# Question about Fixed Point Theorem Hypotheses

Consider the following (less general than possible) statement of Schauder's fixed point theorem:

Suppose that $X$ is a Banach space, that $B_1$ is the unit ball of $X$ and that $f: X \to X$ is a continuous function. If $f(B_1)$ is a compact subset of $B_1$, then $f$ has a fixed point in $B_1$.

Now let $B_{1+\epsilon}$ denote the ball around $0$ of radius $1+\epsilon$ and suppose that $f(B_1)$ is a compact subset of $B_{1+\epsilon}$ for some $\epsilon > 0$. Is there anything that can be said about possible fixed points of $f$? For example, is it possible to prove the existence of a point $x$ such that $\|f(x) - x\| < \epsilon$? Can anything at all be said about this scenario? Does anyone know of any works in which such functions have been examined in some detail?

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Why wouldn't the fixed point theorem apply to balls of any radius, rather than just the unit balls? –  Srivatsan Dec 15 '11 at 8:25
@Srivatsan the hypothesis does not guarantee that the entire ball $B_{1 + \epsilon}$ is mapped into a compact subset of $B_{1 + \epsilon}$. It only guarantees that $B_1$ is mapped into a compact subset of $B_{1 + \epsilon}$. So, as stated, the fixed point theorem does not apply. –  user12014 Dec 15 '11 at 8:35
unless you mean that I could ask the question for $B_k$ and $B_{k+\epsilon}$ in which case of course you are right. –  user12014 Dec 15 '11 at 8:36
You are definitely guaranteed no fixed points in $B_1$. Consider the constant map to a point in $B_{1+\epsilon}$\ $B_1$. –  Brandon Carter Dec 15 '11 at 8:46

The function $X \to X : x \mapsto \frac{1}{1+\varepsilon} f(x)$ maps $B_1$ to a compact subset of $B_1$. So by the standard fixed point theorem, there exists an $a \in B_1$ such that $\frac{1}{1 + \varepsilon}f(a) = a$, or $f(a) = (1+ \varepsilon)a$. Hence, $\| f(a) - a \| = \| \varepsilon a \| \leqslant \varepsilon$, since $\| a \| \leqslant 1$. $\quad {\small \square}$

In fact, this result is tight, in the sense that there are functions $f$ satisfying $\|f(x) - x\| \geqslant \varepsilon$ for all $x \in B_1$. [E.g., consider the constant function mapping all points to a fixed point of norm $1 + \varepsilon$.] In particular, $f$ is not guaranteed to have a fixed point inside $B_1$.

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@PZZ It's getting late here, so I am not sure if I am making some mistake here. =) –  Srivatsan Dec 15 '11 at 8:43
Thank you. Since I am also waiting on any other things people might have to say about the problem I will wait a day or two to accept your answer, but if nothing comes the checkmark is yours :) –  user12014 Dec 15 '11 at 8:46
no, it doesn't look like theres a mistake here to me. quick and easy after all. –  user12014 Dec 15 '11 at 8:46
@PZZ Sure, do wait for other answers. That is the recommended practice. –  Srivatsan Dec 15 '11 at 8:49
$f(x)= x$ is given, with solution $x = \theta \gt 0$
$\forall \epsilon \in (0,1), \forall x : 1/\epsilon > |x -\theta| > \epsilon => \inf_x |f(x) - x | > 0$.