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Let $\{f_n\}$ be a sequence defined by

$$f_n(x)=\begin{cases}1, & \text{if}\;x\geq n,\\0 & \text{if}\;x< n,\end{cases}$$ Prove:

  1. $\{f_n\}$ is monotone decreasing and nonnegative.
  2. $f_n\to f\equiv 0 \;\;\text{as}\;n\to \infty,$ pointwise.
  3. $\lim \limits_{n\to \infty}\int_{n}^{\infty} f_{n}(x)dx\neq \int_{n}^{\infty} f(x)dx.$

Here is my trial:

Solution

  1. $\exists\,N>x,$ such that $f_n(x)=0,\;\forall \;n\geq N.$ This implies, $f_n\to f\equiv 0, \text{as}\; n\to\infty.$

  2. $$\int_{n}^{\infty} f_{n}(x)dx=\int_{n}^{\infty} (1)dx=\infty.$$ So, $$\lim \limits_{n\to \infty}\int_{n}^{\infty} f_{n}(x)dx=\infty.$$ However, $$\int_{n}^{\infty} f(x)dx=0.$$ So, $$\lim \limits_{n\to \infty}\int_{n}^{\infty} f_{n}(x)dx\neq\int_{n}^{\infty} f(x)dx.$$

My question is, how do I show 1.? If I may ask, are my solutions right?

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    $\begingroup$ equation in title: the RHS has an $n$ in it. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 11:48
  • $\begingroup$ @ Lord Shark the Unknown: Thanks for pointing out the typo! I've corrected it! $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 11:50
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    $\begingroup$ equation in title: the RHS has an $n$ in it. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 11:51
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    $\begingroup$ equation in title: the RHS has an $n$ in it $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 13:19
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    $\begingroup$ Sorry, Hugocito and Adam! Went for lunch! You are right! It's been corrected $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:06

1 Answer 1

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You answer is correct. For 1), just notice that if $n\leq m$ then $f_n(x)=f_m(x)=1$ if $x\geq m$ and $f_n(x)\geq f_m(x)=0$ if $x<m$. Therefore, $f_n\geq f_m$ if $n\leq m$. Draw the graphics to see what is going on.

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  • $\begingroup$ Please, you have three if-conditions! Which do I attach to which? $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:13
  • $\begingroup$ Your answer for 2 and 3 are correct. I'm proving the 1. $\endgroup$
    – Hugo
    Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:26
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    $\begingroup$ Clearly $f_n$ is non negative. I'm just justifying $f_n$ is monotone decreasing. $\endgroup$
    – Hugo
    Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:28
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    $\begingroup$ @ Hugocito: Thanks! I've gotten it! $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:46
  • $\begingroup$ You are welcome! $\endgroup$
    – Hugo
    Commented Jul 14, 2018 at 14:57

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