R < x < R, the
power series converges. Let x0 be such that −R < x0 < R. Do we have
∞ ∞
?
X X
lim cn xn = lim cn xn
x→x0 x→x0
n=0 n=0

79
Find r > 0 such that −R < −r < x0 < r < R. If E = [−r, r] then the power
series converges uniformly on E and x0 ∈ E. So
∞
X ∞
X
n
lim cn x = lim cn xn
x→x0 x→x0
n=0 n=0
P∞ n
So given a power series n=0 cn x with R > 0 and given any x0 such that
−R < x0 < R, we have
∞
X ∞
X ∞
X
n n
lim cn x = lim cn x = cn xn0
x→x0 x→x0
n=0 n=0 n=0

6.4 Uniform Convergence And Integration

6.19 Theorem. Assume fn : [a, b] → R, n = 1, 2, . . . are integrable on [a, b]
(continuous functions are integrable) and fn → f uniformly on [a, b] for some
f : [a, b] → R. Then f is also integrable on [a, b] and
Z b Z b
f (x)dx = lim fn (x)dx
a n→∞ a

Proof. We omit the integrability proof. Let ε > 0 be given. Since fn → f

uniformly on [a, b], we have N such that for all n ≥ N , for all a ≤ x ≤ b,
|fn (x) − f (x)| < ε0 . Let n ≥ N . Then
Z b Z b  Z b 
   

 fn (x)dx − f (x)dx  =
 
 (f n (x) − f (x))dx 

a a a
Z b
≤ |fn (x) − f (x)|dx
a
Z b
≤ ε0 dx = ε0 (b − a)
a
0
< 2ε (b − a)
| {z }
ε

So let ε0 = ε
2(b−a)

6.20 Example. E = [0, 1], fn (x) = n2 xn (1 − x). Let x ∈ E be fixed.

If x = 0 then fn (0) = 0 → 0
If x = 1 then fn (1) = 0 → 0

80
If x = 0 < x < 1 then fn (x) = n2 xn (1 − x) → 0
So f (x) = 0 for all 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Do we have fn → f uniformly on [0, 1] ?
Z 1 Z 1
?
f (x)dx = lim fn (x)dx
0 n→∞ 0

For LHS we have Z 1 Z 1

f (x)dx = 0dx = 0
0 0
For RHS we have
Z 1 Z 1 Z 1 
2 n 2 n+1
lim fn (x)dx = lim n x dx − dx nx
n→∞ 0 n→∞ 0 0
n+1 1
 !
n+2 1
x x
= lim n2  − n2 
n→∞ n + 1 0 n + 2 0
 
2 1 1
= lim n −
n→∞ n+1 n+2
n2
= lim =1
n→∞ (n + 1)(n + 2)

0 6= 1 so convergence is not uniform.

6.21 Corollary.P Assume fn : [a, b] → R, n = 1, 2, . . . are integrable

P∞ on [a, b]
and the series ∞ f
n=1 n (x) converges uniformly on [a, b]. Then n=1 fn (x) is
also integrable on [a, b] and
∞
Z b X ! ∞ Z b
X
fn (x) dx = fn (x)dx
a n=1 n=1 a

6.22 Example. Consider F (x) = ∞ x

P
n=1 n(x+n)
where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Show the
series converges uniformly on E = [0, 1].
x 1
fn (x) = |fn (x)| = ≤ 2 = Mn
n(x + n) n
P P∞ x
Mn is convergent. So by Weierstrass M -test, the series n=1 n(x+n) is
uniformly convergent on E = [0, 1]. Let us call
Z 1
F (x)dx = γ
0

81
Then we have
∞ Z 1 ∞ Z 1 
X x X 1 1
γ= dx = − dx
n=1 0
n(x + n) n=1 0
n x+n
∞  1 X ∞  
X 1  1
= x − ln(x + n)  = − ln(1 + n) + ln n
n=1
n 0 n=1
n
n
X 1  !
= lim − ln(1 + k) + ln k
n→∞
k=1
k
n
!
X 1
= lim − ln 2 + ln 1 − ln 3 + ln 2 − · · · − ln(1 + n) + ln n
n→∞
k=1
k
n
!
X 1
= lim − ln(n + 1)
n→∞
k=1
k

Let us define n
X 1
αn = − ln(n + 1)
k=1
k
Then limn→∞ αn = γ.
n
X 1
= αn + ln(n + 1)
k=1
k
= αn + ln n + ln(n + 1) − ln n
= γ + ln n + ln(n + 1) − ln n + αn − γ
| {z }
call σn

= γ + ln n + σn

So nk=1 = ln n + γ + σn where σn → 0 as n → ∞. γ is called Euler’s

P
constant. γ ≈ 0.57721. It is not known whether γ is rational or irrational.
So for large n, 1 + 12 + 13 + · · · + n1 ≈ ln n + γ.

6.23 Example. Let ∞ n 2

P
n=0 cn x = c0 + c1 x + c2 x + · · · be a power series
with radius of convergence R > 0. Take any x0 such that −R < x0 < R.
Then
∞
Z x0 X ! ∞ Z x0
X
n
cn x dx = cn xn dx
0 n=0 n=0 0

82
 P∞ 1
P∞
6.24 Example. n=1 2n n
= ? Consider xn with R = 1. Take x0 = 12 .
n=0

∞
Z 1/2 X ! Z 1/2 1/2
n 1  1
x dx = dx = − ln(1 − x) = − ln = ln 2
0 n=0 0 1−x 0 2
∞ Z 1/2 ∞
1/2 ∞ ∞
n+1 
X
n
X x X 1 X 1
x dx =  = =

n + 1 n+1
2 (n + 1) n=1 2 n n
n=0 0 n=0 n=00

We know that
∞
! ∞ Z
Z 1/2 X X 1/2
n
x dx = xn dx
0 n=0 n=0 0

So we get
∞
X 1
n
= ln 2
n=1
2 n

6.5 Uniform Convergence And Differentiation

6.25 Theorem. Let fn : [a, b] → R, n = 1, 2, . . . be differentiable functions.
Assume
(i) {fn0 } converges uniformly to some function g on [a, b].
(ii) There is x0 ∈ [a, b] such that {fn (x0 )} is convergent.
Then there is a differentiable function f : [a, b] → R such that fn → f
uniformly on [a, b] and f 0 (x) = g(x) for all x ∈ [a, b].

Proof. {fn } is uniformly convergent on [a, b]. Use Cauchy criterion. Let
ε > 0 be given. Let ε0 = · · · Find N1 such that for all n, m ≥ N1 , |fn (x0 ) −
fm (x0 )| < ε0 . Find N2 such that for all n, m ≥ N2 and for all x ∈ [a, b],
|fn0 (x) − fm
0
(x)| < ε0 . Let N = max{N1 , N2 } and n, m ≥ N . Take x ∈ [a, b].
Apply Mean Value Theorem to fn − fm on the interval [x0 , x] (or [x, x0 ]).
Then there is a point t between x0 and x
fn (x) − fm (x) − (fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 )) = (fn0 (t) − fm0
(t))(x − x0 )
|fn (x) − fm (x) − (fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 ))| = |fn (t) − fm (t)| |x − x0 | < ε0 (b − a)
0 0
| {z } | {z }
<ε0 ≤b−a

Then we have
|fn (x) − fm (x)| ≤ |fn (x) − fm (x) − (fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 ))| + |fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 )|
< ε0 (b − a) + ε0 = ε0 (b − a + 1)

83
So let ε0 = b−a+1
ε
. Then there is a function f : [a, b] → R such that fn → f
uniformly on [a, b] and f 0 (x) = g(x) for all x ∈ [a, b].

6.26 Corollary. Let fn : [a, b] → R, n = 1, 2, . . . be differentiable functions.

Assume
P∞ 0
(i) n=1 fn (x) converges uniformly on [a, b].

(ii) There is x0 ∈ [a, b] such that ∞

P
n=1 fn (x0 ) is convergent.
P∞
Then the series n=1 fn (x) is uniformly convergent on [a, b] and
∞
!0 ∞
X X
fn (x) = fn0 (x)
n=1 n=1

6.27 Example. Let the power series ∞ n 2

P
n=0 cn x = c0 + c1 x + c2 x + · · p
· have
radius of convergence R > 0. Then R = α1 where α = lim supn→∞ n |cn |.
Here fn (x) = cn xn .
∞
X ∞
X ∞
X
fn0 (x) = cn nxn−1 = cn+1 (n + 1)xn
n=0 n=1 n=0

For this series

p  p  n+1
n
n n+1
lim sup |cn+1 (n + 1)| = lim sup |cn+1 (n + 1)|
n→∞ n→∞
 p  n+1
n
 √  n+1
n
n+1 n+1
= lim sup |cn+1 | n+1 =α
n→∞

So the differentiated series ∞ n−1

and the original series ∞ n
P P
n=1 cn nx n=0 cn x
P ∞ n−1
have the same R. So if 0 < r < R then n=1 cn nx converges uniformly
on [−r, r]. Then for all x with −r ≤ x ≤ r we have
∞
!0 ∞
X X
n
cn x = cn nxn−1
n=0 n=1

Given any x with −R < x < R, we can find a number r such that 0 < r < R
and −r ≤ x ≤ r. So
∞
!0 ∞
X X
n
cn x = cn nxn−1
n=0 n=1

is true for all x with −R < x < R.

84
6.28 Remark. This result is not true for a general series of functions.

P∞ n
6.29 Example. n=1 2n = ? Let x = 21 . Then we have

∞ ∞ ∞
!0  0
X
n
X
n−1
X
n 1 1
nx = x nx =x x = =
n=1 n=1 n=1
1−x (1 − x)2

for −1 < x < 1. So we have

∞ 1 1
X n 2 2
n
=
2 = 1 =2
n=1
2 1 − 12 4

 THE END 

85
7 Figures

Figure 1: Vertical distances between two graphs

Br (p) Br [p]

Figure 2: Open and closed balls with d2 metric

86
Figure 3: Br (p) with d1 metric

Figure 4: Br (0) with d∞ metric

Figure 5: Br (f )

87
 Figure 6: p is an interior point of E but q is not

The set E int E

Figure 7: The set E and int E

Figure 8: E is an open set

Figure 9: N is a neighborhood of p but not a neighborhood of q

88
 The set E Set of limit points
of E

Figure 10: The set E and its limit points

E is closed F is not closed and

not open

Figure 11: A set may be neither closed nor open

E is perfect F is not perfect

Figure 12: E is perfect but F has an isolated point

89
E is bounded F is unbounded

Figure 13: Bounded and unbounded sets

Figure 14: A k-cell in R2

90