# Infinity norm question

For the infinity norm, for example in the definition of a regulated function on closed interval $A$. Where $\forall \epsilon,\, \, \exists\, \phi \, s.t. \|\phi - f\|_\infty < \epsilon$. The infinity norm is defined as $$\|\phi - f\|_\infty = \sup_{x \in A}|\phi(x) - f(x)|.$$ Can the two $x$'s be different? Or is this just the 'height' difference for any particular $x$?

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"Can the two x's be different?" No. –  Giuseppe Negro Apr 2 '12 at 13:39
The absolute value states the bind of the operator $\sup$. Also, $\sup_y|g(y)| + h(y)$ is a bad way to say $\sup_x|g(x)| + h(y)$. –  AD. Apr 2 '12 at 13:52
Reminds me of a paper I once read where the author used the letter $m$ with different meanings all over. Something logically accepted, but not very pedagogical. –  AD. Apr 2 '12 at 13:55
Well "x is the same x". Always use the same symbol in a proof, definition, theorem or etc. for the same object. Two object are equal if and only if they are the same! A question about this definition what do you assume to $\phi$, what is the regularity ? –  checkmath Apr 2 '12 at 13:55
No, the two $x$'s cannot be different. You are close in that $|\phi(x) - f(x)|$ is the height difference for any particular $x$. Then the $\sup$ says take the greatest of these.