Full Solution Abbott

Understanding Analysis Solutions
Ulisse Mini
Jesse Li
2
Preface
Huge thanks to the math discord for answering my questions! I don’t know how I’d manage
without them ♡
If you don’t find your exercise here check linearalgebras.com or (god forbid) chegg.
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Contents
1 The Real Numbers 1

1.2 Some Preliminaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 The Axiom of Completeness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.4 Consequences of Completeness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5 Cardinality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.6 Cantor’s theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2 Sequences and Series 27

2.2 The Limit of a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.3 The Algebraic and Order Limit Theorems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4 The Monotone Convergence Theorem and a First Look at Infinite Series . . 39
2.5 Subsequences and the Bolzano–Weierstrass Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2.6 The Cauchy Criterion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
2.7 Properties of Infinite Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
2.8 Double Summations and Products of Infinite Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
3 Basic Topology of R 69
3.2 Open and Closed Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
3.3 Compact Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
3.4 Perfect Sets and Connected Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.5 Baire’s Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
4 Functional Limits and Continuity 91

4.2 Functional Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
4.3 Continuous Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
4.4 Continuous Functions on Compact Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
4.5 The Intermediate Value Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
4.6 Sets of Discontinuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
5 The Derivative 119

5.2 Derivatives and the Intermediate Value Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
5.3 The Mean Value Theorems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
5.4 A Continuous Nowhere-Differentiable Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
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6 Power series 141

6.2 Uniform Convergence of a Sequence of Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
6.3 Uniform Convergence and Differentiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
6.4 Series of Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
6.5 Power Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
6.6 Taylor Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Chapter 1
The Real Numbers
1.2 Some Preliminaries

Exercise 1.2.1 √ √
(a) Prove that 3 is irrational. Does a similar similar argument work to show 6 is
irrational?
√
(b) Where does the proof break down if we try to prove 4 is irrational?
Solution
(a) Suppose for contradiction that p/q is a fraction in lowest terms, and that (p/q)2 = 3.
Then p2 = 3q 2 implying p is a multiple of 3 since 3 is not a perfect square. Therefore
we can write p as 3r for some r, substituting we get (3r)2 = 3q 2 and 3r2 = q 2 implying
q is √
also a multiple of 3 contradicting the assumption that p/q is in lowest terms.
For 6 the same argument applies, since 6 is not a perfect square.
(b) 4 is a perfect square, meaning p2 = 4q 2 does not imply that p is a multiple of four as
p could be 2.
Exercise 1.2.2
Show that there is no rational number satisfying 2r = 3
Solution
If r = 0 clearly 2r = 1 ̸= 3, if r ̸= 0 set p/q = r to get 2p = 3q which is impossible since 2
and 3 share no factors.
Exercise 1.2.3
Decide which of the following represent true statements about the nature of sets. For any
that are false, provide a specific example where the statement in question does not hold.
(a) If A1 ⊇ A2 ⊇ A3T⊇ A4 · · · are all sets containing an infinite number of elements, then
the intersection ∞
n=1 An is infinite as well.
(b) If A1 ⊇ A2 T⊇ A3 ⊇ A4 · · · are all finite, nonempty sets of real numbers, then the
intersection ∞
n=1 An is finite and nonempty.
1
2 CHAPTER 1. THE REAL NUMBERS
(c) A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ C.
(d) A ∩ (B ∩ C) = (A ∩ B) ∩ C.
(e) A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C).
Solution
(a) False, consider A1 = {1, 2, . . . }, A2 = {2, 3, . . . }, ... has ∞
T
n=1 An = ∅.
(b) True, because we eventually reach Aj = {x} and get stuck
(c) False, A = ∅ gives ∅ = C.
(d) True, intersection is associative.
(e) True, draw a diagram.
Exercise 1.2.4
Produce an infinite collection of sets A1 , A2 , A3 , . . . with the
S property that every Ai has an
infinite number of elements, Ai ∩ Aj = ∅ for all i ̸= j, and ∞ i=1 Ai = N
Solution
This question is asking us to partition N into an infinite collection of sets. This is equivalent
to asking us to unroll N into a square, which we can do along the diagonal
1 3 6 10 15 ···
2 5 9 14 ···
4 8 13 ···
7 12 · · ·
11 . . .
..
.
Exercise 1.2.5 (De Morgan’s Laws)

Let A and B be subsets of R.
(a) If x ∈ (A ∩ B)c , explain why x ∈ Ac ∪ B c . This shows that (A ∩ B)c ⊆ Ac ∪ B c
(b) Prove the reverse inclusion (A ∩ B)c ⊇ Ac ∪ B c , and conclude that (A ∩ B)c = Ac ∪ B c
(c) Show (A ∪ B)c = Ac ∩ B c by demonstrating inclusion both ways.
Solution
(a) If x ∈ (A ∩ B)c then x ∈
/ A ∩ B so x ∈ / B implying x ∈ Ac or x ∈ B c which is
/ A or x ∈
c c
the same as x ∈ A ∪ B .
(b) Let x ∈ Ac ∪ B c implying x ∈ Ac or x ∈ B c meaning x ∈

/ A or x ∈
/ B implying
c
x∈/ A ∩ B which is the same as x ∈ (A ∩ B) .
1.2. SOME PRELIMINARIES 3
(c) First let x ∈ (A ∪ B)c implying x ∈

/ A ∪ B meaning x ∈/ A and x ∈/ B which is the
same as x ∈ A and x ∈ B which is just x ∈ A ∩ B . Second let x ∈ Ac ∩ B c implying
c c c c
x ∈ Ac and x ∈ B c implying x ∈ / A and x ∈/ B meaning x ∈ / A ∪ B which is just

x ∈ (A ∪ B)c .
Exercise 1.2.6
(a) Verify the triangle inequality in the special case where a and b have the same sign.
(b) Find an efficient proof for all the cases at once by first demonstrating (a + b)2 ≤
(|a| + |b|)2
(c) Prove |a − b| ≤ |a − c| + |c − d| + |d − b| for all a, b, c, and d.
(d) Prove ∥a| − |b|| ≤ |a − b|. (The unremarkable identity a = a − b + b may be useful.)
Solution
(a) We have equality |a + b| = |a| + |b| meaning |a + b| ≤ |a| + |b| also holds.
(b) (a + b)2 ≤ (|a| + |b|)2 reduces to 2ab ≤ 2|a||b| which is true as the left side can be
negative but the right side can’t. and since squaring preserves inequality this implies
|a + b| ≤ |a| + |b|.
(c) I would like to do this using the triangle inequality, I notice that (a−c)+(c−d)+(d−b) =
a − b. Meaning I can use the triangle inequality for multiple terms
|a − b| = |(a − c) + (c − d) + (d − b)| ≤ |a − c| + |c − d| + |d − b|
The general triangle inequality is proved by repeated application of the two variable
inequality
|(a + b) + c| ≤ |a + b| + |c| ≤ |a| + |b| + |c|
(d) Since ||a| − |b|| = ||b| − |a|| we can assume |a| > |b| without loss of generality. Then
||a| − |b|| = |a| − |b| = |(a − b) + b| − |b| ≤ |a − b| + |b| − |b| = |a − b|
Exercise 1.2.7
Given a function f and a subset A of its domain, let f (A) represent the range of f over the
set A; that is, f (A) = {f (x) : x ∈ A}.
(a) Let f (x) = x2 . If A = [0, 2] (the closed interval {x ∈ R : 0 ≤ x ≤ 2}) and B = [1, 4],
find f (A) and f (B). Does f (A ∩ B) = f (A) ∩ f (B) in this case? Does f (A ∪ B) =
f (A) ∪ f (B)?
(b) Find two sets A and B for which f (A ∩ B) ̸= f (A) ∩ f (B).
(c) Show that, for an arbitrary function g : R → R, it is always true that g(A ∩ B) ⊆
g(A) ∩ g(B) for all sets A, B ⊆ R
(d) Form and prove a conjecture about the relationship between g(A ∪ B) and g(A) ∪ g(B)
for an arbitrary function g
Solution
(a) f (A) = [0, 4], f (B) = [1, 16], f (A ∩ B) = [1, 4] = f (A) ∩ f (B) and f (A ∪ B) = [0, 16] =
f (A) ∪ f (B)
(b) A = {−1}, B = {1} thus f (A ∩ B) = ∅ but f (A) ∩ f (B) = {1}
(c) Suppose y ∈ g(A ∩ B), then ∃x ∈ A ∩ B such that g(x) = y. But if x ∈ A ∩ B then
x ∈ A and x ∈ B, meaning y ∈ g(A) and y ∈ g(B) implying y ∈ g(A) ∩ g(B) and thus
g(A ∩ B) ⊆ g(A) ∩ g(B).
Notice why it is possible to have x ∈ g(A) ∩ g(B) but x ∈
/ g(A ∩ B), this happens when
something in A \ B and something in B \ A map to the same thing. If g is 1-1 this
does not happen.
(d) I conjecture that g(A ∪ B) = g(A) ∪ g(B). To prove this we show inclusion both ways,
First suppose y ∈ g(A∪B). then either y ∈ g(A) or y ∈ g(B), implying y ∈ g(A)∪g(B).
Now suppose y ∈ g(A) ∪ g(B) meaning either y ∈ g(A) or y ∈ g(B) which is the same
as y ∈ g(A ∪ B) as above.
Exercise 1.2.8
Here are two important definitions related to a function f : A → B. The function f is one-
to-one (1 − 1) if a1 ̸= a2 in A implies that f (a1 ) ̸= f (a2 ) in B. The function f is onto if,
given any b ∈ B, it is possible to find an element a ∈ A for which f (a) = b Give an example
of each or state that the request is impossible:
(a) f : N → N that is 1 − 1 but not onto.
(b) f : N → N that is onto but not 1 − 1.
(c) f : N → Z that is 1 − 1 and onto.
Solution
(a) Let f (n) = n + 1 does not have a solution to f (a) = 1
(b) Let f (1) = 1 and f (n) = n − 1 for n > 1
(c) Let f (n) = n/2 for even n, and f (n) = −(n + 1)/2 for odd n.
Exercise 1.2.9
Given a function f : D → R and a subset B ⊆ R, let f −1 (B) be the set of all points from
the domain D that get mapped into B; that is, f −1 (B) = {x ∈ D : f (x) ∈ B}. This set is
called the preimage of B.
(a) Let f (x) = x2 . If A is the closed interval [0, 4] and B is the closed interval [−1, 1],
find f −1 (A) and f −1 (B). Does f −1 (A ∩ B) = f −1 (A) ∩ f −1 (B) in this case? Does
f −1 (A ∪ B) = f −1 (A) ∪ f −1 (B)?
(b) The good behavior of preimages demonstrated in (a) is completely general. Show that
for an arbitrary function g : R → R, it is always true that g −1 (A∩B) = g −1 (A)∩g −1 (B)
and g −1 (A ∪ B) = g −1 (A) ∪ g −1 (B) for all sets A, B ⊆ R
Solution
(a) f −1 (A) = [−2, 2], f −1 (B) = [−1, 1], f −1 (A ∩ B) = [−1, 1] = f −1 (A) ∩ f −1 (B), f −1 (A ∪
B) = [−2, 2] = f −1 (A) ∪ f −1 (B)
(b) First let x ∈ g −1 (A ∩ B) meaning g(x) ∈ A ∩ B implying g(x) ∈ A and g(x) ∈ B which
is the same as x ∈ g −1 (A) and x ∈ g −1 (B) meaning x ∈ g −1 (A) ∩ g −1 (B).
Second let x ∈ g −1 (A) ∩ g −1 (B), this is the same as x ∈ g −1 (A) and x ∈ g −1 (B) which
is the same as g(x) ∈ A and g(x) ∈ B implying g(x) ∈ A ∩ B and thus x ∈ g −1 (A ∩ B).
Thus g −1 (A ∩ B) = g −1 (A) ∩ g −1 (B).
Seeing g −1 (A ∪ B) = g −1 (A) ∪ g −1 (B) is obvious. see 1.2.7 (d).
Exercise 1.2.10
Decide which of the following are true statements. Provide a short justification for those
that are valid and a counterexample for those that are not:
(a) Two real numbers satisfy a 0.
(b) Two real numbers satisfy a 0.
(c) Two real numbers satisfy a ≤ b if and only if a 0.
Solution
(a) False, if a = b then a 0 but a ̸ 0, We want to show this implies a ≤ b. We
either have a ≤ b or a > b, but a > b is impossible since the gap implies there exists
an ϵ small enough such that a > b + ϵ.
Second suppose a ≤ b, obviously a 0.
Exercise 1.2.11
Form the logical negation of each claim. One trivial way to do this is to simply add “It is not
the case that...” in front of each assertion. To make this interesting, fashion the negation
into a positive statement that avoids using the word “not” altogether. In each case, make
an intuitive guess as to whether the claim or its negation is the true statement.
(a) For all real numbers satisfying a < b, there exists an n ∈ N such that a + 1/n 0 such that x < 1/n for all n ∈ N.
(c) Between every two distinct real numbers there is a rational number.
Solution
(a) There exist real numbers satisfying a 0 there exists an n ∈ N such that x < 1/n (true).
(c) There exist two real numbers a −6 for all n ∈ N.
(b) Use another induction argument to show the sequence (y1 , y2 , y3 , . . .) is decreasing.
Solution
(a) Suppose for induction that yn > −6, our base case clearly satisfies y1 > −6. then
yn+1 = (2yn − 6)/3 =⇒ yn = (3yn+1 + 6)/2 > −6

=⇒ yn+1 > (2 · (−6) − 6)/3 = −6
Thus yn+1 > −6
(b) Suppose yn+1 < yn , the base case 2 < 6 works. Now
yn+1 < yn =⇒ 2yn+1 < 2yn

=⇒ 2yn+1 − 6 < 2yn − 6
=⇒ (2yn+1 − 6)/3 < (2yn − 6)/3
=⇒ yn+2 < yn+1
Thus (yn ) is decreasing.
Exercise 1.2.13
For this exercise, assume Exercise 1.2.5 has been successfully completed.
(a) Show how induction can be used to conclude that
(A1 ∪ A2 ∪ · · · ∪ An )c = Ac1 ∩ Ac2 ∩ · · · ∩ Acn
for any finite n ∈ N
(b) It is tempting to appeal to induction to conclude
∞
!c ∞
[ \
Ai = Aci
i=1 i=1
but induction does not apply here. Induction is used to prove that a particular state-
ment holds for every value of n ∈ N, but this does not imply the validity of the infinite
case. To
Tn illustrate this point, find an exampleTof a collection of sets B1 , B2 , B3 , . . .
∞
where i=1 Bi ̸= ∅ is true for every n ∈ N, but i=1 Bi ̸= ∅ fails.
(c) Nevertheless, the infinite version of De Morgan’s Law stated in (b) is a valid statement.
Provide a proof that does not use induction.
Solution
(a) 1.2.5 Is our base case, Assume (A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An )c = Ac1 ∩ · · · ∩ Acn . We want to show the
n + 1 case. Using associativity we have
((A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An ) ∪ An+1 )c = (A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An )c ∩ Acn+1

= (Ac1 ∩ · · · ∩ Acn ) ∩ Acn+1
= Ac1 ∩ · · · ∩ Acn ∩ Acn+1
(b) B1 = {1, 2, . . . }, B2 = {2, 3, . . . }, . . .
(c) First suppose x ∈ ( ∞ / ∞

T c T
i=1 Ai ) , then x ∈ Ai meaning x ∈
i=1S / Ai for some i, which is
the same as x ∈ Aci for some i, meaning x ∈ ∞ A
i=1 i
c
. This shows
∞
! ∞
\ [
Ai ⊆ Aci
i=1 i=1
Now suppose xT∈ ∞ c

/ ∞
S T
i=1 Ai meaning x ∈/ Ai for some i, which is the same as x ∈ i=1 Ai
∞ c
implying x ∈
/ ( i=1 Ai ) . This shows inclusion the other way and completes the proof.
1.3 The Axiom of Completeness

Exercise 1.3.1
(a) Write a formal definition in the style of Definition 1.3.2 for the infimum or greatest
lower bound of a set.
(b) Now, state and prove a version of Lemma 1.3.8 for greatest lower bounds.
Solution
(a) We have i = inf A if and only if
(i) Lower bound, a ≥ i for all a ∈ A

(ii) Greatest lower bound, If b is a lower bound on A then b ≤ i
(b) Suppose i is a lower bound for A, it is the greatest lower bound if and only if for all
ϵ > 0, there exists an a ∈ A such that i + ϵ > a.
First suppose i = inf A, then for all ϵ > 0, i + ϵ cannot be a lower bound on A because
(ii) implies all lower bounds b obey b ≤ i, therefore there must be some a ∈ A such
that i + ϵ > a.
Second suppose for all ϵ > 0 there exists an a ∈ A such that i + ϵ > a. In other words
i + ϵ is not a lower bound for all ϵ, which is the same as saying every lower bound b
must have b ≤ i implying (ii).
Exercise 1.3.2
Give an example of each of the following, or state that the request is impossible.
(a) A set B with inf B ≥ sup B.
(b) A finite set that contains its infimum but not its supremum.
(c) A bounded subset of Q that contains its supremum but not its infimum.
Solution
(a) Let B = {0} we have inf B = 0 and sup B = 0 thus inf B ≥ sup B.
(b) Impossible, finite sets must contain their infimum and supremum.
(c) Let B = {r ∈ Q | 1 < r ≤ 2} we have inf B = 1 ∈

/ B and sup B = 2 ∈ B.
Exercise 1.3.3
(a) Let A be nonempty and bounded below, and define B = {b ∈ R : b is a lower bound
for A}. Show that sup B = inf A.
(b) Use (a) to explain why there is no need to assert that greatest lower bounds exist as
part of the Axiom of Completeness.
Solution
(a) By definition sup B is the greatest lower bound for A, meaning it equals inf A.
1.3. THE AXIOM OF COMPLETENESS 9
(b) (a) Proves the greatest lower bound exists using the least upper bound.
Exercise 1.3.4
Let A1 , A2 , A3 , . . . be a collection of nonempty sets, each of which is bounded above.
(a) Find a formula for sup (A1 ∪ A2 ). Extend this to sup ( nk=1 Ak ).
S
(b) Consider sup ( ∞

S
k=1 Ak ). Does the formula in (a) extend to the infinite case?
Solution S
(a) sup ( nk=1 Ak ) = sup {sup Ak | k = 1, . . . , n}
Yes. Let S = {sup Ak | k = 1, . . . , } and s = sup S. s is obviously an upper bound for

(b) S
∞ ′
k=1 Ak . to see it is the least upper bound suppose s < s, then by definition there
exists a k such that sup Ak > s′ implying s′ is not an upper bound for Ak . therefore s
is the least upper bound.
Exercise 1.3.5
As in Example 1.3.7, let A ⊆ R be nonempty and bounded above, and let c ∈ R. This time
define the set cA = {ca : a ∈ A}.
(a) If c ≥ 0, show that sup(cA) = c sup A.
(b) Postulate a similar type of statement for sup(cA) for the case c < 0.
Solution
(a) Let s = c sup A. Suppose ca > s, then a > sup A which is impossible, meaning s is
an upper bound on cA. Now suppose s′ is an upper bound on cA and s′ < s. Then
s′ /c < s/c and s′ /c a meaning s′ > ca thus s′ cannot be an upper bound on cA, and so
s = c sup A is the least upper bound.
(b) sup(cA) = c inf(A) for c < 0
Exercise 1.3.6
Given sets A and B, define A + B = {a + b : a ∈ A and b ∈ B}. Follow these steps to prove
that if A and B are nonempty and bounded above then sup(A + B) = sup A + sup B
(a) Let s = sup A and t = sup B. Show s + t is an upper bound for A + B.
(b) Now let u be an arbitrary upper bound for A + B, and temporarily fix a ∈ A. Show
t ≤ u − a.
(c) Finally, show sup(A + B) = s + t.
(d) Construct another proof of this same fact using Lemma 1.3.8.
Solution
(a) We have a ≤ s and b ≤ t, adding the equations gives a + b ≤ s + t.
(b) t ≤ u − a should be true since u − a is an upper bound on b, meaning it is greater then

or equal to the least upper bonud t. Formally a + b ≤ u implies b ≤ u − a and since t
is the least upper bound on b we have t ≤ u − a.
(c) From (a) we know s + t is an upper bound, so we must only show it is the least upper
bound.
Let u = sup(A + B), from (a) we have t ≤ u − a and s ≤ u − b adding and rearranging
gives a + b ≤ 2u − s − t. since 2u − s − t is an upper bound on A + B it is less then
the least upper bound, so u ≤ 2u − s − t implying s + t ≤ u. and since u is the least
upper bound s + t must equal u.
Stepping back, the key to this proof is that a + b ≤ s, ∀a, b implying sup(A + B) ≤ s
can be used to transition from all a + b to a single value sup(A + B), avoiding the
ϵ-hackery I would otherwise use.
(d) Showing s + t − ϵ is not an upper bound for any ϵ > 0 proves it is the least upper
bound by Lemma 1.3.8. Rearranging gives (s − ϵ/2) + (t − ϵ/2) we know there exists
a > (s − ϵ/2) and b > (t − ϵ/2) therefore a + b > s + t − ϵ meaning s + t cannot be
made smaller, and thus is the least upper bound.
Exercise 1.3.7
Prove that if a is an upper bound for A, and if a is also an element of A, then it must be
that a = sup A.
Solution
a is the least upper bound since any smaller bound a′ < a would not bound a.
Exercise 1.3.8
Compute, without proofs, the suprema and infima (if they exist) of the following sets:
(a) {m/n : m, n ∈ N with m < n}.
(b) {(−1)m /n : m, n ∈ N}.
(c) {n/(3n + 1) : n ∈ N}
(d) {m/(m + n) : m, n ∈ N}
Solution
(a) sup = 1, inf = 0
(b) sup = 1, inf = −1
(c) sup = 1/3, inf = 1/4
(d) sup = 1, inf = 0
Exercise 1.3.9
(a) If sup A < sup B, show that there exists an element b ∈ B that is an upper bound for
A.
1.3. THE AXIOM OF COMPLETENESS 11
(b) Give an example to show that this is not always the case if we only assume sup A ≤
sup B
Solution
(a) By Lemma 1.3.8 we know there exists a b such that (sup B) − ϵ 0, We
set ϵ to be small enough that sup A < (sup B) − ϵ meaning sup A b.
Exercise 1.3.10 (Cut Property)

The Cut Property of the real numbers is the following:
If A and B are nonempty, disjoint sets with A ∪ B = R and a < b for all a ∈ A and
b ∈ B, then there exists c ∈ R such that x ≤ c whenever x ∈ A and x ≥ c whenever x ∈ B.
(a) Use the Axiom of Completeness to prove the Cut Property.
(b) Show that the implication goes the other way; that is, assume R possesses the Cut
Property and let E be a nonempty set that is bounded above. Prove sup E exists.
(c) The punchline of parts (a) and (b) is that the Cut Property could be used in place
of the Axiom of Completeness as the fundamental axiom that distinguishes the real
numbers from the rational numbers. To drive this point home, give a concrete example
showing that the Cut Property is not a valid statement when R is replaced by Q.
Solution
(a) If c = sup A = inf B then a ≤ c ≤ b is obvious. So we must only prove sup A = inf B.
If sup A < inf B then consider c = sup A+inf
2
B
. c > sup A and therefore c ∈
/ A; similarly
c < inf B and therefore c ∈/ B, implying A ∪ B ̸= R. If sup A > inf B then we can
find a such that a > b by subtracting ϵ > 0 and using the least upper/lower bound
facts, similarly to Lemma 1.3.8. Thus sup A must equal inf B since we have shown
both alternatives are impossible.
(b) Let B = {x | e < x, ∀e ∈ E} and let A = B c . Clearly a < b so the cut property
applies. We have a ≤ c ≤ b and must show the two conditions for c = sup E
(i) Since E ⊆ A, a ≤ c implies e ≤ c thus c is an upper bound.

(ii) c ≤ b implies c is the smallest upper bound.
Note: Using (a) here would be wrong, it assumes the axiom of completeness so we
would be making a circular argument.
2 c
√ = {r ∈ Q | r < 2 or r < 0}, B = A does not satisfy the cut property in Q since
(c) A
2∈
/ Q.
(Alternatively, A = {r ∈ Q | r3 < 2} can be used to avoid√ needing to single out
3
negative numbers in defining A, but requires a proof that 2 is irrational - left to the
reader.)
Exercise 1.3.11
Decide if the following statements about suprema and infima are true or false. Give a short
proof for those that are true. For any that are false, supply an example where the claim in
question does not appear to hold.
(a) If A and B are nonempty, bounded, and satisfy A ⊆ B, then sup A ≤ sup B.
(b) If sup A < inf B for sets A and B, then there exists a c ∈ R satisfying a < c < b for
all a ∈ A and b ∈ B.
(c) If there exists a c ∈ R satisfying a < c < b for all a ∈ A and b ∈ B, then sup A < inf B.
Solution
(a) True. We know a ≤ sup A and a ≤ sup B since A ⊆ B. since sup A is the least upper
bound on A we have sup A ≤ sup B.
(b) True. Let c = (sup A + inf B)/2, c > sup A implies a < c and c < inf B implies c 1}, a < 1 < b but sup A ̸< inf B since
1 ̸< 1.
1.4. CONSEQUENCES OF COMPLETENESS 13
1.4 Consequences of Completeness

Exercise 1.4.1
Recall that I stands for the set of irrational numbers.
(a) Show that if a, b ∈ Q, then ab and a + b are elements of Q as well.
(b) Show that if a ∈ Q and t ∈ I, then a + t ∈ I and at ∈ I as long as a ̸= 0.
(c) Part (a) can be summarized by saying that Q is closed under addition and multipli-
cation. Is I closed under addition and multiplication? Given two irrational numbers s
and t, what can we say about s + t and st?
Solution
(a) Trivial.
(b) Suppose a + t ∈ Q, then by (a) (a + t) − a = t ∈ Q contradicting t ∈ I.

√
(c) √
I is not closed under addition
√ √ or multiplication. consider
√ √ (1 − 2) ∈ I by (b), and
2 ∈ I. the sum (1 − 2) + 2 = 1 ∈ Q ∈ / I. Also 2 · 2 = 2 ∈ Q ∈ / I.
Exercise 1.4.2
Let A ⊆ R be nonempty and bounded above, and let s ∈ R have the property that for
all n ∈ N, s + n1 is an upper bound for A and s − n1 is not an upper bound for A. Show
s = sup A.
Solution
This is basically a rephrasing of Lemma 1.3.8 using the archimedean property. The most
straightforward approach is to argue by contradiction:
(i) If s sup A then there exists an n such that s − 1/n > sup A where s − 1/n is not an
upper bound, contradicting sup A being an upper bound.
Thus s = sup A is the only remaining possibility.
Exercise 1.4.3
Prove that ∞
T
n=1 (0, 1/n) = ∅. Notice that this demonstrates that the intervals in the Nested
Interval Property must be closed for the conclusion of the theorem to hold.
Solution
Suppose x ∈ ∞
T
n=1 (0, 1/n), then we have 0 < x < 1/n for all n, which is impossible by the
archimedean property, In other words we can always set n large enough that x lies outside
the interval.
Exercise 1.4.4
Let a < b be real numbers and consider the set T = Q ∩ [a, b]. Show sup T = b
Solution
We must show the two conditions for a least upper bound
(i) Clearly t ≤ b for all t ∈ T
(ii) Let a < b′ < b. b′ Cannot be an upper bound for T since the density theorem tells us
we can find r ∈ Q ∩ [a, b] such that b′ < r < b.
Exercise 1.4.5
Using Exercise 1.4.1, supply a proof that I is dense in R by considering the real numbers
√ √
a − 2 and b − 2. In other words show for every two real numbers a < b there exists an
irrational number t with a < t < b.
Solution √ √
The density theorem lets us find a rational number r with a − 2 < r < b − 2, adding
√ √ √
2 to both
√ sides gives a < r + 2 < b. From 1.4.1 we know r + 2 is irrational, so setting
t = r + 2 gives a < t < b as desired.
Exercise 1.4.6
Recall that a set B is dense in R if an element of B can be found between any two real
numbers a < b. Which of the following sets are dense in R ? Take p ∈ Z and q ∈ N in every
case.
(a) The set of all rational numbers p/q with q ≤ 10.
(b) The set of all rational numbers p/q with q a power of 2 .
(c) The set of all rational numbers p/q with 10|p| ≥ q.
Solution
(a) Not dense since we cannot make |p|/q smaller then 1/10.
(b) Dense.
(c) Not dense since we cannot make |p|/q smaller then 1/10.
Exercise 1.4.7
Finish the proof of Theorem 1.4.5 by showing that the assumption α2 > 2 leads to a contra-
diction of the fact that α = sup T
Solution
Recall T = {t ∈ R | t2 < 2} and α = sup T . suppose α2 > 2, we will show there exists
an n ∈ N such that (α − 1/n)2 > 2 contradicting the assumption that α is the least upper
bound.
We expand (α − 1/n)2 to find n such that (α2 − 1/n) > 2
2α 1 1 − 2α
2 < (α − 1/n)2 = α2 − + 2 < α2 +
n n n
Then
1 − 2α
2 < α2 + =⇒ n(2 − α2 ) < 1 − 2α
n
1.4. CONSEQUENCES OF COMPLETENESS 15
Since 2 − α2 < 0 dividing reverses the inequality gives us

1 − 2α
n>
2 − α2
This contradicts α2 > 2 since we have shown n can be picked such that (α2 − 1/n) > 2
meaning α is not the least upper bound.
Exercise 1.4.8
Give an example of each or state that the request is impossible. When a request is impossible,
provide a compelling argument for why this is the case.
(a) Two sets A and B with A ∩ B = ∅, sup A = sup B, sup A ∈ / A and sup B ∈/ B.
(b) A sequence of nested open intervals J1 ⊇ J2 ⊇ J3 ⊇ · · · with ∞

T
n=1 Jn nonempty but
containing only a finite number of elements.
(c) A sequence of nested unbounded closed intervals L1 ⊇ L2 ⊇ L3 ⊇ · · · with ∞

T
n=1 Ln =
∅. (An unbounded closed interval has the form [a, ∞) = {x ∈ R : x ≥ a}.)
(d) A sequence of T
closed bounded (not necessarilyTnested) intervals I1 , I2 , I3 , . . . with the
∞
property that N n=1 In ̸= ∅ for all N ∈ N, but n=1 In = ∅.
Solution
(a) A = Q ∩ (0, 1), B = I ∩ (0, 1). A ∩ B = ∅, sup A = sup B = 1 and 1 ∈
/ A, 1 ∈
/ B.
(b) Defining Ji = (ai , bi ), A = {an : n ∈ N}, B = {bn : n ∈ N}, ∞

T
n=1 Jn will at least
contain (sup A, inf B). Thus, a necessary condition to meet the request is sup A =
inf B.
J
Ti ∞= (−1/n, 1/n) satisfies this condition (sup A = inf B = 0) and by inspection,
n=1 Jn = {0}, which meets the request.
(c) Ln = [n, ∞) has ∞

T
n=1 Ln = ∅
(d) Impossible. Let Jn = nk=1 Ik and observe the following

T
(i) Since N
T
n=1 In ̸= ∅ we have Jn ̸= ∅.
(ii) Jn being the intersection of closed intervals makes it a closed interval.
(iii) Jn+1 ⊆ Jn since In+1 ∩ Jn ⊆ Jn
(iv) ∞
T T∞ Tn T∞
n=1 Jn = n=1 ( k=1 Ik ) = n=1 In
T∞
By (i),
T (ii) and (iii) the Nested Interval Property tells us n=1 Jn ̸= ∅. Therefore by
(iv) ∞n=1 In ̸= ∅.
1.5 Cardinality
Exercise 1.5.1
Finish the following proof for Theorem 1.5.7. Assume B is a countable set. Thus, there
exists f : N → B, which is 1 − 1 and onto. Let A ⊆ B be an infinite subset of B. We must
show that A is countable.
Let n1 = min{n ∈ N : f (n) ∈ A}. As a start to a definition of g : N → A set
g(1) = f (n1 ). Show how to inductively continue this process to produce a 1-1 function g
from N onto A.
Solution
Let nk = min{n ∈ N | f (n) ∈ A, n ∈
/ {n1 , n2 , . . . , nk−1 }} and g(k) = f (nk ). since g : N → A
is 1-1 and onto, A is countable.
Exercise 1.5.2
Review the proof of Theorem 1.5.6, part (ii) showing that R is uncountable, and then find
the flaw in the following erroneous proof that Q is uncountable:
Assume, for contradiction, that Q is countable. Thus we can write Q = {r1 , r2 , r3 , . . .}
and, as before,
T∞ construct a nested sequence Tof closed intervals with rn ∈
/ In . Our construction
∞
implies n=1 In = ∅ while NIP implies n=1 In ̸= ∅. This contradiction implies Q must
therefore be uncountable.
Solution √
The nested interval property is not true for Q. Consider In being rational bounds for 2
√
with n decimal places, then ∞
T
n=1 In = ∅ since 2∈
/ Q.
Exercise 1.5.3
(a) Prove if A1 , . . . , Am are countable sets then A1 ∪ · · · ∪ Am is countable.
(b) S
Explain why induction cannot be used to prove that if each An is countable, then
∞
n=1 An is countable.
(c) Show how arranging N into the two-dimensional array
1 3 6 10 15 ···
2 5 9 14 · · ·
4 8 13 ···
7 12 ···
11 ···
..
.
leads to a proof for the infinite case.
Solution
(a) Let B, C be disjoint countable sets. We use the same trick as with the integers and
list them as
B ∪ C = {b1 , c1 , b2 , c2 , . . . }
1.5. CARDINALITY 17
Meaning B ∪ C is countable, and A1 ∪ A2 is also countable since we can let B = A1

and C = A2 \ A1 .
Now induction: suppose A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An is countable, (A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An ) ∪ An+1 is the union
of two countable sets which by above is countable.
(b) Induction shows something for each n ∈ N, it does not apply in the infinite case.
(c) Rearranging N as in (c) gives us disjoint sets Cn such that ∞

S
n=1 Cn = N. Let Bn be
disjoint, constructed as B1 = A1 , B2 = A1 \ B1 , . . . we want to do something like
∞
! ∞ ∞ ∞
[ [ [ [
f (N) = f Cn = fn (Cn ) = Bn = An
n=1 n=1 n=1 n=1
S∞
Let fn : Cn → Bn be bijective since Bn is countable, define f : N → n=1 Bn as

f1 (n) if n ∈ C1

f (n) = f2 (n) if n ∈ C2
..

.
(i) Since each Cn is disjoint and each fn is 1-1, f (n1 ) = f (n2 ) implies n1 = n2
meaning f is 1-1.
(ii) Since any b ∈ ∞
S
n=1 Bn has b ∈ Bn for some n, we know b = fn (x) has a solution
since fn is onto. Letting x = fn−1 (b) we have f (x) = fn (x) = b since fn−1 (b) ∈ Cn
meaning f is onto.
By (i) and (ii) f is bijective and so ∞

S
n=1 Bn is countable. And since
∞
[ ∞
[
Bn = An
n=1 n=1
S∞
We have that n=1 An is countable, completing the proof.
Exercise 1.5.4
(a) Show (a, b) ∼ R for any interval (a, b).
(b) Show that an unbounded interval like (a, ∞) = {x : x > a} has the same cardinality
as R as well.
(c) Using open intervals makes it more convenient to produce the required 1-1, onto func-
tions, but it is not really necessary. Show that [0, 1) ∼ (0, 1) by exhibiting a 1-1 onto
function between the two sets.
Solution
(a) We will start by finding f : (−1, 1) → R and then transform it to (a, b). Example 1.5.4
gives a suitable f
x
f (x) = 2
x −1
The book says to use calculus to show f is bijective, first we will examine the derivative
x2 − 1 − 2x2 x2 + 1
f ′ (x) = = −
(x2 − 1)2 (x2 − 1)2
The denominator and numerator are positive, so f ′ (x) < 0 for all x ∈ (0, 1). This
means no two inputs will be mapped to the same output, meaning f is one to one (a
rigorous proof is beyond our current ability)
To show that f is onto, we examine the limits
x
lim− = −∞
x→1 x2
−1
x
lim + 2 = +∞
x→−1 x − 1
Then use the intermediate value theorem to conclude f is onto.

Now we shift f to the interval (a, b)

2x − 1
g(x) = f −a
b−a
Proving g(x) is also bijective is a straightforward application of the chain rule.
(b) We want a bijective h(x) such that h(x) : (a, ∞) → (−1, 1) because then we could
compose them to get a new bijective function f (h(x)) : (a, ∞) → R.
Let
2
h(x) = −1
x−a+1
We have h : (a, ∞) → (1, −1) since h(a) = 1 and limx→∞ h(x) = 1.
Meaning that f (h(x)) : (a, ∞) → R is our bijective map.
(c) With countable sets adding a single element doesn’t change cardinality since we can
just shift by one to get a bijective map. we’ll use a similar technique here to essentially
outrun our problems. Define f : [0, 1) → (0, 1) as


 1/2 if x = 0

1/4 if x = 1/2



f (x) = 1/8 if x = 1/4

 ..


 .

x otherwise

Now we prove f is bijective by showing y = f (x) has exactly one solution for all
y ∈ (0, 1).
If y = 1/2n then the only solution is y = f (1/2n−1 ) (or x = 0 in the special case n = 1),
If y ̸= 1/2n then the only solution is y = f (y).
1.5. CARDINALITY 19
Exercise 1.5.5
(a) Why is A ∼ A for every set A?
(b) Given sets A and B, explain why A ∼ B is equivalent to asserting B ∼ A.
(c) For three sets A, B, and C, show that A ∼ B and B ∼ C implies A ∼ C. These three
properties are what is meant by saying that ∼ is an equivalence relation.
Solution
(a) The identity function f (x) = x is a bijection
(b) If f : A → B is bijective then f −1 : B → A is bijective.
(c) Let f : A → B and g : B → C, since g ◦ f : A → C is bijective we have A ∼ C.
Exercise 1.5.6
(a) Give an example of a countable collection of disjoint open intervals.
(b) Give an example of an uncountable collection of disjoint open intervals, or argue that
no such collection exists.
Solution
(a) I1 = (0, 1), I2 = (1, 2) and in general In = (n − 1, n)
(b) Let A denote this set. Intuitively no such collection should exist since each In has
nonzero length.
The key here is to try and show A ∼ Q instead of directly showing A ∼ N.
For any nonempty interval In the density theorem tells us there exists an r ∈ Q such
that r ∈ In . Assigning each I ∈ A a rational number r ∈ I proves I ⊆ Q and thus I
is countable.
Exercise 1.5.7
Consider the open interval (0, 1), and let S be the set of points in the open unit square; that
is, S = {(x, y) : 0 < x, y < 1}.
(a) Find a 1-1 function that maps (0, 1) into, but not necessarily onto, S. (This is easy.)
(b) Use the fact that every real number has a decimal expansion to produce a 1−1 function
that maps S into (0, 1). Discuss whether the formulated function is onto. (Keep in
mind that any terminating decimal expansion such as .235 represents the same real
number as .234999 . . . .)
The Schröder-Bernstein Theorem discussed in Exercise 1.5.11 can now be applied to

conclude that (0, 1) ∼ S.
Solution
(a) We scale and shift up into the square. f (x) = 21 x + 1
3
(b) Let g : S → (0, 1) be a function that interleaves decimals in the representation without
trailing nines, padding with zeros if necessary. g(0.32, 0.45) = 0.3425, g(0.19̄, 0.2) =
g(0.2, 0.2) = 0.22, g(0.1, 0.23) = 0.1203, g(0.1, 0.2̄) = 0.1202, etc.
Every real number can be written with two digit representations, one with trailing
9’s and one without. However g(x, y) = 0.d1 d2 . . . 9̄ is impossible since it would imply
x = 0.d1 . . . 9̄ and y = 0.d2 . . . 9̄ but the definition of g forbids this. therefore g(s) is
unique, and so g is 1-1.
Is g onto? No since g(x, y) = 0.1 has no solutions, since we would want x = 0.1 and
y = 0 but 0 ∈
/ (0, 1).
Exercise 1.5.8
Let B be a set of positive real numbers with the property that adding together any finite
subset of elements from B always gives a sum of 2 or less. Show B must be finite or countable.
Solution
Notice B ∩ (a, 2) is finite for all a > 0, since if it was infinite we could S
make a set with sum
greater then two. And since B is the countable union of finite sets ∞ n=1 B ∩ (1/n, 2), B
must be countable or finite.
Exercise 1.5.9
A real number x ∈ R is called algebraic if there exist integers a0 , a1 , a2 , . . . , an ∈ Z, not all
zero, such that
an xn + an−1 xn−1 + · · · + a1 x + a0 = 0
Said another way, a real number is algebraic if it is the root of a polynomial with integer
coefficients. Real numbers that are not algebraic are called transcendental numbers. Reread
the last paragraph of Section 1.1. The final question posed here is closely related to the
question of whether or not transcendental numbers exist.
√ √ √ √
(a) Show that 2, 3 2, and 3 + 2 are algebraic.
(b) Fix n ∈ N, and let An be the algebraic numbers obtained as roots of polynomials with
integer coefficients that have degree n. Using the fact that every polynomial has a
finite number of roots, show that An is countable.
(c) Now, argue that the set of all algebraic numbers is countable. What may we conclude
about the set of transcendental numbers?
Solution √ √
(a) x2 − 2 = 0, x3 − 2 = 0 are obvious. Now consider 3 + 2. The key is setting
√ √
x = 3+ 2 then using algebra on x to concoct an integer, and thus find the polynomial
with x as a root.
√ √
We have x2 = 5+2 6√ meaning
√ x 2
−5 = 2 6 and thus (x2 −5)2 = 24 so (x2 −5)2 −24 = 0
is a polynomial with 3 + 2 as a root.
(b) Basically An ∼ Zn ∼ Nn ∼ N.
1.5. CARDINALITY 21
(i) An ∼ Zn since integer polynomials of degree n are identical to an ordered list of

n integers.
(ii) Zn ∼ Nn since f : Nn → Zn is just the piecewise application of g : N → Z.
(iii) Nn ∼ N since it is the intersection of finite sets ∞
S
n=2 {(a, b) : a + b = n}.
In general if V is countable then V n = (v1 , . . . , vn ) is also countable.
(c) By 1.5.3 the set of all algebraic numbers ∞

S
n=1 An is countable.
Exercise 1.5.10
(a) Let C ⊆ [0, 1] be uncountable. Show that there exists a ∈ (0, 1) such that C ∩ [a, 1] is
uncountable.
(b) Now let A be the set of all a ∈ (0, 1) such that C ∩ [a, 1] is uncountable, and set
α = sup A. Is C ∩ [α, 1] an uncountable set?
(c) Does the statement in (a) remain true if “uncountable” is replaced by “infinite”?
Solution
(a) Suppose a does not exist, then C ∩ [a, 1] is countable for all a ∈ (0, 1) meaning
∞
[
C ∩ [1/n, 1] = C ∩ [0, 1]
n=1
Is countable (by 1.5.3), contradicting our assumption that C ∩ [0, 1] is uncountable.
(b) If α = 1 then C ∩ [α, 1] is finite. Now if α < 1 we have C ∩ [α + ϵ, 1] countable for ϵ > 0
(otherwise the set would be in A, and hence α would not be an upper bound). Take
∞
[
C ∩ [α + 1/n, 1] = C ∩ [α, 1]
n=1
Which is countable by 1.5.3.
(c) No, consider the set C = {1/n : n ∈ N} it has C ∩ [α, 1] finite for every α, but C ∩ [0, 1]
is infinite.
Exercise 1.5.11 (Schröder-Bernstein Theorem)
Assume there exists a 1-1 function f : X → Y and another 1-1 function g : Y → X. Follow
the steps to show that there exists a 1-1, onto function h : X → Y and hence X ∼ Y . The
strategy is to partition X and Y into components
X = A ∪ A′ and Y = B ∪ B′
with A ∩ A′ = ∅ and B ∩ B ′ = ∅, in such a way that f maps A onto B, and g maps B ′ onto
A′ .
(a) Explain how achieving this would lead to a proof that X ∼ Y .

(b) Set A1 = X \ g(Y ) = {x ∈ X : x ∈ / g(Y )} (what happens if A1 = ∅?) and inductively

define a sequence of sets by letting An+1 = g (f (An )). Show that {An : n ∈ N} is a
pairwise disjoint collection of subsets of X, while {f (An ) : n ∈ N} is a similar collection
in Y .
(c) Let A = ∞
S S∞
n=1 An and B = n=1 f (An ). Show that f maps A onto B.
(d) Let A′ = X \ A and B ′ = Y \ B. Show g maps B ′ onto A′ .
Solution
(a) f : A → B and g : B ′ → A′ are bijective, therefore we can define
(
f (x) if x ∈ A
h(x) =
g (x) if x ∈ A′
−1
which is bijective.
(b) If A1 = ∅ then g : Y → X is 1-1 and onto so we are done. So assume A1 ̸= ∅, to show

{An } is pairwise disjoint, first consider how A1 ∩ Ak = ∅ since A1 = X \ g(Y ) and
g(f (A1 )) ⊆ g(Y ). Define h(x) = g(f (x))
Since h is injective we have h(A ∩ B) = h(A) ∩ h(B) for all A, B in X.
Proof: 1.2.7 shows h(A ∩ B) ⊆ h(A) ∩ h(B), now suppose y ∈ h(A) ∩ h(B) meaning
there exist x1 ∈ A and x2 ∈ B with y = f (x1 ) = f (x2 ). By injectivity x1 = x2 implying
x1 ∈ A ∩ B so y ∈ h(A ∩ B) which shows the reverse inclusion h(A) ∩ h(B) ⊆ h(A ∩ B).
Using this we can prove pairwise disjointness, let j > k and use the iterated function
notation h2 = h ◦ h and note that hk is injective.
Aj+1 ∩ Ak+1 = hk (Aj−k ) ∩ hk (A1 ) = hk (Aj−k ∩ A1 ) = hk (∅) = ∅
And since f is injective f (Aj ) ∩ f (Ak ) = f (Aj ∩ Ak ) = f (∅) = ∅.
(c) f (A) = B because f ( ∞

S S∞
n=1 An ) = n=1 f (An ) thus f : A → B is onto. (B was basically
defined as the range of f )
(d) Every time g fails to be onto, there is some x ∈ X where we can’t find a y ∈ Y with
g(y) = x. Since A1 = X \ g(Y ) ⊆ A every time this happens x is in A. Therefore if
ourselves to A′ = X \ A every x ∈ A′ has a y ∈ Y with g(y) = x. If y
we constrain S
were in B = ∞ n=1 f (An ) then y ∈ f (An ) for some n, but this is impossible as it would
imply x ∈ An+1 ⊆ A which it isn’t! Therefore y ∈ Y \ B = B ′ .
TODO Where was pairwise disjointness needed? did I make a mistake?
1.6. CANTOR’S THEOREM 23
1.6 Cantor’s theorem

Exercise 1.6.1
Show that (0, 1) is uncountable if and only if R is uncountable.
Solution
In Exercise 1.5.4 (a) we found a bijection f : (0, 1) → R. Now suppose g : (0, 1) → N is
some map, we must show g is bijective if and only if (g ◦ f ) : R → N is bijective. This is
clearly true as if g is bijective then (g ◦ f ) is bijective (composition of bijective functions),
and if (g ◦ f ) is bijective then (g ◦ f ) ◦ f −1 = g is bijective.
Exercise 1.6.2
Let f : N → R be a way to list every real number (hence show R is countable).
Define a new number x with digits b1 b2 . . . given by
(
2 if ann ̸= 2
bn =
3 if ann = 2
(a) Explain why the real number x = .b1 b2 b3 b4 . . . cannot be f (1).
(b) Now, explain why x ̸= f (2), and in general why x ̸= f (n) for any n ∈ N.
(c) Point out the contradiction that arises from these observations and conclude that (0, 1)
is uncountable.
Solution
(a) The first digit is different
(b) The nth digit is different
(c) Therefore x is not in the list, since the nth digit is different
Exercise 1.6.3
Supply rebuttals to the following complaints about the proof of Theorem 1.6.1.
(a) Every rational number has a decimal expansion, so we could apply this same argument
to show that the set of rational numbers between 0 and 1 is uncountable. However,
because we know that any subset of Q must be countable, the proof of Theorem 1.6.1
must be flawed.
(b) Some numbers have two different decimal representations. Specifically, any decimal
expansion that terminates can also be written with repeating 9’s. For instance, 1/2
can be written as .5 or as .4999 . . . Doesn’t this cause some problems?
Solution
(a) False, since the constructed number has an infinite number of decimals it is irrational.
(b) No, since if we have 9999 . . . and change the nth digit 9992999 = 9993 is still different.
Exercise 1.6.4
Let S be the set consisting of all sequences of 0 ’s and 1 ’s. Observe that S is not a particular
sequence, but rather a large set whose elements are sequences; namely,
S = {(a1 , a2 , a3 , . . .) : an = 0 or 1}
As an example, the sequence (1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, . . .) is an element of S, as is the sequence

(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, . . .). Give a rigorous argument showing that S is uncountable.
Solution
We flip every bit in the diagonal just like with R. Another way would be to show S ∼ R by
writing real numbers in base 2.
Exercise 1.6.5
(a) Let A = {a, b, c}. List the eight elements of P (A). (Do not forget that ∅ is considered
to be a subset of every set.)
(b) If A is finite with n elements, show that P (A) has 2n elements.
Solution
(a) A = {∅, {a}, {b}, {c}, {a, b}, {a, c}, {b, c}, {a, b, c}}.
(b) There are n elements, we can include or exclude each element so there are 2n subsets.
Exercise 1.6.6
(a) Using the particular set A = {a, b, c}, exhibit two different 1 − 1 mappings from A into
P (A).
(b) Letting C = {1, 2, 3, 4}, produce an example of a 1 − 1 map g : C → P (C).
(c) Explain why, in parts (a) and (b), it is impossible to construct mappings that are onto.
Solution
(a) f (x) = {x}, f (x) = {x, b} for x ̸= b and f (x) = {a, b, c} for x = b.
(b) f (x) = {x}.
(c) We can hit at most n elements in the power set out of the 2n total elements.
Theorem (Cantor’s Theorem)

Given any set A, there does not exist a function f : A → P (A) that is onto.
Proof
Suppose f : A → P (A) is onto. We want to use the self referential nature of P (A) to find a
contradiction. Define
B = {a : a ∈
/ f (a)}
Since f is onto we must have f (a) = B for some a ∈ A. Then either
(i) a ∈ B implies a ∈ f (a) which by the definition of B implies a ∈
/ B, so a ∈ B is
impossible.
1.6. CANTOR’S THEOREM 25
(ii) a ∈
/ B implies a ∈/ f (a) since f (a) = B. but if a ∈
/ f (a) then a ∈ B by the definition
of B, contradicting a ∈/ B.
Therefore f cannot be onto, since we have found a B ∈ P (A) where f (a) = B is impossible.
Stepping back, the pearl of the argument is that if B = f (a) then B = {a : a ∈/ B} is
undecidable/impossible.
Exercise 1.6.7
See the proof of Cantor’s theorem above (the rest is a computation)
Exercise 1.6.8
See the proof of Cantor’s theorem above
Exercise 1.6.9
Using the various tools and techniques developed in the last two sections (including the
exercises from Section 1.5), give a compelling argument showing that P (N) ∼ R.
Solution
Recall from Exercise 1.6.4 that if
S = {(a1 , a2 , a3 , . . .) : an = 0 or 1}
then S ∼ R. Define f : P (N) → S as f (x) = (a1 , a2 , . . .) where ai = 1 if i ∈ x and ai = 0

otherwise. f is thus a one-to-one, onto map between P (N) and S, hence P (N) ∼ S. Since
∼ is an equivalence relation, P (N) ∼ R.
Exercise 1.6.10
As a final exercise, answer each of the following by establishing a 1 − 1 correspondence with
a set of known cardinality.
(a) Is the set of all functions from {0, 1} to N countable or uncountable?
(b) Is the set of all functions from N to {0, 1} countable or uncountable?
(c) Given a set B, a subset A of P (B) is called an antichain if no element of A is a subset

of any other element of A. Does P (N) contain an uncountable antichain?
Solution
(a) The set of functions from {0, 1} to N is the same as N2 which we found was countable
in Exercise 1.5.9.
(b) This is the same as an infinite list of zeros and ones which we showed was uncountable
in Exercise 1.6.4.
(c) Let A be an antichain of P (N), let Al be the sets in A of size l. For finite l, Al is
countable
S∞ since Al ⊆ Nl is countable (shown in 1.5.9). Therefore the countable union
l=0 Al = A is countable. Thus, if P (N) contains an uncountable antichain, “most”
sets in the antichain must be infinite (in that there will be uncountably many sets in
the antichain will be infinite, whereas only countably many sets in the antichain will
be finite).
This observation inspires the following construction, using a variant of the set S from
Exercise 1.6.4. Define the set
A = {{10n + d(x, n) : n ∈ N} : x ∈ (0, 1)}
where d(x, n) is the n’th digit in the decimal expansion of x. To avoid the issue of some
numbers having two equivalent decimal representations, always use the representation
with repeating 9’s. In this manner, each element of A encodes a particular real number,
in a similar way that each element of S encodes a particular real number through its
binary expansion.
Note that each element of A is infinite. Note also that since any two distinct real
numbers will differ in at least one place in their decimal expansions, the corresponding
elements in A will differ there as well, and hence A is an antichain.
Formally, let x1 , x2 be two distinct real numbers, A1 , A2 be the elements of A corre-
sponding to x1 , x2 respectively, and n be the first decimal position where x1 and x2
differ. Then 10n + d(x1 , n) will be in A1 but not A2 , and 10n + d(x2 , n) will be in A2
but not A1 . Thus, neither A1 ⊆ A2 nor A2 ⊆ A1 . Since (0, 1) is uncountable, A is an
uncountable antichain in P (N).
Chapter 2
Sequences and Series
2.2 The Limit of a Sequence

Exercise 2.2.1
What happens if we reverse the order of the quantifiers in Definition 2.2.3?
Definition: A sequence (xn ) verconges to x if there exists an ϵ > 0 such that for all
N ∈ N it is true that n ≥ N implies |xn − x| < ϵ
Give an example of a vercongent sequence. Is there an example of a vercongent sequence
that is divergent? Can a sequence verconge to two different values? What exactly is being
described in this strange definition?
Solution
Firstly, since we have for all N ∈ N we can remove N entirely and just say n ∈ N. Our
new definition is
Definition: A sequence (xn ) verconges to x if there exists an ϵ > 0 such that for all n ∈ N
we have |xn − x| < ϵ.
In other words, a series (xn ) verconges to x if |xn −x| is bounded. This is a silly definition
though since if |xn − x| is bounded, then |xn − x′ | is bounded for all x′ ∈ R, meaning if a
sequence is vercongent it verconges to every x′ ∈ R.
Put another way, a sequence is vercongent if and only if it is bounded.
Exercise 2.2.2
Verify, using the definition of convergence of a sequence, that the following sequences con-
verge to the proposed limit.
(a) lim 2n+1
5n+4
= 25 .
2
(b) lim n2n
3 +3 = 0.
sin(n2 )
(c) lim √
3n = 0.
Solution
(a) We have

2n + 1 2 5(2n + 1) − 2(5n + 4) −3 3
5n + 4 − 5 = =
= <ϵ
5(5n + 4) 5(5n + 4) 5(5n + 4)
27
28 CHAPTER 2. SEQUENCES AND SERIES
We now find n such that the distance is less then ϵ

3 1 1
< < ϵ =⇒ n >
5(5n + 4) n ϵ
You could also solve for the smallest n, which would give you
3 3 3 4
< ϵ =⇒ 5n + 4 > =⇒ n > −
5(5n + 4) 5ϵ 25ϵ 5
I prefer the first approach, the second is better if you were doing numerical analysis
and wanted a precise convergence rate.
(b) We have
2n2 2 2

= 2n < 2n = 2 < ϵ =⇒ n > 2

n3 + 3 − 0 n3 + 3 n3 n ϵ
(c) We have
sin(n2 ) 1 1
≤ < ϵ =⇒ n >
n1/3 n1/3 ϵ3
Really slow convergence! if ϵ = 10−2 we would require n > 106
Exercise 2.2.3
Describe what we would have to demonstrate in order to disprove each of the following
statements.
(a) At every college in the United States, there is a student who is at least seven feet tall.
(b) For all colleges in the United States, there exists a professor who gives every student
a grade of either A or B.
(c) There exists a college in the United States where every student is at least six feet tall.
Solution
(a) Find a collage in the United States with no students over seven feet tall.
(b) Find a collage in the United States with no professors that only give grades of A or B.
(c) Show that all collages in the United States have at least one student under six feet tall.
Exercise 2.2.4
Give an example of each or state that the request is impossible. For any that are impossible,
give a compelling argument for why that is the case.
(a) A sequence with an infinite number of ones that does not converge to one.
(b) A sequence with an infinite number of ones that converges to a limit not equal to one.
(c) A divergent sequence such that for every n ∈ N it is possible to find n consecutive
ones somewhere in the sequence.
2.2. THE LIMIT OF A SEQUENCE 29
Solution
(a) an = (−1)n
(b) Impossible, if lim an = a ̸= 1 then for any n ≥ N we can find a n with an = 1 meaning
ϵ < |1 − a| is impossible.
(c) an = (1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 1, . . . )
Exercise 2.2.5
Let [[x]] be the greatest integer less than or equal to x. For example, [[π]] = 3 and [[3]] = 3.
For each sequence, find lim an and verify it with the definition of convergence.
(a) an = [[5/n]],
(b) an = [[(12 + 4n)/3n]].

Reflecting on these examples, comment on the statement following Definition 2.2.3 that “the
smaller the ϵ-neighborhood, the larger N may have to be.”
Solution
(a) For all n > 5 we have [[5/n]] = 0 meaning lim an = 0.
(b) The inside clearly converges to 4/3 from above, so lim an = 1.

Some sequences eventually reach their limit, meaning N no longer has to increase.
Exercise 2.2.6
Theorem 2.2.7 (Uniqueness of Limits). The limit of a sequence, when it exists, must
be unique.
Prove Theorem 2.2.7. To get started, assume (an ) → a and also that (an ) → b. Now
argue a = b
Solution
If a ̸= b then we can set ϵ small enough that having both |an − a| < ϵ and |an − b| < ϵ is
impossible. Therefore a = b.
(Making this rigorous is trivial and left as an exercise to the reader)
Exercise 2.2.7
Here are two useful definitions:
(i) A sequence (an ) is eventually in a set A ⊆ R if there exists an N ∈ N such that an ∈ A
for all n ≥ N .
(ii) A sequence (an ) is frequently in a set A ⊆ R if, for every N ∈ N, there exists an n ≥ N
such that an ∈ A.
(a) Is the sequence (−1)n eventually or frequently in the set {1}?

(b) Which definition is stronger? Does frequently imply eventually or does eventually
imply frequently?
(c) Give an alternate rephrasing of Definition 2.2.3B using either frequently or even-
tually. Which is the term we want?
(d) Suppose an infinite number of terms of a sequence (xn ) are equal to 2 . Is (xn )
necessarily eventually in the interval (1.9, 2.1)? Is it frequently in (1.9, 2.1)?
Solution
(a) Frequently, but not eventually.
(b) Eventually is stronger, it implies frequently.
(c) (xn ) → x if and only if xn is eventually in any ϵ-neighborhood around x.
(d) (xn ) is frequently in (1.9, 2.1) but not necessarily eventually (consider xn = 2(−1)n ).
Exercise 2.2.8
For some additional practice with nested quantifiers, consider the following invented defini-
tion:
Let’s call a sequence (xn ) zero-heavy if there exists M ∈ N such that for all N ∈ N there
exists n satisfying N ≤ n ≤ N + M where xn = 0
(a) Is the sequence (0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, . . .) zero heavy?
(b) If a sequence is zero-heavy does it necessarily contain an infinite number of zeros? If

not, provide a counterexample.
(c) If a sequence contains an infinite number of zeros, is it necessarily zeroheavy? If not,

provide a counterexample.
(d) Form the logical negation of the above definition. That is, complete the sentence: A
sequence is not zero-heavy if ....
Solution
(a) Yes. Choose M = 1; since the sequence has a 0 in every two spaces, for all N either
xn = 0 or xn+1 = 0.
(b) Yes. If there were a finite number of zeros, with the last zero at position K, then
choosing N > K would lead to a contradiction.
(c) No, consider (0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, . . . ) where the gap between 0’s grows
indefinitely. For any value of M , for large enough N the gap between zeros will be
greater than M . Then we simply choose N so that xN is the first 1 in a streak of at
least M + 1 1’s.
(d) A sequence is not zero-heavy if for all M ∈ N, there exists some N ∈ N such that for
all n ∈ N, N ≤ n ≤ N + M , xn ̸= 0.
2.3. THE ALGEBRAIC AND ORDER LIMIT THEOREMS 31
2.3 The Algebraic and Order Limit Theorems

Exercise 2.3.1
Let xn ≥ 0 for all n ∈ N.
√
(a) If (xn ) → 0, show that xn → 0.
√ √
(b) If (xn ) → x, show that xn → x.
Solution
√
(a) Setting xn < ϵ2 implies xn < ϵ (for all n ≥ N of course)
√ √ √ √ √ √
(b) We want | xn − x| < ϵ multiplying by ( xn + x) gives p |xn − x|√< ( xn + x)ϵ
since xn is convergent, it is bounded |xn | ≤ M implying |xn | ≤ M , multiplying
gives √
√ √ √
|xn − x| < xn + x ϵ ≤ M+ x ϵ
Since |xn − x| can√be made

√ arbitrarily small we can make this true for some n ≥ N .
Now dividing by M + x gives us
√ √ |xn − x|
| xn − x| ≤ √ √ <ϵ
M+ x
√ √
therefore | xn − x| < ϵ completing the proof.
Exercise 2.3.2
Using only Definition 2.2.3, prove that if (xn ) → 2, then
(a) 2xn3−1 → 1;

(b) (1/xn ) → 1/2.
(For this exercise the Algebraic Limit Theorem is off-limits, so to speak.)
Solution
(a) We have 32 xn − 43 = 32 |xn − 2| < ϵ which can always be done since |xn − 2| can be
made arbitrarily small.
(b) Since xn is bounded we have |xn | ≤ M
|2 − xn | |2 − xn |
|1/xn − 1/2| = ≤ <ϵ
|2xn | |2M |
Letting |2 − xn | < ϵ/|2M | gives |1/xn − 1/2| < ϵ.
Exercise 2.3.3 (Squeeze Theorem)

Show that if xn ≤ yn ≤ zn for all n ∈ N, and if lim xn = lim zn = l, then lim yn = l as well.
Solution
Let ϵ > 0, set N so that |xn − l| < ϵ/4 and |zn − l| < ϵ/4. Use the triangle inequality to see
|xn − zn | < |xn − l| + |l − zn | < ϵ/2. Note that since xn ≤ yn ≤ zn , |yn − xn | = yn − xn ≤
zn − xn = |zn − xn |. Apply the triangle inequality again to get
|yn − l| ≤ |yn − xn | + |xn − l| ≤ |zn − xn | + |xn − l| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/4 < ϵ
Exercise 2.3.4
Let (an ) → 0, and use the Algebraic Limit Theorem to compute each of the following limits
(assuming the fractions are always defined):

1+2an
(a) lim 1+3a n −4a
2
n

(an +2)2 −4
(b) lim an
2

an
+3
(c) lim 1
+5
.
an
Solution
(a) Apply the ALT

1 + 2an lim (1 + 2an )
lim =
1 + 3an − 4a2n lim (1 + 3an − 4a2n )
1 + 2 lim(an )
=
1 + 3 lim an − 4 lim a2n
=1
Showing a2n → 0 is easy so I’ve omitted it
(b) Apply the ALT
!
(an + 2)2 − 4 a2n + 2an

lim = lim
an an
= lim(an + 2) = 2 + lim an = 2
(c) Multiply the top and bottom by an then apply the ALT
2
!
+ 3

an 2 + 3an
lim 1 = lim
an
+5 1 + 5an
2 + 3 lim an
=
1 + 5 lim an
=2
Exercise 2.3.5
Let (xn ) and (yn ) be given, and define (zn ) to be the “shuffled” sequence (x1 , y1 , x2 , y2 , x3 , y3 , . . . , xn , yn , . . .).
Prove that (zn ) is convergent if and only if (xn ) and (yn ) are both convergent with lim xn =
lim yn .
Solution
Obviously if lim xn = lim yn = l then zn → l. To show the other way suppose (zn ) → l, then
|zn − l| < ϵ for all n ≥ N meaning |yn − l| < ϵ and |xn − l| < ϵ for n ≥ N aswell. Thus
lim xn = lim yn = l.
Exercise 2.3.6 √
Consider the sequence given by bn = n − n2 + 2n. Taking (1/n) → 0 as given, and using
both the Algebraic Limit Theorem and the result in Exercise 2.3.1, show lim bn exists and
find the value of the limit.
Solution
I’m going to find the value of the limit before proving it. We have
√ p
n − n2 + 2n = n − (n + 1)2 − 1
p
For large n, (n + 1)2 − 1 ≈n + 1 so lim bn = −1.
p
Factoring out n we get n 1 − 1 + 2/n . Tempting as it is to apply the ALT here to
say (bn ) → 0 it doesn’t work since n diverges.
How about if I get rid of the radical, then use the ALT to go back to what we had before?
√ √
(n − n2 + 2n)(n + n2 + 2n) = n2 − (n2 + 2n) = −2n
Then we have
√ −2n −2
bn = n − n2 + 2n = √ = p
2
n + n + 2n 1 + 1 + 2/n
Now we can finally use the algebraic limit theorem!
!
−2 −2 −2
lim p = p = √ = −1
1 + 1 + 2/n 1 + 1 + lim (2/n) 1+ 1+0
Stepping back the key to this technique is removing the radicals via a difference of squares,
then dividing both sides by the growth rate n and applying the ALT.
Exercise 2.3.7
Give an example of each of the following, or state that such a request is impossible by
referencing the proper theorem(s):
(a) sequences (xn ) and (yn ), which both diverge, but whose sum (xn + yn ) converges;
(b) sequences (xn ) and (yn ), where (xn ) converges, (yn ) diverges, and (xn + yn ) converges;
(c) a convergent sequence (bn ) with bn ̸= 0 for all n such that (1/bn ) diverges;
(d) an unbounded sequence (an ) and a convergent sequence (bn ) with (an − bn ) bounded;
(e) two sequences (an ) and (bn ), where (an bn ) and (an ) converge but (bn ) does not.
Solution
(a) (xn ) = n and (yn ) = −n diverge but xn + yn = 0 converges
(b) Impossible, the algebraic limit theorem implies lim(xn +yn )−lim(xn ) = lim yn therefore
(yn ) must converge if (xn ) and (xn + yn ) converge.
(c) bn = 1/n has bn → 0 and 1/bn diverges. If bn → b ̸= 0 then 1/bn → 1/b, but since
b = 0 ALT doesn’t apply.
(d) Impossible, |bn | is convergent and therefore bounded (Theorem 2.3.2) so |bn | ≤ M1 ,
and |an − bn | ≤ M2 is bounded, therefore
|an | ≤ |an − bn | + |bn | ≤ M1 + M2
must be bounded.
(e) bn = n and an = 0 works. However if (an ) → a, a ̸= 0 and (an bn ) → p then the ALT
would imply (bn ) → p/a.
Exercise 2.3.8
Let (xn ) → x and let p(x) be a polynomial.
(a) Show p (xn ) → p(x).
(b) Find an example of a function f (x) and a convergent sequence (xn ) → x where the
sequence f (xn ) converges, but not to f (x).
Solution
(a) Applying the algebraic limit theorem multiple times gives (xdn ) → xd meaning
lim p(xn ) = lim ad xdn + ad−1 xd−1 + · · · + a0 = ad xd + ad−1 xd−1 + · · · + a0 = p(x).

n
As a cute corollary, any continuous function f has lim f (xn ) = f (x) since polynomials
can approximate continuous functions arbitrarily well by the Weierstrass approxima-
tion theorem.
(b) Let (xn ) = 1/n and define f as

(
0 if x = 0
f (x) =
1 otherwise
We have f (1/n) = 1 for all n, meaning lim f (1/n) = 1 but f (0) = 0.
Exercise 2.3.9
(a) Let (an ) be a bounded (not necessarily convergent) sequence, and assume lim bn = 0.
Show that lim (an bn ) = 0. Why are we not allowed to use the Algebraic Limit Theorem
to prove this?
(b) Can we conclude anything about the convergence of (an bn ) if we assume that (bn )
converges to some nonzero limit b ?
(c) Use (a) to prove Theorem 2.3.3, part (iii), for the case when a = 0.
Solution
(a) We can’t use the ALT since an is not necessarily convergent. an being bounded gives
|an | ≤ M for some M giving
|an bn | ≤ M |bn | < ϵ
Which can be accomplished by letting |bn | < ϵ/M since (bn ) → 0.
(b) No
(c) In (a) we showed lim(an bn ) = 0 = ab for b = 0 which proves part (iii) of the ALT.
Exercise 2.3.10
Consider the following list of conjectures. Provide a short proof for those that are true and
a counterexample for any that are false.
(a) If lim (an − bn ) = 0, then lim an = lim bn .
(b) If (bn ) → b, then |bn | → |b|.
(c) If (an ) → a and (bn − an ) → 0, then (bn ) → a.
(d) If (an ) → 0 and |bn − b| ≤ an for all n ∈ N, then (bn ) → b.
Solution
(a) False, consider an = n and bn = −n.
(b) True since if |bn − b| < ϵ then ||bn | − |b|| ≤ |bn − b| < ϵ by Exercise 1.2.6 (d).
(c) True by ALT since lim(bn − an ) + lim an = lim bn = a.
(d) True, since 0 ≤ |bn − b| ≤ an we have an ≥ 0. Let ϵ > 0 and pick N such that an < ϵ
for all n ≥ N . Therefor
|bn − b| ≤ an < ϵ
Proving (bn ) → b.
Exercise 2.3.11 (Cesaro Means)

(a) Show that if (xn ) is a convergent sequence, then the sequence given by the averages
x1 + x2 + · · · + xn
yn =
n
also converges to the same limit.
(b) Give an example to show that it is possible for the sequence (yn ) of averages to converge
even if (xn ) does not.
Solution
(a) Let D = sup{|xn − x| : n ∈ N} and let 0 < ϵ < D, we have

x1 + · · · + xn |x1 − x| + · · · + |xn − x|
|yn − x| =
− x ≤
≤D
n n
Let |xn − x| < ϵ/2 for n > N1 giving

|x1 − x| + · · · + |xN1 − x| + · · · + |xn − x| N1 D + (n − N1 )ϵ/2
|yn − x| ≤ ≤
n n
Let N2 be large enough that for all n > N2 (remember 0 < ϵ < D so (D − ϵ/2) > 0.)
N1 (D − ϵ/2)
0< < ϵ/2
n
Therefor
N1 (D − ϵ/2)
|yn − x| ≤ + ϵ/2 < ϵ
n
Letting N = max{N1 , N2 } completes the proof as |yn − x| < ϵ for all n > N .
(Note: I could have used any ϵ′ < ϵ instead of ϵ/2, I just needed some room.)
(b) xn = (−1)n diverges but (yn ) → 0.
Exercise 2.3.12
A typical task in analysis is to decipher whether a property possessed by every term in a
convergent sequence is necessarily inherited by the limit. Assume (an ) → a, and determine
the validity of each claim. Try to produce a counterexample for any that are false.
(a) If every an is an upper bound for a set B, then a is also an upper bound for B.
(b) If every an is in the complement of the interval (0, 1), then a is also in the complement
of (0, 1).
(c) If every an is rational, then a is rational.
Solution
(a) True, let s = sup B, we know s ≤ an so by the order limit theorem s ≤ a meaning a is
also an upper bound on B.
(b) True, since if a ∈ (0, 1) then there would exist an ϵ-neighborhood inside (0, 1) that an
would have to fall in, contradicting the fact that an ∈/ (0, 1).
√
(c) False, consider the sequence of rational approximations to 2
Exercise 2.3.13 (Iterated Limits)

Given a doubly indexed array amn where m, n ∈ N, what should limm,n→∞ amn represent?
(a) Let amn = m/(m + n) and compute the iterated limits

lim lim amn and lim lim amn
n→∞ m→∞ m→∞ n→∞
Define limm,n→∞ amn = a to mean that for all ϵ > 0 there exists an N ∈ N such that
if both m, n ≥ N , then |amn − a| < ϵ
(b) Let amn = 1/(m + n). Does limm,n→∞ amn exist in this case? Do the two iterated
limits exist? How do these three values compare? Answer these same questions for
amn = mn/ (m2 + n2 )
(c) Produce an example where limm,n→∞ amn exists but where neither iterated limit can
be computed.
(d) Assume limm,n→∞ amn = a, and assume that for each fixed m ∈ N, limn→∞ (amn ) →
bm . Show limm→∞ bm = a
(e) Prove that if limm,n→∞ amn exists and the iterated limits both exist, then all three
limits must be equal.
Solution
(a)

m m
lim lim = 1, and lim lim =0
n→∞ m→∞ m + n m→∞ n→∞ m + n
(b) For amn = 1/(m + n) all three limits are zero. For amn = mn/(m2 + n2 ) iterated limits
are zero, and limm,n→∞ amn does not exist since for m, n ≥ N setting m = n gives
n2 1
2 2
=
n +n 2
Which cannot be made smaller then ϵ = 1/2.
The reason you would think to set m = n is in trying to maximize mn/(m2 +n2 ) notice
if m > n then mn > n2 so we are adding more to the numerator then the denominator,
hence the ratio is increasing. And if m < n then the ratio is decreasing. therefore the
maximum point is at m = n.
(c) Intuitively, in order for limm,n→∞ amn to exist, neither iterated limit can diverge to
infinity - otherwise, amn can also diverge to infinity, by holding letting the index that
causes divergence to grow while holding the other index fixed. Therefore, we must rely
on each iterated limit diverging due to oscillation.
The key additional “ability” that limm,n→∞ gives over an iterated limit is that both m
and n can be forced to grow big at the same time, whereas with an iterated limit only
one of them is forced to grow big.
Note that since iterated limits can only increase one of m and n, min{m, n} can’t
be increased indefinitely - but with limm,n→∞ , it can. Thus, the idea is to introduce
oscillation in the sequence, then use min{m, n} to cause the oscillation to die out.
Define
(−1)m+n
amn =
min{m, n}
For a fixed m, once n > m, amn will oscillate between 1/m and −1/m, and thus
limn→∞ amn does not exist. Similar reasoning shows that for a fixed n, limm→∞ amn
does not exist either. But clearly limm,n→∞ amn = 0.
(d) Choose ϵ > 0 and let 0 < ϵ′ < ϵ. We need to find N so that |bm − a| < ϵ for all m > N .
Set N such that |amn − a| < ϵ′ when n, m ≥ N . Then fix m ≥ N , I will show
|bm − a| < ϵ. apply the triangle inequality to get
|bm − a| ≤ |bm − amn | + |amn − a| ∀n ∈ N
This inequality is true for all n, we will pick n to make it strict enough to complete
the proof. Set n ≥ max{N, Nm } where Nm (dependent on m) is big enough that
|bm − amn | < ϵ − ϵ′ . We also have |amn − a| < ϵ′ since m ≥ N and n ≥ N . So finally
|bm − a| ≤ |bm − amn | + |amn − a| < (ϵ − ϵ′ ) + ϵ′ = ϵ
And we are done. The key is that we can make |bm − amn | as small as we want
independent of m, so we take the limit as n → ∞ to show |bm − a| ≤ |amn − a|.
(e) Let bm = limn→∞ (amn ), cn = limm→∞ (amn ), and a = limm,n→∞ (amn ). In (d) we showed
(bm ) → a; a similar argument shows (cn ) → a. Thus all three limits are equal to a.
2.4. THE MONOTONE CONVERGENCE THEOREM AND A FIRST LOOK AT INFINITE SERIES39
2.4 The Monotone Convergence Theorem and a First

Look at Infinite Series
Exercise 2.4.1
(a) Prove that the sequence defined by x1 = 3 and
1
xn+1 =
4 − xn
converges.
(b) Now that we know lim xn exists, explain why lim xn+1 must also exist and equal the
same value.
(c) Take the limit of each side of the recursive equation in part (a) to explicitly compute
lim xn .
Solution
(a) x2 = 1 makes me conjecture xn is monotonic. For induction suppose xn > xn+1 then
we have
1 1
4 − xn < 4 − xn+1 =⇒ > =⇒ xn+1 > xn+2
4 − xn 4 − xn+1
Thus xn is decreasing, to show xn is bounded notice xn cannot be negative since xn < 3
means xn+1 = 1/(4 − xn ) > 0. therefore by the monotone convergence theorem (xn )
converges.
(b) Clearly skipping a single term does not change what the series converges to.
(c) Since x = lim(xn ) = lim(xn+1 ) we must have

1 √
x= ⇐⇒ x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 ⇐⇒ (x − 2)2 = 3 ⇐⇒ x = 2 ± 3
4−x
√ √
2 + 3 > 3 is impossible since xn < 3 thus x = 2 − 3.
Exercise 2.4.2
(a) Consider the recursively defined sequence y1 = 1
yn+1 = 3 − yn
and set y = lim yn . Because (yn ) and (yn+1 ) have the same limit, taking the limit across
the recursive equation gives y = 3 − y. Solving for y, we conclude lim yn = 3/2 What
is wrong with this argument?
(b) This time set y1 = 1 and yn+1 = 3 − y1n . Can the strategy in (a) be applied to compute
the limit of this sequence?
Solution
(a) The sequence yn = (1, 2, 1, 2, . . . ) does not converge.
(b) Yes, yn converges by the monotone convergence theorem since 0 < yn < 3 and yn is
increasing.
Exercise 2.4.3
(a) Show that
r
√ √ √
q q
2, 2 + 2, 2+ 2+ 2, . . .
converges and find the limit.
(b) Does the sequence r q

√ √ √
q
2, 2 2, 2 2 2, . . .
converge? If so, find the limit.
Solution √ √
(a) Let x1 = 2 and xn+1 = 2 + xn clearly x2 > x1 . assuming xn+1 > xn gives
p √
2 + xn+1 > 2 + xn ⇐⇒ 2 + xn+1 > 2 + xn ⇐⇒ xn+2 > xn+1
Since xn is monotonically increasing and bounded the monotone convergence theorem

tells us (xn ) → x. Equating both sides like in 2.4.1 gives
√ 1 3
x= 2 + x ⇐⇒ x2 − x − 2 = 0 ⇐⇒ x = ±
2 2
Since x > 0 we must have x = 2.
(b) We have x1 = 21/2 and xn+1 = (2xn )1/2 . We have
xn+1 = (2xn )1/2 ≥ xn ⇐⇒ 2xn ≥ x2n ⇐⇒ 2 ≥ xn
Since x1 = 21/2 ≤ 2 induction implies xn is increasing. Now to show xn is bounded

notice that x1 ≤ 2 and if xn ≤ 2 then
2xn ≤ 4 =⇒ (2xn )1/2 ≤ 2
Now the monotone convergence theorem tells us (xn ) converges. To find the limit use
lim xn = lim xn+1 = x to get
x = (2x)1/2 =⇒ x2 = 2x =⇒ x = ±2
Since xn ≥ 0 we have x = 2.
Exercise 2.4.4
(a) In Section 1.4 we used the Axiom of Completeness (AoC) to prove the Archimedean
Property of R (Theorem 1.4.2). Show that the Monotone Convergence Theorem can
also be used to prove the Archimedean Property without making any use of AoC.
(b) Use the Monotone Convergence Theorem to supply a proof for the Nested Interval
Property (Theorem 1.4.1) that doesn’t make use of AoC.
These two results suggest that we could have used the Monotone Convergence Theorem
in place of AoC as our starting axiom for building a proper theory of the real numbers.
Solution
(a) MCT tells us (1/n) converges, obviously it must converge to zero therefore we have
|1/n − 0| = 1/n < ϵ for any ϵ, which is the Archimedean Property.
(b) We have In = [an , bn ] with an ≤ bn since In ̸= ∅. Since In+1 ⊆ In we must have
bn+1 ≤ bn and an+1 ≥ an the MCT tells us that (an ) → a and (bn ) → b. by the
Order
T Limit Theorem T we have a ≤ b since an ≤ bn , therefore a ∈ In for all n meaning
a∈ ∞ I
n=1 n and thus ∞
n=1 In ̸= ∅.
Exercise 2.4.5 (Calculating Square Roots)

Let x1 = 2, and define
1 2
xn+1 = xn +
2 xn
(a) Show that x2n is always greater than or√equal to 2 , and then use this to prove that
xn − xn+1 ≥ 0. Conclude that lim xn = 2.
√
(b) Modify the sequence (xn ) so that it converges to c.
Solution
(a) Clearly x21 ≥ 2, now procede by induction. if x2n ≥ 2 then we have
2
x2n + 2 (x2n + 2)2 (x2n + 2)2

1 1 1
x2n+1 = = ≥
4 xn 4 x2n 4 2
Now since x2n ≥ 2 we have (x2n + 2)2 ≥ 16 meaning
1 (x2n + 2)2

2
xn+1 = ≥ 2.
4 2
Now to show xn − xn+1 ≥ 0 we use xn ≥ 0

1 2
xn − xn+1 = xn − xn +
2 xn
1 1
= xn + ≥0
2 xn
Now we know (xn ) → x converges by MCT, to show x2 = 2 we equate xn = xn+1 (true
in the limit since |xn − xn+1 | becomes arbitrarily small)

1 2 1
x= x+ ⇐⇒ x2 = x2 + 1 ⇐⇒ x2 = 2
2 x 2
√ √
therefore x = ± 2, and since every xn is positive x = 2.
(b) Let
1 c
xn+1 = xn +
2 xn
I won’t go through the convergence analysis again, but the only fixed point is
1 c 1 1
x= x+ =⇒ x2 = c =⇒ x2 = c
2 x 2 2
So if xn converges, it must converge to x2 = c.
Exercise 2.4.6 (Arithmetic-Geometric Mean)

√
(a) Explain why xy ≤ (x + y)/2 for any two positive real numbers x and y. (The
geometric mean is always less than the arithmetic mean.)
(b) Now let 0 ≤ x1 ≤ y1 and define

√ xn + y n
xn+1 = xn yn and yn+1 =
2
Show lim xn and lim yn both exist and are equal.
Solution
(a) We have
√
xy ≤ (x + y)/2 ⇐⇒ 4xy ≤ x2 + 2xy + y 2 ⇐⇒ 0 ≤ (x − y)2
(b) The only fixed point is xn = yn so we only need to show both sequences converge.
The inequality x1 ≤ y1 is always true since
√ xn + y n
x n yn ≤ =⇒ xn+1 ≤ yn+1
2
√
Also xn ≤ yn implies (xn + yn )/2 = yn+1 ≤ yn , similarly xn yn = xn+1 ≥ xn meaning
both sequences converge by the monotone convergence theorem.
Exercise 2.4.7 (Limit Superior)

Let (an ) be a bounded sequence.
(a) Prove that the sequence defined by yn = sup {ak : k ≥ n} converges.
(b) The limit superior of (an ), or lim sup an , is defined by
lim sup an = lim yn
where yn is the sequence from part (a) of this exercise. Provide a reasonable definition
for lim inf an and briefly explain why it always exists for any bounded sequence.
(c) Prove that lim inf an ≤ lim sup an for every bounded sequence, and give an example of
a sequence for which the inequality is strict.
(d) Show that lim inf an = lim sup an if and only if lim an exists. In this case, all three
share the same value.
Solution
(a) (yn ) is decreasing and converges by the monotone convergence theorem.
(b) Define lim inf an = lim zn for zn = inf{an : k ≥ n}. zn converges since it is increasing
and bounded.
(c) Obviously inf{ak : k ≥ n} ≤ sup{an : k ≥ n} so by the Order Limit Theorem
lim inf an ≤ lim sup an .
(d) If lim inf an = lim sup an then the squeeze theorem (Exercise 2.3.3) implies an converges
to the same value, since inf{ak≥n } ≤ an ≤ sup{ak≥n }.
Exercise 2.4.8
For each series, find an explicit formula for the sequence of partial sums and determine if
the series converges.
P∞ 1
(a) n=1 2n
P∞ 1
(b) n=1 n(n+1)
P∞ n+1

(c) n=1 log n
(In (c), log(x) refers to the natural logarithm function from calculus.)
Solution
(a) This is a geometric series, we can use the usual trick to derive sn . Let r = 1/2 for
convenience
sn = 1 + r + r 2 + · · · + r n
rsn = r + r2 + · · · + rn+1
rn+1 − 1
rsn − sn = rn+1 − 1 =⇒ sn =
r−1
This is the formula when n starts at zero, but the sum in question starts at one so we
subtract the first term to correct this
∞ ∞
X 1 X 1 (1/2)n+1 − 1 −1
= −1 + = −1 + lim = −1 + =1
n=1
2n n=0
2n n→∞ 1/2 − 1 −1/2
(b) We can use partial fractions to get

1 1 1
= −
n(n + 1) n n+1
Which gives us a telescoping series, most of the terms cancel and we get
1
sn = 1 −
n+1
Therefor ∞
X 1 1
= lim 1 − =1
n=1
n(n + 1) n→∞ n+1
(c) Another telescoping series, since

n+1
log = log(n + 1) − log(n)
n
therefore most of the terms cancel and we get
sn = log(n + 1)
Which doesn’t converge.
Exercise 2.4.9
proof of Theorem 2.4.6 by showing that if the series ∞ n
P
Complete
Pthe n=0 2 b2n diverges, then
∞
so does n=1 bn . Example 2.4.5 may be a useful reference.
Solution
Let sn = b1 + b2 + · · · + bn and tk = b1 + 2b2 + · · · + 2k b2k .
We want to show sn is unbounded, first we find a series similar to tk that is less then sn ,
then rewrite it in terms of tk .
Let n = 2k so things match up nicely. We get
sn = b1 + b2 + (b3 + b4 ) + · · · + (b2k−1 + · · · + b2k )
≤ b1 + b2 + (b4 + b4 ) + · · · + 2k−1 b2k
(Notice there are 2k − 2k−1 = 2k−1 terms in the last term)
Now define t′k to be our new series b1 + b2 + 2b4 + 4b8 + · · · + 2k−1 b2k . This looks a lot
like tk , and in fact some algebra gives
1 1 1 1
t′k = b1 + 2b2 + 4b4 + · · · + 2k bk + b1 = tk + b1
2 2 2 2
therefore we are justified in writing
1
sn ≥ t′k ≥ tk
2
And since tk /2 diverges and sn is bigger, sn must also diverge.
Summary: sn converges iff tk conv since tk ≥ sn ≥ tk /2 for n = 2k .
Exercise 2.4.10 (Infinite Products)
A close relative of infinite series is the infinite product
∞
Y
bn = b1 b2 b3 · · ·
n=1
which is understood in terms of its sequence of partial products

m
Y
pm = bn = b1 b2 b3 · · · bm
n=1
Consider the special class of infinite products of the form

∞
Y
(1 + an ) = (1 + a1 ) (1 + a2 ) (1 + a3 ) · · · , where an ≥ 0
n=1
(a) Find an explicit formula for the sequence of partial products in the case where an = 1/n
and decide whether the sequence converges. Write out the first few terms in the
sequence of partial products in the case where an = 1/n2 and make a conjecture about
the convergence of this sequence.
(b) Show, in general, that the sequence of partial products converges if and only if ∞
P
n=1 an
x
converges. (The inequality 1 + x ≤ 3 for positive x will be useful in one direction.)
Solution
(a) This is a telescoping product, most of the terms cancel
m m
Y Y n+1 2 3 4 m+1
pm = (1 + 1/n) = = · · ··· =m+1
n=1 n=1
n 1 2 2 m
therefore (pm ) diverges.

In the cast an = 1/n2 we get
∞ ∞
Y
2
Y 1 + n2 2 5 10
(1 + 1/n ) = = · · ···
n=1 n=1
n2 1 4 9
The growth seems slower, I conjecture it converges now.
(b) Using the inequality suggested we have 1 + an ≤ 3an letting sm = a1 + · · · + am we get
pm = (1 + a1 ) · · · (1 + am ) ≤ 3a1 3a2 · · · 3am = 3sm
Now if sm converges it is bounded by some M meaning pm is bounded by 3M . and

because an ≥ 0 the partial products pm are increasing, so they converge by the MCT.
This shows sm converging implies pm converges.
For the other direction suppose pm → p. Distributing inside the products gives p2 =
a1 + a2 + 1 + a1 a2 > s2 and in general pm > sm implying that if pm is bounded then sn
is bounded aswell. This completes the proof.
Summary: Convergence is if and only if because sm ≤ pm ≤ 3sm .
(By the way the inequality 1 + x ≤ 3x can be derived from log(1 + x) ≤ x implying
1 + x ≤ ex , I assume abbott rounded up to 3.)
2.5 Subsequences and the Bolzano–Weierstrass Theo-

rem
Exercise 2.5.1
Give an example of each of the following, or argue that such a request is impossible.
(a) A sequence that has a subsequence that is bounded but contains no subsequence that
converges.
(b) A sequence that does not contain 0 or 1 as a term but contains subsequences converging
to each of these values.
(c) A sequence that contains subsequences converging to every point in the infinite set
{1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, . . .}.
(d) A sequence that contains subsequences converging to every point in the infinite set
{1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, . . .}, and no subsequences converging to points outside of this
set.
Solution
(a) Impossible, the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem tells us a convergent subsequence of that
subsequence exists, and that sub-sub sequence is also a subsequence of the original
sequence.
(b) (1 + 1/n) → 1 and (1/n) → 0 so (1/2, 1 + 1/2, 1/3, 1 + 1/3, . . . ) has subsequences
converging to 0 and 1.
(c) Copy the finitely many previous terms before proceeding to a new term
(1, 1/2, 1, 1/3, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1, 1/2, 1/3, . . . )
The sequence contains infinitely many terms in {1, 1/2, 1/3, . . . } hence subsequences
exist converging to each of these values.
(d) Impossible, the sequence must converge to zero which is not in the set.
Proof: Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary, pick N large enough that 1/n < ϵ/2 for n > N . We
can find a subsequence (bm ) → 1/n meaning |bm − 1/n| < ϵ/2 for some m. using the
triangle inequality we get
|bm − 0| ≤ |bn − 1/n| + |1/n − 0| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
therefore we have found a number bm in the sequence am with |bm | < ϵ. This process can
be repeated for any ϵ therefore a sequence which converges to zero can be constructed.
Exercise 2.5.2
Decide whether the following propositions are true or false, providing a short justification
for each conclusion.
(a) If every proper subsequence of (xn ) converges, then (xn ) converges as well.
2.5. SUBSEQUENCES AND THE BOLZANO–WEIERSTRASS THEOREM 47
(b) If (xn ) contains a divergent subsequence, then (xn ) diverges.

(c) If (xn ) is bounded and diverges, then there exist two subsequences of (xn ) that converge
to different limits.
(d) If (xn ) is monotone and contains a convergent subsequence, then (xn ) converges.
Solution
(a) True, removing the first term gives us the proper subsequence (x2 , x3 , . . . ) which con-
verges. This implies (x1 , x2 , . . . ) also converges to the same value, since discarding the
first term doesn’t change the limit behavior of a sequence.
(b) True, the divergent subsequence is unbounded, hence (xn ) is also unbounded and di-
vergent.
(c) True, since xn is bounded lim sup xn and lim inf xn both converge. And since xn diverges
Exercise 2.4.7 tells us lim sup xn ̸= lim inf xn .
(d) True, The subsequence (xnk ) converges meaning it is bounded |xnk | ≤ M . Suppose (xn )
is increasing, then xn is bounded since picking k so that nk > n we have xn ≤ xnk ≤ M .
A similar argument applies if xn is decreasing, therefore xn is monotonic bounded and
so must converge.
Exercise 2.5.3
(a) Prove that if an infinite series converges, then the associative property holds. Assume
a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + a5 + · · · converges to a limit L (i.e., the sequence of partial sums
(sn ) → L). Show that any regrouping of the terms
(a1 + a2 + · · · + an1 ) + (an1 +1 + · · · + an2 ) + (an2 +1 + · · · + an3 ) + · · ·
leads to a series that also converges to L.

(b) Compare this result to the example discussed at the end of Section 2.1 where infinite
addition was shown not to be associative. Why doesn’t our proof in (a) apply to this
example?
Solution
(a) Let sn be the original partial sums, and let s′m be the regrouping. Since s′m is a
subsequence of sn , (sn ) → s implies (s′m ) → s.
(b) The subsequence s′m = (1 − 1) + · · · = 0 converging does not imply the parent sequence
sn converges. In fact BW tells us any bounded sequence of partial sums will have a
convergent subsequence (regrouping in this case).
Exercise 2.5.4
The Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem is extremely important, and so is the strategy employed
in the proof. To gain some more experience with this technique, assume the Nested Interval
Property is true and use it to provide a proof of the Axiom of Completeness. To prevent
the argument from being circular, assume also that (1/2n ) → 0. (Why precisely is this last
assumption needed to avoid circularity?)
Solution
Let A be a bounded set, we’re basically going to binary search for sup A and then use NIP
to prove the limit exists.
Let M be an upper bound on A, and pick any L ∈ A as our starting lower bound for
sup A and define I1 = [L, M ]. Doing binary search gives In+1 ⊆ In with length proportional
to (1/2)n . Applying the Nested Interval Property gives
∞
\
In ̸= ∅
n=1
As the length (1/2)n goes to zero, there is a single s ∈ ∞

T
n=1 In which must be the least upper
bound since In = [Ln , Mn ] gives Ln ≤ x ≤ Mn for all n meaning s = sup A since
(i) s ≥ Ln implies s is an upper bound
(ii) s ≤ Mn implies s is the least upper bound
The assumption that (1/2n ) → 0 is necessary because otherwise, we would need to

invoke the Archimedian Property (Theorem 1.4.2), which is proved using the Axiom of
Completeness.
Exercise 2.5.5
Assume (an ) is a bounded sequence with the property that every convergent subsequence of
(an ) converges to the same limit a ∈ R. Show that (an ) must converge to a.
Solution
(a2 , a3 , . . . ) Is a convergent subsequence, so obviously if (a2 , a3 , . . . ) → a then (an ) → a also.
Exercise 2.5.6
Use a similar strategy to the one in Example 2.5.3 to show lim b1/n exists for all b ≥ 0 and
find the value of the limit. (The results in Exercise 2.3.1 may be assumed.)
Solution
To show b1/n is monotone bounded consider two cases (I won’t prove each rigorously to avoid
clutter, you can if you want)
(i) If b > 1 then b1/n is decreasing, and bounded b1/n > 1 ⇐⇒ b > 1n (raise both to n)
(ii) If b < 1 then b1/n is increasing, and bounded b1/n < 1 ⇐⇒ b < 1n (raise both to n)
therefore b1/n converges for each b ≥ 0 by the monotone convergence theorem. to find the
limit equate terms
n+1
b1/(n+1) = b1/n =⇒ b = b n = b1+1/n Raise both to (n + 1)th power
=⇒ 1 = b1/n Divide by b, this assumes b ̸= 0
Thus lim b1/n = 1 if b ̸= 0, if b = 0 then lim b1/n = 0.

2.5. SUBSEQUENCES AND THE BOLZANO–WEIERSTRASS THEOREM 49
Exercise 2.5.7
Extend the result proved in Example 2.5.3 to the case |b| < 1; that is, show lim (bn ) = 0 if
and only if −1 < b < 1.
Solution
If |b| ≥ 1 then lim(bn ) ̸= 0 (diverges for b ̸= 1).
Now for the other direction, if |b| < 1 we immediately get |bn | < 1 thus bn is bounded.
Since it is decreasing the monotone convergence theorem implies it converges. To find the
limit equating terms bn+1 = bn gives b = 0 or b = 1, since b is strictly decreasing we have
b = 0.
Exercise 2.5.8
Another way to prove the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem is to show that every sequence
contains a monotone subsequence. A useful device in this endeavor is the notion of a peak
term. Given a sequence (xn ), a particular term xm is a peak term if no later term in the
sequence exceeds it; i.e., if xm ≥ xn for all n ≥ m.
(a) Find examples of sequences with zero, one, and two peak terms. Find an example of
a sequence with infinitely many peak terms that is not monotone.
(b) Show that every sequence contains a monotone subsequence and explain how this
furnishes a new proof of the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem.
Solution
(a) (1, 2, . . . ) has zero peak terms, (1, 0, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, . . . ) has a single peak term, (2, 1, 1/2, 2/3, . . . )
has two peak terms (a similar argument works for k peak terms) and (1, 1/2, 1/3, . . . )
has infinitely many peak terms. The sequence (1, −1/2, 1/3, −1/4, . . . ) has infinitely
many peak terms, but is not monotone.
(b) Note that the (possibly finite) sequence of peak terms is monotonic decreasing. There
are two possibilities - either there are infinitely many peak terms, or only finitely many.
If there are infinitely many peak terms, simply take the subsequence of peak terms; if
the parent sequence is bounded we have found a subsequence which converges (by the
Monotone Convergence Theorem), hence proving BW in this case.
If there are finitely many peak terms, let the last peak term be at position k. Consider
the terms after the last peak term. Since after this point there are no more peak terms,
then for every term xn there must be at least one term xm ≥ xn where m > n > k.
Therefore we can define the monotone subsequence x′ as x′1 = xk+1 , x′n as the first term
after x′n−1 such that x′n > x′n−1 . By MCT this subsequence converges, hence proving
BW in this case as well.
Exercise 2.5.9
Let (an ) be a bounded sequence, and define the set
S = {x ∈ R : x < an for infinitely many terms an }
Show that there exists a subsequence (ank ) converging to s = sup S. (This is a direct proof
of the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem using the Axiom of Completeness.)
Solution
For every ϵ > 0 there exists an x ∈ S with x > s − ϵ implying |s − x| < ϵ. therefore we can
get arbitrarily close to s = sup S so there is a subsequence converging to this value.
To make this more rigorous, pick xn ∈ S such that |xn − s| < 1/n then pick N > 1/ϵ to
get |xn − s| < ϵ for all n > N .
2.6. THE CAUCHY CRITERION 51
2.6 The Cauchy Criterion

Exercise 2.6.1
Prove every convergent sequence is a Cauchy sequence. (Theorem 2.6.2)
Solution
Suppose (xn ) is convergent, we must show that for m, n > N we have |xn − xm | < ϵ
Set |xn − x| < ϵ/2 for n > N .
We get |xn − xm | ≤ |xn − x| + |x − xm | ≤ ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
Exercise 2.6.2
Give an example of each of the following, or argue that such a request is impossible.
(a) A Cauchy sequence that is not monotone.
(b) A Cauchy sequence with an unbounded subsequence.
(c) A divergent monotone sequence with a Cauchy subsequence.
(d) An unbounded sequence containing a subsequence that is Cauchy.
Solution
(a) xn = (−1)n /n is Cauchy by Theorem 2.6.2.
(b) Impossible since all Cauchy sequences converge and are therefore bounded.
(c) Impossible, if a subsequence was Cauchy it would converge, implying the subsequence
would be bounded and therefore the parent sequence would be bounded (because it is
monotone) and thus would converge.
(d) (2, 1/2, 3, 1/3, . . . ) has subsequence (1/2, 1/3, . . . ) which is Cauchy.
Exercise 2.6.3
If (xn ) and (yn ) are Cauchy sequences, then one easy way to prove that (xn + yn ) is Cauchy
is to use the Cauchy Criterion. By Theorem 2.6.4, (xn ) and (yn ) must be convergent, and
the Algebraic Limit Theorem then implies (xn + yn ) is convergent and hence Cauchy.
(a) Give a direct argument that (xn + yn ) is a Cauchy sequence that does not use the
Cauchy Criterion or the Algebraic Limit Theorem.
(b) Do the same for the product (xn yn ).
Solution
(a) We have |(xn + yn ) − (xm + ym )| ≤ |xn − xm | + |yn − ym | < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
(b) Bound |xn | ≤ M1 , and |yn | ≤ M2 then
|xn yn − xm ym | = |(xn yn − xn ym ) + (xn ym − xm ym )|
≤ |xn (yn − ym )| + |ym (xn − xm )|
≤ M1 |yn − ym | + M2 |xn − xm |
< ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
After setting |yn − ym | < ϵ/(2M1 ) and |xn − xm | < ϵ/(2M2 ).
Exercise 2.6.4
Let (an ) and (bn ) be Cauchy sequences. Decide whether each of the following sequences is a
Cauchy sequence, justifying each conclusion.
(a) cn = |an − bn |
(b) cn = (−1)n an
(c) cn = [[an ]], where [[x]] refers to the greatest integer less than or equal to x.
Solution
(a) Yes. Note that by the Triangle Inequality,
|an −am |+|bm −bn |+|am −bm | ≥ |an −bn | ⇒ |an −am |+|bm −bn | ≥ |an −bn |−|bm −am |
and
|am −an |+|bn −bm |+|an −bm | ≥ |am −bm | ⇒ |an −am |+|bm −bn | ≥ |am −bm |−|bn −an |
therefore

|cn − cm | = |an − bn | − |am − bm | ≤ |an − am | + |bm − bn | < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
(b) No, if an = 1 then (−1)n an diverges, and thus is not Cauchy.
(c) No, if an = 1−(−1)n /n then [[an ]] fluctuates between 0 and 1 and so cannot be Cauchy.
Exercise 2.6.5
Consider the following (invented) definition: A sequence (sn ) is pseudo-Cauchy if, for all
ϵ > 0, there exists an N such that if n ≥ N , then |sn+1 − sn | < ϵ
Decide which one of the following two propositions is actually true. Supply a proof for
the valid statement and a counterexample for the other.
(i) Pseudo-Cauchy sequences are bounded.
(ii) If (xn ) and (yn ) are pseudo-Cauchy, then (xn + yn ) is pseudo-Cauchy as well.
Solution
(i) False, consider sn = log n. clearly |sn+1 − sn | can be made arbitrarily small but sn is
unbounded.
(ii) True, as |(xn+1 + yn+1 ) − (xn + yn )| ≤ |xn+1 − xn | + |yn+1 − yn | < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ.
Exercise 2.6.6
Let’s call a sequence (an ) quasi-increasing if for all ϵ > 0 there exists an N such that whenever
n > m ≥ N it follows that an > am − ϵ
(a) Give an example of a sequence that is quasi-increasing but not monotone or eventually
monotone.
2.6. THE CAUCHY CRITERION 53
(b) Give an example of a quasi-increasing sequence that is divergent and not monotone or
eventually monotone.
(c) Is there an analogue of the Monotone Convergence Theorem for quasiincreasing se-
quences? Give an example of a bounded, quasi-increasing sequence that doesn’t con-
verge, or prove that no such sequence exists.
Solution
Think of “quasi-increasing” as “eventually the n’th term will be almost smaller then all
terms after it”
(a) an = (−1)n /n is quasi-increasing since (−1)m /m − (−1)n /n ≤ 1/m + 1/n < 2/N < ϵ
after picking some N > 2/ϵ.
(b) an = (2, 2 − 1/2, 3, 3 − 1/3, . . . ) is quasi-increasing. Let ϵ > 0 and set N > 1/ϵ, for
n > m ≥ N consider two cases We have an > am as long as an ̸= m − 1/m. If
an = m − 1/m then an > am − ϵ since m − 1/m > m − ϵ as 1/m < ϵ.
(c) Suppose (an ) is quasi-increasing and bounded and let ϵ > 0.
Let N1 be large enough that n > m ≥ N1 implies an > am − ϵ.
Since (an ) is bounded we can set s = sup an applying Lemma 1.3.8 tells us there exists
an N > N1 such that aN > s − ϵ.
Now for all n > N we have an > aN − ϵ, and since aN > s − ϵ we have an > s − 2ϵ.
This completes the proof as s ≥ an > s − 2ϵ implies |an − s| < 2ϵ for all n ≥ N , thus
s = lim an .
Exercise 2.6.7
Exercises 2.4.4 and 2.5.4 establish the equivalence of the Axiom of Completeness and the
Monotone Convergence Theorem. They also show the Nested Interval Property is equivalent
to these other two in the presence of the Archimedean Property.
(a) Assume the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem is true and use it to construct a proof of
the Monotone Convergence Theorem without making any appeal to the Archimedean
Property. This shows that BW, AoC, and MCT are all equivalent.
(b) Use the Cauchy Criterion to prove the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem, and find the
point in the argument where the Archimedean Property is implicitly required. This
establishes the final link in the equivalence of the five characterizations of completeness
discussed at the end of Section 2.6.
(c) How do we know it is impossible to prove the Axiom of Completeness starting from
the Archimedean Property?
Solution
(a) Suppose (xn ) is increasing and bounded, BW tells us there exists a convergent subse-
quence (xnk ) → x, We will show (xn ) → x. First note xk ≤ xnk implies xn ≤ x by the
Order Limit Theorem.
Pick K such that for k ≥ K we have |xnk − x| < ϵ. Since (xn ) is increasing and xn ≤ x
every n ≥ nK satisfies |xn − x| < ϵ as well. Thus (xn ) converges, completing the proof.
(b) We’re basically going to use the Cauchy criterion as a replacement for NIP in the proof
of BW. Recall we had In+1 ⊆ In with ank ∈ Ik , we will show ank is Cauchy.
The length of Ik is M (1/2)k−1 by construction, so clearly |ank − anj | < M (1/2)N −1 for
k, j ≥ N , implying (ank ) converges by the Cauchy criterion.
We needed the Archimedean Property to conclude M (1/2)N −1 ∈ Q can be made
smaller then any ϵ ∈ R+ .
(c) The Archimedean Property is true for Q meaning it cannot prove AoC which is only
true for R. (If we did, then we would have proved AoC for Q which is obviously false.)
2.7. PROPERTIES OF INFINITE SERIES 55
2.7 Properties of Infinite Series

Exercise 2.7.1
Proving the Alternating Series Test (Theorem 2.7.7) amounts to showing that the sequence
of partial sums
s n = a1 − a2 + a3 − · · · ± an
converges. (The opening example in Section 2.1 includes a typical illustration of (sn ).)
Different characterizations of completeness lead to different proofs.
(a) Prove the Alternating Series Test by showing that (sn ) is a Cauchy sequence.
(b) Supply another proof for this result using the Nested Interval Property (Theorem
1.4.1).
(c) Consider the subsequences (s2n ) and (s2n+1 ), and show how the Monotone Convergence
Theorem leads to a third proof for the Alternating Series Test.
Solution
(a) Let N ∈ N be even and let n ≥ N . because the series is alternating we have
sN ≤ sn ≤ sN +1
Obviously |sN +1 − sN | = |aN | can be made as small as we like by increasing N , setting

N large enough to make |aN | < ϵ/2 gives
|sm − sn | ≤ |sm − sN | + |sN − sn | < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
Which shows (sn ) is Cauchy, and hence converges by the Cauchy Criterion.
(b) Let I1 be the interval [a1 − a2 , a1 ] and in general In = [an − an+1 , an ], since (an ) is
decreasing we have In+1 ⊆ In . Applying the nested interval property gives
∞
\
In ̸= ∅
n=1
Let x ∈ ∞
T
n=1 In , since an ∈ In and x ∈ In the distance |an − x| must be less then the
length |In |. and since the length goes to zero |an − x| can be made less then any ϵ.
(c) If we can show lim s2n = lim s2n+1 = s that will imply lim sn = s since each sn is either
in (s2n+1 ) or in (s2n ) as n is must be even or odd.
We have s2n+1 ≤ a1 since
s2n+1 = a1 − (a2 − a3 ) − · · · − (a2n − a2n+1 ) ≤ a1
Thus s2n+1 → s by the Monotone Convergence Theorem, to show (s2n ) → s notice

s2n = s2n+1 − a2n+1 with (a2n+1 ) → 0 meaning we can use the triangle inequality
|s2n − s| ≤ |s2n − s2n+1 | +|s2n+1 − s| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 < ϵ

| {z }
a2n+1
Thus (s2n ) → s aswell finally implying (sn ) → s.

Summary: Partition the alternating series into two subsequences of partial sums,
then use MCT to show they both converge to the same limit.
Exercise 2.7.2
Decide whether each of the following series converges or diverges:
P∞ 1
(a) n=1 2n +n
P∞ sin(n)
(b) n=1 n2
(c) 1 − 43 + 46 − 85 + 6
10
− 7
12
+ ···
(d) 1 + 12 − 13 + 14 + 15 − 61 + 17 + 18 − 19 + · · ·
1
(e) 1 − 22
+ 13 − 1
42
+ 51 − 1
62
+ 17 − 1
82
+ ···
Solution
(a) Converges by a comparison test with ∞ 1
P
n=1 2n
.
P∞ 1
(b) Converges by a comparison test with n=1 n2
.
(c) Diverges since (n + 1)/2n = 1/2 + 1/2n never gets smaller then 1/2.
(d) Grouping terms gives

1 1 1 1
+ − ≥
n n+1 n+2 n
Which shows the subsequence (s3n ) diverges (via comparison test with the harmonic
series) hence (sn ) also diverge.
(e) Intuitively this should diverge since it is a mixture of 1/n (divergent) and 1/n2 (con-
vergent). To make this rigorous examine the subsequence (s2n )
s2n = 1 − 1/22 + 1/3 − 1/42 + · · · + 1/(2n)2

Pn 1
and vn = nk=1 (2k)
1
P
Let tn = k=1 2k−1 2 so s2n = tn − vn .
A comparison test with the harmonic series (after some manipulation) shows that (tn )
diverges, and p-series tells us (vn ) converges. Therefore their difference s2n = tn − vn
must diverge, which implies (sn ) diverges as desired.
Exercise 2.7.3
(a) Provide the details for the proof of the Comparison Test (Theorem 2.7.4) using the
Cauchy Criterion for Series.
(b) Give another proof for the Comparison Test, this time using the Monotone Convergence
Theorem.
Solution
Suppose an , bn ≥ 0, an ≤ bn and define sn = a1 + · · · + an , tn = b1 + · · · + bn .
(a) We have |am+1 + · · · + an | ≤ |bm+1 + · · · + bn | < ϵ implying ∞

P
n=1 an converges by the
Cauchy criterion. The other direction is analogous, if (sn ) diverges then (tn ) must also
diverge since sn ≤ tn .
(b) Since (tn ) → t. This implies that sn is bounded, and since sn ≤ tn implies sn ≤ t by
the order limit theorem, we can use the monotone convergence theorem to conclude
(sn ) converges.
Exercise 2.7.4
Give an example of each or explain why the request is impossible referencing the proper
theorem(s).
P P P
(a) Two series xn and yn that both diverge but where xn yn converges.
P P
(b) A convergent series xn and a bounded sequence (yn ) such that xn yn diverges.
P P P
(c) Two sequences (xn ) and (yn ) where xn and (xn + yn ) both converge but yn
diverges.
(d) A sequence (xn ) satisfying 0 ≤ xn ≤ 1/n where (−1)n xn diverges.

P
Solution
1/n2
P P
(a) xn = 1/n and yn = 1/n have their respective series diverge, but xn y n =
converges since it is a p-series with p > 1.
(b) Let xn = (−1)n /n and yn = (−1)n .

P P P
xn converges but xn yn = 1/n diverges.
P P P
(c) Impossible as the algebraic limit theorem for series implies (xn + yn ) − xn = yn
converges.
(d) The sequence (

1
if n even
n
xn =
0 otherwise
diverges for the same reason the harmonic series does.
Exercise 2.7.5 P
Prove the series ∞ p
n=1 1/n converges if and only if p > 1. (Corollary 2.4.7)
Solution
Eventually we have 1/np < 1/pn P
for p > 1 (polynomial vs exponential) meaning we can use
the comparison test to conclude ∞ p
n=1 1/n converges if p > 1.
Now suppose p ≤ 1, since 1/np ≤ 1/n a comparsion test with the harmonic series implies
p ≤ 1 diverges.
Exercise 2.7.6
Let’s say that a series subverges if the sequence of partial sums contains a subsequence that
converges. Consider this (invented) definition for a moment, and then decide which of the
following statements are valid propositions about subvergent series:
P
(a) If (an ) is bounded, then an subverges.
(b) All convergent series are subvergent.

P P
(c) If |an | subverges, then an subverges as well.
P
(d) If an subverges, then (an ) has a convergent subsequence.
Solution
(a) False, consider an = 1 then sn = n does not have a convergent subsequence.
(b) True, every subsequence converges to the same limit in fact.
(c) True, since sn = nk=1 |ak | converges it is bounded |sn | ≤ M , and since tn = nk=1 ak
P P
is smaller tn ≤ sn it is bounded tn ≤ M which by BW implies there exists a convergent
subsequence (tnk ).
(d) False, an = (1, −1, 2, −2, . . . ) has no convergent subsequence but the sum sn = nk=1 ak
P
has the subsequence (s2n ) → 0.
Exercise 2.7.7 P
(a) Show that if an > 0 and lim (nan ) = l with l ̸= 0, then the series an diverges.
(b) Assume an > 0 and lim (n2 an ) exists. Show that

P
an converges.
Solution
Note: This is kind of like a wierd way to do a comparison with 1/n and 1/n2 .
(a) If lim(nan ) = l ̸= 0 then nan ∈ (l − ϵ, l + ϵ), setting P
ϵ = l/2 gives nan ∈ (l/2, 3l/2)
implying an > (l/2)(1/n). But if an > (l/2)(1/n) then an diverges as it is a multiple
of the harmonic series. (note that an > 0 ensures l ≥ 0.)
(b) Letting l = lim(n2 an ) we have nP

2
an ∈ (l − ϵ, l + ϵ) setting ϵ = l gives n2 aP
n ∈ (0, 2l)
2
implying 0 ≤ an ≤ 2l/n and so an converges by a comparsion test with 2l/n2 .
Exercise 2.7.8
Consider each of the following propositions. Provide short proofs for those that are true and
counterexamples for any that are not.
P P 2
(a) If an converges absolutely, then an also converges absolutely.
P P
(b) If an converges and (bn ) converges, then an bn converges.
P P 2
(c) If an converges conditionally, then n an diverges.
Solution
(a) True sinceP(an ) → 0 so eventually a2n ≤ |an | meaning
P 2
an converges by a comparsion
test with |an |.
√ √
(−1)n / nPand bn = (−1)n / n.
P
(b) False, let an = P an converges by the alternating
series test, but an bn = 1/n diverges.
(c) True, suppose (n2 an ) converges, since (n2 an ) → 0 we have |n2 an | < 1 for n > N ,
implying |an | < 1/n2 . But if |an | < 1/n2 then a comparsion test with 1/n2 implies
an converges
P absolutely, contradicting the assumption that an converges conditionally.
Therefore n2 an must diverge.
Exercise 2.7.9P(Ratio Test)

Given a series ∞
n=1 an with an ̸= 0, the Ratio Test states that if (an ) satisfies

an+1
lim =r<1
an
then the series converges absolutely.
(a) Let r′ satisfy r < r′ < 1. Explain why there exists an N such that n ≥ N implies
|an+1 | ≤ |an | r′ .
(b) Why does |aN | (r′ )n converge?

P
P P
(c) Now, show that |an | converges, and conclude that an converges.
Solution
(a) We are given
an+1

an − r <ϵ

Since 1 > r′ > r we can set ϵ = r′ − r meaning the neighborhood
an+1
∈ (r − ϵ, r + ϵ) = (2r − r′ , r′ )
an
Is all less then r′ meaning

an+1 ′ ′
an ≤ r =⇒ |an+1 | ≤ r |an |

(b) Let N be large enough that for n > N we have |an+1 | ≤ |an |r′ . Applying this multiple
times gives |an | ≤ (r′ )n−N |aN | which gives
|aN | + |aN +1 | + · · · + |an | ≤ |aN | + r′ |aN | + · · · + (r′ )n−N |aN |
Factoring out |aN | and writing with sums gives

n
X n−1
X
|ak | ≤ |aN | (r′ )k
k=N k=0
Which converges asPn → ∞ since |r′ | < 1 and |aN | is constant. Implying nk=N |ak |
P
converges and thus nk=1 |ak | also converges since we only omitted finitely many terms.
(c) See (b)

Exercise 2.7.10 (Infinite Products)

Review Exercise 2.4.10 about infinite products and then answer the following questions:
2
(a) Does 1
· 23 · 45 · 98 · 17
16
· · · converge?
1 3 5 7 9
(b) The infinite product 2
· 4
· 6
· 8
· 10
· · · certainly converges. (Why?) Does it converge
to zero?
(c) In 1655, John Wallis famously derived the formula

2·2 4·4 6·6 8·8 π
··· =
1·3 3·5 5·7 7·9 2
Show that the left side of this identity at least converges to something. (A complete
proof of this result is taken up in Section 8.3.)
Solution
(a) Rewriting the terms asPan = (1 + 1/n) and using the result from 2.4.10 implies the
product diverges since 1/n diverges.
(b) Converges by the monotone convergence theorem since the partial products are de-
creasing and greater then zero. To show that the product converges to zero, the key
insight is to rewrite each term an = (2n − 1)/(2n) = 1/(2n/(2n − 1)) = 1/bn , where
bn = 2n/(2n − 1). Then the partial products
n
Y 1
pn = an = Q n
i=1 i=1 bn
But
n n
Y Y 1
bn = 1+
i=1 i=1
2n − 1
P
and since
Q 1/(2n − 1) diverges by comparison against a multiple of the harmonic
Qn exists some N so that n ≥ N implies pn < ϵ,
series, bn diverges. Thus, to show there
simply take N large enough so that i=1 bn > 1/ϵ.
(c) In compontent form we have
(2n)2 (2n)2 (2n)2 − ((2n)2 − 1) 1

an = = 2
= 1 + 2
=1+
(2n − 1)(2n + 1) (2n) − 1 (2n) − 1 (2n)2 − 1
1/((2n)2 − 1) converges by a comparison test with 1/n2 , exercise 2.4.10

P
And since
implies
∞
Y 1
1+
n=1
(2n)2 − 1
also converges.
Exercise 2.7.11 P P P
Find examples of two series an and bn both of which diverge but for which min {an , bn }
converges. To make it more challenging, produce examples where (an ) and (bn ) are strictly
positive and decreasing.
Solution
Let mn = min{an , bn }. Clearly (mn ) must take an infiniteP amount Pof (an ) and (bn ) terms,
as otherwise removing the finite terms would imply one of an or bn converged.
The key insight is that as long as an , bn > 0, we can simply repeat terms in one sequence
(while letting mn be governed by the other sequence) for as long as we want - say, until we
have enough terms to e.g. sum to 1. Then we can switch the roles of the sequences. To start
with the construction, take some converging series with all terms positive - say, mn = 1/2n .
Then, define the first few terms of mn , an , and bn as:
11
n 1 2 3 [4, 4 + 8 = 12) [12, 12 + 211 ) [12 + 211 , 12 + 211 + 212+2 )
mn 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/2n 1/2n 1/2n
min{an , bn } an bn bn an bn an
n 11
an 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2n
11
bn 1 1/4 1/8 1/8 1/2n 1/212+2
Specifically, min{an , bn } will alternate between following an and bn . Every “block” of the
sequence (examples: each of the last three columns) that isn’t being followed by min{an , bn }
sums to 1. SincePeach block P is finite, min{an , bn } will alternate between an and bn infinitely,
and thus both an and bn will diverge.
For the sake of completeness, an and bn are defined more formally below. Let k1 = 1,
kn = kn−1 + 2kn−1 −1 . Then
( (
1/2n if k2p−1 ≤ n < k2p 1/2n if k2p ≤ n < k2p+1
an = and b n =
1/2k2p −1 if k2p ≤ n < k2p+1 1/2k2p−1 −1 if k2p−1 ≤ n < k2p
Exercise 2.7.12 (Summation-by-parts)

Let (xn ) and (yn ) be sequences, let sn = x1 +x2 +· · ·+xn and set s0 = 0. Use the observation
that xj = sj − sj−1 to verify the formula
n
X n
X
xj yj = sn yn+1 − sm−1 ym + sj (yj − yj+1 )
j=m j=m
Solution
Since xj = sj − sj−1 we can rewrite the sum as
n
X n
X n
X
xj y j = yj (sj − sj−1 ) = sn yn+1 − sm ym−1 + sj (yj − yj+1 )
j=m j=m j=m
In the last part we combine each sj yj term with the −sj yj+1 term which is next in the sum,
then we add some correction terms for the start P and ending points. P
Note the symmetry here, we can turn a sum yj (sj − sj−1 ) into a sum sj (yj − yj+1 )
(at the cost of some correction terms). This is a useful pattern to keep in mind.
Exercise 2.7.13 (Abel’s Test) P∞

Abel’s Test for convergence states that if the series k=1 xk converges, and if (yk ) is a
sequence satisfying
y1 ≥ y2 ≥ y3 ≥ · · · ≥ 0
P∞
then the series k=1 xk yk converges.
(a) Use Exercise 2.7.12 to show that

n
X n
X
xk yk = sn yn+1 + sk (yk − yk+1 )
k=1 k=1
where sn = x1 + x2 + · · · + xn .
(b) Use the Comparison Test to argue that ∞

P
k=1 sk (yk − yk+1 ) converges absolutely, and
show how this leads directly to a proof of Abel’s Test.
Solution
(a) Exercise 2.7.12 combined with s0 = 0 gives
n
X n
X
xk yk = sn yn+1 + sk (yk − yk+1 )
k=1 k=1
as desired.
(b) sn yn+1 clearly converges since yn+1 is “eventually constant”, so we must only show the
right hand side converges.
We will show absolute convergence, note yk − yk+1 ≥ 0 and so
n
X
|sk |(yk − yk+1 ) ≥ 0
k=1
Bounding |sn | ≤ M gives

n
X n
X
|sk |(yk − yk+1 ) ≤ M (yk − yk+1 )
k=1 k=1
Pn
Since k=1 (yk − yk+1 ) = y1 − yn+1 is telescoping we can write
n
X
|sk |(yk − yk+1 ) ≤ M (y1 − yn+1 ) ≤ M y1
k=1
Implying ∞
P
k=1 |sk |(yk − yk+1 ) converges since it is bounded and increasing. And since
the series converges absolutely so does the original ∞
P
k=1 k k − yk+1 ).
s (y
P
Summary: Bound |sk | ≤ M and use the fact that (yk − yk+1 ) is telescoping.
Exercise 2.7.14 (Dirichlet’s Test)

Dirichlet’s Test for convergence states that if the partial sums of ∞
P
k=1 xk are bounded (but
not necessarily convergent),Pand if (yk ) is a sequence satisfying y1 ≥ y2 ≥ y3 ≥ · · · ≥ 0 with
lim yk = 0, then the series ∞ k=1 xk yk converges.
(a) Point out how the hypothesis of Dirichlet’s Test differs from that of Abel’s Test in
Exercise 2.7.13, but show that essentially the same strategy can be used to provide a
proof.
(b) Show how the Alternating Series Test (Theorem 2.7.7) can be derived as a special case
of Dirichlet’s Test.
Solution P
(a) Abel’s test gets it’s convergence from xn converging, while Dirichlet’s test gets its
convergence from (yn ) → 0. Expanding on that, the proof that the nk=1 sk (yk − yk−1 )
P
term converges is the same in Abel and Dirichlet, but the proof that sn yn+1 differs
depending on if we get our convergence from (yn ) → 0 and (sn ) bounded, or (sn ) → s
and (yn ) bounded.
The proof is almost identical to Abel’s test, bound |sn | < M and use the triangle
inequality on the right hand side to get (note yk − yk+1 > 0 because decreasing)
n
X n
X
|sk |(yk − yk+1 ) ≤ M (yk − yk+1 ) = M (y1 − yn+1 ) ≤ M y1
k=1 k=1
P
Thus sk (yk − yk+1 ) is bounded and increasing, so it converges by MCT. To see the
sn yn+1 term converges, simply note that (yn ) → 0 and |sn | < M .
Thus the original series converges, and furthermore
∞
X ∞
X
xk yk = sk (yk − yk+1 )
k=1 k=1
Because (sn yn+1 ) → 0.
(−1)n is bounded, so
P
(b) Let an ≥ 0 with a1 ≥ aP 2 ≥ · · · ≥ 0 and lim an = 0. The series
Dirichlet’s test implies (−1)n an converges.
2.8 Double Summations and Products of Infinite Se-

ries
Exercise 2.8.1
Using the particular array aij from Section 2.1, compute limn→∞ snn . How does this value
compare to the two iterated values for the sum already computed?
Solution
By inspection snn = −2 + 1/2n−1 , so limn→∞ snn = −2. This is the same as the result when
fixing j and summing down each column, since each column series has finitely many non-zero
elements.
Exercise 2.8.2
Show that if the iterated series
∞ X
X ∞
|aij |
i=1 j=1
P∞
P∞each fixed i ∈ N the series j=1 |aij | converges to some real
converges (meaning that for
number bi , and the series i=1 bi converges as well), then the iterated series
∞ X
X ∞
aij
i=1 j=1
converges.
Solution
Since ∞
P P∞ P∞
P∞ j=1 aij converges as well; moreover |ci | ≤ |bi |, so i=1 ci
j=1 |aij | converges, ci =
converges by comparison with i=1 |bi |.
Exercise 2.8.3
Define
m X
X n
tmn = |aij |
i=1 j=1
(a) Prove that (tnn ) converges.
(b) Now, use the fact that (tnn ) is a Cauchy sequence to argue that (snn ) converges.
Solution
(a) Note that tnn is monotone increasing; moreover
∞ X
X ∞ ∞ X
X n n X
X n
|aij | ≥ |aij | ≥ |aij | = tnn
i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
and therefore tnn is bounded; by the Monotone Convergence Theorem tnn converges.
2.8. DOUBLE SUMMATIONS AND PRODUCTS OF INFINITE SERIES 65
(b) Since (tnn ) is a Cauchy sequence, for any ϵ > 0 there exists N such that if p > q > N ,
p p q q

X X X X
ϵ > |tpp − tqq | = |aij | − |aij |

i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
p p q p q q q q

X X X X X X X X
= |aij | + |aij | + |aij | − |aij |

i=q+1 j=1 i=1 j=q+1 i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
p p q p

X X X X
= |aij | + |aij |

i=q+1 j=1 i=1 j=q+1
p p q p

X X X X
≥ aij + aij

i=q+1 j=1 i=1 j=q+1
p p q p q q q q

X X X X X X X X
= aij + aij + aij − aij

i=q+1 j=1 i=1 j=q+1 i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
p p q q

X X X X
= aij − aij

i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
= |spp − sqq |
and therefore snn is also a Cauchy sequence and thus converges.

Exercise 2.8.4
(a) Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary and argue that there exists an N1 ∈ N such that m, n ≥ N1
implies B − 2ϵ < tmn ≤ B.
(b) Now, show that there exists an N such that
|smn − S| < ϵ
for all m, n ≥ N .
Solution
(a) tmn ≤ B follows from the fact that B is an upper bound on {tmn : m, n ∈ N}.
Lemma 1.3.8 indicates that there exists some p, q such that tpq > B − ϵ/2, and since
p1 ≤ p2 and q1 ≤ q2 =⇒ tp1 q1 ≤ tp2 q2 , we can choose N1 = max{p, q}.
(b) By the triangle inequality, |smn − S| ≤ |smn − snn | + |snn − S|. Letting n′ = min{n, m}
and m′ = max{n, m},
′
m′ X

m Xn n
X X ϵ
|smn − snn | = aij ≤ |aij | = |tmn − tnn | ≤

′
i=n j=1 ′ i=n j=1
2
from Exercise 2.8.4a), as long as m, n ≥ N1 . Since S = limn→∞ snn there exists N2

such that for n ≥ N2 , |snn − S| < ϵ/2; thus picking N = max{N1 , N2 } ensures
|smn − S| < ϵ
for all m, n ≥ N .
Exercise 2.8.5
(a) Show that for all m ≥ N
|(r1 + r2 + · · · + rm ) − S| ≤ ϵ
P∞ P∞
Conclude that the iterated sum i=1 aij converges to S.
j=1
(b) Finish the proof by showing that the other iterated sum, ∞
P P∞
j=1 i=1 aij , converges to
S as well. Notice that the same
P argument can be used once it is established that, for
each fixed column j, the sum ∞ i=1 aij converges to some real number cj .
Solution
(a) For any given m, there must be some N3 such that for n > N3 , k ∈ N ≤ m,
n

X ϵ
rk − akj <

2m
j=1
Then there must exist some N such that when m, n ≥ N ,

X m X m Xm X n X m X n
ri − S ≤ ri − aij + aij − S

i=1 i=1 i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
!
X m X n
= ri − aij + |smn − S|

i=1 j=1

X m X n
≤ rk − akj + |smn − S|

i=1 j=1
m
X ϵ ϵ
< + =ϵ
i=1
2m 2
and thus ∞
P P∞
i=1 j=1 aij converges to S.
P∞
by comparison with ∞
P P∞
(b) i=1 |aij | converges for any fixed jP i=1 k=1 |aik | which con-
∞
verges by the hypothesis, and thus i=1 aij converges to some real number cj . Then
a similar argument to (a) can be used to show that there must be some N such that
when n ≥ N ,
X n
c − S ≤ϵ

j

j=1
and thus ∞
P P∞
j=1 i=1 aij converges to S.
Exercise 2.8.6
(a) P
Assuming the hypothesis - and hence the conclusion - of Theorem 2.8.1, show that
∞
k=2 dk converges absolutely.
2.8. DOUBLE SUMMATIONS AND PRODUCTS OF INFINITE SERIES 67
P∞
(b) Imitate the strategy in the proof of Theorem 2.8.1 to show that k=2 dk converges to
S = limn→∞ snn .
Solution Pn Pn P∞
(a) Note
Pnthat
Pn i=1 j=1 Pa∞ij contains all of the terms of k=2 dk , and thus by comparison
to i=1 j=1 |aij |, k=2 |dk | must converge.
(b) WhatP we need to show is that for allP ϵ > 0 there exists N such that for all n > N ,
|S − nk=2 dk | < ϵ. Note first that n
k=2 dk contains
Pn all the elements of spp when
p ≤ n/2, and that sqq contains all the elements of k=2 dk as long as q ≥ n − 1.
Since (snn ) → S, for arbitrary ϵ1 > 0 we can choose nP
1 large enough such that |sn1 n1 −
S| < ϵ1 . If we choose N = 2n then whenever n > N , nk=2 dk will contain
Pn all terms in
sn1 sn1 , and if we choose m = n − 1 then smm will contain all terms in k=2 dk . Thus
n
X
|dk | − tn1 n1 ≤ tmm − tn1 n1
k=2
where tnn was defined near the start of the proof of Theorem 2.8.1. Moreover since tnn
converges (as proved in Exercise 2.8.3a) and is thus a Cauchy sequence, for arbitrary
ϵ2 > 0, we can also choose n1 large enough to ensure for any m1 > n1 , tm1 m1 −tn1 n1 < ϵ2 .
Putting it all together, choosing ϵ1 = ϵ2 = ϵ/2, n1 large enough to satisfy the two
conditions discussed above, and N = 2n1 :

Xn X n
S − dk ≤ |S − sn1 n1 | + dk − sn1 n1

k=2 k=2

Xn
< ϵ1 + |dk | − tn1 n1

k=2
≤ ϵ1 + tmm − tn1 n1 < ϵ1 + ϵ2
=ϵ
completing the proof.
Exercise 2.8.7
Assume that ∞
P P∞
i=1 ai converges absolutely to A, and j=1 bj converges absolutely to B.
(a) Show that the iterated sum ∞

P P∞
i=1 j=1 |ai bj | converges so that we may apply Theorem
2.8.1.
(b) Let snn = ni=1 nj=1 ai bj , and prove that limn→∞ snn = AB. Conclude that
P P
∞ X
X ∞ ∞ X
X ∞ ∞
X
ai b j = ai b j = dk = AB,
i=1 j=1 j=1 i=1 k=2
where, as before, dk = a1 bk−1 + a2 bk−2 + · · · + ak−1 b1 .

Solution P
(a) Let ∞ ′
P∞ ′
i=1 |ai | converge to A and j=1 |bj | converge to B . By the Algebraic Limit
Theorem for Series,
∞ X ∞ ∞ ∞
! ∞
! ∞ !
X X X X X
|ai bj | = |ai | |bj | = |ai | |bj | = A′ B ′
i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1 i=1 j=1
(b) Theorem 2.8.1 shows that limn→∞ snn = ∞

P P∞
i=1 j=1 ai bj which by the same manipu-
lation as used in part (a), equals AB. By Theorem 2.8.1 the rest of the problem is
solved.
Chapter 3
Basic Topology of R
3.2 Open and Closed Sets

Exercise 3.2.1
(a) Where in the proof of Theorem 3.2.3 part (ii) does the assumption that the collection
of open sets be finite get used?
(b) Give anTexample of a countable collection of open sets {O1 , O2 , O3 , . . .} whose inter-
section ∞n=1 On is closed, not empty and not all of R.
Solution
(a) Taking min{ϵ1 , . . . , ϵN } is only possible for finite sets.
(b) On = (−1/n, 1 + 1/n) has ∞

T
n=1 On = [0, 1].
Exercise 3.2.2
Let

n 2
A = (−1) + : n = 1, 2, 3, . . . and B = {x ∈ Q : 0 < x < 1}
n
Answer the following questions for each set:
(a) What are the limit points?
(b) Is the set open? Closed?
(c) Does the set contain any isolated points?
(d) Find the closure of the set.
Solution
(a) The set of B’s limit points is [0, 1]. The set of A’s limit points is {1, −1}.
(b) B is not open since every (a, b) ̸⊆ B and B is not closed since we can construct limits
to irrational values outside B. A is closed since {1, −1} ⊆ A, but not open as it does
not contain any irrationals meaning (a, b) ̸⊆ A for all a, b ∈ R.
69
70 CHAPTER 3. BASIC TOPOLOGY OF R
(c) Every point of A except the limit points {1, −1} is isolated, as if it were not isolated it
would be a limit point. B has no isolated points since B \ [0, 1] = ∅, or in other words
since B is dense in [0, 1] every b ∈ B ⊆ [0, 1] can be reached via a limit.
(d) A = A as A is already closed, and B = B ∪ [0, 1] = [0, 1].
Exercise 3.2.3
Decide whether the following sets are open, closed, or neither. If a set is not open, find a
point in the set for which there is no ϵ-neighborhood contained in the set. If a set is not
closed, find a limit point that is not contained in the set.
(a) Q.
(b) N.
(c) {x ∈ R : x ̸= 0}.
(d) {1 + 1/4 + 1/9 + · · · + 1/n2 : n ∈ N}
(e) {1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + · · · + 1/n : n ∈ N}
Solution
(a) Neither, not open as (a, b) ⊆ Q is impossible since Q contains no irrationals but (a, b)
√
does. and not closed since every irrational can be reached as a limit of rationals ( 2
is a simple example).
(b) Clearly not open, but ironically closed since it has no limit points.
(c) Open since every x ∈ {x ∈ R : x ̸= 0} has an ϵ-neighborhood around it excluding zero.

But closed since (1/n) → 0.
(d) Neither, not closed, as the limit nk 1/n2 = π 2 /6 is irrational but every term is rational.
P
and not open as it does not contain any irrationals.
(e) Closed as it has no limit points, every sequence diverges. Not open because it contains
no irrationals.
Exercise 3.2.4
Let A be nonempty and bounded above so that s = sup A exists.
(a) Show that s ∈ A.
(b) Can an open set contain its supremum?
Solution
(a) Since every s − ϵ has an a ∈ A with a > s − ϵ we can find a ∈ Vϵ (s) for any ϵ > 0,
meaning s is a limit point of A and thus contained in A.
(b) No, as (s, s + ϵ) contains no a’s we have Vϵ (s) ̸⊆ A for every ϵ > 0.
3.2. OPEN AND CLOSED SETS 71
Exercise 3.2.5
Prove that a set F ⊆ R is closed if and only if every Cauchy sequence contained in F has
a limit that is also an element of F .
Solution
Let F ⊆ R be closed and suppose (xn ) is a Cauchy sequence in F , since Cauchy sequences
converge (xn ) → x and finally since x ∈ F since F contains its limit points.
Now suppose every Cauchy sequence (xn ) in F converges to a limit in F and let l be a
limit point of F , as l is a limit point of F there exists a sequence (yn ) in F with lim(yn ) = l.
since (yn ) converges it must be Cauchy, and since every Cauchy sequence converges to a
limit inside F we have l ∈ F .
Exercise 3.2.6
Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Provide counterexamples for those
that are false, and supply proofs for those that are true.
(a) An open set that contains every rational number must necessarily be all of R.
(b) The Nested Interval Property remains true if the term “closed interval” is replaced by
“closed set.”
(c) Every nonempty open set contains a rational number.
(d) Every bounded infinite closed set contains a rational number.
(e) The Cantor set is closed.
Solution √ √ √
(a) False, A = (−∞, 2) ∪ ( 2, ∞) contains every rational number but not 2.
(b) False, Cn = [n, ∞) is closed, has Cn+1 ⊆ Cn and Cn ̸= ∅ but ∞
T
n=1 Cn = ∅.
(c) True, let x ∈ A since A is open we have (a, b) ⊆ A with x ∈ (a, b) the density theorem
implies there exists an r ∈ Q with r ∈ (a, b) and thus r ∈ A.
√ √
(d) False, A = {1/n + 2 : n ∈ N} ∪ { 2} is closed and contains no rational numbers.
(e) True, as it is the intersection of countably many closed intervals.
Exercise 3.2.7
Given A ⊆ R, let L be the set of all limit points of A.
(a) Show that the set L is closed.
(b) Argue that if x is a limit point of A∪L, then x is a limit point of A. Use this observation
to furnish a proof for Theorem 3.2.12.
Solution
(a) Every xn ∈ L is xn = limm→∞ amn for amn ∈ A. Meaning if lim xn = x then for n > N
and m > M we have
|amn − x| ≤ |amn − xn | + |xn − x| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
and thus x is a limit point of A, so x ∈ L.
(b) Let xn ∈ A ∪ L and x = lim xn . Since xn is infinite there must be at least one
subsequence (xnk ) → x which is either all in A or all in L. If every xnk ∈ L then we
know x ∈ L from (a), and if every xnk ∈ A then x ∈ L aswell.
Exercise 3.2.8
Assume A is an open set and B is a closed set. Determine if the following sets are definitely
open, definitely closed, both, or neither.
(a) A ∪ B
(b) A\B = {x ∈ A : x ∈
/ B}
(c) (Ac ∪ B)c
(d) (A ∩ B) ∪ (Ac ∩ B)
c
(e) A ∩ Ac
Solution
For all of these keep in mind the only open and closed sets are R and ∅, and if A is open Ac
is closed and vise versa.
(a) Closed, since the closure of a set is closed.
(b) Open since B being closed implies B c is open and thus A ∩ B c is open as it is an
intersection of open sets.
(c) De Morgan’s laws give (Ac ∪ B)c = A ∩ B c which is the same as (b)
(d) Closed since (A ∩ B) ∪ (Ac ∩ B) = B

c
(e) Neither in general. Note that A ̸= Ac consider how A = {1/n : n ∈ N} has Ac = R
c
but A ̸= R.
Exercise 3.2.9 (De Morgan’s Laws)

A proof for De Morgan’s Laws in the case of two sets is outlined in Exercise 1.2.5. The
general argument is similar.
(a) Given a collection of sets {Eλ : λ ∈ Λ}, show that

!c !c
[ \ \ [
Eλ = Eλc and Eλ = Eλc
λ∈Λ λ∈Λ λ∈Λ λ∈Λ
(b) Now, provide the details for the proof of Theorem 3.2.14.
Solution c
/ Eλ for all λ ∈ Λ implying x ∈ Eλc
S S
(a) If x ∈ λ∈Λ Eλ then x ∈
/ λ∈Λ
T Eλ meaning x∈
for all λ ∈ Λ and so finally x ∈ λ∈Λ Eλc . This shows
!c
[ \
Eλ ⊆ Eλc
λ∈Λ λ∈Λ
Eλc then x ∈
T
S the reverse inclusion suppose x ∈
To show λ∈Λ / Eλ for all λ meaning
x∈/ λ∈Λ Eλ and so the reverse inclusion
!c
\ [
Eλc ⊆ Eλ
λ∈Λ λ∈Λ
Is true, completing the proof.
(b) Let F = F1 ∪ F2 , if xn ∈ F and x = lim xn . Let (xnk ) be a subsequence of (xn ) fully

contained in F1 or F2 . the subsequence (xnk ) must also converge to x, meaning x is in
F1 or F2 , the rest is by induction.
T
Now let F = λ∈Λ Fλ
[
Fc = Fλc
λ∈Λ
Each Fλc
is open by Theorem 3.2.13, thus Theorem 3.2.3 (ii) implies F c is open, and
c c
so (F ) = F is closed.
Exercise 3.2.10
Only one of the following three descriptions can be realized. Provide an example that
illustrates the viable description, and explain why the other two cannot exist.
(i) A countable set contained in [0, 1] with no limit points.
(ii) A countable set contained in [0, 1] with no isolated points.
(iii) A set with an uncountable number of isolated points.
Solution
(i) Cannot exist because taking any sequence (xn ) BW tells us there exists a convergent
subsequence.
(ii) Q ∩ [0, 1] is countable and has no isolated points.
(iii) Impossible, let A ⊆ R and let x be an isolated point of A. From the definition
there exists a δ > 0 with Vδ (x) ∩ A = {x}. in Exercise 1.5.6 we proved there cannot
exist an uncountable collection of disjoint open intervals, meaning we cannot have an
uncountable set of isolated points as we can map them to open sets in a 1-1 fashion.
Exercise 3.2.11
(a) Prove that A ∪ B = A ∪ B.
(b) Does this result about closures extend to infinite unions of sets?
Solution
(a) Recall that the set of limit points of a set is closed (Exercise 3.2.7). Let L be the set of
limit points of A ∪ B and let La , Lb be the set of limit points for A and B respectively.
Let x ∈ L, thus there exists a sequence xn ∈ A ∪ B with x = lim xn , since (xn ) is
infinite there exists a subsequence (xnk ) where every term is in A or B. Thus the
limit lim(xnk ) = x must be a limit point of A or B meaning x ∈ La ∪ Lb . This shows
A ∪ B ⊆ A ∪ B.
Now let x ∈ La (Lb is the same). there exists a sequence xn ∈ A with x = lim xn , now
since xn ∈ A ∪ B as well, x ∈ L. Thus we have shown A ∪ B ⊆ A ∪ B completing the
proof.
(b) False, take An = {1/n} as a counterexample
∞
[ ∞
[
An = {1/n : n ∈ N} ∪ {0}, but An = {1/n : n ∈ N}
n=1 n=1
Exercise 3.2.12
Let A be an uncountable set and let B be the set of real numbers that divides A into two
uncountable sets; that is, s ∈ B if both {x : x ∈ A and x < s} and {x : x ∈ A and x > s}
are uncountable. Show B is nonempty and open.
Solution
Our primary tool will be that countably infinite unions preserve countability (see Exercise
1.5.3).
Consider B1 = {x ∈ R : (−∞, x) ∩ A is uncountable}. B1 must be nonempty; otherwise,
A = ∞
S
n=1 (−∞, n) ∩ A is a union of countable or finite sets, which by 1.5.3 means that
A is countable (which it isn’t). Note that if x ∈ B1 and y > x, then y ∈ B1 . Moreover,
∃ϵ > 0 so that x − ϵ ∈ B1 ; we can prove this by contradiction. If there is no such ϵ, then
(−∞, x − 1/n) ∩ A must be countable for all n ∈ N; by 1.5.3,
∞
[
(−∞, x − 1/n) ∩ A = (−∞, x) ∩ A
n=1
is also countable, a contradiction. Therefore, B1 is open. Now note that B1 must be of the
form (−∞, b1 ), where b1 = inf B1 (or −∞ if inf B1 is undefined). Similarly, B2 = {x ∈ R :
(x, ∞) ∩ A is uncountable} is of the form (b2 , ∞).
Note that B1 ∪ B2 = R; therefore b1 > b2 and so B = B1 ∩ B2 ̸= ∅. Moreover since B1
and B2 are both open, so is B.
Exercise 3.2.13
Prove that the only sets that are both open and closed are R and the empty set ∅.
Solution
Let A ̸= ∅ be open and closed, and suppose for contradiction that A ̸= R and r ∈ / A. Note
that every closed set must contain its supremum and infimum, but Exercise 3.2.4b shows
that every open set cannot contain its supremum or its infimum; thus A must be unbounded.
A ∩ (−∞, r) is open and closed since A ∩ (−∞, r) is an intersection of open sets, and
A ∩ (−∞, r) = A ∩ (−∞, r] (since r ∈ / A) is an intersection of closed sets. Moreover, since
A is unbounded below, A ∩ (−∞, r) ̸= ∅.
Attempting to take s = sup A ∩ (−∞, r) gives a contradiction, since s ∈ A ∩ (−∞, r)
(because closed and bounded above) we can find ϵ > 0 with Vϵ (s) ⊆ A ∩ (−∞, r) (because
open) which contradictions s being an upper bound of A ∩ (−∞, r).
Therefore if A ̸= ∅ we must have A = R. The converse is simple, suppose A ̸= R is
open and closed, this happens iff Ac is open and closed, but since Ac ̸= ∅ we have Ac = R
implying A = ∅.
Exercise 3.2.14
A dual notion to the closure of a set is the interior of a set. The interior of E is denoted E ◦
and is defined as
E ◦ = {x ∈ E : there exists Vϵ (x) ⊆ E}
Results about closures and interiors possess a useful symmetry.
(a) Show that E is closed if and only if E = E. Show that E is open if and only if E ◦ = E.
c
(b) Show that E = (E c )◦ , and similarly that (E ◦ )c = E c .
Solution
(a) (i) If E = E then E contains its limit points and so is closed. If E is closed then E
contains its limit points so E = E.
(ii) If E ◦ = E then every x ∈ E has Vϵ (x) ⊆ E therefore E is open. If E is open then
every x ∈ E has Vϵ (x) ⊆ E therefore E = E ◦ .
c
(b) x ∈ E iff x ∈ / E and x is not a limit point of E, x ∈ (E c )◦ iff x ∈/ E and there
c
exists Vϵ (x) ⊆ E . Notice “x is not a limit point of E” is equivilant to “there exists
Vϵ (x) ⊆ E c ” therefore the sets are the same.
To show (E ◦ )c = E c let D = E c yielding ((Dc )◦ )c = D taking the complement of both
c
sides yields (Dc )◦ = D which we showed earlier.
Exercise 3.2.15
A set A is called an Fσ set if it can be written as the countable union of closed sets. A set
B is called a Gδ set if it can be written as the countable intersection of open sets.
(a) Show that a closed interval [a, b] is a Gδ set.
(b) Show that the half-open interval (a, b] is both a Gδ and an Fσ set.
(c) Show that Q is an Fσ set, and the set of irrationals I forms a Gδ set. (We will see in
Section 3.5 that Q is not a Gδ set, nor is I an Fσ set.)
Solution
(a) [a, b] = ∞
T
n=1 (a − 1/n, b + 1/n)
(b) (a, b] = ∞
T S∞
n=1 (a, b + 1/n) = n=1 [a + 1/n, b]
(c) Let rn be an enumeration of Q (possible since Q is countable), we have

∞
[
Q= [rn , rn ]
n=1
Applying De Morgan’s laws combined with the complement of a closed set being open
we get
\∞
c
Q = [rn , rn ]c
n=1
3.3 Compact Sets

Exercise 3.3.1
Show that if K is compact and nonempty, then sup K and inf K both exist and are elements
of K.
Solution
Let s = sup K, since s is the least upper bound for every ϵ > 0 there exists an x ∈ K with
s − ϵ < x. Picking ϵn = 1/n and xn such that s − ϵn < xn we get that (xn ) → s since
(ϵn ) → 0, and thus s ∈ K.
A similar argument applies to inf K.
Exercise 3.3.2
Decide which of the following sets are compact. For those that are not compact, show how
Definition 3.3.1 breaks down. In other words, give an example of a sequence contained in
the given set that does not possess a subsequence converging to a limit in the set.
(a) N.
(b) Q ∩ [0, 1].
(c) The Cantor set.
(d) {1 + 1/22 + 1/32 + · · · + 1/n2 : n ∈ N }.
(e) {1, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, . . .}.
Solution
(a) Not compact, the sequence xn = n in N has no convergent subsequence in N.
√
(b) Not compact, as we can construct a sequence (xn ) → 1/ 2 ∈
/ Q ∩ [0, 1] implying K is
not closed, and thus cannot be compact.
3.3. COMPACT SETS 77
(c) Compact, sinceTthe cantor set is bounded and closed since it is the infinite intersection
∞
of closed sets n=1 Cn where C1 = [0, 1/3] ∪ [2/3, 1] etc where you keep removing the
middle thirds of each interval.
(d) Not compact as every sequence (xn ) contained in the set converges to π 2 /6 which is
not in the set, meaning the set isn’t closed and thus cannot be compact.
(e) Compact since it is bounded and closed, with every sequence in the set converging to
one.
Exercise 3.3.3
Prove the converse of Theorem 3.3.4 by showing that if a set K ⊆ R is closed and bounded,
then it is compact.
Solution
Let K be closed and bounded and let (xn ) be a sequence contained in K. BW tells us a
convergent subsequence (xnk ) → x exists since K is bounded, and since K is closed x ∈ K.
Thus every sequence in K contains a subsequence convering to a limit in K, which is the
definition of K being compact.
Exercise 3.3.4
Assume K is compact and F is closed. Decide if the following sets are definitely compact,
definitely closed, both, or neither.
(a) K ∩ F
(b) F c ∪ K c
(c) K\F = {x ∈ K : x ∈
/ F}
(d) K ∩ F c
Solution
(a) Compact since K ∩ F is closed (finite intersection of closed sets) and bounded (since
K is bounded)
(b) Closed but not Compact since K being bounded implies K c is unbounded, meaning
F c ∪ K c is unbounded.
(c) K \ F = K ∩ F c could be either, if K = [0, 1], F c = (0, 1) then K ∩ F c is open, but if

K = [0, 1] and F c = (−1, 2) then K ∩ F c = [0, 1] is compact.
(d) Compact since K ∩ F c is bounded (since K is bounded) implies K ∩ F c is closed

(closure of a set is closed) and bounded (if A is bounded then A is also bounded).
Exercise 3.3.5
Decide whether the following propositions are true or false. If the claim is valid, supply a
short proof, and if the claim is false, provide a counterexample.
(a) The arbitrary intersection of compact sets is compact.

(b) The arbitrary union of compact sets is compact.
(c) Let A be arbitrary, and let K be compact. Then, the intersection A ∩ K is compact.
(d) If F1 ⊇ F2 ⊇T F3 ⊇ F4 ⊇ · · · is a nested sequence of nonempty closed sets, then the

intersection ∞
n=1 Fn ̸= ∅.
Solution
(a) True, as it will be bounded and closed (since arbitrary intersections of closed sets are
closed).
(b) False, ∞
S
n=1 [0, n] is unbounded and thus not compact.
(c) False, let K = [0, 1] and A = (0, 1). The intersection K ∩ A = (0, 1) is not compact.
(d) False as ∞
T
n=1 [n, ∞) = ∅ (It is true for compact sets though)
Exercise 3.3.6
This exercise is meant to illustrate the point made in the opening paragraph to Section 3.3.
Verify that the following three statements are true if every blank is filled in with the word
“finite.” Which are true if every blank is filled in with the word “compact”? Which are true
if every blank is filled in with the word “closed”?
(a) Every set has a maximum.
(b) If A and B are , then A + B = {a + b : a ∈ A, b ∈ B} is also
(c) If {An : n ∈ N} is a collection of setsTwith the property that every finite subcol-
lection has a nonempty intersection, then ∞ n=1 An is nonempty as well.
Solution
(a) Finite (by taking the maximum value), compact (by taking the supremum, which exists
because of boundedness and is in the set because of closed-ness), but not closed (R is
closed)
(b) Finite (by just enumerating through all possibilities of a + b). Compact - boundedness
is obviously preserved. For closed-ness, note that if c ∈ A + B then we can find a
convergent sequence (an + bn ) → c in A + B. Now since (an ) is bounded there must be
a convergent subsequence which converges to some a ∈ A, and taking the corresponding
elements in (bn ) we have a new bounded sequence from which we can get a convergent
subsequence which converges to some b ∈ B. Taking the corresponding elements in
(an + bn ) shows that c = a + b. This argument fails if A and B are only closed, as
boundedness no longer applies. E.g. for A = {n : n ∈ N}, B = {−n + 1/n : n ∈ N}
then the sequence (1/n) is in A + B which converges to 0, which is not in A + B.
(c) Finite - the only way every finite subcollection has a nonempty intersection
Tn is if there
is at least one element all sets include. Compact, since letting Kn = k=1 Ak gives
Kn ⊆ Kn−1 , we also have Kn ̸= ∅ since every finite intersection is known to be

nonempty. Applying the Nested Compact Set Property allows us to conclude
∞
\ ∞
\
An = Kn ̸= ∅
n=1 n=1
Not closed, e.g. let An = [n, ∞)
Exercise 3.3.7
As some more evidence of the surprising nature of the Cantor set, follow these steps to show
that the sum C + C = {x + y : x, y ∈ C} is equal to the closed interval [0, 2]. (Keep in mind
that C has zero length and contains no intervals.)
Because C ⊆ [0, 1], C + C ⊆ [0, 2], so we only need to prove the reverse inclusion [0, 2] ⊆
{x + y : x, y ∈ C}. Thus, given s ∈ [0, 2], we must find two elements x, y ∈ C satisfying
x+y =s
(a) Show that there exist x1 , y1 ∈ C1 for which x1 + y1 = s. Show in general that, for an
arbitrary n ∈ N, we can always find xn , yn ∈ Cn for which xn + yn = s.
(b) Keeping in mind that the sequences (xn ) and (yn ) do not necessarily converge, show
how they can nevertheless be used to produce the desired x and y in C satisfying
x + y = s.
Solution
(a) Recall the definition for sets A and B, A + B = {x + y : x ∈ A, y ∈ B}. Note that
[a, b] + [c, d] = [a + c, b + d]. Recall C1 = [0, 1/3] ∪ [2/3, 1]; we have
C1 + C1 = ([0, 1/3] + [0, 1/3]) ∪ ([2/3, 1] + [2/3, 1]) ∪ ([0, 1/3] + [2/3, 1])
= [0, 2/3] ∪ [4/3, 2] ∪ [2/3, 4/3]
= [0, 2]
We prove the general case through induction; the base case has been demonstrated
above. Define A + r = {x + r : x ∈ A}, r · A = {rx : x ∈ A} for r ∈ R. Note that
[a, b] + c = [a + c, b + c] and r · (A + B) = r · A + r · B.
The inductive hypothesis is that Cn + Cn = [0, 2]. We can complete the inductive step
by noticing that if we scale up Cn+1 a factor of 3, we simply get two copies of Cn , with
one being offset 2 away; this ultimately makes it easy to express Cn+1 in terms of Cn .
′
Let Cn+1 = Cn ∪ (Cn + 2) = 3 · Cn+1 be this upscaled Cn+1 . Then
′ ′
Cn+1 + Cn+1 = (Cn + Cn ) ∪ (Cn + (Cn + 2)) ∪ ((Cn + 2) + (Cn + 2))
= [0, 2] ∪ ([0, 2] + 2) ∪ ([0, 2] + 4)
= [0, 6]
1 ′ ′ 1
· (Cn+1 + Cn+1 ) = Cn+1 + Cn+1 = · [0, 6] = [0, 2]
3 3
and the inductive step is complete.
(b) Since C is compact, there exists a subsequence (xnk ) → x with x ∈ C. Now since
xnk + ynk = s for all k, we have lim ynk = lim s − xnk = s − x. Now since each ynk ∈ C
the limit y = s − x ∈ C as well, thus we have found x, y ∈ C with x + y = s.
Exercise 3.3.8
Let K and L be nonempty compact sets, and define
d = inf{|x − y| : x ∈ K and y ∈ L}
This turns out to be a reasonable definition for the distance between K and L.
(a) If K and L are disjoint, show d > 0 and that d = |x0 − y0 | for some x0 ∈ K and y0 ∈ L.
(b) Show that it’s possible to have d = 0 if we assume only that the disjoint sets K and L
are closed.
Solution
(a) The set |K − L| = {|x − y| : x ∈ K, y ∈ L} is compact since K − L is compact by 3.3.6
(b) and | · | preserves compactness. Thus d = inf |K − L| has d = |x0 − y0 | for some
x0 ∈ K and y0 ∈ L.
(b) K = {n : n ∈ N} and L = {n + 1/n : n ∈ N} have d = 0, and both are closed since

every limit diverges.
Exercise 3.3.9
Follow these steps to prove that being compact implies every open cover has a finite subcover.
Assume K is compact, and let {Oλ : λ ∈ Λ} be an open cover for K. For contradiction,
let’s assume that no finite subcover exists. Let I0 be a closed interval containing K.
(a) Show that there exists a nested sequence of closed intervals I0 ⊇ I1 ⊇ I2 ⊇ · · · with
the property that, for each n, In ∩ K cannot be finitely covered and lim |In | = 0.
(b) Argue that there exists an x ∈ K such that x ∈ In for all n.
(c) Because x ∈ K, there must exist an open set Oλ0 from the original collection that
contains x as an element. Explain how this leads to the desired contradiction.
Solution
(a) Bisect I0 into two intervals, and let I1 be the interval where I1 ∩ K cannot be finitely
covered. Repating in this fashion we have lim |In | = lim |I0 |(1/2)n = 0.
(b) The nested compact set property with Kn = In ∩ K gives x ∈ ∞

T
n=1 Kn meaning x ∈ K
and x ∈ In for all n.
(c) Since x ∈ Oλ0 and |In | → 0 with x ∈ In for all n, there exists an N where n > N
implies In ⊆ Oλ0 contradicting the assumption that In ∩ K cannot be finitely covered
since {Oλ0 } is a finite subcover for In ∩ K.
Exercise 3.3.10
Here is an alternate proof to the one given in Exercise 3.3.9 for the final implication in the
Heine-Borel Theorem.
Consider the special case where K is a closed interval. Let {Oλ : λ ∈ Λ} be an open cover
for [a, b] and define S to be the set of all x ∈ [a, b] such that [a, x] has a finite subcover from
{Oλ : λ ∈ Λ}.
(a) Argue that S is nonempty and bounded, and thus s = sup S exists.
(b) Now show s = b, which implies [a, b] has a finite subcover.
(c) Finally, prove the theorem for an arbitrary closed and bounded set K.
Solution
(a) S is nonempty since x = a has the finite subcover {Oλ0 } for a ∈ Oλ0 . S is bounded
since x ≤ b for all x ∈ S.
(b) Suppose for contradiction that s < b, letting s ∈ Oλ0 implies [a, s] is finitely coverable
since we can take the finite cover of an x ∈ Oλ0 with x < s. This is causes a contradic-
tion however since there exist points y > s with y ∈ Oλ0 meaning [a, y] is also finitely
coverable. therefore the only option is s = b, since any s < b doesn’t work.
(c) (a) still works, for (b) we must also consider the case where y does not exist / there is
a gap. Let y = inf [s, b] ∩ K and suppose y ̸= s. since y ∈ [s, b] ∩ K we know
[a, y] ∩ K = ([a, s] ∩ K) ∪ ((s, y] ∩ K) = [a, s] ∩ K ∪ {y}
therefore if {Oλ1 , . . . , Oλn } covered [a, s] then letting y ∈ Oλn+1 would give the finite
cover {Oλ1 , . . . , Oλn+1 } contradicting the assumption that s < b, therefore s = b is the
only option, and so K can be finitely covered.
Exercise 3.3.11
Consider each of the sets listed in Exercise 3.3.2. For each one that is not compact, find an
open cover for which there is no finite subcover.
Solution
(a) N and {V1 (n) : n ∈ N} has no finite subcover since each V1 (n) covers exactly one
n ∈ N, meaning there are no subcovers at all!
√
(b) Q ∩ [0, 1]: Choose some y ∈ Qc ∩ [0, 1], for example y = 2/2. Consider the open
cover {(−1, y)} ∪ {(y + 1/n, 2) : n ∈ N}. Since Q is dense in R, for any finite subcover
there must be some rational number q ∈ (y, y + 1/n) where n is finite.
(c) The Cantor is compact
n o
(d) K = {1 + 1/22 + 1/32 + · · · + 1/n2 : n ∈ N} and V 1 |x−L| (x) : x ∈ K for L = π 2 /6
n o2
since any finite cover V 1 |x1 −L| (x1 ), . . . , V 1 |xn −L| (xn ) , lettingϵ = min{ 21 |xi − L||} will
2 2
make Vϵ (L) not in the finite cover, meaning there exists an x ∈ Vϵ (L) with x ∈ K
(since K gets arbitrarily close to L) but x not in the finite cover.
(e) {1, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, . . . } is compact
Exercise 3.3.12
Using the concept of open covers (and explicitly avoiding the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem),
prove that every bounded infinite set has a limit point.
Solution
Let A be an infinite set bounded by M (i.e. |x| < M for all x ∈ A), suppose for contradiction
that A has no limit points, meaning there exists an ϵ > 0 such that Vϵ (x) ∩ A = {x} for all
x ∈ A.
This immediately implies there are only a finite number of sets in our cover, otherwise
the union would be unbounded. Contradiction.
TODO Finish tikz picture and proof (its visually obivous)
Exercise 3.3.13
Let’s call a set clompact if it has the property that every closed cover (i.e., a cover consisting
of closed sets) admits a finite subcover. Describe all of the clompact subsets of R.
Solution
K is clompact if and only if K is finite, since the closed cover {[x, x] : x ∈ K} = K having
a finite subcover implies {[x, x] : x ∈ K} is finite (since it is the only subcover that works)
therefore K is finite. If K is finite then it obviously permits a finite subcover.
3.4 Perfect Sets and Connected Sets

Exercise 3.4.1
If P is a perfect set and K is compact, is the intersection P ∩ K always compact? Always
perfect?
Solution
Recall a perfect set is a closed set with no isolated points. Thus the intersection of a closed
set P and a closed bounded set K gives a closed bounded (and thus compact) set P ∩ K.
Now take P = R, we get P ∩ K = K which is not nessesarily perfect.
Exercise 3.4.2
Does there exist a perfect set consisting of only rational numbers?
Solution
No, since any nonempty set P ⊆ Q is countable but, nonempty perfect sets are uncountable
by Theorem 3.4.3
Exercise 3.4.3
Review the portion of the proof given in Example 3.4.2 and follow these steps to complete
the argument.
3.4. PERFECT SETS AND CONNECTED SETS 83
(a) Because x ∈ C1 , argue that there exists an x1 ∈ C ∩ C1 with x1 ̸= x satisfying

|x − x1 | ≤ 1/3.
(b) Finish the proof by showing that for each n ∈ N, there exists xn ∈ C ∩ Cn , different
from x, satisfying |x − xn | ≤ 1/3n .
Solution
(a) Noting that C1 is the union of disjoint intervals of length 1/3, and that C2 divides each
interval in C1 into two, consider the intervals [a, b] ⊆ C1 and [c, d] ⊆ C2 that x is in.
Then choose x1 to be any other point c ∈ C ∩ ([a, b]\[c, d]) - i.e. it shares an interval
with x in C1 but is in a different interval in C2 ; therefore it must be within 1/3 of x
but is different from x.
(b) Identical argument to part (a), replacing C1 with Cn , C2 with Cn+1 , 1/3 with 1/3n ,
and x1 with xn .
Exercise 3.4.4
Repeat the Cantor construction from Section 3.1 starting with the interval [0, 1]. This time,
however, remove the open middle fourth from each component.
(a) Is the resulting set compact? Perfect?
(b) Using the algorithms from Section 3.1, compute the length and dimension of this
Cantor-like set.
Solution
(a) The proofs that the Cantor set is compact and perfect can be copied and applied nearly
word for word here. The Cantor-like set is obviously bounded, and it is closed because it
is the intersection of countably many closed sets (see Exercise 3.2.6e); therefore it must
be compact. Using the same strategy as Exercise 3.4.3, for any x in the Cantor-like
set, we can find a sequence (xn ) where xn ̸= x but |xn − x| ≤ (3/8)n .
(b) The sum of the lengths of the removed segments is

n−1
1 1 3 1 3
+ + ··· + + ··· = 1
4 4 4 4 4
and thus the Cantor-like set has zero length.

Magnifying the Cantor-like set by a factor of 8/3 leaves us with two copies of the set,
hence the dimension d = log 2/ log(8/3) ≈ 0.707.
Exercise 3.4.5
Let A and B be nonempty subsets of R. Show that if there exist disjoint open sets U and
V with A ⊆ U and B ⊆ V , then A and B are separated.
Solution
Disjoint open sets are separated, therefore so are their subsets.
Exercise 3.4.6
Prove that A set E ⊆ R is connected if and only if, for all nonempty disjoint sets A and
B satisfying E = A ∪ B, there always exists a convergent sequence (xn ) → x with (xn )
contained in one of A or B, and x an element of the other. (Theorem 3.4.6)
Solution
Both are obvious if you think about the definitions, here’s some formal(ish) garbage though
Suppose A ∪ B is nonempty and let x be an element in both, x ∈ B implies x ∈ / A
therefore x ∈ L (the set of limit points of A) meaning there must exist a sequence (xn ) → x
contained in A.
Now suppose there exists an (xn ) → x in A with limit in B, then clearly A ∩ B ⊆ {x} is
nonempty.
Exercise 3.4.7
A set E is totally disconnected if, given any two distinct points x, y ∈ E, there exist separated
sets A and B with x ∈ A, y ∈ B, and E = A ∪ B.
(a) Show that Q is totally disconnected.
(b) Is the set of irrational numbers totally disconnected?
Solution
(a) Let x, y ∈ Q, and let z ∈ (x, y) with z ∈ I. The sets A = (−∞, z) ∩ Q and B =
(z, ∞) ∩ Q are separated and have A ∪ B = Q.
(b) Now let x, y ∈ I, and let z ∈ (x, y) with z ∈ Q. The sets A = (−∞, z) ∩ I and
B = (z, ∞) ∩ I are separated and have A ∪ B = I.
Exercise 3.4.8
Follow these steps to show that
T∞ the Cantor set is totally disconnected in the sense described
in Exercise 3.4.7. Let C = n=0 Cn , as defined in Section 3.1.
(a) Given x, y ∈ C, with x < y, set ϵ = y − x. For each n = 0, 1, 2, . . ., the set Cn consists
of a finite number of closed intervals. Explain why there must exist an N large enough
so that it is impossible for x and y both to belong to the same closed interval of CN .
(b) Show that C is totally disconnected.
Solution
(a) Since the length of every interval goes to zero, we set N large enough that the length
of every interval is less then ϵ, meaning x and y cannot be in the same interval.
(b) Obvious
Exercise 3.4.9
Let {r1 , r2 , r3 , . . .} be an
S enumeration of the rational numbers, and for each n ∈ N set
ϵn = 1/2n . Define O = ∞ V
n=1 ϵn (rn ), and let F = O c
.
(a) Argue that F is a closed, nonempty set consisting only of irrational numbers.
3.4. PERFECT SETS AND CONNECTED SETS 85
(b) Does F contain any nonempty open intervals? Is F totally disconnected? (See Exercise
3.4.7 for the definition.)
(c) Is it possible to know whether F is perfect? If not, can we modify this construction to
produce a nonempty perfect set of irrational numbers?
Solution
(a) O is a union of an arbitrary collection of open sets and therefore is open; therefore
Oc = F is closed. O contains all rational numbers, therefore F must consist only of
irrational numbers. Intuitively, F must be nonempty, because the sum of the lengths
of the intervals in O is 2 and can’t cover the infinite real line - but the properties
of interval lengths haven’t been rigorously defined, and maybe something weird can
happen (e.g. Banach-Tarski paradox), so it’s best to prove it.
Let On = ni=1 Vϵi (ri ), Fn = Onc , and Gn = Fn ∩ [1, 3). Clearly Gn ⊇ Gn+1 and Gn is
S
compact, so if we can showTGn is always T∞ nonempty, we can use the Nested Compact
∞
Set Property to show F = n=1 Fn ⊇ n=1 Gn is nonempty.
Consider the set M = {m/2n−1 : m ∈ N} ∪ [1, 3), a set of evenly spaced numbers with
1/2n−1 between each number. Some arithmetic shows that there are 2n elements in
M . Since the length of Oi is 1/2i−1 , there can only be at most 2n−i elements of M
in Oi , and therefore 2n − 1 elements of M in O. Since Gn ⊇ M \O, Gn is nonempty,
(b) Since F contains no rational numbers, and any nonempty open interval will contain
rational numbers (since Q is dense in R), F cannot contain any open interval. The
proof that F is totally disconnected is the same as that for I in Exercise 3.4.7b.
(c) It is possible
√ for F to be not perfect. Our approach will be to create an isolated point
in F , say, 2. To do so, we need to spilt the√sequence of sets in O into three parts; the
√ limits approach 2 from below, the second will have their
first will have their upper
lower limits approach 2 from above, and the third will be used to enumerate through
the rest of the rational numbers.
First, we prove the following lemma - for any L ∈ R and a positive sequence (ζn ) → 0, it
that [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ ∞
S
is possible to construct a sequence (xn ) ∈ Q such √ i=1 ζi (xi ) = {L}.
V
(We’ll use this lemma for the sequences isolating 2.) To do so, let Vζn (xn ) = (αn , βn ).
Choose L < αn < L + 2ζn+1 .
We show by induction that [L, L+2ζ1 )\ ni=1 Vζi (xi ) ⊆ [L, S
S
L+2ζn+1 ). The base case n =
1 is trivial. For the inductive case: assume [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ ni=1 Vζi (xi ) ⊆ [L, L + 2ζn+1 ).
Then
n+1
[
[L, L + ζ1 )\ Vζi (xi ) ⊆ [L, L + 2ζn+1 )\Vζn+1 (xn+1 ) = [L, L + 2ζn+1 )\(αn+1 , βn+1 )
i=1
Since αn+1 > L, βn+1 > L + 2ζn+1 . Recall also that αn+1 < L + 2ζn+2 , and therefore
[L, L + 2ζn+1 )\(αn+1 , βn+1 ) ⊆ [L, L + 2ζn+2 ), completing the inductive step.
Now, for any l ∈ [L, L + 2ζ1 ) > L, since (ζn ) → 0 there must be some ζj so that
L + 2ζj ≤ l and j > 1, and therefore
l∈
/ [L, L + 2ζj )
j−1
[
⊇ [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ Vζi (xi ) (by induction above)
i=1
[∞
⊇ [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ Vζi (xi )
i=1
∞
[
=⇒ l ∈
/ [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ Vζi (xi )
i=1
S∞
Also, since αn > L ∀n, L ∈ [L, L + 2ζ1 )\ i=1 Vζi (xi ). This completes the proof of the
lemma.
Returning to the original
√ problem of making F not perfect, we will construct a sequence
(rn ) which isolates 2. Start with any enumeration of the rational numbers√ √ qn . Our
lemma √ above means we can assign r3n+1 and ϵ3n+1 for n ≥ 0 to ensuring ( 2, 2+2ϵ1 ) ∈
O but 2 itself not in O. Similarly, a√slight modification
√ to the lemma
√ lets us assign
r3n+2 and ϵ3n+2 for n ≥ 0 to ensuring ( 2−2ϵ2 , 2) ∈ O while leaving 2 out. Finally,
we assign r3n+3 , n ≥ 0 to enumerating through the elements of qn , skipping over any
elements
√ that will be present in r3n+1 and r3n+2 , and deferring any elements that would
cause 2 ∈ V (q) until ϵ becomes small enough that this is no longer the case.
√ √
In this manner, 2 has been surrounded, and F = Oc will have 2 as an isolated
point, and thus F is not perfect.
We can also construct (rn ) so that
Sn F is perfect. (Note: To simplify the notation a bit
let Vi = Vϵi (ri ).) Define Rn = i=1 Vi , with R0 = ∅. We will rely on the lemma that
F is perfect if for all i ∈ N, either Vi ∩ Ri−1 = ∅ or Vi ⊆ Ri−1 . Informally, if Vi isn’t
redundant (in that it covers new numbers), then it is disjoint from all previous Vi . To
prove this lemma, consider any element x ∈ F and let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary. Consider the
interval (x, x + ϵ), and ignore any Vp if Vp ⊆ Rp−1 . Since none of Vi overlap partially,
this interval cannot be covered completely by some union of several Vi since any union
would have gaps. Moreover, (x, x + ϵ) cannot be covered entirely by a single Vϵj , since
then Vj would be centered on rj = x + ϵj which is irrational. Thus, there must be some
other element y ̸= x, y ∈ F so that y ∈ (x, x + ϵ) and therefore x is not an isolated
point and F must be perfect.
To constructSan (rn ) which satisfies this condition, we start with an arbitrary (qn ).
Define Rn = ni=1 ri . For each element of (qn ), we add qi to (rn ) only if either Vϵn (qi ) ⊆
Rn or Vϵn (qi ) ∩ Rn = ∅. Otherwise, we procrastinate on adding qi by appending any
rational number s > max(Rn )+2ϵn . Clearly, for any qi there will eventually be ϵn small
enough that qi can be added to (rn ) without violating our restrictions, and we don’t
need to worry about s’s being added since they’re far enough away from everything
that they can’t affect the restrictions.
3.5. BAIRE’S THEOREM 87
3.5 Baire’s Theorem

Exercise 3.5.1
Argue that a set A is a Gδ set if and only if its complement is an Fσ set.
Solution
If A is a Gδ set, then Ac is a Fσ set by De Morgan’s laws. Likewise if A is an Fσ set then Ac
must be a Gδ set.
Exercise 3.5.2
Replace each with the word finite or countable, depending on which is more appropriate.
(a) The union of Fσ sets is an Fσ set.
(b) The intersection of Fσ sets is an Fσ set.
(c) The union of Gδ sets is a Gδ set.
(d) The intersection of Gδ sets is a Gδ set.
Solution
(a) Countable, since two countable union can be written as a single countable union over
the diagonal (see Exercise 1.2.4). Another way of seeing this is that we can form a
bijection between N and N2 , therefore a double infinite union can be written as a
single infinite union.
(b) Finite
(c) Finite
(d) Countable, by the same logic as in (a) we can write two countable intersections as a
single countable intersection.
Exercise 3.5.3
(a) Show that a closed interval [a, b] is a Gδ set.
(b) Show that the half-open interval (a, b] is both a Gδ and an Fσ set.
(c) Show that Q is an Fσ set, and the set of irrationals I forms a Gδ set.
Solution
This exercise has already appeared as Exercise 3.2.15.
Exercise 3.5.4
Let {G1 , G2 ,TG3 , . . .} be a countable collection of dense, open sets, we will prove that the
intersection ∞ n=1 Gn is not empty.
Starting with n = 1, inductively construct a nested sequence of closed intervals I1 ⊇ I2 ⊇
I3 ⊇ · · · satisfying In ⊆ Gn . Give special attention to the issue of the endpoints of each In .
Show how this leads to a proof of the theorem.
Solution
Because G1 is open there exists an open interval (a1 , b1 ) ⊆ G1 , letting [c1 , d1 ] be a closed
interval contained in (a1 , b1 ) gives I1 ⊆ G1 as desired.
Now suppose In ⊆ Gn . because Gn+1 is dense and (cn , dn ) ∩ Gn+1 is open there exists
an interval (an+1 , bn+1 ) ⊆ Gn ∩ (cn , dn ). Letting [cn+1 , dn+1 ] ⊆ (an+1 , bn+1 ) gives us our new
closed interval.
This gives us our collection of sets with In+1 ⊆ In , In ⊆ Gn and In ̸= ∅ allowing us to
apply the Nested Interval Property to conclude
∞
\
In ̸= ∅
n=1
T∞
and thus n=1 Gn ̸= ∅ since each In ⊆ Gn .
Exercise 3.5.5
Show that it is impossible to write
∞
[
R= Fn
n=1
where for each n ∈ N, Fn is a closed set containing no nonempty open intervals.
Solution
This is just the complement of Exercise 3.5.4, If we had R = ∞
S
n=1 Fn then we would also
have ∞
\
∅= Gn
n=1
for Gn = Fnc .Gn is open as it is the complement of a closed

T∞ set, and since Fn contains no
nonempty open intervals Gn is dense. This contradicts n=1 Gn ̸= ∅ from 3.5.4.
To be totally rigorous we still have to justify Fnc being dense. Let a, b ∈ R with a < b,
since (a, b) ̸⊆ Fn there exists a c ∈ (a, b) with c ∈ Fnc and thus Fnc is dense.
Exercise 3.5.6
Show how the previous exercise implies that the set I of irrationals cannot be an Fσ set, and
Q cannot be a Gδ set.
Solution
Recall from 3.5.3 that Q is an Fσ set, suppose for contradiction that I were also an Fσ set.
Then we could write ∞ ∞
[ [
Q= Fn and I = Fn′
n=1 n=1
Each Fn and Fn′

must contain no nonempty open intervals, since otherwise Fn would contain
irrationals and vise versa. Combine the countable unions by setting F̃2n = Fn and F̃2n−1 = Fn′
to get
[∞
R=Q∪I= F̃n
n=1
3.5. BAIRE’S THEOREM 89
But in 3.5.5 we showed ∞

[
R ̸= Fn
n=1
which gives our desired contradiction, hence I is not an Fσ set and Q is not a Gδ set (take
complements).
Exercise 3.5.7
Using Exercise 3.5.6 and versions of the statements in Exercise 3.5.2, construct a set that is
neither in Fσ nor in Gδ .
Solution
For a set A ⊆ R define −A = {−x : x ∈ A}. Note that if A is closed (open), then so is −A,
and if A is a Fσ set (Gδ ), so is −A.
Define I + = I ∩ [0, ∞), I − = I ∩ (−∞, 0] , and Q+ and Q− be defined similarly for Q.
Consider the set A = I + ∪ Q− . If A is a Fσ set, then by Exercise 3.5.2 so is A ∩ [0, ∞) = I + ,
but so is I + ∪ −I + = I + ∪ I − = I, which is a contradiction. Similarly, A being a Gδ set
implies A ∩ (−∞, 0] = Q− and Q− ∪ −Q− = Q are both Gδ sets, a contradiction.
Exercise 3.5.8
Show that a set E is nowhere-dense in R if and only if the complement of E is dense in R.
Solution
First suppose E is nowhere-dense, then E contains no nonempty open intervals meaning for
every a, b ∈ R we have (a, b) ̸⊆ E meaning we can find a c ∈ (a, b) with c ∈ / E. But this is
c c c
just saying c ∈ E which implies E is dense since for every a, b ∈ R we can find a c ∈ E
with a < c < b.
c c
Now suppose E is dense in R, then then every interval (a, b) contains a point c ∈ E ,
implying that (a, b) ̸⊆ E since c ∈
/ E and c ∈ (a, b). therefore E contains no nonempty open
intervals and so E is nowhere-dense by defintion 3.5.3.
Exercise 3.5.9
Decide whether the following sets are dense in R, nowhere-dense in R, or somewhere in
between.
(a) A = Q ∩ [0, 5].
(b) B = {1/n : n ∈ N}.
(c) the set of irrationals.
(d) the Cantor set.
Solution
(a) between, since A is dense in [0, 5] but not in all of R.
(b) nowhere-dense since B = B ∪ {0} contains no nonempty open intervals
(c) dense since I = R

(d) nowhere-dense since the Cantor set is closed, so C = C, and C contains no intervals
Exercise 3.5.10 (Baire’s Theorem)

Prove set of real numbers R cannot be written as the countable union of nowhere-dense
S sets.
To start, assume that E1 , E2 , E3 , . . . are each nowhere-dense and satisfy R = ∞
n=1 En
then find a contradiction to the results in this section.
Solution
By the definition of En being nowhere-dense, the closure En contains no nonempty open
intervals meaning we can apply Exercise 3.5.5 to conclude that
∞
[
En ̸= R
n=1
Since each En ⊆ En we have

∞
[
En ̸= R
n=1
as desired.
Chapter 4
Functional Limits and Continuity
4.2 Functional Limits

Exercise 4.2.1
(a) Supply the details for how Corollary 4.2.4 part (ii) follows from the Sequential Criterion
for Functional Limits in Theorem 4.2.3 and the Algebraic Limit Theorem for sequences
proved in Chapter 2.
(b) Now, write another proof of Corollary 4.2.4 part (ii) directly from Definition 4.2.1
without using the sequential criterion in Theorem 4.2.3.
(c) Repeat (a) and (b) for Corollary 4.2.4 part (iii).
Solution
(a) By the Sequential Criterion for Functional Limits, since limx→c f (x) = L, limx→c g(x) =
M , all sequences (xn ) → c (where every xn ̸= c) have f (xn ) → L and g(xn ) → M ,
which implies that f (xn ) + g(xn ) → L + M by the Algebraic Limit Theorem, which
implies that limx→c [f (x) + g(x)] = L + M .
(b) Let ϵ > 0, set δ1 such that 0 < |x − c| < δ1 implies |f (x) − f (c)| < ϵ/2 and set δ2 such
that 0 < |x − c| < δ2 implies |g(x) − g(c)| < ϵ/2. Now let δ = min{δ1 , δ2 } and use the
triangle inequality to get
|f (x) + g(x) − (f (c) + g(c))| ≤ |f (x) − f (c)| + |g(x) − g(c)| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
for all 0 < |x − c| < δ.
(c) (a) is the same, if f (xn ) → L and g(xn ) → M then (f (xn )g(xn )) → LM by the
sequential criterion for functional limits.
For (b) we add and subtract f (c)g(x) then factor and use the triangle inequality (this
is a common trick)
|f (x)g(x) − f (c)g(c)| = |g(x)(f (x) − f (c)) − f (c)(g(c) − g(x))|

≤ |g(x)||f (x) − f (c)| − |f (c)||g(c) − g(x)|
91
92 CHAPTER 4. FUNCTIONAL LIMITS AND CONTINUITY
Now we want a few things, (1) to bound |g(x)| (2) to make |f (x) − f (c)| small and
(3) to make |g(x) − g(c)| small. Whenever you want multiple things start thinking
min/max!
In this case, set δ1 so |g(x) − g(c)| < 1 giving the bound |g(x)| < M + 1. Set δ2 so
|g(x) − g(c)| < Mϵ/2
+1
and set δ3 so |f (x) − f (c)| < fϵ/2
(c)
. Finally set δ = min{δ1 , δ2 , δ3 }
to get
|f (x)g(x) − f (c)g(c)| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
as desired.
Exercise 4.2.2
For each stated limit, find the largest possible δ-neighborhood that is a proper response to
the given ϵ challenge.
(a) limx→3 (5x − 6) = 9, where ϵ = 1.

√
(b) limx→4 x = 2, where ϵ = 1.
(c) limx→π [[x]] = 3, where ϵ = 1. (The function [[x]] returns the greatest integer less than
or equal to x.)
(d) limx→π [[x]] = 3, where ϵ = .01.
Solution
(a) |(5x − 6) − 9| = |5x − 15| = 5|x − 3| < 5δ implies δ = 1/5 for ϵ = 1.
√ √
(b) Consider edge cases: We have | 9 − 2| = 1 (x is 5 above)√ and | 1 − 2| = 1 (x is 3
below) leading us to set δ = 3. This δ must work since x is monotone.
(c) We must have [[x]]] = 3, since |[[x]] − 3| = 1 ̸< 1. Therefor δ = π − 3.

If the question was using ≤ instead of < we would want x ∈ (2, 5) as that is the largest
neighborhood with |[[x]] − 3| ≤ 1. Setting δ = min{|π − 2|, |π − 5|} = π − 2 achieves
this maximum neighborhood.
(d) Since [[x]] is an integer ϵ = .01 is the same as saying [[x]] = 3. This happens precisely
when x ∈ (3, 4) hence we need δ = min{|π − 3|, |π − 4|} = π − 3.
Exercise 4.2.3
Review the definition of Thomae’s function t(x) from Section 4.1.

1
 if x = 0
t(x) = 1/n if x = m/n ∈ Q\{0} is in lowest terms with n > 0

0 if x ∈
/ Q.

(a) Construct three different sequences (xn ) , (yn ), and (zn ), each of which converges to 1
without using the number 1 as a term in the sequence.
(b) Now, compute lim t (xn ) , lim t (yn ), and lim t (zn ).
4.2. FUNCTIONAL LIMITS 93
(c) Make an educated conjecture for limx→1 t(x), and use Definition 4.2.1 B to verify the
claim. (Given ϵ > 0, consider the set of points {x ∈ R : t(x) ≥ ϵ} Argue that all the
points in this set are isolated.)
Solution
(a) xn = (1 + n)/n, yn = 1 − 1/n2 and zn = 1 + 1/2n .
(b) lim t(xn ) = 0 since the size of the denominator becomes arbitrarily large. Same for the
others
(c) I claim limx→1 t(x) = 0. Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary; we must show there exists a δ where
every |x − 1| < δ has t(x) < ϵ. For x ∈
/ Q we have t(x) = 0 < ϵ, and we can easily set
δ small enough that t(0) = 1 is excluded. That leaves us with the case x ∈ Q in which
case we can write x − 1 = m/n in lowest terms.
To get t(x) = 1/n < ϵ we observe that |m/n| < δ implies t(x) = 1/n ≤ |m/n| < δ so
setting δ = ϵ gives t(x) < ϵ. To complete the proof set δ = min{ϵ, 1}.
Exercise 4.2.4
Consider the reasonable but erroneous claim that
lim 1/[[x]] = 1/10

x→10
(a) Find the largest δ that represents a proper response to the challenge of ϵ = 1/2
(b) Find the largest δ that represents a proper response to ϵ = 1/50.
(c) Find the largest ϵ challenge for which there is no suitable δ response possible.
Solution
(a) δ = 13
(b) δ = 1
(c) No matter how small δ is, [[10 − δ/2]] = 9 can be obtained, meaning
|1/9 − 1/10| = 1/90
Is the largest ϵ with no suitable δ response.
Exercise 4.2.5
Use Definition 4.2.1 to supply a proper proof for the following limit statements.
(a) limx→2 (3x + 4) = 10
(b) limx→0 x3 = 0
(c) limx→2 (x2 + x − 1) = 5.
(d) limx→3 1/x = 1/3

Solution
(Note that I use the largest δ choice that’s easy to use)
(a) Since |3x − 6| = 3|x − 2| setting δ = ϵ/3 gives |3x − 6| < ϵ as desired.
(b) Since |x3 | = |x|3 setting δ = ϵ1/3 gives |x|3 < ϵ as desired.
(c) Since |x2 + x − 6| = |x − 2||x + 3| < δ(5 + δ) setting δ = min{1, ϵ/6} gives δ(5 + δ) <
δ(6) < ϵ as desired. Another approach is to write |x2 + x − 6| in the “(x − 2)n basis”
|x2 + x − 6| = |(x − 2)2 + 5(x − 2)| < δ 2 + 5δ = δ(5 + δ)
(d) We have |1/x − 1/3| = |3−x| 3|x|

setting δ = min{1, 6ϵ} gives 1/3|x| < 1/6 (because
|x| ∈ (2, 4)) and |x − 3| < 6ϵ meaning
|3 − x| |3 − x|
|1/x − 1/3| = < <ϵ
3|x| 6
as desired.
Exercise 4.2.6
Decide if the following claims are true or false, and give short justifications for each conclu-
sion.
(a) If a particular δ has been constructed as a suitable response to a particular ϵ challenge,
then any smaller positive δ will also suffice.
(b) If limx→a f (x) = L and a happens to be in the domain of f , then L = f (a)
(c) If limx→a f (x) = L, then limx→a 3[f (x) − 2]2 = 3(L − 2)2
(d) If limx→a f (x) = 0, then limx→a f (x)g(x) = 0 for any function g (with domain equal to
the domain of f .)
Solution
(a) Obviously, since if δ ′ < δ then |x − a| < δ ′ implies |x − a| < δ.
(b) False, consider f (0) = 1 and f (x) = 0 otherwise, the definition of a functional limit
requires |x − a| < δ to imply |f (x) − L| < ϵ for all x not equal to a (This is the
0 < |x − a| part)
(c) True by the algebraic limit theorem for functional limits. (or composition of continuous
functions, but that’s unnecessary here)
(d) False, consider how f (x) = x has limx→0 f (x) = 0 but g(x) = 1/x has limn→0 f (x)g(x) =
1. (Fundementally this is because 1/x is not continuous at 0)
Exercise 4.2.7
Let g : A → R and assume that f is a bounded function on A in the sense that there
exists M > 0 satisfying |f (x)| ≤ M for all x ∈ A. Show that if limx→c g(x) = 0, then
limx→c g(x)f (x) = 0 as well.
4.2. FUNCTIONAL LIMITS 95
Solution
We have |g(x)f (x)| ≤ M |g(x)|, set δ small enough that |g(x)| < ϵ/M to get
ϵ
|g(x)f (x)| ≤ M |g(x)| < M =ϵ
M
for all |x − a| < δ.
Exercise 4.2.8
Compute each limit or state that it does not exist. Use the tools developed in this section
to justify each conclusion.
|x−2|
(a) limx→2 x−2
|x−2|
(b) limx→7/4 x−2
(c) limx→0 (−1)[[1/x]]

√
(d) limx→0 3 x(−1)[[1/x]]
Solution
(a) Does not exist, the sequence xn = 2 + 1/n makes |x − 2|/(x − 2) converge to 1, but
xn = 2 − 1/n makes |x − 2|/x − 2 converge to −1. (x → |x| is not differentiable at zero
for the same reason)
(b) −1. For δ < 1/4 then x < 2 and we just have −1.
(c) Does not exist, let (xn ) = 1/2n and (yn ) = 1/(2n + 1), then clearly lim xn = lim yn = 0
but lim f (xn ) = 1 ̸= lim f (yn ) = −1
√ √
(d) (−1)[[1/x]] is bounded and limx→0 3 x = 0, so by Exercise 4.2.7 limx→0 3 x(−1)[[1/x]] = 0.
√ √
We can also show this directly, since | 3 x(−1)[[1/x]] | = | 3 x| < ϵ when δ = ϵ3 .
Exercise 4.2.9 (Infinite Limits)

The statement limx→0 1/x2 = ∞ certainly makes intuitive sense. To construct a rigorous
definition in the challenge response style of Definition 4.2.1 for an infinite limit statement
of this form, we replace the (arbitrarily small) ϵ > 0 challenge with an (arbitrarily large)
M > 0 challenge:
Definition: limx→c f (x) = ∞ means that for all M > 0 we can find a δ > 0 such that
whenever 0 < |x − c| < δ, it follows that f (x) > M .
(a) Show limx→0 1/x2 = ∞ in the sense described in the previous definition.
(b) Now, construct a definition for the statement limx→∞ f (x) = L. Show limx→∞ 1/x = 0.
Solution √
(a) For a given M > 0, if 0 < |x − 0| = |x| < 1/ M = δ then 1/|x|2 = 1/x2 < M as
desired.
(b) limx→∞ f (x) = L means that for all ϵ > 0 we can find a N such that when x > N
it follows that |f (x) − L| < ϵ. For a given ϵ > 0, choosing N = 1/ϵ leaves us with
x > N =⇒ 1/N = ϵ > 1/x hence limx→∞ 1/x = 0.
Exercise 4.2.10
Introductory calculus courses typically refer to the right-hand limit of a function as the limit
obtained by “letting x approach a from the right-hand side.”
(a) Give a proper definition in the style of Definition 4.2.1 for the right-hand and left-hand
limit statements:
lim+ f (x) = L and lim− f (x) = M
x→a x→a
(b) Prove that limx→a f (x) = L if and only if both the right and left-hand limits equal L.
Solution
(a) Let f : A → R, and let c be a limit point of the domain A. We say that limx→c+ f (x) =
L provided that, for all ϵ > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that whenever 0 < x − c < δ
(and x ∈ A) it follows that |f (x) − L| < ϵ. We say that limx→c− f (x) = L provided
that, for all ϵ > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that whenever 0 < c − x < δ (and x ∈ A)
it follows that |f (x) − L| < ϵ.
(b) ( =⇒ ) If limx→a f (x) = L then for any ϵ > 0, there exists a δ > 0 so that 0 < |x−c| < δ
implies |f (x) − L| < ϵ. Since both 0 < x − c < δ and 0 < c − x < δ will satisfy the
requirement that 0 < |x − c| < δ, then limx→a+ f (x) = limx→a− f (x) = L.
( ⇐= ) For a given ϵ > 0, there exists δ1 , δ2 > 0 so that either 0 < x − c < δ1 or
0 > x − c > −δ2 implies |f (x) − L| < ϵ. If 0 < |x − c| < δ = min{δ1 , δ2 } then at least
one of the preconditions is always true, so limx→a f (x) = L.
Exercise 4.2.11 (Squeeze Theorem)

Let f, g, and h satisfy f (x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for all x in some common domain A. If
limx→c f (x) = L and limx→c h(x) = L at some limit point c of A, show limx→c g(x) = L
as well.
Solution
|g(x) − L| ≤ |g(x) − f (x)| + |f (x) − L|

≤ |h(x) − f (x)| + |f (x) − L|
≤ |h(x) − L| + |L − f (x)| + |f (x) − L| = |h(x) − L| + 2|f (x) − L|
For a given ϵ we can find δ > 0 so that |h(x) − L| < ϵ/3 and |f (x) − L| < ϵ/3, hence
limx→c g(x) = L.
4.3 Continuous Functions

Exercise 4.3.1
√
Let g(x) = 3 x.
4.3. CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS 97
(a) Prove that g is continuous at c = 0.
(b) Prove that g is continuous at a point c ̸= 0. (The identity a3 −b3 = (a−b) (a2 + ab + b2 )
will be helpful.)
Solution
(a) Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary and set δ = ϵ3 . If |x − 0| < δ = ϵ3 then taking the cube root of
both sides gives |x|1/3 < 1/ϵ and since (−x)1/3 = −(x1/3 ) we have |x|1/3 = |x1/3 | < ϵ.
(b) We must make |x1/3 − c1/3 | < ϵ by making |x − c| small. The identity given allows us
to write
|x1/3 − c1/3 | = |x − c| · |x2/3 + x1/3 c1/3 + c2/3 |
If
√ we choose
√ δ < c then 0 < |x| < 2|c|. Keeping in mind that if a > b > 0 then
3
3
a > b, we can now bound
|x2/3 + x1/3 c1/3 + c2/3 | ≤ |x2/3 | + |x1/3 c1/3 | + |c2/3 |

≤ 22/3 |c2/3 | + 21/3 |c2/3 | + |c2/3 |
=K
where K is a constant. Then
|x1/3 − c1/3 | ≤ |x − c| · K
ϵ
Setting δ = K
gives |x1/3 − c1/3 | ≤ ϵ completing the proof.
Exercise 4.3.2
To gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between ϵ and δ in the definition of
continuity, let’s explore some modest variations of Definition 4.3.1. In all of these, let f be
a function defined on all of R.
(a) Let’s say f is onetinuous at c if for all ϵ > 0 we can choose δ = 1 and it follows that
|f (x)−f (c)| < ϵ whenever |x−c| < δ. Find an example of a function that is onetinuous
on all of R.
(b) Let’s say f is equaltinuous at c if for all ϵ > 0 we can choose δ = ϵ and it follows
that |f (x) − f (c)| < ϵ whenever |x − c| < δ. Find an example of a function that is
equaltinuous on R that is nowhere onetinuous, or explain why there is no such function.
(c) Let’s say f is lesstinuous at c if for all ϵ > 0 we can choose 0 < δ < ϵ and it follows that
|f (x)−f (c)| < ϵ whenever |x−c| < δ. Find an example of a function that is lesstinuous
on R that is nowhere equaltinuous, or explain why there is no such function.
(d) Is every lesstinuous function continuous? Is every continuous function lesstinuous?

Explain.
Solution
(a) The constant function f (x) = k is onetinuous, in fact it is the only onetinuous function
(Think about why)
(b) The line f (x) = x is equaltinuous
(c) f (x) = 2x is lesstinuous but nowhere-equaltinuous
(d) Every lesstinuous function is continuous, since the definition of lesstinuous is just con-
tinuous plus the requirement that 0 < δ < ϵ.
And every continuous function is lesstinuous since if δ > 0 works we can set δ ′ < δ and
δ ′ < ϵ so that |x − c| < δ ′ < δ still implies |f (x) − f (c)| < ϵ
Exercise 4.3.3
(a) Supply a proof for Theorem 4.3.9 (Composition of continuous functions) using the ϵ−δ
characterization of continuity.
(b) Give another proof of this theorem using the sequential characterization of continuity
(from Theorem 4.3.2 (iii)).
Solution
(a) Let f is continuous at c and g be continuous at f (c). We will show g ◦ f is continuous
at c. Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary, we want |g(f (x)) − g(f (c))| < ϵ for |x − c| < δ. Pick
α > 0 so that |y − f (c)| < α implies |g(y) − g(f (c))| < ϵ (possible since g is continuous
at f (c)) and pick δ > 0 so that |x − c| < δ implies |f (x) − f (c)| < α. Putting all of
this together we have
|x − c| < δ =⇒ |f (x) − f (c)| < α =⇒ |g(f (x)) − g(f (c))| < ϵ
(b) Let (xn ) → c, we know f (xn ) is a sequence converging to f (c) since f is continuous
at c, and since g is continuous at f (c) any sequence (yn ) → f (c) has g(yn ) → g(f (c)).
Letting yn = f (xn ) gives g(f (xn )) → g(f (c)) as desired.
Exercise 4.3.4
Assume f and g are defined on all of R and that limx→p f (x) = q and limx→q g(x) = r.
(a) Give an example to show that it may not be true that
lim g(f (x)) = r

x→p
(b) Show that the result in (a) does follow if we assume f and g are continuous.
(c) Does the result in (a) hold if we only assume f is continuous? How about if we only
assume that g is continuous?
Solution
(a) Let f (x) = q be constant and define g(x) as
(
(r/q)x if x ̸= q
g(x) =
0 if x = q
We have limx→q g(x) = r but limx→p g(f (x)) = g(q) = 0.

The problem is that functional limits allow jump discontinuities by requiring y ̸= q in
limy→q g(y) but f (x) might not respect f (x) ̸= q as x → p. Continuity fixes this by
requiring limy→q g(y) = g(q) so that f (x) = q doesn’t break anything.
Another fix would be requiring f (x) ̸= q for all x ̸= p - In other words that the error
is always greater then zero 0 < |f (x) − q| < ϵ similar to 0 < |x − p| < δ. This would
allow chaining of functional limits, however it would make it impossible to take limits
of “locally flat” functions.
(b) Theorem 4.3.9 (Proved in Exercise 4.3.3)
(c) Not if f is continuous (in our example f was continuous). Yes if g is continuous since
it would get rid of the f (x) = q problem.
Exercise 4.3.5
Show using Definition 4.3.1 that if c is an isolated point of A ⊆ R, then f : A → R is
continuous at c
Solution
Since c is isolated, we can set δ small enough that the only x ∈ A satisfying |x − c| < δ is
x = c. Then clearly |f (x) − f (c)| < ϵ since f (x) = f (c) for all |x − c| < δ.
Exercise 4.3.6
Provide an example of each or explain why the request is impossible.
(a) Two functions f and g, neither of which is continuous at 0 but such that f (x)g(x) and
f (x) + g(x) are continuous at 0
(b) A function f (x) continuous at 0 and g(x) not continuous at 0 such that f (x) + g(x) is
continuous at 0
(c) A function f (x) continuous at 0 and g(x) not continuous at 0 such that f (x)g(x) is
continuous at 0
1
(d) A function f (x) not continuous at 0 such that f (x) + f (x)
is continuous at 0 .
(e) A function f (x) not continuous at 0 such that [f (x)]3 is continuous at 0 .

Solution
(a) Let
(
1 if x ≥ 0
f (x) =
−1 if x < 0
And set g(x) = −f (x). we have f (x) + g(x) = 0 which is continuous at zero, and we
have f (x)g(x) = −f (x)2 = −1 which is also continuous at zero.
(b) Impossible, since it would imply that (f + g) − f = g is continuous at zero (sum of
continuous functions is continuous).
(c) Let f (x) = 0, then f (x)g(x) = 0 is continuous at zero for any g(x).
(d) Let (
2 if x ≥ 0
f (x) =
1/2 if x < 0
Then f (x) + 1/f (x) = 2.5 is continuous at zero.
1/3
(e) Impossible, if [f (x)]3 was continuous at zero then ([f (x)]3 ) = f (x) would also be
continuous at zero since the composition of continuous functions is continuous
Exercise 4.3.7
(a) Referring to the proper theorems, give a formal argument that Dirichlet’s function
from Section 4.1 is nowhere-continuous on R.
(b) Review the definition of Thomae’s function in Section 4.1 and demonstrate that it fails
to be continuous at every rational point.
(c) Use the characterization of continuity in Theorem 4.3.2 (iii) to show that Thomae’s
function is continuous at every irrational point in R. (Given ϵ > 0, consider the set of
points {x ∈ R : t(x) ≥ ϵ}.)
Solution
Recall Dirichlet’s function is (
1 if x ∈ Q
g(x) =
0 if x ∈ I
And Thomae’s function is

1
 if x = 0
t(x) = 1/n if x = m/n in lowest terms with m, n ̸= 0

0 if x ∈ I

(a) Let a ∈ Q and set ϵ = 1. For any δ > 0 there will exist points x ∈ (a − δ, a + δ) ∩ I by
the density of I in R with |f (x) − f (a)| = |0 − 1| = 1 not less then ϵ, therefore there
does not exist a δ to match ϵ = 1 and so f is discontinuous at a. Since a was arbitrary
(the a ∈ I case is identical) g must be discontinuous at all of R.
(b) By the same argument as in (a) for any m/n ∈ Q no matter how small δ is, we can
find an irrational number within δ of m/n meaning ϵ cannot be made smaller then
|f (m/n) − f (x)| = 1/n.
(c) Let a ∈ I, we want to show t(x) < ϵ for |x − a| < δ. I claim the set {x ∈ V1 (a) :
t(x) ≥ ϵ} is finite, this can be seen since the requirement that t(x) ≥ ϵ is the same
as x = m/n and 1/n ≥ ϵ. It is easy to see there are finitely many points like this
(consider how there are finitely many n and finitely many m given n) thus we can say
{x ∈ V1 (a) : t(x) ≥ ϵ} = {x1 , . . . , xn } and set δ = min{|xi − a| : i ∈ {1, . . . , n}} to
ensure every x ∈ Vδ (a) has t(x) < ϵ.
Exercise 4.3.8
Decide if the following claims are true or false, providing either a short proof or counterex-
ample to justify each conclusion. Assume throughout that g is defined and continuous on
all of R.
(a) If g(x) ≥ 0 for all x < 1, then g(1) ≥ 0 as well.
(b) If g(r) = 0 for all r ∈ Q, then g(x) = 0 for all x ∈ R.
(c) If g (x0 ) > 0 for a single point x0 ∈ R, then g(x) is in fact strictly positive for
uncountably many points.
Solution
(a) True, using the sequential definition for functional limits letting (xn ) → 1 we have
g(xn ) ≥ 0 and g(xn ) → g(1) so by the Order Limit Theorem g(1) ≥ 0
(b) True, since if there was some x ∈ R with g(x) ̸= 0 then g would not be continuous at
x because we could never make ϵ smaller then |g(x) − g(r)| = |g(x)| as we can always
find rational numbers satisfying g(r) = 0 inside any δ-neighborhood.
(c) True, let ϵ < g(x0 ) and pick δ so that every x ∈ Vδ (x0 ) satisfies g(x) ∈ (g(x0 ) −
ϵ, g(x0 ) + ϵ) and thus g(x) > 0 since g(x0 ) − ϵ > 0.
Exercise 4.3.9
Assume h : R → R is continuous on R and let K = {x : h(x) = 0}. Show that K is a closed
set.
Solution
Let (xn ) be a convergent sequence in K and set x = lim xn . Since h is continuous the limit
lim h(xn ) = h(x) and since h(xn ) = 0 for all n lim h(xn ) = 0. therefore h(x) = 0 and x ∈ K.
Exercise 4.3.10
Observe that if a and b are real numbers, then
1
max{a, b} = [(a + b) + |a − b|]
2
(a) Show that if f1 , f2 , . . . , fn are continuous functions, then
g(x) = max {f1 (x), f2 (x), . . . , fn (x)}
is a continuous function.
(b) Let’s explore whether the result in (a) extends to the infinite case. For each n ∈ N,
define fn on R by (
1 if |x| ≥ 1/n
fn (x) =
n|x| if |x| < 1/n
Now explicitly compute h(x) = sup {f1 (x), f2 (x), f3 (x), . . .}
Solution
(a) We will prove this by induction. The base case is
1
max{f1 (x), f2 (x)} = [(a + b) + |a − b|]
2
Which is obviously continuous. Now assume max{f1 , . . . , fn−1 } is continuous, letting
m(x) = max{f1 , . . . , fn−1 } we can write
g(x) = max{f1 , . . . , fn−1 , fn } = max{fn , m(x)}
Now since fn (x) and m(x) are continuous functions max{fn , m} is continuous by the
base case!
(b) We can reason by cases. if x = 0 then fn (0) = 0 for all n so h(0) = 0. If x ̸= 0

then |x| > 1/n for all n > N meaning we have h(x) = max{f1 (x), . . . , fN (x), 1}. Since
n|x| < 1 for all |x| < 1/n we have h(x) = 1 and so
(
0 if x = 0
h(x) =
1 if x ̸= 0
Which is not continuous at x = 0, therefore (a) does not hold in the infinite case.
Exercise 4.3.11 (Contraction Mapping Theorem)

Let f be a function defined on all of R, and assume there is a constant c such that 0 < c < 1
and
|f (x) − f (y)| ≤ c|x − y|
for all x, y ∈ R.
(a) Show that f is continuous on R.
(b) Pick some point y1 ∈ R and construct the sequence
(y1 , f (y1 ) , f (f (y1 )) , . . .) .
In general, if yn+1 = f (yn ), show that the resulting sequence (yn ) is a Cauchy sequence.
Hence we may let y = lim yn .
(c) Prove that y is a fixed point of f (i.e., f (y) = y ) and that it is unique in this regard.
(d) Finally, prove that if x is any arbitrary point in R, then the sequence (x, f (x), f (f (x)), . . .)
converges to y defined in (b).
Solution
(a) Let δ = ϵ/c to get |f (x) − f (y)| ≤ c|x − y| < ϵ whenever |x − y| < δ. (This is the
general proof, we could make it shorter by letting δ = ϵ since 0 < c < 1)
(b) We want |yn − ym | < ϵ. Since 0 < c < 1 we have |yn+1 − ym+1 | ≤ c|yn − ym |, implying
|yn − ym | ≤ cm |yn−m+1 − y1 |. Thus if we can bound |yk − y1 | ≤ M for some constant
M (which may depend on y1 ) we will be done, by choosing m large enough so that
cm ≤ ϵ/M .
In general, |ya+1 − ya | ≤ c|ya − ya−1 |, so
|yk − y1 | ≤ |y1 − y2 | + |y2 − y3 | + · · · + |yk−1 − yk |

≤ |y1 − y2 | + c|y1 − y2 | + · · · + ck−2 |y1 − y2 |
k−2
X
= |y1 − y2 | ci
i=0
∞
X |y1 − y2 |
< |y1 − y2 | ci =
i=0
1−c
which is bounded, hence proved.
(c) Since f is continuous, f (limn→∞ yn ) = limn→∞ f (yn ) which is just the same as y shifted
one element forward, so clearly lim f (yn ) = y, showing that y is a fixed point.
Now, consider two similar sequences (an ) → a and (bn ) → b where a1 , b1 ∈ R, an+1 =
f (an ), and bn+1 = f (bn ). By the Algebraic Limit Theorem b = a + limn→∞ bn − an .
Now note
lim bn − an ≤ lim |bn − an | ≤ lim cn−1 |b1 − a1 | = 0
n→∞ n→∞ n→∞
Therefore a = b; this implies that regardless of our starting choice of y1 we will end
up at the same fixed point y. In particular, for a given fixed point z, if we start at
z1 = z then clearly limn→∞ zn = z but also limn→∞ zn = y and therefore z = y and y
is a unique fixed point.
(d) See (c)
Exercise 4.3.12
Let F ⊆ R be a nonempty closed set and define g(x) = inf{|x − a| : a ∈ F }. Show that g is
continuous on all of R and g(x) ̸= 0 for all x ∈
/ F.
Solution
Let x ∈ R and let a ∈ F be the element of F closest to x (must exist since F is closed), we
have 0 ≤ g(y) ≤ |y − a| and g(x) = |x − a|. Similarly, let b ∈ F be the element of F closest
to y. For the rest of the argument to make sense, we need to pick a as our comparison point
if |x − a| ≤ |y − b| or b otherwise. Suppose, without loss of generality, that we pick a. Thus,
not only g(y) − g(x) ≤ |y − a| − |x − a| but also |x − a| ≤ |y − b| =⇒ 0 ≤ g(y) − g(x). This
allows us to write
|g(y) − g(x)| ≤ ||y − a| − |x − a||
Applying the bound from Exercise 1.2.6 (d) we get
||y − a| − |x − a|| ≤ |(y − a) − (x − a)| = |y − x| < δ

Setting δ = ϵ gives |g(x) − g(y)| < ϵ as desired. If we had to pick b, the argument is the
same just replacing y with x and vice-versa.
To see g(x) ̸= 0 for x ∈/ F notice that F c is open so there exists an α > 0 so that
Vα (x) ∩ F = ∅ meaning g(x) ≥ α and so g(x) ̸= 0.
Exercise 4.3.13
Let f be a function defined on all of R that satisfies the additive condition f (x + y) =
f (x) + f (y) for all x, y ∈ R.
(a) Show that f (0) = 0 and that f (−x) = −f (x) for all x ∈ R.
(b) Let k = f (1). Show that f (n) = kn for all n ∈ N, and then prove that f (z) = kz for
all z ∈ Z. Now, prove that f (r) = kr for any rational number r.
(c) Show that if f is continuous at x = 0, then f is continuous at every point in R and
conclude that f (x) = kx for all x ∈ R. Thus, any additive function that is continuous
at x = 0 must necessarily be a linear function through the origin.
Solution
(a) f (0 + 0) = f (0) + f (0) implies f (0) = 0 and thus f (x + (−x)) = 0 = f (x) + f (−x)
meaning f (−x) = −f (x).
(b) f (n) = f (1) + · · · + f (1) = k + · · · + k = kn. Now since f (−n) = −f (n) = −kn we
have f (z) = kz for all z ∈ Z. Finally let r = p/q for p ∈ Z and q ∈ N. notice that
f (qr) = k(qr) and since f (qr) = f (r + · · · + r) = f (r) + · · · + f (r) = qf (r) we have
f (r) = k(qr)/q = kr.
(c) Assume f is continuous at 0 and let x ∈ R be arbitrary. Let xn be a sequence
approaching x. since (x − xn ) → 0 we have f (x − xn ) → 0 because f is continuous
at zero. Now since f is additive f (x − xn ) = f (x) − f (xn ) → 0 implies f (xn ) → f (x)
meaning f is continuous at x ∈ R by the sequential characterization of continuity.
Now to see that f (x) = kx for x ∈ I simply take a limit of rationals approaching x.
Exercise 4.3.14
(a) Let F be a closed set. Construct a function f : R → R such that the set of points
where f fails to be continuous is precisely F . (The concept of the interior of a set,
discussed in Exercise 3.2.14, may be useful.)
(b) Now consider an open set O. Construct a function g : R → R whose set of discontin-
uous points is precisely O. (For this problem, the function in Exercise 4.3.12 may be
useful.)
Solution
(a) Using the notation from Exercise 3.2.14, note that F o , F c , and F c \F c are disjoint but
their union is R; moreover F o ∪ F c \F c = F . Let d(x) denote Dirichlet’s function (1
on rationals, 0 on irrationals), and consider

o
d(x) x ∈ F

f (x) = 2 x ∈ F c \F c

3 x ∈ Fc

4.4. CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS ON COMPACT SETS 105
If x ∈ F o (which is open) then we can find Vϵ (x) ⊆ F o where there will be both
irrational and rational numbers, indicating that f is discontinuous over F o .
If x ∈ F c \F c , x must be a limit point of F c , and therefore all Vϵ (x) will intersect F c at
some point, and thus f (y) = 3 for some y ∈ Vϵ (x), preventing f from being continuous
in F c \F c .
If x ∈ F c (which is open) then we can find Vϵ (x) ⊆ F c which is a constant 3, and
therefore f is continuous over F c . Thus, f is discontinous only over F .
(b) Define
f (x) = d(x) (inf{|x − a| : a ∈ F c })
f (x) = 0 for x ∈ F c and by choosing δ = ϵ > 0 we will have inf{|y − a| : a ∈ F c } < ϵ

for y ∈ Vδ (x) (simply consider a = x) implying f is continuous over F c .
Since F is open, for any given x ∈ F we can find α > 0 so that inf{|y − a| : a ∈ F c } >
γ > 0 for all y ∈ Vα (x). (One way to do this is by choosing β so that Vβ (x) ⊆ F , taking
α = β/2, noting that {a : ∃y ∈ Vα (x) such that |y − a| < α} = Vβ (x), and concluding
that a ∈ F c =⇒ a ∈ / Vβ (x) =⇒ ∀y ∈ Vα (x), |y − a| ≥ α.) Then since for any Vδ (x),
there must be points y1 , y2 where d(y1 ) = 1, d(y2 ) = 0, it must be impossible to satisfy
the definition of continuity for ϵ < γ (since in the δ-neighbourhood of x, f (x) will jump
by at least that amount between rational and irrational numbers), and therefore f is
discontinuous for any x ∈ F .
4.4 Continuous Functions on Compact Sets

Exercise 4.4.1
(a) Show that f (x) = x3 is continuous on all of R.
(b) Argue, using Theorem 4.4.5, that f is not uniformly continuous on R.
(c) Show that f is uniformly continuous on any bounded subset of R.
Solution
(a) True since the product of continuous functions is continuous
(b) Take xn = n and yn = n + 1/n has |xn − yn | → 0 but

3 3
2 1 1 1
|f (yn ) − f (xn )| = (n + 1/n) − n = 3n · + 3n · 2 + 3 → ∞
n n n
Which shows x3 is not uniformly continuous by Theorem 4.4.5
(c) Let A be a bounded subset of R with A ⊂ (−M, M ). Let ϵ > 0 and note that
3
x − y 3 (x − y)(x2 + xy + y 2 ) 2

= x + xy + y 2
x−y =

(x − y)
Is clearly bounded on (−M, M ). Thus the Lipschitz condition allows us to conclude f

is uniformly continuous on A.
Exercise 4.4.2
(a) Is f (x) = 1/x uniformly continuous on (0, 1) ?
√
(b) Is g(x) = x2 + 1 uniformly continuous on (0, 1) ?
(c) Is h(x) = x sin(1/x) uniformly continuous on (0, 1) ?
Solution
(a) No, intuitively because slope becomes unbounded as we approach zero. Rigorously
consider xn = 2/n and yn = 1/n we have |xn − yn | → 0 but |1/xn − 1/yn | = |n/2 − n| =
n/2 is unbounded meaning f cannot be uniformly continuous by Theorem 4.4.5.
(b) Yes, since it’s continuous on [0, 1] Theorem 4.4.7 implies it is uniformly continuous on
[0, 1] and hence on any subset as well.
(c) Yes, since h is continuous over [0, 1] implying it is also uniformly continuous over [0, 1]
by Theorem 4.4.7
Exercise 4.4.3
Show that f (x) = 1/x2 is uniformly continuous on the set [1, ∞) but not on the set (0, 1].
Solution
By Lipschitz over [1, ∞)
1/x2 − 1/y 2 y 2 − x2 (x − y)(x + y) x + y 1

1
x2 y 2 (x − y) x2 y 2 (x − y) x2 y 2 xy 2 x2 y ≤ 2
= = = = +
x−y
For (0, 1] consider xn = 1/n and yn = 1/2n. we have |xn − yn | → 0 but
|f (xn ) − f (yn )| = |n2 − 4n2 | = 3n2
is unbounded, hence f is not uniformly continuous on (0, 1] by Theorem 4.4.5.
Exercise 4.4.4
Decide whether each of the following statements is true or false, justifying each conclusion.
(a) If f is continuous on [a, b] with f (x) > 0 for all a ≤ x ≤ b, then 1/f is bounded on
[a, b] (meaning 1/f has bounded range).
(b) If f is uniformly continuous on a bounded set A, then f (A) is bounded.
(c) If f is defined on R and f (K) is compact whenever K is compact, then f is continuous

on R.
Solution
(a) True, the Algebraic Limit Theorem implies 1/f is continuous (well defined since f > 0)
and the Extreme Value Theorem implies 1/f attains a maximum and minimum and
so is bounded.
(b) Let ϵ = 1 and choose δ > 0 so that |x − y| < δ implies |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ. Define the
set X = {x0 , . . . , xn } consisting of evenly spaced values xi , ranging from x0 = inf A to
xn = sup A, with the spacing between each value less than δ/2 (i.e. ∀k, xk − xk−1 <
δ/2). Now define the set P = {p0 , . . . , pm } where for each xi ∈ X, we add one element
pi ∈ A ∩ Vδ/2 (x), if A ∩ Vδ/2 (x) ̸= ∅ (and do not add anything if A ∩ Vδ/2 (x) = ∅).
Now, every element a ∈ A is at most δ from an element p ∈ P (i.e. |a − x| < δ). To
see this, for any a ∈ A, there must be some xi ∈ X so that |a − xi | < δ/2, and since
A ∩ Vδ/2 (x) ̸= ∅ (it at least contains a), there must also be an element pi ∈ P so that
|xi − p| < δ/2. By the Triangle Inequality, |a − p| < δ for some p ∈ P .
Noting that P ⊆ A is finite, we can consider M = max(f (P )). Let a ∈ A be arbitrary,
and identify the nearest p ∈ P . We have |a − p| < δ so |f (y) − f (p)| < ϵ and since
f (p) ≤ M , f (a) < ϵ + M , completing the proof.
Alternative proof approach: Ā is closed, bounded, and thus compact. Extend the
definition of f to cover limit points of A via a limit on f ; these limits exist since f
is uniformly continuous (TODO write explicit proof). The extended f is continuous,
and thus preserves the compactness of Ā; therefore f (A) is bounded.
(c) Any function with finite range preserves compact sets, since all finite sets are compact.
Meaning Dirichlet’s function
(
1 if x ∈ Q
g(x) =
0 if x ∈ Q
“preserves” compact sets, but is nowhere-continuous.

Exercise 4.4.5
Assume that g is defined on an open interval (a, c) and it is known to be uniformly continuous
on (a, b] and [b, c), where a 0 and choose δ1 so that every x, y ∈ (a, b] with |x − y| < δ1 has |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ/2,
likewise choose δ2 so that every x, y ∈ [b, c) with |x − y| < δ2 has |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ/2. Finally
let δ = min{δ1 , δ2 }. The final case is if x ∈ (a, b] and y ∈ [b, c] where we use the triangle
inequality
|f (x) − f (y)| ≤ |f (x) − f (b)| + |f (b) − f (y)| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
Thus f is uniformly continuous on (a, c).
Exercise 4.4.6
Give an example of each of the following, or state that such a request is impossible. For any
that are impossible, supply a short explanation for why this is the case.
(a) A continuous function f : (0, 1) → R and a Cauchy sequence (xn ) such that f (xn ) is
not a Cauchy sequence;
(b) A uniformly continuous function f : (0, 1) → R and a Cauchy sequence (xn ) such that
f (xn ) is not a Cauchy sequence;
(c) A continuous function f : [0, ∞) → R and a Cauchy sequence (xn ) such that f (xn ) is
not a Cauchy sequence;
Solution
(a) f (x) = 1/x and xn = 1/n has f (xn ) diverging, hence f (xn ) is not Cauchy.
(b) Impossible since for all ϵ > 0 we can find an N so that all n ≥ N has |xn − xm | < δ
(since xn is Cauchy) implying |f (xn ) − f (xm )| < ϵ and thus f (xn ) is Cauchy. (Uniform
continuity is needed for the ∀n ≥ N part)
(c) Impossible since [0, ∞) is closed (xn ) → x ∈ [0, ∞) implying f (xn ) → f (x) since f is
continuous, thus f (xn ) is a Cauchy sequence.
Exercise 4.4.7 √
Prove that f (x) = x is uniformly continuous on [0, ∞).
Solution
We will show f is uniformly continuous on [0, 1] and [1, ∞) then combine them similar to
Exercise 4.4.5.
(i) Since f is continuous over [0, 1] Theorem 4.4.7 implies f is uniformly continuous on
[0, 1].
√
(ii) f is Lipschitz on [1, ∞) since x is sublinear over [1, ∞)
√ √ √ √
x − y ( x − y) 1
= √ √ = √
x − y ( x − y)( x + y) x + y ≤ 1
√ √ √

Let δ = min{δ1 , δ2 } where δ1 is for [0, 1] and δ2 is for [1, ∞). If x, y are both in one of
[0, 1] or [1, ∞) we have |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ/2 and are done. If x ∈ [0, 1] and y ∈ [1, ∞) then
|f (x) − f (y)| ≤ |f (x) − f (1)| + |f (1) − f (y)| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ

√
Thus f (x) = x is uniformly continuous on [0, ∞).
Exercise 4.4.8
Give an example of each of the following, or provide a short argument for why the request
is impossible.
(a) A continuous function defined on [0, 1] with range (0, 1).
(b) A continuous function defined on (0, 1) with range [0, 1].
(c) A continuous function defined on (0, 1] with range (0, 1).
Solution
(a) Impossible as continuous functions preserve compact sets and (0, 1) is not compact.
(b) Define 
3x − 1
 if x ∈ [1/3, 2/3]
f (x) = 1 if x ∈ (2/3, 1)

0 if x ∈ (0, 1/3)

f is continuous on (0, 1) and has range [0, 1]. Here’s a graph of f :
(c) Consider g(x) = sin(1/x)(1 − x) over x ∈ (0, 1]; clearly g(x) is continuous over this
interval. The 1 − x term bounds g(x) to (−1, 1), while the sin(1/x) ensures that g(x)
will approach this bound arbitrarily close as x → 0. Thus, the range of g(x) is (−1, 1).
We now just need to shape this to (0, 1) by defining f (x) = (g(x) + 1)/2.
Exercise 4.4.9 (Lipschitz Functions)

A function f : A → R is called Lipschitz if there exists a bound M > 0 such that

f (x) − f (y)
x−y ≤M

for all x ̸= y ∈ A. Geometrically speaking, a function f is Lipschitz if there is a uniform

bound on the magnitude of the slopes of lines drawn through any two points on the graph
of f .
(a) Show that if f : A → R is Lipschitz, then it is uniformly continuous on A.
(b) Is the converse statement true? Are all uniformly continuous functions necessarily
Lipschitz?
Solution
(a) Choose ϵ > 0 and set δ = ϵ/M to get |f (x) − f (y)| ≤ M |x − y| < M δ < ϵ.
√
(b) No, consider f (x) = x over [0, 1] which is uniformly continuous by Theorem 4.4.7
however at x = 0 we have
√
f (x) − f (y) − y 1
x − y = −y = √y

Which is unbounded for small y.
Exercise 4.4.10
Assume that f and g are uniformly continuous functions defined on a common domain A.
Which of the following combinations are necessarily uniformly continuous on A:
f (x)
f (x) + g(x), f (x)g(x), , f (g(x))?
g(x)
(Assume that the quotient and the composition are properly defined and thus at least con-
tinuous.)
Solution
(i) f (x) + g(x) is clearly uniformly continuous
(ii) f (x) = g(x) = x are individually uniformly continuous over R but f (x)g(x) = x2 is
not.
Note this counterexample only works when A is unbounded. If A is bounded you can
prove f (x)g(x) must be uniformly continuous the same way you prove the product
rule.
(iii) False, consider f (x) = 1 and g(x) = x over (0, 1). Both are uniformly continuous on
(0, 1) but f /g = 1/x is not.
(iv) Want |f (g(x)) − f (g(y))| < ϵ. Since f is uniformly continuous we can find an α > 0
so that
|g(x) − g(y)| < α =⇒ |f (g(x)) − f (g(y))| < ϵ
Now since g is uniformly continuous we can find a δ > 0 so that
|x − y| < δ =⇒ |g(x) − g(y)| < α
Combine the two to get
|x − y| < δ =⇒ |f (g(x)) − f (g(y))| < ϵ
as desired, which proves that f (g(x)) is uniformly continuous.
Exercise 4.4.11 (Topological Characterization of Continuity)

Let g be defined on all of R. If B is a subset of R, define the set g −1 (B) by
g −1 (B) = {x ∈ R : g(x) ∈ B}.
Show that g is continuous if and only if g −1 (O) is open whenever O ⊆ R is an open set.
Solution
A fact we’ll use is that g(A) ⊆ B if and only if A ⊆ g −1 (B). Which is true since
g(A) ⊆ B =⇒ A ⊆ g −1 (g(A)) ⊆ g −1 (B) and A ⊆ g −1 (B) =⇒ g(A) ⊆ B.
Fix x ∈ R, we are given that g −1 (Vϵ (x)) is open, meaning there exists a neighborhood
Vδ (x) with Vδ (x) ⊆ g −1 (Vϵ (x)) implying g(Vδ (x)) ⊆ Vϵ (x) and thus g is continuous.
Now suppose g is continuous and let O ⊆ R be an open set. If x ∈ g −1 (O) then g(x) ∈ O
and (since O is open) there exists a neighborhood Vϵ (g(x)) ⊆ O, now there exists Vδ (x)
where g(Vδ (x)) ⊆ Vϵ (g(x)) ⊆ O so we have Vδ (x) ⊆ g −1 (O) and are done.
Exercise 4.4.12
Review Exercise 4.4.11, and then determine which of the following statements is true about
a continuous function defined on R:
(a) f −1 (B) is finite whenever B is finite.

(b) f −1 (K) is compact whenever K is compact.
(c) f −1 (A) is bounded whenever A is bounded.
(d) f −1 (F ) is closed whenever F is closed.
Solution
(a) False, f (x) = 0 has f −1 ({0}) = R
(b) False, f (x) = 0 has {0} compact but f −1 ({0}) = R is not compact
(c) False, f (x) = 0 has f −1 ({0}) = R
(d) True, let (xn ) → x be a convergent sequence in f −1 (F ), we know f (xn ) → f (x) ∈ F

meaning x ∈ f −1 (F ) and so f −1 (F ) is closed.
Exercise 4.4.13 (Continuous Extension Theorem)

(a) Show that a uniformly continuous function preserves Cauchy sequences; that is, if
f : A → R is uniformly continuous and (xn ) ⊆ A is a Cauchy sequence, then show
f (xn ) is a Cauchy sequence.
(b) Let g be a continuous function on the open interval (a, b). Prove that g is uniformly
continuous on (a, b) if and only if it is possible to define values g(a) and g(b) at the
endpoints so that the extended function g is continuous on [a, b]. (In the forward
direction, first produce candidates for g(a) and g(b), and then show the extended g is
continuous.)
Solution
(a) Let ϵ > 0 and set N large enough that n, m ≥ N has |xn − xm | < δ implying |f (xn ) −
f (xm )| < ϵ by the uniformly continuity of f .
(b) Define g(a) = limx→a g(x) and g(b) = limx→b g(x) if both limits exist, then g is contin-
uous on [a, b] meaning it is uniformly continuous on [a, b] by Theorem 4.4.7, and thus
is uniformly continuous the subset (a, b).
If f were uniformly continuous (a, b) Cauchy sequences are preserved meaning the
sequential definition for functional limits (Theorem 4.2.3) implies the limits limx→a g(x)
and limx→b g(x) exist.
Exercise 4.4.14
Construct an alternate proof of Theorem 4.4.7 (Continuous on K implies Uniformly Con-
tinuous on K) using the open cover characterization of compactness from the Heine-Borel
Theorem (Theorem 3.3.8 (iii)).
Solution
Let f be continuous on K, and choose ϵ > 0. We can create the open cover {Vδx /2 (x) : x ∈ K}
where δx is chosen so every y ∈ Vδ (x) has |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ/2. Now Snsince K is compact there
exists a finite subcover O = {Vδ1 /2 (x1 ), . . . , Vδn /2 (xn )} with K ⊆ k=1 Vδk /2 (xk ).
Let δ = min{δ1 , . . . , δn }/2 and choose arbitrary x ∈ K. Since O is an open cover of K,

there must be some Vδi /2 (xi ) ∋ x. Now suppose y ∈ K so that |x − y| < δ. Then
|x − y| < δ ≤ δi /2 and |x − xi | < δi /2 =⇒ |y − xi | < δi
Also, |x − xi | < δi /2 < δi . Since f is continuous at xi , this implies |f (y) − f (xi )| < ϵ/2
and |f (x) − f (xi )| < ϵ/2, so by the Triangle Inequality |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ.
4.5 The Intermediate Value Theorem

Exercise 4.5.1
Show how the Intermediate Value Theorem follows as a corollary to preservation of connected
sets (Theorem 4.5.2).
Solution
Since [a, b] is connected, so too must be f ([a, b]), which must be an interval containing both
f (a) and f (b); therefore [f (a), f (b)] (or [f (b), f (a)] if f (b) < f (a)) is a subset of f ([a, b]),
Exercise 4.5.2
Provide an example of each of the following, or explain why the request is impossible
(a) A continuous function defined on an open interval with range equal to a closed interval.
(b) A continuous function defined on a closed interval with range equal to an open interval.
(c) A continuous function defined on an open interval with range equal to an unbounded
closed set different from R.
(d) A continuous function defined on all of R with range equal to Q.
Solution
(a) Possible, see Exercise 4.4.8 (b)
(b) Impossible by preservation of compact sets
(c) Let f : (0, 1) → [2, ∞) be defined by

(
1
x
if x ∈ (0, 1/2]
f (x) = 1
1−x
if x ∈ (1/2, 1)
This works since [2, ∞) is closed, unbounded and different from R.
(d) Impossible as this contradicts the intermediate value theorem.
Exercise 4.5.3
A function f is increasing on A if f (x) ≤ f (y) for all x < y in A. Show that if f is increasing
on [a, b] and satisfies the intermediate value property (Definition 4.5.3), then f is continuous
on [a, b].
4.5. THE INTERMEDIATE VALUE THEOREM 113
Solution
Let x ∈ [a, b] and choose ϵ > 0. Let L ∈ (f (a), f (x)) ∩ (f (x) − ϵ, f (x)) IVP lets us find
c ∈ (a, x) with f (c) = L, thus |f (x) − f (c)| < ϵ. Likewise we can find d ∈ (x, b) with
|f (d) − f (x)| < ϵ. Because f is increasing f (x) − f (c) < ϵ implies f (x) − f (c′ ) < ϵ for
c′ ∈ (c, x) (and likewise for d) meaning every y ∈ (c, d) has |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ. To get a
δ-neighborhood simply set δ = min{x − c, d − x}.
Exercise 4.5.4
Let g be continuous on an interval A and let F be the set of points where g fails to be
one-to-one; that is,
F = {x ∈ A : f (x) = f (y) for some y ̸= x and y ∈ A}.
Show F is either empty or uncountable.
Solution
Suppose F is nonempty, let x, y ∈ A with x ̸= y and f (x) = f (y). Pick z ∈ (x, y) such that
f (z) ̸= f (x) (if z does not exist f is constant over (x, y) and we are finished early). By the
Intermediate Value Theorem every L ∈ (f (x), f (z)) has an x′ ∈ (x, z) with f (x′ ) = L. And
since L ∈ (f (z), f (y)) as well we can find y ′ ∈ (z, y) with f (y ′ ) = L, thus f (y ′ ) = f (x′ ) and
so f is not 1-1 at every L ∈ (f (x), f (z)) which is uncountable.
Exercise 4.5.5
(a) Finish the proof of the Intermediate Value Theorem using the Axiom of Completeness
started previously.
(b) Finish the proof of the Intermediate Value Theorem using the Nested Interval Property
started previously.
Solution
Let f be continuous, and let L ∈ (f (a), f (b)), we must find c ∈ (a, b) with f (c) = L. (If
f (a) > f (b) then instead consider f ′ (x) = −f (x) and L′ = −L)
(a) Let c = sup{x : f (x) ≤ L}. f (c) < L is not possible since we could find δ small enough
that f (c + δ) < L contradicting c being an upper bound. And f (c) > L is impossible
since we could find δ small enough that f (c − δ) > L contradicting c being the least
upper bound (since we found a smaller upper bound). Thus we must have f (c) = L
A detail we glossed over is c ∈ (a, b), which can be seen since f (b) > L and f (a) < L
has f (a + δ) < L meaning a cannot be the least upper bound.
(b) Let I0 = [a, b] and bisect into two intervals, let I1 be the interval where L is still
T the endpoints. Continue like this to get a sequence In ⊆ In−1 , In ̸= ∅,
between f at
and let c ∈ ∞n=1 In .
Suppose for contradiction that f (c) < L; then there must be some ϵ > 0 so that
Vϵ (f (c)) < L. Since f is continuous, there must also be some δ so that f (Vδ (c)) < L -
but this contradicts our construction in that one endpoint of In is mapped to a number
greater than L, no matter how large n gets and how small In is as a result. A similar
argument shows f (c) cannot be larger than L, and therefore f (c) = L.
Exercise 4.5.6
Let f : [0, 1] → R be continuous with f (0) = f (1)
(a) Show that there must exist x, y ∈ [0, 1] satisfying |x − y| = 1/2 and f (x) = f (y).
(b) Show that for each n ∈ N there exist xn , yn ∈ [0, 1] with |xn − yn | = 1/n and f (xn ) =
f (yn ).
(c) If h ∈ (0, 1/2) is not of the form 1/n, there does not necessarily exist |x − y| = h
satisfying f (x) = f (y). Provide an example that illustrates this using h = 2/5.
Solution
(a) Let g(x) = f (x) − f (x + 1/2) and note that g(x) is continuous over [0, 1/2]. Note also
that g(0) = f (0) − f (1/2) = −g(1/2) = f (1/2) − f (1), and therefore we can apply
IVT to g(x) over [0, 1/2] to conclude that there must be a root of g(x), and therefore
f (x) = f (x + 1/2), for some x ∈ [0, 1/2].
(b) Let g(x) = f (x) − f (x + 1/n) and note that g(x) is continuous over [0, n−1
n
]. Note also
Pn−1 Pn−1
that g(0) = − i=1 g(i/n), and since g(0) and i=1 g(i/n) have opposite sign there
must be some natural number 1 ≤ i ≤ n − 1 where g(i/n) is opposite in sign from
g(0), at which point we can apply IVT in a similar fashion to part (a) and find a root
of g(x), completing the proof.
(c) Consider 
−10(x − 0) + 0


0 < x ≤ 1/5
15(x − 1/5) − 2 1/5 < x ≤ 2/5



f (x) = −10(x − 2/5) + 1 2/5 < x ≤ 3/5

15(x − 3/5) − 1 3/5 < x ≤ 4/5





−10(x − 4/5) + 2 4/5 < x ≤ 1
You could go through the grunt work of verifying that this meets the requirements,
but it’s easier to just plot the function (see graphic) - the function takes a corner every
1/5 along x.
Exercise 4.5.7
Let f be a continuous function on the closed interval [0, 1] with range also contained in
[0, 1]. Prove that f must have a fixed point; that is, show f (x) = x for at least one value of
x ∈ [0, 1].
4.6. SETS OF DISCONTINUITY 115
Solution
Since 0 and 1 are both in the range of f , choose a and b such that f (a) = 0 and f (b) = 1.
Define g(x) = f (x) − x; clearly g is continuous, g(a) = 0 − a = −a ≤ 0, and g(b) = 1 − b ≥ 0.
By IVT there must be some c ∈ [a, b] so that g(c) = 0 and hence f (c) = c.
Exercise 4.5.8 (Inverse functions)

If a function f : A → R is one-to-one, then we can define the inverse function f −1 on the
range of f in the natural way: f −1 (y) = x where y = f (x).
Show that if f is continuous on an interval [a, b] and one-to-one, then f −1 is also contin-
uous.
Solution
Define a function f to be strictly increasing (decreasing) on A if f (x) < f (y) (f (x) > f (y))
for all x < y in A, and define strictly monotone to mean either strictly increasing or strictly
decreasing. It’s easy to show by contradiction using IVT that a one-to-one continuous
function f must be strictly monotone, and similarly so is f −1 . Moreover, if f is strictly
increasing then so is f −1 , and if f is strictly decreasing then so is f −1 .
We now show that f −1 satisfies the intermediate value property. Assume for now that
f is strictly increasing - the proof for the case of strictly decreasing is similar. Consider
f (x1 ) = y1 < f (x2 ) = y2 and any L between f −1 (y1 ) and f −1 (y2 ), i.e. x1 < L < x2 ; we
need to show there is some y3 ∈ [y1 , y2 ] such that f −1 (y3 ) = L; clearly y3 = f (L) works. By
Exercise 4.5.3, this shows f −1 (x) is continuous.
4.6 Sets of Discontinuity

Exercise 4.6.1
Using modifications of Dirichlet and Thomae’s functions, construct a function f : R → R
so that
(a) Df = Zc .
(b) Df = {x : 0 < x ≤ 1}.
Solution
(a) Modify the function continuous only at zero to be continuous around integers.
(
x − round(x) if x ∈ Q
f (x) =
0 if x ∈ I
where round(x) rounds x to the nearest integer.
(b) Modify the function continuous only at zero to be continuous below 0 and above 1.
Let (
x if x ∈ Q
d(x) =
0 if x ∈ I
then 
0
 if x ≤ 0
g(x) = d(x) if 0 < x ≤ 1

2 if 1 < x

Exercise 4.6.2
Given a countable set A = {a1 , a2 , a3 , . . .}, define f (an ) = 1/n and f (x) = 0 for all x ∈
/ A.
Find Df .
Solution
To find Df consider x ∈ Df for the two cases x ∈ A and x ∈ / A. If x ∈ A then f is not
continuous, since f (x) > 0 but for any δ > 0 we can find y ∈ Vδ (x) with y ∈
/ A (because A is
c
countable, A must be dense) hence there is an unavoidable error of |f (x)−f (y)| = f (x) > 0.
Now consider x ∈ / A, using the sequential criterion for continuity notice every sequence
(xn ) → x has f (xn ) → 0 (since if xn ∈ A converge to 0 as n → ∞, and xn ∈ / A are always
0), now since f (x) = 0 this shows f is continuous at x ∈/ A.
Together we’ve shown Df = A. Setting A = Q and using a particular ordering recovers
Thomae’s function. Hence we can view this as a generalization of Thomae’s function for
arbitrary countable sets.
Exercise 4.6.3
State a similar definition for the left-hand limit
lim f (x) = L
x→c−
Solution
For all ϵ > 0 there exists a δ > 0 such that 0 < c − x < δ implies |f (x) − L| < ϵ.
Exercise 4.6.4
Given f : A → R and a limit point c of A, limx→c f (x) = L if and only if
lim f (x) = L and lim f (x) = L.

x→c− x→c+
Supply a proof for this proposition.
Solution
Let ϵ > 0, pick δ1 so 0 < x − c < δ1 implies |f (x) − L| < ϵ, pick δ2 so 0 < c − x < δ2 implies
|f (x) − L| < ϵ. Finally, set δ = min{δ1 , δ2 } to get |f (x) − L| < ϵ when 0 < |x − c| < δ, as
desired.
Exercise 4.6.5
Prove that the only type of discontinuity a monotone function can have is a jump disconti-
nuity.
4.6. SETS OF DISCONTINUITY 117
Solution
Let f be monotone and assume f is increasing. For some c we want to show limx→c− f (x)
and limx→c+ f (x) exist.
Let ϵ > 0 and set L = sup{f (x) : x < c}, by the definition of sup, L − ϵ is not an
upper bound for {f (x) : x < c}, hence there exists a δ1 > 0 with f (c − δ1 ) > L − ϵ, thus
0 < c−x < δ1 implies |f (x)−L| < ϵ (this is where we use the fact that f is increasing!), hence
the lower limit exists. Likewise for M = inf{f (x) : x > c} we get δ2 > 0 with 0 < x − c < δ2
implying |f (x) − M | < ϵ, hence the upper limit exists.
Putting these together, we see that f is continuous at c if and only if L = M . In other
words, the only possible discontinuity is a jump discontinuity L ̸= M .
Exercise 4.6.6
Construct a bijection between the set of jump discontinuities of a monotone function f and a
subset of Q. Conclude that Df for a monotone function f must either be finite or countable,
but not uncountable.
Solution
In 4.6.5 we showed every c ∈ Df is a jump discontinuity, i.e. both sided limits L and M
exist and L ̸= M . Pick some r ∈ (L, M ) ∩ Q and assign f (c) = r. Continue like this to
define a bijection f : Df → Q where Q ⊆ Q. Thus Df must be finite or countable.
Exercise 4.6.7
In Section 4.1 we constructed functions where the set of discontinuity was R (Dirichlet’s
function), R\{0} (modified Dirichlet function), and Q (Thomae’s function).
(a) Show that in each of the above cases we get an Fσ set as the set where the function is
discontinuous.
(b) Show that the two sets of discontinuity in Exercise 4.6.1 are Fσ sets.
Solution
(a) R is closed, so it is in Fσ , R\{0} = ∞
S
n=1SR\(−1/n, 1/n) is in Fσ since R\(−1/n, 1/n) is
closed, and finally Q is in Fσ since Q = ∞ n=1 {rn } (where rn enumerate Q, all countable
sets are Fσ sets.)
(b) Recall countable unions
S of Fσ sets are Fσ (see 3.5.2) and that open intervals are Fσ
c
sets, meaning Z = z∈Z (z, z + 1) is an Fσ set. As for {x : 0 < x ≤ 1} = (0, 1] I refer
you to 3.5.3 (b).
Exercise 4.6.8
Prove that, for a fixed α > 0, the set Dfα is closed.
Solution c
We do this by showing the complement is open. Let x ∈ Dfα , by the definition of α-
continuity there exists a δ > 0 such that y, z ∈ Vδ (x) have |f (y) − f (z)| < α. To see
c
openness notice Vδ/2 (x) ⊆ Dfα since any x′ ∈ Vδ/2 (x) is α-continuous with δ ′ = δ/2.
Exercise 4.6.9
′
If α < α′ , show that Dfα ⊆ Dfα .
Solution
This is obvious. If |f (y) − f (z)| < α and α < α′ clearly |f (y) − f (z)| < α′ as well. Increasing
α only makes the condition less strict.
Exercise 4.6.10
Let α > 0 be given. Show that if f is continuous at x, then it is α-continuous at x as well.
Explain how it follows that Dfα ⊆ Df .
Solution
Let ϵ = α/2 and use continuity to get δ > 0 with 0 < |x−y| < δ implying |f (x)−f (y)| < α/2,
which shows every y, z ∈ Vδ (x) satisfies |f (y) − f (z)| < α by the triangle inequality. Thus f
is α-continuous at x.
The negation of “continuous at x implies α-continuous at x” is “not α-continuous at x
implies not continuous at x”, hence Dfα ⊆ Df .
Exercise 4.6.11
Show that if f is not continuous at x, then f is not α-continuous for some α > 0. Now
explain why this guarantees that
[∞
Df = Dfαn
n=1
where αn = 1/n.
Solution
Negating the definition of f being continuous at x, we see f is not continuous at x iff there
exists an ϵ0 > 0 such that no δ > 0 satisfies |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ for all 0 < |x − y| < δ. Once
αn < ϵ0 (i.e. n > 1/ϵ0 ) we will have x ∈ Dfαn .
(This completes the proof that Df is an Fσ set!)
Chapter 5
The Derivative
5.2 Derivatives and the Intermediate Value Property

Exercise 5.2.1
Supply proofs for parts (i) and (ii) of Theorem 5.2.4. (addition and scalar multiplication
preserve differentiability)
Solution
Let f and g be differentiable at c. f + g is differentiable at c by using the algebraic limit
theorem
(f + g)(x) − (f + g)(c) f (x) − f (c) g(x) − g(c)
(f + g)′ = lim = lim lim = f ′ (c) + g ′ (c)
x→c x−c x→c x−c x→c x−c
Likewise for k ∈ R we can apply ALT
kf (x) − kf (c) f (x) − f (c)
(kf )′ = lim = k lim = kf ′ (c)
x→c x−c x→c x−c
Exercise 5.2.2
Exactly one of the following requests is impossible. Decide which it is, and provide examples
for the other three. In each case, let’s assume the functions are defined on all of R.
(a) Functions f and g not differentiable at zero but where f g is differentiable at zero.
(b) A function f not differentiable at zero and a function g differentiable at zero where f g
is differentiable at zero.
(c) A function f not differentiable at zero and a function g differentiable at zero where
f + g is differentiable at zero.
(d) A function f differentiable at zero but not differentiable at any other point.
Solution
(a) Let (
−1 if x < 0
f (x) =
1 if x ≥ 0
And g(x) = −f (x). Both f and g are not differentiable at 0, but f g = 1 (constant) is.
119
120 CHAPTER 5. THE DERIVATIVE
(b) If f g and g are differentiable at zero, then (f g)/g = f is differentiable at zero provided
the quotient is well defined. However if we let g(x) = 0 then f g = 0 is differentiable
at zero regardless of f . (Note we must have g(0) = 0 otherwise f = (f g)/g would be
differentiable at zero)
(c) Impossible, since f = (f + g) − g would be differentiable at zero by the differentiable

limit theorem
(d) Thomae’s function is a starting point


0
 if x = 0
t(x) = 1/n if x = m/n in lowest terms

x if x ∈ I

We have
t′ (0) = lim t(x)/x
x→0
This limit doesn’t exist, but if we define f (x) = xt(x) then the inside is thomae’s
function and so
f ′ (0) = lim f (x)/x = lim t(x) = 0
x→0 x→0
is the only place the derivative exists.
Exercise 5.2.3
(a) Use Definition 5.2.1 to produce the proper formula for the derivative of h(x) = 1/x.
(b) Combine the result in part (a) with the Chain Rule (Theorem 5.2.5) to supply a proof
for part (iv) of Theorem 5.2.4.
(c) Supply a direct proof of Theorem 5.2.4 (iv) by algebraically manipulating the difference
quotient for (f /g) in a style similar to the proof of Theorem 5.2.4 (iii).
Solution
(a)
1/y − 1/x x−y 1 1
h′ (x) = lim = lim = lim − =− 2
y→x y−x y→x xy(y − x) y→x xy x
(b) By chain rule (1/g)′ (x) = −g ′ (x)/g(x)2 combined with product rule gives
1 f ′ (x) g ′ (x)
(f · 1/g)′ (x) = f ′ (x) · + f (x)(1/g)′ (x) = − f (x)
g(x) g(x) g(x)2
f ′ (x)g(x) − f (x)g ′ (x)
=
g(x)2
(c)
(f /g)(y) − (f /g)(x) f (y)g(x) − f (x)g(y)
(f /g)′ (x) = lim = lim
y→x y−x y→x g(x)g(y)(y − x)
5.2. DERIVATIVES AND THE INTERMEDIATE VALUE PROPERTY 121
Now the g(x)g(y) goes to g(x)2 , we just need to evaluate the derivatives in the nu-
merator. We do this by adding and subtracting f (x)g(x) similar to the proof of the
product rule, then use the functional limit theorem to finish it off
g(x)(f (y) − f (x)) + f (x)(g(x) − g(y)) g(x)f ′ (x) − f (x)g ′ (x)

lim =
y→x g(x)g(y)(y − x) g(x)2
Exercise 5.2.4
Follow these steps to provide a slightly modified proof of the Chain Rule.
(a) Show that a function h : A → R is differentiable at a ∈ A if and only if there exists a

function l : A → R which is continuous at a and satisfies
h(x) − h(a) = l(x)(x − a) for all x ∈ A
(b) Use this criterion for differentiability (in both directions) to prove Theorem 5.2.5.
Solution
(a) First suppose h is differentiable at a, then we can define
(
h(x)−h(a)
x−a
x ̸= a
l(x) = ′
h (a) x=a
Since limx→a l(x) = l(a), l is continuous at a.

Now suppose l : A → R exists and satisfies h(x) − h(a) = l(x)(x − a), dividing by
(x − a) gives
h(x) − h(a)
= l(x) (x ̸= a)
x−a
Taking the limit of both sides as x → a gives h′ (a) = l(a) (keep in mind the constraint
x ̸= a makes no difference for the limit).
(b) Let f be differentiable at a and g be differentiable at f (a). we will show g(f (x)) is
differentiable at a with derivative g ′ (f (a))f ′ (a).
Multiply the top and bottom by f (y) − f (a) to get
g(f (y)) − g(f (a)) f (y) − f (a)

(g ◦ f )′ (a) = lim ·
y→a f (y) − f (a) y−a
We’re almost done, the right hand side is f ′ (a) we just need to evaluate the nested
limit on the left. Define l(y) = g(y)−g(f (a))
y−f (a)
and l(a) = g ′ (f (a)) then we have a product
of continuous functions so we can use the algebraic limit theorem
f (y) − f (a)
lim l(f (y)) · = g ′ (f (a)) · f ′ (a)
y→a y−a
Exercise 5.2.5
Let (
xa if x > 0
fa (x) =
0 if x ≤ 0
(a) For which values of a is f continuous at zero?
(b) For which values of a is f differentiable at zero? In this case, is the derivative function
continuous?
(c) For which values of a is f twice-differentiable?
Solution
(a) All a > 0, if a = 0 we get the step function and a < 0 gives an asymptote
(b) At zero, if the derivative exists, then the one-sided limit from above
xa
lim+ = lim+ xa−1
x→0 x x→0
must exist and be equal to zero (to match the limit from below). Thus a > 1 is
necessary, and in this case the derivative will be continuous.
(c) The first derivative is axa−1 , and its derivative at zero must be zero, so a > 2.
Exercise 5.2.6
Let g be defined on an interval A, and let c ∈ A.
(a) Explain why g ′ (c) in Definition 5.2.1 could have been given by
g(c + h) − g(c)
g ′ (c) = lim .
h→0 h
(b) Assume A is open. If g is differentiable at c ∈ A, show
g(c + h) − g(c − h)
g ′ (c) = lim .
h→0 2h
Solution
(a) This is just a change of variable from the normal definition, set h = (x − c) to get
g(x) − g(c) g(c + h) − g(c)
lim = lim
x→c x−c h→0 h
(b) Some basic algebra

g(c + h) − g(c) + g(c) − g(c − h) 1 g(c + h) − g(c) g(c) − g(c − h)
lim = lim + lim
h→0 2h 2 h→0 h h→0 h
The first term is clearly g ′ (c) and the second is g ′ (c) with the substitution h = c − x
since
g(c) − g(x)
g ′ (c) = lim
x→c c−x
′
Thus the whole expression is g (c).
Exercise 5.2.7
Let (
xa sin(1/x) if x ̸= 0
ga (x) =
0 if x = 0
Find a particular (potentially noninteger) value for a so that
(a) ga is differentiable on R but such that ga′ is unbounded on [0, 1].
(b) ga is differentiable on R with ga′ continuous but not differentiable at zero.
(c) ga is differentiable on R and ga′ is differentiable on R, but such that ga′′ is not continuous
at zero.
Solution
We need a > 0 to make ga continuous at zero, for differentiation notice
g(x) − g(0) xa sin(1/x)

ga′ (0) = lim = lim = lim xa−1 sin(1/x)
x→0 x−0 x→0 x x→0
Thus for differentiation we need xa−1 sin(1/x) to have a limit at zero. Keep this in mind for
the problems. Also note
ga′ (x) = axa−1 sin(1/x) + xa cos(1/x)(−1/x2 )

= axa−1 sin(1/x) − xa−2 cos(1/x)
(a) To get unboundedness we need the xa−2 cos(1/x) term to become unbounded, so pick
a = 1.5 to satisfy a > 1 (differentiable) and a < 2 (unbounded derivative)
(b) Pick a = 2.5, It’s clear that ga′ (x) = 2.5x1.5 sin(1/x)−x0.5 cos(1/x) is continuous at zero,
but not differentiable since x0.5 cos(1/x) isn’t differentiable at zero and 2.5x1.5 sin(1/x)
is (if both terms were not differentiable they could cancel eachother out, constant
vigilance!).
(c) Pick a = 3.5, for all intents and purposes ga′ behaves like ga−2 (because the xa−2 cos(1/x)
term acts as a bottleneck) meaning ga′′ exists, but isn’t continuous since we get another
−2 to a leading to a x−0.5 term in ga′′ .
Exercise 5.2.8
Review the definition of uniform continuity (Definition 4.4.4). Given a differentiable function
f : A → R, let’s say that f is uniformly differentiable on A if, given ϵ > 0 there exists a
δ > 0 such that

f (x) − f (y) ′

x−y − f (y) < ϵ whenever 0 < |x − y| < δ.

(a) Is f (x) = x2 uniformly differentiable on R? How about g(x) = x3 ?
(b) Show that if a function is uniformly differentiable on an interval A, then the derivative
must be continuous on A.
(c) Is there a theorem analogous to Theorem 4.4.7 for differentiation? Are functions that
are differentiable on a closed interval [a, b] necessarily uniformly differentiable?
Solution
(a) We have
2
x − y2

x − y − 2y = |(x + y) − 2y| = |x − y| < δ

Thus δ = ϵ suffices to show x2 is uniformly differentiable. Now for x3

3
x − y3 2 2

2
(x − y)(x + xy + y )
2 2 2

x−y − 3y = − 3y = |x + xy − 2y |
x−y
Let y = (x + h) to get
|x2 + x(x + h) − 2(x + h)2 | = |x2 + x2 xh − 2x2 − 4xh − 2h2 | = |3xh + 2h2 |
Fix 0 < h < δ, since x can be as big as we want we can make |3xh + 2h2 | > ϵ. As no
fixed δ works x3 is not uniformly differentiable.
(b) We need to show that limx→y f ′ (x) = f ′ (y). Now, if we choose δ small enough such
that when |x − y| < δ, both

′
f (x) − f (x) − f (y) ϵ
<
x−y 2
and
f (x) − f (y) ′
ϵ

x−y − f (y) <
2
(this is possible because f is uniformly differentiable), then we have
f (x) − f (y) f (x) − f (y)

f ′ (x) − f ′ (y) = f ′ (x) − + − f ′ (y)
x−y x−y

′ f (x) − f (y) f (x) − f (y) ′

≤ f (x) − + − f (y) <ϵ
x−y x−y
as desired.
(c) Consider the counterexample f (x) = x2 sin(1/x) over [0, 1] (where f (0) = 0). f is
differentiable over [0, 1] but not uniformly differentiable.
Intuitively this is because I can find xn , yn such that the slope between them becomes
unbounded, but the derivative f ′ must stay bounded. To be exact set
1 1
xn = , yn =
2πn + π/2 2πn
then
f (xn ) − f (yn ) ′
1 ′

xn − y n − f (xn ) = − f (xn )
x − yn
n
(2πn)(2πn + π/2) ′

= − f (xn )
π/2
= |4n(2πn + π/2) − f ′ (xn )|
Now since f ′ (xn ) = 2x sin(1/x) − cos(1/x) is bounded I can defeat any δ by picking n
large enough so that

f (xn ) − f (yn )
− f ′ (xn ) ≥ ϵ

|xn − yn | < δ and
xn − yn
Thus f is not uniformly differentiable.

If you try to apply the same proof as for uniform continuity you get stuck at the
triangle inequality.
Exercise 5.2.9
Decide whether each conjecture is true or false. Provide an argument for those that are true
and a counterexample for each one that is false.
(a) If f ′ exists on an interval and is not constant, then f ′ must take on some irrational
values.
(b) If f ′ exists on an open interval and there is some point c where f ′ (c) > 0, then there
exists a δ-neighborhood Vδ (c) around c in which f ′ (x) > 0 for all x ∈ Vδ (c).
(c) If f is differentiable on an interval containing zero and if limx→0 f ′ (x) = L, then it

must be that L = f ′ (0).
Solution
(a) If f ′ is not constant there exist x, y with f ′ (x) < f ′ (y), since derivatives obey the
intermediate value proper (Theorem 5.2.7) f ′ takes on the value of every irrational
number in (f ′ (x), f ′ (y)).
(b) True if f ′ is continuous, False in general. Let f (x) = x2 sin(1/x) + x/2 so that
f ′ (x) = 2x sin(1/x) − cos(1/x) + 1/2
Notice how f ′ alternates between positive and negative for small x. We have
x2 sin(1/x) − 0
lim = lim x sin(1/x) = 0
x→0 x−0 x→0
Thus f ′ (0) = 1/2, pick any δ and I can find x ∈ Vδ (0) with f ′ (x) ≤ 0. To be explicit
define xn = 1/(2πn) so that f ′ (xn ) = −1/2 then pick n large enough so xn ∈ Vδ (0).
(c) A direct proof using L’Hospital’s rule: continuity of f forces the limit of the quotient
to be 0/0.
f (x) − f (0)
f ′ (0) = lim = lim f ′ (x) = L
x→0 x x→0
In general a corollary of L’Hospital’s rule is that derivatives can only have essential
discontinuities, discontinuities where limx→c f ′ (x) doesn’t exist.
Alternatively you can see this by contradiction. Derivatives obeying the IVP rules out
jump discontinuities, and removable discontinuities may be ruled out by ϵ-δing.
Exercise 5.2.10
Recall that a function f : (a, b) → R is increasing on (a, b) if f (x) ≤ f (y) whenever x < y
in (a, b). A familiar mantra from calculus is that a differentiable function is increasing if its
derivative is positive, but this statement requires some sharpening in order to be completely
accurate. Show that the function
(
x/2 + x2 sin(1/x) if x ̸= 0
g(x) =
0 if x = 0
is differentiable on R and satisfies g ′ (0) > 0. Now, prove that g is not increasing over any
open interval containing 0 .
In the next section we will see that f is indeed increasing on (a, b) if and only if f ′ (x) ≥ 0
for all x ∈ (a, b).
Solution
Already did this in 5.2.9 (b) as I came up with the same counterexample as abbott!
Exercise 5.2.11
Assume that g is differentiable on [a, b] and satisfies g ′ (a) < 0 < g ′ (b).
(a) Show that there exists a point x ∈ (a, b) where g(a) > g(x), and a point y ∈ (a, b)
where g(y) < g(b).
(b) Now complete the proof of Darboux’s Theorem started earlier.
Solution
g(x)−g(a)
(a) Since g ′ (a) = limx→a x−a
< 0 we know
g(x) − g(a)
g ′ (a) − ϵ < < g ′ (a) + ϵ when |x − a| < δ
x−a
Therefor
g(x) < g(a) + (g ′ (a) + ϵ)(x − a)
Pick ϵ small enough that g ′ (a) + ϵ < 0, and since (x − a) > 0 we have g(x) < g(a) as
desired. A similar argument works for g(y) < g(b).
(b) By EVT g obtains a minimum value over [a, b]. We just showed a and b are not minima,
therefore the minimum point c must be in the interior (a, b) which has g ′ (c) = 0 by
Theorem 5.2.6.
5.3. THE MEAN VALUE THEOREMS 127
Exercise 5.2.12 (Inverse functions)

If f : [a, b] → R is one-to-one, then there exists an inverse function f −1 defined on the range
of f given by f −1 (y) = x where y = f (x). In Exercise 4.5.8 we saw that if f is continuous on
[a, b], then f −1 is continuous on its domain. Let’s add the assumption that f is differentiable
on [a, b] with f ′ (x) ̸= 0 for all x ∈ [a, b]. Show f −1 is differentiable with
′ 1
f −1 (y) = where y = f (x).
f ′ (x)
Solution
Typically I’d use the chain rule, but to be rigorous we must prove f −1 is differentiable.
Consider the limit
−1 ′
f −1 (y) − f −1 (d)
f (d) = lim
y→d y−d
Since both y and d are in the range of f we can substitute y = f (x) and d = f (c)
x−c x−c 1
lim = lim = ′
f (x)→f (c) f (x) − f (c) x→c f (x) − f (c) f (c)
Changing f (x) → f (a) into x → a is possible because f is continuous, meaning that x being
close to a causes f (x) to be close to f (a). (This can be made more rigorous, but I’m lazy)
5.3 The Mean Value Theorems

Exercise 5.3.1
Recall from Exercise 4.4.9 that a function f : A → R is Lipschitz on A if there exists an
M > 0 such that
f (x) − f (y)
x−y ≤M

for all x ̸= y in A
(a) Show that if f is differentiable on a closed interval [a, b] and if f ′ is continuous on [a, b],
then f is Lipschitz on [a, b].
(b) Review the definition of a contractive function in Exercise 4.3.11. If we add the as-
sumption that |f ′ (x)| < 1 on [a, b], does it follow that f is contractive on this set?
Solution
(a) Since f ′ is continuous on the compact set [a, b] we can set M such that |f ′ (x)| ≤ M
over [a, b], then pick x, y ∈ [a, b] with x < y. Apply MVT on [x, y] to get a c ∈ (x, y)
with
f (x) − f (y)
= f ′ (c)
x−y
Which implies
f (x) − f (y) ′
x − y = |f (c)| ≤ M

Since x, y were arbitrary this shows f is Lipschitz.

(b) For f to be contractive we need some c ∈ (0, 1) with |f (x) − f (y)| ≤ c|x − y|. Let x
and y be arbitrary, and consider

f (x) − f (y)
c=
x−y
By the mean value theorem, there must be some d ∈ (0, 1) where |f ′ (d)| = c. But since
x and y are arbitrary and |f ′ (d)| < 1, we must have c < 1 always, and therefore f is
contractive.
Exercise 5.3.2
Let f be differentiable on an interval A. If f ′ (x) ̸= 0 on A, show that f is one-to-one on A.
Provide an example to show that the converse statement need not be true.
Solution
Let x, y be in A with x < y, to show f (x) ̸= f (y) apply the Mean Value Theorem on [x, y]
to get c ∈ (x, y) with
f (x) − f (y)
f ′ (c) =
x−y
Now since f ′ (c) ̸= 0 we must have f (x) − f (y) ̸= 0, and thus f (x) ̸= f (y).
To see the converse is false consider how f (x) = x3 is 1-1 but has f ′ (0) = 0.
Exercise 5.3.3
Let h be a differentiable function defined on the interval [0, 3], and assume that h(0) =
1, h(1) = 2, and h(3) = 2.
(a) Argue that there exists a point d ∈ [0, 3] where h(d) = d.
(b) Argue that at some point c we have h′ (c) = 1/3.
(c) Argue that h′ (x) = 1/4 at some point in the domain.
Solution
(a) Consider g(x) = h(x) − x which is continuous and has g(0) = 1 and g(3) = −1, then
apply the IVT to find d ∈ (0, 3) with g(d) = 0 which implies h(d) = d.
(b) Apply MVT on [0, 3] to get c ∈ (0, 3) with
h(0) − h(3)
h′ (c) = = 1/3
0−3
(c) We can find c ∈ (0, 3) with h′ (c) = 1/3 and a d ∈ (1, 3) with h′ (d) = 0. So by
Darboux’s theorem there exists a point x ∈ (c, d) with h′ (x) = 1/4.
Exercise 5.3.4
Let f be differentiable on an interval A containing zero, and assume (xn ) is a sequence in A
with (xn ) → 0 and xn ̸= 0.
(a) If f (xn ) = 0 for all n ∈ N, show f (0) = 0 and f ′ (0) = 0.
(b) Add the assumption that f is twice-differentiable at zero and show that f ′′ (0) = 0 as
well.
Solution
(a) Since f ′ (0) exists and f (xn ) = 0 for all n we have
f (xn )
f ′ (0) = lim =0
xn
(b) By the mean value theorem over [0, xn ] there exists a cn ∈ (0, xn ) such that
f (xn )
f ′ (cn ) =
xn
Then like in (a)
f ′ (cn )
f ′′ (0) = lim =0
cn
Exercise 5.3.5
(a) Supply the details for the proof of Cauchy’s Generalized Mean Value Theorem (Theo-
rem 5.3.5).
(b) Give a graphical interpretation of the Generalized Mean Value Theorem analogous to
the one given for the Mean Value Theorem at the beginning of Section 5.3. (Consider
f and g as parametric equations for a curve.)
Solution
(a) Let h(x) = [f (b)−f (a)]g(x)−[g(b)−g(a)]f (x) and apply the MVT to h to get c ∈ (a, b)
with
h(b) − h(a) [f (b) − f (a)][g(b) − g(a)] − [g(b) − g(a)][f (b) − f (a)]
h′ (c) = = =0
b−a b−a
Thus we have
h′ (c) = [f (b) − f (a)]g ′ (c) − [g(b) − g(a)]f ′ (c) = 0
Completing the proof.
(b) Rename x = f , g = y, t = a, then the theorem states

x′ (t) dx x(b) − x(a)
′
= =
y (t) dy y(b) − y(a)
In other words, it’s the mean value theorem for parametric curves.
Exercise 5.3.6
(a) Let g : [0, a] → R be differentiable, g(0) = 0, and |g ′ (x)| ≤ M for all x ∈ [0, a]. Show
|g(x)| ≤ M x for all x ∈ [0, a].
(b) Let h : [0, a] → R be twice differentiable, h′ (0) = h(0) = 0 and |h′′ (x)| ≤ M for all
x ∈ [0, a]. Show |h(x)| ≤ M x2 /2 for all x ∈ [0, a].
(c) Conjecture and prove an analogous result for a function that is differentiable three
times on [0, a].
Solution
(a) For x ∈ [0, a], apply MVT to find a c ∈ [0, x] with
g(x)
g ′ (c) = =⇒ g(x) = g ′ (c)x =⇒ |g(x)| ≤ M x
x
(b) This is a special case of the theorem that if f (0) = g(0) = 0 and f ′ (x) ≤ g ′ (x) for
all x ∈ [0, a] then f (x) ≤ g(x). To prove this note how letting h(x) = g(x) − f (x)
changes the statement into h′ (x) ≥ 0 implying h(x) ≥ 0. Which is true since MVT to
get c ∈ [0, x] implies h′ (c) = h(x)/x ≥ 0 thus h(x) ≥ 0.
Now returning to |h′′ (x)| ≤ M x2 /2 apply the above result to both cases in the inequal-
ity
−M x2 /2 ≤ h′′ (x) ≤ M x2 /2 =⇒ −M x ≤ h′ (x) ≤ M x
=⇒ −M ≤ h(x) ≤ M
=⇒ |h(x)| ≤ M
Which proves |h(x)| ≤ M .
(c) I conjecture |f (x)| ≤ x3 /6 when f (0) = f ′ (0) = f ′′ (0) = 0. The proof is the same as
(b), except we differentiate one more time.
Exercise 5.3.7
A fixed point of a function f is a value x where f (x) = x. Show that if f is differentiable on
an interval with f ′ (x) ̸= 1, then f can have at most one fixed point.
Solution
Suppose for contradiction that x, y are fixed points of f with x < y, then apply MVT on
[x, y] to get
f (x) − f (y) x−y
f ′ (c) = = =1
x−y x−y
But we know f ′ (c) ̸= 1, therefore finding more than one fixed point is impossible.
Exercise 5.3.8
Assume f is continuous on an interval containing zero and differentiable for all x ̸= 0. If
limx→0 f ′ (x) = L, show f ′ (0) exists and equals L.
Solution
Using L’Hospital’s rule: Let g(x) = f (x)−f (0) (and note that they have the same derivatives
and are both continuous), then
g(x) g ′ (x)
f ′ (0) = g ′ (0) = lim = lim =L
x→0 x x→0 1
(A modified function is necessary to ensure limx→0 g(x) = 0.)
Exercise 5.3.9
Assume f and g are as described in Theorem 5.3.6, but now add the assumption that f and
g are differentiable at a, and f ′ and g ′ are continuous at a with g ′ (a) ̸= 0. Find a short proof
for the 0/0 case of L’Hopital’s Rule under this stronger hypothesis.
Solution
Let (xn ) be a sequence approaching a and apply MVT on [xn , a] to find cn , dn ∈ (xn , a) with
f (xn ) g(xn )
f ′ (cn ) = and g ′ (dn ) =
xn − a xn − a
Meaning
f (xn ) f ′ (cn )/(xn − a) f ′ (cn )
lim = lim ′ = lim ′
g(xn ) g (dn )/(xn − a) g (dn )
The continuity of f ′ and g ′ combined with g ′ (a) ̸= 0 implies the limit exists
f ′ (cn ) f ′ (a)
lim ′ = ′ =L
g (dn ) g (a)
Since we showed lim f (xn )/g(xn ) = L for all sequences (xn ) the Sequential Criterion for
Functional Limits (Theorem 4.2.3) implies
f (x)
lim =L
x→a g(x)
Which completes the proof.
Exercise 5.3.10
2 2
Let f (x) = x sin (1/x4 ) e−1/x and g(x) = e−1/x . Using the familiar properties of these
functions, compute the limit as x approaches zero of f (x), g(x), f (x)/g(x), and f ′ (x)/g ′ (x).
Explain why the results are surprising but not in conflict with the content of Theorem 5.3.6.
1
Solution
f (x)
lim f (x) = 0, lim g(x) = 0, lim = 0,
x→0 x→0 x→0 g(x)
To compute the last limit we need to find f ′ and g ′ using derivative rules. Let h(x) =
x sin(1/x4 ) for bookkeeping.
d −x−2 −2
g ′ (x) = e = e−x (2x−3 ) = g(x)(2x−3 )
dx
h (x) = sin(x−4 ) + x cos(x−4 )(−4x−5 ) = sin(x−4 ) − 4x−4 cos(x−4 )
′
d
f ′ (x) = h(x)g(x)
dx
= h′ (x)g(x) + g(x)(2x−3 )h(x)
= g(x)(h′ (x) + 2x−3 h(x))
We can simplify by dividing out g(x)

f ′ (x) g(x)(h′ (x) + 2x−3 h(x)) h′ (x) + 2x−3 h(x) 1
′
= −3
= −3
= x3 h′ (x) + h(x)
g (x) g(x)(2x ) 2x 2
Now we can compute the limit

1 3 ′ 1
lim x h (x) + h(x) = lim x3 h′ (x) since lim h(x) = 0
x→0 2 x→0 2 x→0
1
= lim x3 sin(x−4 ) − 4x−1 cos(x−4 ) substitute h′

2 x→0
= −2 lim x−1 cos(x−4 ) since lim x3 sin(x−4 ) = 0
x→0 x→0
→ does not exist, just like lim 1/x
x→0
L’Hopital’s rule for 0/0 would apply if f ′ /g ′ existed. But when it doesn’t exist f /g may still
exist. Put another way, the converse of L’Hopital’s rule does not hold.
Exercise 5.3.11
(a) Use the Generalized Mean Value Theorem to furnish a proof of the 0/0 case of L’Hopital’s
Rule (Theorem 5.3.6).
(b) If we keep the first part of the hypothesis of Theorem 5.3.6 the same, but we assume
that
f ′ (x)
lim ′ =∞
x→a g (x)
does it necessarily follow that

f (x)
lim = ∞?
x→a g(x)
Solution
(a) Let f, g be continuous functions with f (a) = g(a) = 0 and f ′ (x) ̸= 0, g ′ (x) ̸= 0 around
a, suppose
f ′ (x)
lim ′ =L
x→a g (x)
f (x)
We would like to show limx→a g(x)
= L. Choose ϵ > 0 then let δ > 0 be such that
′
f (x)
g ′ (x) − L < ϵ

Let x ∈ (a, a + δ) and apply the generalized mean value theorem on (a, x) to get a
c ∈ (a, x) with
f (x) − f (a) f ′ (c)
= ′
g(x) − g(a) g (c)
Subtract L from both sides and take absolute values, (and use f (a) = g(a) = 0) to get

f (x)
g(x) − L < ϵ

We could do the same process starting from x ∈ (a−δ, a) as well, thus, for all 0 < |x| < δ
we have
f (x)

g(x) − L<ϵ

f (x)
Implying limx→a g(x)
= L as desired.
An interesting thing to note is that the same δ works for both f ′ (x)/g ′ (x) and for
f (x)/g(x). In other words, f (x)/g(x) converges to L at least as fast as f ′ (x)/g ′ (x)
does.
(b) Choose M > 0 and let δ > 0 be such that 0 < |x − a| < δ implies f ′ (x)/g ′ (x) > M .
Let x ∈ (a, a + δ) be arbitrary, then apply MVT on (a, x) to get c ∈ (a, x) with
f (x) f ′ (c)
= ′
g(x) g (c)
Since 0 < |c − a| < δ we have f ′ (c)/g ′ (c) > M and thus
f (x)
>M
g(x)
for all x ∈ (a, a+δ), but again, we could just as easily apply this reasoning to (a−δ, a).
So in general, all x with 0 < |x − a| < δ satisfy
f (x)
>M
g(x)
Which is clearly the same as saying limx→a f (x)/g(x) = ∞.
Exercise 5.3.12
If f is twice differentiable on an open interval containing a and f ′′ is continuous at a, show
f (a + h) − 2f (a) + f (a − h)
lim = f ′′ (a).
h→0 h2
(Compare this to Exercise 5.2.6(b).)
Solution
Let ϵ > 0 and choose δ1 > 0 so every |h| < δ1 has

f (a + h) − f (a) ′

− f (a) < ϵ
h
Choose δ2 > 0 so every 0 < |x − a| < δ2 has |f ′′ (x) − f ′′ (a)| < ϵ (this is where we use the
continuity of f ′′ at a.) and set δ = min{δ1 , δ2 }.
Without loss of generality assume h > 0, apply MVT on (a, a + h) to get c ∈ (a, a + h)
with
f (a + h) − f (a)
= f ′ (c)
h
Likewise MVT on (a − h, a) gives d ∈ (a − h, a) with
f (a) − f (a − h)
= f ′ (d)
h
Meaning for this specific h our estimate for f ′′ (a) is
f (a + h) − 2f (a) + f (a − h) f ′ (c) − f ′ (d)

=
h2 h
Note that d < a < c and |c − d| < h, the right-hand side is essentially a central difference
estimate for f ′′ (a). We can prove this using the mean value theorem on (d, c) to get a
c′ ∈ (d, c) with
f ′ (c) − f ′ (d)
= f ′′ (c′ )
h
Recall our choice of δ ensures that |x − c| < δ implies |f ′′ (x) − f ′′ (a)| < ϵ, setting x = c′
(note |c′ − a| < δ) gives (putting everything together)
′
f (c) − f ′ (d)

f (a + h) − 2f (a) + f (a − h) ′′ ′′

2
− f (a) = − f (a)
h h
= |f (c ) − f ′′ (a)|
′′ ′
< ϵ.
5.4 A Continuous Nowhere-Differentiable Function

Exercise 5.4.1
Sketch a graph of (1/2)h(2x) on [−2, 3]. Give a qualitative description of the functions
1
hn (x) = h(2n x)
2n
as n gets larger.
Solution
(1/2)h(2x) looks like h(x) shrunk down by a factor of 2 - both the amplitude and the period
of the sawtooth are halved. Similarly, hn (x) looks like h(x) shrunk down by a factor of 2n .
Exercise 5.4.2
Fix x ∈ R. Argue that the series
∞
X 1
n
h (2n x)
n=0
2
converges and thus g(x) is properly defined.
Solution
hn (x) ≤ 1/2n and we know ∞ n
P
n=0 1/2 converges, so by the comparison test (Theorem 2.7.4)
g(x) is properly defined.
5.4. A CONTINUOUS NOWHERE-DIFFERENTIABLE FUNCTION 135
Exercise 5.4.3
Taking the continuity of h(x) as given, reference the proper theorems from Chapter 4 that
imply that the finite sum
m
X 1
gm (x) = n
h (2n x)
n=0
2
is continuous on R.
Solution
The Composition of Continuous Functions (Theorem 4.3.9) ensure h(2n x) is continuous,
and the various parts of the Algebraic Continuity Theorem (Theorem 4.3.2) ensure their
combinations to form gm (x) is continuous.
Exercise 5.4.4
As the graph in Figure 5.7 suggests, the structure of g(x) is quite intricate. Answer the
following questions, assuming that g(x) is indeed continuous.
(a) How do we know g attains a maximum value M on [0, 2]? What is this value?
(b) Let D be the set of points in [0, 2] where g attains its maximum. That is D = {x ∈
[0, 2] : g(x) = M }. Find one point in D.
(c) Is D finite, countable, or uncountable?
Solution
(a) [0, 2] is a compact set, so by the Extreme Value Theorem g must have a maximum.
Since the infinite series defining g converges (and converges absolutely, for that matter),
we are free to use associativity to analyze it. Group the terms in pairs, so that f0 (x) =
h0 (x) + h1 (x) and in general fn (x) = h2n (x) + h2n+1 (x). Note that over [0, 2],

2x
 x ≤ 1/2
f0 (x) = 1 1/2 ≤ x ≤ 3/2

−2x + 4 3/2 ≤ x

and in particular, f0 (x) reaches a maximum of 1 over [1/2, 3/2], an interval of length
1. Now, f1 (x) looks like a repeated f0 (x) scaled down a factor of 4, and therefore has
a period of 2/4 = 1/2 and a maximum value of 1/4 over an interval of length 1/4.
Since the period of f1 (x) is less than half the length of the interval [1/2, 3/2], there
must be one cycle of f1 (x) fully within [1/2, 3/2], and therefore the maximum value of
f0 (x)+f1 (x) is 1+1/4. (One cycle is when the function starts at 0, goes to a maximum
and plateaus, then comes back down to 0.)
A
Pnscaling argument between fn and fn+1 can then be used to show that max g(x) >
1
k=0 4k for all n ∈ N. However,
∞ ∞
X X 1
g(x) = fk (x) ≤ = 4/3
k=0 k=0
4k
and therefore max g(x) = 4/3.

(b) For this we’ll need to track the intervals where fn (x) reaches its maximum more care-
fully. Note that the endpoints of each cycle in fn (x) are also endpoints of cycles in
fn+1 (x).
Some computation shows that if one of the cycles of fn (x) reaches its maximum over the
interval [an , an + bn ], then there will be two cycles in fn+1 (x) which cover [an , an + bn /2]
and [an +bn /2, an +bn ], leading to fn+1 (x) having maximum intervals in [an +bn /8, an +
3bn /8] and [an + 5bn /8, an + 7bn /8].
To find a point in D we can repeatedly only consider the lower maximum interval at
each iteration of fn (x). Defining a0 = 1/2, b0 = 1, and an+1 = an + bn /8, bn+1 = bn /4,
clearly bn = 1/4n . an is (nearly) a geometric series, with
1 1 4n − 1 1 4n + 5
an = + , a n + b n = +
2 6 4n 2 6
Both an and an + bn approach 1/2 + 1/6 = 2/3, so we might conjecture 2/3 ∈ D.
Indeed, 2/3 is in every [an , an + bn ], and therefore 2/3 is a point in D.
(c) D is uncountable; we will use an argument similar to showing that the Cantor set is
uncountable - by mapping all sequences xn of infinite 0s and 1s to a unique point in
D. Construct a sequence of intervals In as such: If xn = 0 then take the first cycle of
fn (x) which is in In−1 and define In to be the maximum interval of fn (x) in that cycle;
if xn = 1 then take the second cycle. (For completeness, define I0 = [1/2, 3/2].) By
the Nested Interval Property the infinite intersection of these intervals yields a point
in D, while clearly each unique sequence xn will map to a unique point in D. Since
the set of all xn is uncountable, so too is D.
Exercise 5.4.5
Show that
g (xm ) − g(0)
=m+1
xm − 0
and use this to prove that g ′ (0) does not exist.
Solution
Note that hn (xm ) = xm for 0 ≤ n ≤ m and hn (xm ) = 0 for n > m, therefore g(xm ) =
(m + 1)xm . Clearly g(0) = 0 , so
g (xm ) − g(0)
=m+1
xm − 0
If g ′ (0) existed, then

g(x) − g(0)
lim
x→0 x−0
would be well defined. But we’ve just identified a sequence xm approaching 0 for which this
expression grows without bound, and hence this limit cannot exist, and therefore g ′ (0) does
not exist.
Exercise 5.4.6
(a) Modify the previous argument to show that g ′ (1) does not exist. Show that g ′ (1/2)
does not exist.
(b) Show that g ′ (x) does not exist for any rational number of the form x = p/2k where
p ∈ Z and k ∈ N ∪ {0}.
Solution
(a) Let xm = 1 + 1/2m with m ≥ 0. Then h0 (xm ) = 1 − 1/2m , hn (xm ) = 1/2m for
1 ≤ n ≤ m, and hn (xm ) = 0 for n > m. g(1) = 1, so
g(xm ) − g(1) 1 − 1/2m + m/2m − 1

= =m−1
xm − 1 1/2m
and for the same reason as in Exercise 5.4.5, g ′ (1) does not exist.
h0 (x) is differentiable at 1/2, so we can instead consider whether (g − h0 )(x) is differ-
entiable at 1/2. But since hn (x) = 2hn+1 (x/2), g(x) = 2(g − h0 )(x/2). Since g ′ (1) does
not exist, both g − h0 and g are not differentiable at 1/2.
(b) Note that hn (x) is only non-differentiable at points of the form q/2n where q ∈ Z.
Express x in lowest form, so that p is odd, and consider
k−1
X ∞
X
i(x) = g(x) − hn (x) = hk (x)
n=0 n=k
which is differentiable at x if and only iff g is as well. Since ha+b (x) = ha (2b x)/2b ,
∞
1 X k 1 k 1
i(x) = h0 (2 x) = g(2 x) = g(p)
2k n=0 2k 2k
We’ve shown that g is not differentiable at 0 or 1, and since g is periodic it’s easy to
show it’s not differentiable at any p ∈ Z, completing the proof.
Exercise 5.4.7
(a) First prove the following general lemma: Let f be defined on an open interval J and
assume f is differentiable at a ∈ J. If (an ) and (bn ) are sequences satisfying an < a < bn
and lim an = lim bn = a, show
f (bn ) − f (an )
f ′ (a) = lim .
n→∞ b n − an
(b) Now use this lemma to show that g ′ (x) does not exist.
Solution
(a) Keeping in mind the Sequential Criterion for Functional Limits (Theorem 4.2.3),
f (bn ) − f (an ) f (bn ) − f (a) bn − a f (a) − f (an ) a − an

lim = lim + lim
n→∞ b n − an n→∞ bn − a bn − an n→∞ a − an b n − an
b n − a a − a n
= f ′ (a) lim + f ′ (a) lim
n→∞ bn − an n→∞ bn − an

′ b n − a + a − an
= f (a) lim
n→∞ b n − an
′
= f (a)
(b) I claim that

g(yn+1 ) − g(xn+1 ) g(yn ) − g(xn )
= ± 1 ∀n ≥ 0
yn+1 − xn+1 y n − xn
To see this, note first that hn is a straight line with slope -1 or 1 between pn /2n and
(pn + 1)/2n , and therefore

hn (b) − hn (a) pn pn + 1
= ±1 ∀a, b ∈ n ,
b−a 2 2n
Note also that hn (k) = 0 when k is of the form p/2n−1 with p ∈ Z. This fact, combined
with how we chose xn and yn so that [xn+1 , yn+1 ] ⊂ [xn , yn ] means we can use the above
constant for each term in g as it appears.
n+1
g(yn+1 ) − g(xn+1 ) X hk (yn+1 ) − hk (xn+1 )
=
yn+1 − xn+1 k=0
yn+1 − xn+1
n
hn+1 (yn+1 ) − hn+1 (xn+1 ) X hk (yn+1 ) − hk (xn+1 )
= +
yn+1 − xn+1 k=0
yn+1 − xn+1
n
X hk (yn ) − hk (xn )
= ±1 +
k=0
yn − xn
g(yn ) − g(xn )
= ±1
y n − xn
This implies that
g(yn ) − g(xn )
lim
n→∞ y n − xn
does not exist, since the difference between consecutive elements does not converge to
zero, and therefore by our lemma in part (a), g is not differentiable at x.
Exercise 5.4.8
Review the argument for the nondifferentiability of g(x) atPnondyadic points. Does the
argument still work if we replacePg(x) with the summation ∞ n n
n=0 (1/2 )hn (3 x)? Does the
∞ n n
argument work for the function n=0 (1/3 )hn (2 x)?
Solution
The critical part to showing that g(x) is not differentiable at nondyadic points was showing
that
hn+1 (yn+1 ) − hn+1 (xn+1 )
yn+1 − xn+1
does
P∞ not converge to zero, preventing the limit defining the derivative to exist. For the case
n n
n=0 (1/2 )hn (3 x), the above term would diverge to infinity, since yn − xn would decrease
P∞hn (yn ) n− hn (xnn ) would only decrease by a factor of

by a factor of 3 on each iteration while
2. For similar reasons, in the case of n=0 (1/3 )hn (2 x), the above term would converge to
0, and the argument is no longer valid.
Chapter 6
Power series
6.2 Uniform Convergence of a Sequence of Functions

Exercise 6.2.1
Let
nx
fn (x) = .
1 + nx2
(a) Find the pointwise limit of (fn ) for all x ∈ (0, ∞).
(b) Is the convergence uniform on (0, ∞)?
(c) Is the convergence uniform on (0, 1)?
(d) Is the convergence uniform on (1, ∞)?

Solution
nx x
(a) lim fn (x) = lim 1+nx2 = lim 1/n+x2 = 1/x
(b) Examine the difference |fn (x) − f (x)|

2
nx − (1 + nx2 )

nx 1 1
1 + nx2 − x = x(1 + nx2 ) = x(1 + nx2 )

Consider xn = 1/n, then

1 1 n
|fn (xn ) − f (xn )| = 2
= =
(1/n)(1 + n(1/n ) n/2 2
Which shows that no matter how big n is, we can find x = 1/n such that |fn (x)−f (x)| ≥
1/2 meaning ϵ cannot be made smaller then 1/2. So f isn’t uniformly continuous.
(c) No, same logic as (b)
(d) Yes, because x ≥ 1 implies

1 1
|fn (x) − f (x)| = 2
≤
x(1 + nx ) n
141
142 CHAPTER 6. POWER SERIES
Meaning for all ϵ > 0, setting N > 1/ϵ implies every n ≥ N has |fn (x) − f (x)| ≤
1/N < ϵ for every x ∈ (1, ∞).
Exercise 6.2.2
(a) Define a sequence of functions on R by
(
1 if x = 1, 21 , 13 , . . . , n1
fn (x) =
0 otherwise
and let f be the pointwise limit of fn . Is each fn continuous at zero? Does fn → f

uniformly on R? Is f continuous at zero?
(b) Repeat this exercise using the sequence of functions

(
x if x = 1, 12 , 13 , . . . , n1
gn (x) =
0 otherwise.
(c) Repeat the exercise once more with the sequence


1
1 if x = n

hn (x) = x if x = 1, 12 , 13 , . . . , n−1
1

0 otherwise.

In each case, explain how the results are consistent with the content of the Continuous
Limit Theorem (Theorem 6.2.6).
Solution
(a) Each fn is continuous at zero, but f is not continuous at zero meaning (by Theorem
6.2.6) that fn does not converge to f uniformly.
(b) Each gn is continuous at zero, and the pointwise limit g is also continuous at zero.
Since we aren’t contradicting 6.2.6 the convergence may or may not be uniform.
The definitions show |g(x) − gn (x)| < 1/n for all x (max is at x = 1/(n + 1)). Setting
N > 1/ϵ gives (for all n ≥ N and for all x ∈ R)
|g(x) − gn (x)| < ϵ
As desired, thus (gn ) → g uniformly.
(c) Each hn is continuous at zero, and so is the pointwise limit h. 6.2.6 doesn’t apply so
we’ll have to check if the convergence is uniform. Notice that if xn = 1/n then
|h(xn ) − hn (xn )| = 1 − 1/n
For all n, meaning no matter how big n is, we can’t make |h − hn | < 1/2 for all x
implying hn does not converge to h uniformly.
6.2. UNIFORM CONVERGENCE OF A SEQUENCE OF FUNCTIONS 143
Exercise 6.2.3
For each n ∈ N and x ∈ [0, ∞), let
(
x 1 if x ≥ 1/n
gn (x) = and hn (x) =
1 + xn nx if 0 ≤ x < 1/n
Answer the following questions for the sequences (gn ) and (hn );
(a) Find the pointwise limit on [0, ∞).
(b) Explain how we know that the convergence cannot be uniform on [0, ∞).
(c) Choose a smaller set over which the convergence is uniform and supply an argument
to show that this is indeed the case.
Solution
(a) ( (
x if x ∈ [0, 1) 1 if x > 0
lim gn (x) = and lim hn (x) =
0 if x ∈ [1, ∞) 0 if x = 0
(b) They can’t converge uniformly since it would contradict Theorem 6.2.6 as both gn and
hn are continuous but the limit functions are not.
(c) Over [1, ∞) we have hn (x) = h(x) = 1 for all n, thus |hn (x) − h(x)| = 0 for all
x ∈ [1, ∞) so hn converges uniformly.
Now for gn . Let t ∈ [0, 1), I claim gn (x) → x uniformly over [0, t) since
x − x(1 + xn ) xn+1 n+1

x
1 + xn − x =
= < ϵ ∀x
1 + xn < t

1 + xn
After setting n > logt ϵ.
Exercise 6.2.4
Review Exercise 5.2.8 which includes the definition for a uniformly differentiable function.
Use the results discussed in Section 2 to show that if f is uniformly differentiable, then f ′ is
continuous.
Solution
The definition of f being uniformly differentiable tells us: for every ϵ > 0 there exists a δ > 0
such that
f (x) − f (y) ′

x−y − f (y) < ϵ whenever 0 < |x − y| < δ

We can use this to show continuity of f ′ via a triangle inequality and exploiting the symmetry
in x, y.
′ ′
′ f (x) − f (y) f (x) − f (y) ′

|f (x) − f (y)| < f (x) −
+ − f (y) < ϵ
x−y x−y
After picking δ so that every |x − y| < δ has

f (x) − f (y) ′

x−y − f (y) < ϵ/2
Exercise 6.2.5
Using the Cauchy Criterion for convergent sequences of real numbers (Theorem 2.6.4), supply
a proof for Theorem 6.2.5 (Cauchy Criterion for Uniform Convergence). (First, define a
candidate for f (x), and then argue that fn → f uniformly.)
Solution
First suppose (fn ) converges uniformly to f and set N large enough that n ≥ N has |fn (x) −
f (x)| < ϵ/2 for all x, then use the triangle inequality (where m ≥ N as well)
|fn (x) − fm (x)| ≤ |fn (x) − f (x)| + |f (x) − fm (x)| < ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ.
Second suppose we can find an N so that every n, m ≥ N has |fn (x) − fm (x)| < ϵ for all
x. Fix x and apply Theorem 2.6.4 to conclude the sequence (fn (x)) converges to some limit
L, and define f (x) = L. Doing this for all x gives us the pointwise limit f . Now we show
(fn ) → f uniformly using the fact that |fn (x) − fm (x)| < ϵ for all x. Let n ≥ N , notice that
for all m
|fn (x) − f (x)| ≤ |fn (x) − fm (x)| + |fm (x) − f (x)|
Let ϵm = |fm (x) − f (x)|. for all m ≥ N we have |fn (x) − fm (x)| < ϵ and
|fn (x) − f (x)| ≤ ϵ + ϵm
Since ϵm → 0 no matter what x is (pointwise convergence) and the inequality is for all m
this implies |fn (x) − f (x)| ≤ ϵ for all x as desired.
Exercise 6.2.6
Assume fn → f on a set A. Theorem 6.2.6 is an example of a typical type of question
which asks whether a trait possessed by each fn is inherited by the limit function. Provide
an example to show that all of the following propositions are false if the convergence is only
assumed to be pointwise on A. Then go back and decide which are true under the stronger
hypothesis of uniform convergence.
(a) If each fn is uniformly continuous, then f is uniformly continuous.
(b) If each fn is bounded, then f is bounded.
(c) If each fn has a finite number of discontinuities, then f has a finite number of discon-
tinuities.
(d) If each fn has fewer than M discontinuities (where M ∈ N is fixed), then f has fewer
than M discontinuities.
(e) If each fn has at most a countable number of discontinuities, then f has at most a
countable number of discontinuities.
Solution
(a) False pointwise when
(
1 1 if x = 0
fn (x) = and f (x) =
1 + nx2 0 otherwise
Now suppose (fn ) converges to f uniformly. Theorem 6.2.6 implies f will be continuous,
combining this with Theorem 4.4.7 we see that f must be uniformly continuous if the
domain A is compact. If A is not compact this need not be the case, consider A = (0, 1)
and fn (x) = 1/x = f (x). Clearly (fn ) → f uniformly (they’re the same function!) but
f (x) = 1/x is not uniformly continuous on A.
(b) False pointwise when

(
x if x < n
fn (x) = and f (x) = x
0 otherwise
Now suppose (fn ) → f uniformly. We want to show f is bounded, Let Mn bound fn ,

ie. |fn (x)| < Mn for all x ∈ A.
Set ϵ = 1 and apply the Cauchy Criterion to get N so m ≥ n > N implies
|fn (x) − fm (x)| < 1
Setting n = N and rearranging gives
|fm (x)| < |fN (x)| + ϵ < MN + ϵ
implying fm is bounded by MN when m ≥ N .

Now set Ñ > N large enough that m ≥ N implies |f (x) − fm (x)| < 1 which, after
rearranging gives
|f (x)| < 1 + |fm (x)| < 1 + MN
Implying f is bounded.
(c) False for pointwise and uniform convergence. Define

(
1/m if x = 1/m and m ≤ n, m ∈ N
fn (x) =
0 otherwise
and (
1/m if x = 1/m, m ∈ N
f (x) =
0 otherwise
The reason (fn ) → f uniformly is
( !
1/m if x = 1/m and m > n, m ∈ N
|f (x) − fn (x)| = < 1/(n + 1)
0 otherwise
Each fn has exactly n point discontinuities, but f has countably many. Thus this is a
counterexample.
Intuitively fn adds on finer and finer details of f , which is why it converges uniformly.
But discontinuities can be as small/detailed as we want without screwing up uniform
convergence.
(d) False pointwise since we can have each (fn ) continuous (zero discontinuities) but have
f not be continuous (see (a) for an example).
Now suppose (fn ) → f uniformly. Let x0 be a discontinuity of f , meaning there
exists an ϵ0 such that |f (x0 ) − f (x)| > ϵ0 no matter how small |x − x0 | is. I’d like to
show x0 is a discontinuity of fn for some n, ie. that there exists an ϵ′0 > 0 such that
|fn (x0 ) − fn (x)| > ϵ′0 no matter how small |x − x0 | is.
Pick ϵ < ϵ0 /2 and set N large enough that n ≥ N implies |fn (x) − f (x)| < ϵ. applying
the three way triangle inequality gives
ϵ0 < |f (x0 ) − f (x)|

≤ |f (x0 ) − fn (x0 )| + |fn (x0 ) − fn (x)| + |fn (x) − f (x)|
< 2ϵ + |fn (x0 ) − fn (x)|
Letting ϵ′0 = ϵ0 − 2ϵ > 0 we see |fn (x0 ) − fn (x)| > ϵ′0 meaning fn is not continuous at
x0 for all n ≥ N .
Now given discontinuities of f , applying the above process multiple times shows that
eventually fn will have every discontinuity of f , but fn has at most M discontinuities,
implying f has at most M discontinuities.
(e) False pointwise when (using a modified version of Thomae’s function for fn )

1 if x = 0
 (
n 1 if x ∈ Q
fn (x) = n+q if x = p/q (in lowest terms) and f (x) =
 0 if x ∈
/Q
0 otherwise

Now suppose (fn ) → f uniformly, In (d) we showed every discontinuity of f is eventu-

ally a discontinuity of fn , reworded this is saying (where Df is the set of discontinuities
of f )
∞
[
Df ⊆ Dfn
n=1
Since each Dfn is countable, this implies Df is countable.
Exercise 6.2.7
Let f be uniformly continuous on all of R, and define a sequence of functions by fn (x) =
f x + n1 . Show that fn → f uniformly. Give an example to show that this proposition fails
if f is only assumed to be continuous and not uniformly continuous on R.
Solution
Given ϵ > 0 set δ > 0 such that |x − y| < δ implies |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ. Then set N > 1/δ so
that n ≥ N implies (since 1/n < δ)
|f (x) − fn (x)| = |f (x) − f (x + 1/n)| < ϵ
Which shows (fn ) → f uniformly.

To see this doesn’t work if f is only continuous, consider f : (0, 1) → R defined by

f (x) = 1/x. We have
1 1 1/n 1
|f (x) − fn (x)| = − = =
x x + 1/n x(x + 1/n) x(nx + 1)
Which given a fixed n becomes arbitrarily big as x goes to zero. hence (fn ) does not converge
uniformly.
Exercise 6.2.8
Let (gn ) be a sequence of continuous functions that converges uniformly to g on a compact
set K. If g(x) ̸= 0 on K, show (1/gn ) converges uniformly on K to 1/g.
Solution
Let’s examine the difference

g(x) − gn (x) 1
|1/g(x) − 1/gn (x)| = = |g(x) − gn (x)|
g(x)gn (x) g(x)gn (x)
We’d like to bound the rightmost term.
Theorem 6.2.6 implies g is continuous, and Theorem 4.4.1 implies g(K) is compact, hence
|g(K)| has a minimum, call it m. This allows us to bound |1/g(x)| < 1/m.
To bound 1/gn set ϵ small enough that m − ϵ > 0 then use uniform continuity to get N
such that n ≥ N has
|g(x) − gn (x)| < ϵ
Since gn (x) ∈ (g(x) − ϵ, g(x) + ϵ) we have |gn (x)| > |g(x)| − ϵ and finally |g(x)| > m implies
|gn (x)| > m − ϵ thus |1/gn (x)| < 1/(m − ϵ) and so
1
M= =⇒ |1/g(x) − 1/gn (x)| < M |g(x) − gn (x)|
m(m − ϵ)
Given an ϵ, setting N big enough to make |g(x) − gn (x)| < M/ϵ gives the desired result.
Exercise 6.2.9
Assume (fn ) and (gn ) are uniformly convergent sequences of functions.
(a) Show that (fn + gn ) is a uniformly convergent sequence of functions.
(b) Give an example to show that the product (fn gn ) may not converge uniformly.
(c) Prove that if there exists an M > 0 such that |fn | ≤ M and |gn | ≤ M for all n ∈ N,
then (fn gn ) does converge uniformly.
Solution
(a) Obvious by the triangle inequality and Cauchy Criterion
(b) Let fn (x) = x = f (x) and gn (x) = x + 1/n. Suppose n, m ≥ N for some N , Cauchy
gives us
|fn gn − fm gm | = |x(1/n − 1/m)|
Making x large makes the error blow up regardless of how big N is, thus fn gn does not
converge uniformly.
(c) By the triangle inequality (same trick as for the product rule)
|fn gn − fm gm | ≤ |fn gn − fn gm | + |fn gm − fm gm |

= |fn | · |gn − gm | + |gm | · |fn − fm |
< M |gn − gm | + M |fn − fm |
< ϵ/2 + ϵ/2 = ϵ
After setting N big enough that n, m ≥ N implies |fn − fm | < M/2ϵ and |gn − gm | <
M/2ϵ.
Exercise 6.2.10
This exercise and the next explore partial converses of the Continuous Limit Theorem (The-
orem 6.2.6). Assume fn → f pointwise on [a, b] and the limit function f is continuous on
[a, b]. If each fn is increasing (but not necessarily continuous), show fn → f uniformly.
Solution
Suppose first that each fn is continuous. Given ϵ > 0 we can make |f (x) − fn (x)| < ϵ when
n ≥ N (x), since f and fn are continuous at x there exists a δ-neighborhood where y ∈ Vδ (x)
implies |f (x) − f (y)| < ϵ and |fn (x) − fn (y)| < ϵ so
|f (y) − fn (y)| ≤ |f (y) − f (x)| + |f (x) − fn (x)| + |fn (x) − fn (y)| < 3ϵ
Note that δ depends on x and on n. TODO
Exercise 6.2.11 (Dini’s Theorem)

Assume fn → f pointwise on a compact set K and assume that for each x ∈ K the sequence
fn (x) is increasing. Follow these steps to show that if fn and f are continuous on K, then
the convergence is uniform.
(a) Set gn = f − fn and translate the preceding hypothesis into statements about the
sequence (gn ).
(b) Let ϵ > 0 be arbitrary, and define Kn = {x ∈ K : gn (x) ≥ ϵ} . Argue that K1 ⊇ K2 ⊇

K3 ⊇ · · · , and use this observation to finish the argument.
Solution
(a) We want (gn ) → 0 uniformly, where gn is continuous, gn (x) is decreasing and gn (x) → 0.
(b) x ∈ Kn+1 by definition has gn+1 (x) ≥ ϵ, since (gn (x)) is decreasing we must also have
gn (x) ≥ ϵ. Thus Kn+1 ⊆ Kn . Now, if each Kn ̸= ∅ T the nested compact set property
(Theorem 3.3.5) would imply there exists an x0 ∈ ∞ n=1 Kn . But this is impossible
because gn (x0 ) → 0 implies eventually gn (x0 ) < ϵ. Therefore since the compact set
property doesn’t apply, there must exist an N with KN = ∅, implying every n ≥ N
has (by subsets) Kn = ∅ and thus |gn | < ϵ.
Exercise 6.2.12 (Cantor Function)

Review the construction of the Cantor set C ⊆ [0, 1] from Section 3.1. This exercise makes
use of results and notation from this discussion.
(a) Define f0 (x) = x for all x ∈ [0, 1]. Now, let


(3/2)x
 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3
f1 (x) = 1/2 for 1/3 < x < 2/3

(3/2)x − 1/2 for 2/3 ≤ x ≤ 1

Sketch f0 and f1 over [0, 1] and observe that f1 is continuous, increasing, and constant
on the middle third (1/3, 2/3) = [0, 1]\C1 .
(b) Construct f2 by imitating this process of flattening out the middle third of each non-
constant segment of f1 . Specifically, let

(1/2)f1 (3x)
 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3
f2 (x) = f1 (x) for 1/3 < x < 2/3

(1/2)f1 (3x − 2) + 1/2 for 2/3 ≤ x ≤ 1

If we continue this process, show that the resulting sequence (fn ) converges uniformly
on [0, 1].
(c) Let f = lim fn . Prove that f is a continuous, increasing function on [0, 1] with f (0) = 0
and f (1) = 1 that satisfies f ′ (x) = 0 for all x in the open set [0, 1]\C. Recall that the
“length” of the Cantor set C is 0 . Somehow, f manages to increase from 0 to 1 while
remaining constant on a set of “length 1.”
Solution
(a) TODO Sketch with tikz
(b) TODO I think we want to somehow apply the previous exercise, but I don’t see how
we can show f is continuous... Maybe Cauchy is the way to go?
(c) TODO
Exercise 6.2.13
Recall that the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem (Theorem 2.5.5) states that every bounded
sequence of real numbers has a convergent subsequence. An analogous statement for bounded
sequences of functions is not true in general, but under stronger hypotheses several different
conclusions are possible. One avenue is to assume the common domain for all of the functions
in the sequence is countable. (Another is explored in the next two exercises.) Let A =
{x1 , x2 , x3 , . . .} be a countable set. For each n ∈ N, let fn be defined on A and assume there
exists an M > 0 such that |fn (x)| ≤ M for all n ∈ N and x ∈ A. Follow these steps to show
that there exists a subsequence of (fn ) that converges pointwise on A.
(a) Why does the sequence of real numbers fn (x1 ) necessarily contain a convergent sub-
sequence (fnk ) ? To indicate that the subsequence of functions (fnk ) is generated by
considering the values of the functions at x1 , we will use the notation fnN = f1,k .
(b) Now, explain why the sequence f1,k (x2 ) contains a convergent subsequence.
(c) Carefully construct a nested family of subsequences (fm,k ), and show how this can be
used to produce a single subsequence of (fn ) that converges at every point of A.
Solution
TODO
Exercise 6.2.14
A sequence of functions (fn ) defined on a set E ⊆ R is called equicontinuous if for every
ϵ > 0 there exists a δ > 0 such that |fn (x) − fn (y)| < ϵ for all n ∈ N and |x − y| < δ in E.
(a) What is the difference between saying that a sequence of functions (fn ) is equicontinu-
ous and just asserting that each fn in the sequence is individually uniformly continuous?
(b) Give a qualitative explanation for why the sequence gn (x) = xn is not equicontinuous
on [0, 1]. Is each gn uniformly continuous on [0, 1] ?
Solution
(a) For equicontinuous functions the same δ works for every function in the sequence, as
opposed to individually being uniformly continuous where δ depends on n.
(b) Not equicontinuous since as n increases we need δ to be smaller, hence δ cannot be writ-
ten independent of n. Each gn is uniformly continuous however (since gn is continuous
on the compact set [0, 1]).
Exercise 6.2.15 (Arzela-Ascoli Theorem)
For each n ∈ N, let fn be a function defined on [0, 1]. If (fn ) is bounded on [0, 1]-that
is, there exists an M > 0 such that |fn (x)| ≤ M for all n ∈ N and x ∈ [0, 1]-and if the
collection of functions (fn ) is equicontinuous (Exercise 6.2.14), follow these steps to show
that (fn ) contains a uniformly convergent subsequence.
(a) Use Exercise 6.2.13 to produce a subsequence (fnk ) that converges at every rational
point in [0, 1]. To simplify the notation, set gk = fnk . It remains to show that (gk )
converges uniformly on all of [0, 1].
(b) Let ϵ > 0. By equicontinuity, there exists a δ > 0 such that
ϵ
|gk (x) − gk (y)| <
3
for all |x − y| < δ and k ∈ N. Using this δ, let r1 , r2 , . . . , rm be a finite collection of
rational points with the property that the union of the neighborhoods Vδ (ri ) contains
[0, 1]. Explain why there must exist an N ∈ N such that
ϵ
|gs (ri ) − gt (ri )| <
3
for all s, t ≥ N and ri in the finite subset of [0, 1] just described. Why does having the
set {r1 , r2 , . . . , rm } be finite matter?
(c) Finish the argument by showing that, for an arbitrary x ∈ [0, 1],
|gs (x) − gt (x)| < ϵ
for all s, t ≥ N .
Solution
TODO
6.3. UNIFORM CONVERGENCE AND DIFFERENTIATION 151
6.3 Uniform Convergence and Differentiation

Exercise 6.3.1
Consider the sequence of functions defined by
xn
gn (x) = .
n
(a) Show (gn ) converges uniformly on [0, 1] and find g = lim gn . Show that g is differentiable
and compute g ′ (x) for all x ∈ [0, 1].
(b) Now, show that (gn′ ) converges on [0, 1]. Is the convergence uniform? Set h = lim gn′
and compare h and g ′ . Are they the same?
Solution
(a) I claim that (gn ) → 0. This can be seen by noting that for x ∈ [0, 1], 0 ≤ xn ≤ 1 and
so 0 ≤ gn (x) ≤ 1/n. Thus for any ϵ > 0, any n > N = 1/ϵ will force |gn (x) − 0| < ϵ.
g(x) = 0 is obviously differentiable, with its derivative just 0.
(b) g ′ (n) = xn−1 . Using a similar argument,

(
0 x ∈ [0, 1)
h(x) = lim gn′ (x) =
n→∞ 1 x=1
which is not equal to g ′ (x) √

at 1. Tne convergence is not uniform. For ϵ = 0.5 and any
given n, choosing 1 > x > N ϵ leads to gn (x) > ϵ, preventing uniform convergence.
Exercise 6.3.2
Consider the sequence of functions
r
1
hn (x) = x2 + .
n
(a) Compute the pointwise limit of (hn ) and then prove that the convergence is uniform
on R.
(b) Note that each hn is differentiable. Show g(x) = lim h′n (x) exists for all x, and explain
how we can be certain that the convergence is not uniform on any neighborhood of
zero.
Solution √ √ √ √
(a) As n → ∞, hn (x) → x2 = |x|. Now, recall that a + b ≥ a + b (I think
this has been√proved earlier,
√ but if not, this is easily shown by squaring both sides);
√
alternatively a + b − a ≤ b, and so
s √ r
1 1 1
x2 + − x2 ≤ =√

n n n

which we can clearly make less than any ϵ > 0.

(b)
x
h′n (x) = p
2
x + 1/n
which converges to 
1
 x>0
g(x) = 0 x=0

−1 x < 0

Define h(x) to be the pointwise limit of (hn ). If the convergence to g was uniform, that
would imply that gn = h′ (x) (by the Differentiable Limit Theorem). But from part
(a) h is not differentiable at 0, therefore the convergence to g cannot be uniform in a
neighborhood around 0.
Exercise 6.3.3
Consider the sequence of functions
x
fn (x) = .
1 + nx2
(a) Find the points on R where each fn (x) attains its maximum and minimum value. Use
this to prove (fn ) converges uniformly on R. What is the limit function?
(b) Let f = lim fn . Compute fn′ (x) and find all the values of x for which f ′ (x) = lim fn′ (x).
Solution
(a) fn is differentiable on R, so by the Interior Extremum Theorem the maximum and
minimum values will appear where fn′ (x) = 0. We have
1 − nx2
fn′ (x) =
(1 + nx2 )2
√
which is zero at x = ±1/ n. Plugging these values back into fn (x) we get that
|fn (x)| ≤ 2√1 n . Clearly this forces fn to converge uniformly to 0.
(b) f (x) = f ′ (x) = 0. We have

1
1 − nx2 − x2
lim fn′ (x) = = 1
n
=0
n→∞ 1 + 2nx2 + n2 x4 n
+ 2x2 + nx4
and therefore f ′ (x) = lim fn′ (x) everywhere.
Exercise 6.3.4
Let
sin(nx)
hn (x) = √ .
n
Show that hn → 0 uniformly on R but that the sequence of derivatives (h′n ) diverges for
every x ∈ R.
6.3. UNIFORM CONVERGENCE AND DIFFERENTIATION 153
Solution
|sin(x)| ≤ 1 and so |hn (x)| < √1n which shows that hn → 0 uniformly on R. h′n (x) =
n cos(nx) √ √
√
n
= n cos(nx). Intuitively this diverges because of the unbounded n factor, but to
prove it formally requires some thought. We want to show that for any fixed real numbers
x and M we can find some n where h′n (x) ≥ M (this will show that h′n (x) is unbounded
and thus diverges). First let N1 > 4M 2 , then we just need to find some n ≥ N1 so that
|nx − Zπ| ≤ π/3 for some integer Z; this would cause |cos(nx)| ≥ 1/2 and thus h′n (x) ≥ M .
Express N1 x = 2πP + k where P is some integer and 0 ≤ k < 2π. (This next bit
is reminiscent of arithmetic modulo 2π.) Now if k ∈ [0, π/3] or [2π/3, 4π/3] or [5π/3, 2π]
we’re done. Otherwise k ∈ (π/3, 2π/3) or (4π/3, 5π/3); so consider 2N1 x = 4πP + 2k, with
2k ∈ (2π/3, 4π/3) or (8π/3, 10π/3); both of these cases will have 2N1 x within π/3 of a
multiple of π, hence h′n (x) diverges for all x.
Exercise 6.3.5
Let
nx + x2
gn (x) =
2n
and set g(x) = lim gn (x). Show that g is differentiable in two ways:
(a) Compute g(x) by algebraically taking the limit as n → ∞ and then find g ′ (x).
(b) Compute gn′ (x) for each n ∈ N and show that the sequence of derivatives (gn′ ) converges
uniformly on every interval [−M, M ]. Use Theorem 6.3.3 to conclude g ′ (x) = lim gn′ (x).
(c) Repeat parts (a) and (b) for the sequence fn (x) = (nx2 + 1) /(2n + x).
Solution
(a) By inspection g(x) = x/2 and g ′ (x) = 1/2.

(b) gn′ (x) = 1/2 + nx which approaches 12 as n → ∞. Now gn′ − 12 = nx is bounded by
M
n
which goes to 0 and is not dependent on x, and therefore (gn′ ) converges uniformly
over [−M, M ].
(c) f (x) = x2 /2, and f ′ (x) = x. We have

4n2 x + nx2 − 1
fn′ (x) =
4n2 + 4nx + x2
which approaches x as n → ∞. With some algebra we have
3
x − 3nx2 − 1 M 3 + 3nM 2 + 1

′
|fn (x) − x| = 2
≤
4n + 4nx + x2 4n2 − 4M n
which approaches 0 as n → ∞ independent of x, and therefore (fn′ ) converges uniformly
over [−M, M ].
Exercise 6.3.6
Provide an example or explain why the request is impossible. Let’s take the domain of the
functions to be all of R.
(a) A sequence (fn ) of nowhere differentiable functions with fn → f uniformly and f

everywhere differentiable.
(b) A sequence (fn ) of differentiable functions such that (fn′ ) converges uniformly but the
original sequence (fn ) does not converge for any x ∈ R.
(c) A sequence (fn ) of differentiable functions such that both (fn ) and (fn′ ) converge uni-
formly but f = lim fn is not differentiable at some point.
Solution
(a) Let g(x) be the continuous but nowhere-differentiable function defined in section 5.4.
Then since g(x) is bounded, fn (x) = g(x)/n clearly converges uniformly to 0, and is
thus such a sequence.
(b) Let (
1 n is odd
fn (x) =
0 n is even
Clearly fn does not converge anyewhere, but fn′ (x) converges to 0.
(c) Not possible - since fn converges uniformly, it must converge at at least one point, and
since fn′ converges uniformly, we can apply Theorem 6.3.3 to show that f is differen-
tiable everywhere.
Exercise 6.3.7
Use the Mean Value Theorem to supply a proof for Theorem 6.3.2. To get started, observe
that the triangle inequality implies that, for any x ∈ [a, b] and m, n ∈ N,
|fn (x) − fm (x)| ≤ |(fn (x) − fm (x)) − (fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 ))| + |fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 )| .
Solution
Take any ϵ > 0; we want to show that there is some N so that for n, m > N , |fn (x)−fm (x)| <
ϵ (to use the Cauchy Criterion for Uniform Convergence).
Let hn,m (x) = fn (x) − fm (x), and note that h′n,m converges uniformly to 0 as n, m go to
infinity (as a consequence of (fn′ ) converging
′ uniformly).
More formally, for any ϵ1 > 0 we
have some N1 for which if n, m > N1 then hn,m (x) < ϵ1 ∀x ∈ [a, b].

By the Mean Value Theorem,
hn,m (x) − hn,m (x0 )
= h′n,m (x1 )
x − x0
for some x1 ∈ [a, b], and therefore if n, m > N1 we have
|(fn (x) − fm (x)) − (fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 ))| = |x − x0 | h′n,m (x1 ) ≤ (b − a)ϵ1

This addresses the first term in the question hint.

Second, since (fn (x0 )) converges as n → ∞ and is thus a Cauchy sequence, we have that
for any ϵ2 there is an N2 so that when n, m > N2 , |fn (x0 ) − fm (x0 )| < ϵ2 . This addresses
the second term.
ϵ
Setting ϵ1 = 2(b−a) , ϵ2 = 2ϵ , and N = max{N1 , N2 } completes the proof.
6.4. SERIES OF FUNCTIONS 155
6.4 Series of Functions

Exercise 6.4.1
Supply the details for the proof of the Weierstrass M-Test (Corollary 6.4.5).
Solution
Let ϵ > 0. Since ∞
P
n=1 Mn converges,
Pn by the Cauchy Criterion for Series there must be some
N where if n > m > N then i=m+1 Mi < ϵ. Then

n
X Xn n
X
fi (x) ≤ |fi (x)| ≤ Mi < ϵ

i=m+1 i=m+1 i=m+1
and applying the Cauchy Criterion, the proof is done.

Exercise 6.4.2
Decide whether each proposition is true or false, providing a short justification or counterex-
ample as appropriate.
(a) If ∞
P
n=1 gn converges uniformly, then (gn ) converges uniformly to zero.
(b) If 0 ≤ fn (x) ≤ gn (x) and ∞

P P∞
n=1 gn converges uniformly, then n=1 fn converges uni-
formly.
(c) If ∞
P
n=1 fn converges uniformly
P∞ on A, then there exist constants Mn such that |fn (x)| ≤
Mn for all x ∈ A and n=1 Mn converges.
Solution
(a) True: applying the Cauchy Criterion with n = m + 1 we have that |gn (x)| < ϵ for any
ϵ > 0, therefore (gn ) → 0.
(b) True:
X n Xn Xn X n
fi (x) = fi (x) ≤ gi (x) = gi (x) < ϵ

i=m+1 i=m+1 i=m+1 i=m+1
P
and therefore (fi ) converges uniformly.
(c) False: Consider the following sequence of functions, defined over [0, 1):
(
2−i 2−i (j − 1) ≤ x < 2−i j
gi,j (x) =
0 otherwise
with i ≥ 1 and j an integer ranging from 1 to 2i inclusive. Each gi,j (x) consists of a
pulse of height and width 2−i , at disjoint locations for each i. Let fn (x) be obtained
by iterating through each g1,j , then through each g2,j , then through each g3,j , and so
on.
P∞
n=1 fn converges to 1 because
X2i
gi,k = 2−i
k=1
, and uniform convergence is achieved when we include all of the gi,j for a given gi . On
the other hand, the upper bound (and therefore minimum value of the constant Mn )
for each gi,j is 2−i , with
2 i
X
max gi,k (x) = 1
k=1
P∞
which implies that n=1 Mn will not converge.
Exercise 6.4.3
(a) Show that
∞
X cos (2n x)
g(x) =
n=0
2n
is continuous on all of R.
(b) The function g was cited in Section 5.4 as an example of a continuous nowhere differ-
entiable function. What happens if we try to use Theorem 6.4.3 to explore whether g
is differentiable?
Solution n x)
(a) Define gn (x) = cos(2
2n and Mn = 2−n > |gn (x)|. By the Weierstrass M-test, g(x)
converges uniformly on R. Since each gn (x) is continuous and g(x) converges uniformly,
g(x) must also be continuous.
(b) gn′ (x) = − sin(2n x) and thus ∞ ′

P
n=1 gn (x) does not converge uniformly by Exercise 6.4.2
part a. (It might not converge pointwise either, but that seems more difficult to prove.)
Therefore we cannot use Theorem 6.4.3.
Exercise 6.4.4
Define
∞
X x2n
g(x) = .
n=0
(1 + x2n )
Find the values of x where the series converges and show that we get a continuous function
on this set.
Solution
x2n
Let hn (x) = (1+x 2n ) be the terms being summed. For |x| ≥ 1, hn (x) does not approach 0 and
therefore the series does not converge. For |x| < 1, |hn (x)| ≤ x2n , which forms a geometric
series in x2 , which converges, so g(x) converges by the Order Limit Theorem.
Note that for any 0 ≤ a < 1, |h(x)| ≤ a2n = Mn over [−a, a], and thus by the Weierstrass
M-test g(x) uniformly converges over [−a, a] and is thus continuous over this interval. This
last statement is equivalent to saying g(x) is continuous over (−1, 1), which is also the set
where g(x) is well defined.
Exercise 6.4.5
(a) Prove that
∞
X xn x2 x3 x4
h(x) = =x+ + + + ···
n=1
n2 4 9 16
is continuous on [−1, 1].
(b) The series

∞
X xn x2 x 3 x4
f (x) = =x+ + + + ···
n=1
n 2 3 4
converges for every x in the half-open interval [−1, 1) but does not converge when
x = 1. For a fixed x0 ∈ (−1, 1), explain how we can still use the Weierstrass M-Test
to prove that f is continuous at x0 .
Solution
(a) For x ∈ [−1, 1], we have n
x
≤ 1 = Mn
n2 n2
P 1
and since n2
converges (Example 2.4.4), h converges uniformly and is therefore
continuous.
(b) Given a fixed x0 , we can consider the interval (−a, a) ⊂ [−1, 1) where −1 < −a <
n xn
|x0 | < a < 1. Then by setting Mn = an we will have Mn > n0 in a neighbourhood
around x0 , allowing us to show via the M-Test that f is continuous at x0 .
Exercise 6.4.6
Let
1 1 1 1 1
f (x) = − + − + − ··· .
x x+1 x+2 x+3 x+4
Show f is defined for all x > 0. Is f continuous on (0, ∞) ? How about differentiable?
Solution
f (x) converges for any x > 0 by the Alternating Series Test. Since f converges we are free
to use associativity to group the terms in pairs, from which we get

1 1 1 1
f (x) = − + − + ···
x x+1 x+2 x+3
1 1
= 2 + 2
+ ···
x + x (x + 2) + (x + 2)
1 1
< 2+ + ···
x (x + 2)2
1
Temporarily skipping the first term, we can use the Weierstrass M-Test with Mn = (2n) 2 , to
show that f (x) − 1/x converges uniformly and is therefore continuous for x > 0. Since 1/x2
2
is also continuous for x > 0, f must be continuous on (0, ∞).

Letting fn′ represent each term of f ,

(−1)n

′ 1
|fn (x)| = 2
≤
(x + n − 1) (n − 1)2
(with the inequality only being meaningful for n ≥ 2). Thus if we skip the first term, by the
Weierstrass M-test we can be assured
∞
X
fn′ (x)
n=2
converges uniformly, and is therefore differentiable, and is equal to the derivative of

∞
X
g(x) = fn (x)
n=2
by the Differentiable Limit Theorem. Since f (x) = g(x) + 1/x and both 1/x and g(x) are
differentiable over (0, ∞), we have that f is differentiable as well.
Exercise 6.4.7
Let
∞
X sin(kx)
f (x) =
k=1
k3
(a) Show that f (x) is differentiable and that the derivative f ′ (x) is contimuous.
(b) Can we determine if f is twice-differentiable?
Solution
sin(nx)
(a) Let fn (x) = n3
. We have

cos(nx)
|fn′ (x)| = ≤ 1
n 2 n2
and so ∞ ′
P
n fn (x) converges uniformly by the Weierstrass M-Test. We also have f (x)
converging at x = 0 (since every term is P zero), so by the differentiable limit theorem
we have f (x) differentiable with f (x) = ∞
′ ′
n=1 fn (x). Since this converges uniformly,
′
f (x) is continuous.

(b) Probably not easily - trying the same trick leaves us with trying to bound sin(kx) with

k
P P∞
Mn where Mn converges, but Mn = 1/k doesn’t work as k=1 1/k diverges.
Exercise 6.4.8
Consider the function
∞
X sin(x/k)
f (x) = .
k=1
k
Where is f defined? Continuous? Differentiable? Twice-differentiable?
Solution
We can use the inequality |sin x| ≤ |x| to show that f (x) converges uniformly by the Weier-
strass M-Test over any interval (−a, a), with Mn = a/k 2 . Therefore f is defined and is
continuous over all real numbers.
The derivative of each term is
cos(x/k)
k2
which can easily be shown to converge uniformly; hence by the Differentiable Limit Theorem
we have that f (x) is differentiable as well. A similar argument shows that f is also twice-
differentiable.
Exercise 6.4.9
Let
∞
X 1
h(x) =
n=1
x2 + n2
(a) Show that h is a continuous function defined on all of R.
(b) Is h differentiable? If so, is the derivative function h′ continuous?
Solution
1
(a) Use the M-Test with Mn = n2
.
(b) The termwise derivatives are
−2x
h′n (x) =
x4 + 2x2 n2 + n4
with |h′n (x)| < 2x/n4 . For any fixed a > 0, over the interval (−a, a) we can bound
|h′n (x)| with Mn = 2a/n4 , so by the Differentiable Limit Theorem as well as uniform
convergence via the M-Test we have that h is differentiable with h′ continuous.
Exercise 6.4.10
Let {r1 , r2 , r3 , . . .} be an enumeration of the set of rational numbers. For each rn ∈ Q, define
(
1/2n for x > rn
un (x) =
0 for x ≤ rn .
Now, let h(x) = ∞

P
n=1 un (x). Prove that h is a monotone function defined on all of R that
is continuous at every irrational point.
Solution
Using Mn = 1/2n , by the Weierstrass M-Test we have that h converges uniformly. Since
each un is continuous at all irrational numbers, we have that h is continuous at all irrational
numbers.
P Monotone-ness
P comes from applying the Order Limit Theorem to compare the
series un (a) and un (b) for a, b ∈ R.
6.5 Power Series

Exercise 6.5.1. Consider the function g defined by the power series
x2 x3 x4 x5
g(x) = x − + − + − ··· .
2 3 4 5
(a) Is g defined on (−1, 1) ? Is it continuous on this set? Is g defined on (−1, 1] ? Is it
continuous on this set? What happens on [−1, 1] ? Can the power series for g(x) possibly
converge for any other points |x| > 1 ? Explain. (b) For what values of x is g ′ (x) defined?
′
Find a formulaP for ng . Exercise 6.5.2. Find suitable coefficients (an ) so that the resulting
power series an x has the given properties, or explain why such a request is impossible.
(a) Converges for every value of x ∈ R. (b) Diverges for every value of x ∈ R. (c) Converges
absolutely for all x ∈ [−1, 1] and diverges off of this set. (d) Converges conditionally at
x = −1 and converges absolutely at x = 1. (e) Converges conditionally at both x = −1 and
x = 1. Exercise 6.5.3. Use the Weierstrass M-Test toPprove Theorem 6.5.2. Exercise 6.5.4
(Term-by-term Antidifferentiation). Assume f (x) = ∞ n
n=0 an x converges on (−R, R). (a)
Show ∞
X an n+1
F (x) = x
n=0
n+1
is defined on (−R, R) and satisfies F ′ (x) = f (x). (b) Antiderivatives are not unique. If g is
an arbitrary function satisfying g ′ (x) = f (x) on (−R, R), find a power series representation
for g.
Exercise 6.5.5. (a) If s satisfies 0 < s < 1, show nsn−1 is bounded for all n ≥ 1. (b)
Given an arbitrary x ∈ (−R, R), pick t to satisfy |x| < t < R. Use this start to construct a
proof for Theorem 6.5.6.
Exercise 6.5.6. Previous work on geometric series (Example 2.7.5) justifies the formula
1
= 1 + x + x2 + x3 + x4 + · · · , for all |x| < 1.
1−x
P∞ n
Use the
P∞ 2 n results about power series proved in this section to find values for P n/2n and
n=1
n=1 n /2 . The discussion in Section 6.1 may be helpful. Exercise 6.5.7. Let an x be a
power series with an ̸= 0, and assume

an+1
L = lim
n→∞ an
exists. (a) Show that if L ̸= 0, then the series converges for all x in (−1/L, 1/L). (The
advice in Exercise 2.7.9 may be helpful.) (b) Show that if L = 0, then the series converges
for all x ∈ R. (c) Show that (a) and (b) continue to hold if L is replaced by the limit.

′
ak+1
L = lim sn where sn = sup :k≥n .
n→∞ ak
(General properties of the limit superior are discussed in Exercise 2.4.7.) Exercise 6.5.8. (a)
Show that power series representations are unique. If we have
∞
X ∞
X
an x n = bn x n
n=0 n=0
6.6. TAYLOR SERIES 161
for all x in an interval (−R, R), prove that an = bn for all n = 0, 1, 2, . . . (b) Let f (x) =
P ∞ n ′
n=0 an x converge on (−R, R), and assume f (x) = f (x) for all x ∈ (−R, R) and f (0) = 1.
Deduce the values of an .
Exercise 6.5.9. Review the definitions and results from Section 2.8 concerning products
of series and Cauchy products
P in Pparticular. At the end of Section 2.9, we mentioned the
following result: If both an and bn converge conditionally to A and B respectively, then
it is possible for the Cauchy product,
X
dn where dn = a0 bn + a1 bn−1 + · · · + an b0
P
to diverge. However, if dn does converge, then it must converge to AB. To prove this, set
X X X
f (x) = an xn , g(x) = bn xn , and h(x) = d n xn .
Use Abel’s Theorem

P∞ and the result in Exercise 2.8.7 to establish this result. Exercise 6.5.10.
n
Let g(x) = n=0 bn x converge on (−R, R), and assume (xn ) → 0 with xn ̸= 0. If g (xn ) = 0
for all n ∈ N, show that g(x)Pmust be identically zero on all of (−R, R).
Exercise 6.5.11. A series ∞ n=0 an is said to be Abel-summable to L if the power series
∞
X
f (x) = an x n
n=0
converges for all x ∈ [0, 1) and L = limx→1− f (x). (a) Show

P that any series that converges
to a limit L is also Abel-summable to L. (b) Show that ∞ n=0 (−1) n
is Abel-summable and
find the sum.
6.6 Taylor Series

Exercise 6.6.1
The derivation in Example 6.6.1 shows the Taylor series for arctan(x) is valid for all x ∈
(−1, 1). Notice, however, that the series also converges when x = 1. Assuming that arctan(x)
is continuous, explain why the value of the series at x = 1 must necessarily be arctan(1).
What interesting identity do we get in this case?
Solution
Abel’s theorem (Theorem 6.5.4) implies the series converges uniformly on [0, 1]. Combined
with (Theorem 6.2.6) we see function the series converges to must be continuous. Taking
limits shows this value must be arctan(1) giving the identity
π 1 1 1
arctan(1) = = 1 − + − + ...
4 3 5 7
Exercise 6.6.2
Starting from one of the previously generated series in this section, use manipulations similar
to those in Example 6.6.1 to find Taylor series representations for each of the following
functions. For precisely what values of x is each series representation valid?
(a) x cos (x2 )

2
(b) x/ (1 + 4x2 )
(c) log (1 + x2 )
Solution
(a) We know cos(x) = 1 − x2 /2 + x4 /4! − . . . on all of R so
∞
2 x5 x9 x13 X x4n+1
x cos(x ) = x − + − + ··· = (−1)n
2! 4! 6! n=0
(2n)!
(b) Since
x d −1/8
2 2
=
(1 + 4x ) dx 1 + 4x2
We can use the geometric series then differentiate
∞ ∞
−1/8 X
2 n
X (−1)n+1 (4x2 )n
= (−1/8) (−4x ) =
1 − (−4x2 ) n=0 n=0
8
Is valid when |4x2 | < 1 or |x| < 1/2, differentiating gives

∞
X (−1)n+1 8x · n(4x2 )n−1 X ∞
x ?
2 2
= = (−1)n+1 xn(4x2 )n−1
(1 − 4x ) n=0
8 n=0
Every |x| < 1/2 converges by the ratio test, meaning the P
right-hand series converges
for all x ∈ (−1/2, 1/2). Checking endpoints x = 1/2 gives (−1)n+1 n/2 which clearly
doesn’t converge, similarly x = −1/2 doesn’t converge.
Finally, we must show our differentiated series converges to the right thing. Let fm =
m ′
n+1
xn(42 )n−1 and f (x) = x/(1 + 4x2 ). We have (fm ) → f ′ uniformly (by
P
n=0 (−1)
construction via geometric series), and since (fm ) and f agree at x = 0 (fm (0) → 0
and f (0) = 0) we must have (fm ) → f uniformly.
(c) We know the Taylor series for log(1 + x) is
X (−1)n xn∞
1 2 1 3
log(1 + x) = x − x + x − · · · =
2 3 n=1
n
Which converges on (−1, 1]. Substituting x2 for x gives

∞
2
X (−1)n x2n
log(1 + x ) =
n=1
n
Which converges on [0, 1].

Exercise 6.6.3
Derive the formula for the Taylor coefficients given in Theorem 6.6.2.
Solution
We are given f (x) = ∞ n
P
n=0 an x defined on some nontrivial interval (−R, R). a0 = f (0) by
definition, now applying Theorem 6.5.7 we get
∞
X
′
f (x) = an nxn−1
n=1
and f ′ (0) = a1 · 1 by definition of f ′ , continue like this applying 6.5.7 each time to get
f (n) (0)
an =
n!
Exercise 6.6.4
Explain how Lagrange’s Remainder Theorem can be modified to prove
1 1 1 1 1
1− + − + − + · · · = log(2)
2 3 4 5 6
Solution
Let EN (x) = log(1 + x) − x − 21 x2 + 13 x3 − · · · ± n1 xn TODO

Exercise 6.6.5
(a) Generate the Taylor coefficients for the exponential function f (x) = ex , and then prove
that the corresponding Taylor series converges uniformly to ex on any interval of the
form [−R, R].
(b) Verify the formula f ′ (x) = ex .
(c) Use a substitution to generate the series for e−x , and then informally calculate ex · e−x
by multiplying together the two series and collecting common powers of x.
Solution
(a) f (x) = ex = ∞ n (n)
P
n=0 x /n! from f (0) = 1
(b) Differentiating the series is valid by Theorem 6.5.7
∞ ∞ ∞
X nxn−1 X xn−1 X xn
f ′ (x) = = =
n=1
n! n=1
(n − 1)! n=0 n!
(c) Let sn = nk=0 xk /k! and tn = nk=0 (−1)k xk /k! then a quick computation (by com-
P P
puter) gives
s2 t2 = 1 − x2
x4
s3 t3 = +1
4
x6 x4
s4 t4 = − − +1
36 12
x8 x6
s5 t5 = + +1
576 72
This leads us to conjecture TODO
Exercise 6.6.6
Review the proof that g ′ (0) = 0 for the function
( 2
e−1/x for x ̸= 0
g(x) =
0 for x = 0
introduced at the end of this section.
(a) Compute g ′ (x) for x ̸= 0. Then use the definition of the derivative to find g ′′ (0).
(b) Compute g ′′ (x) and g ′′′ (x) for x ̸= 0. Use these observations and invent whatever
notation is needed to give a general description for the nth derivative g (n) (x) at points
different from zero.
(c) Construct a general argument for why g (n) (0) = 0 for all n ∈ N.
Solution
TODO
Exercise 6.6.7
Find an example of each of the following or explain why no such function exists.
(a) An infinitely differentiable function g(x) on all of R with a Taylor series that converges
to g(x) only for x ∈ (−1, 1).
(b) An infinitely differentiable function h(x) with the same Taylor series as sin(x) but such
that h(x) ̸= sin(x) for all x ̸= 0.
(c) An infinitely differentiable function f (x) on all of R with a Taylor series that converges
to f (x) if and only if x ≤ 0.
Solution
TODO
Exercise 6.6.8
Here is a weaker form of Lagrange’s Remainder Theorem whose proof is arguably more
illuminating than the one for the stronger result.
(a) First establish a lemma: If g and h are differentiable on [0, x] with g(0) = h(0) and
g ′ (t) ≤ h′ (t) for all t ∈ [0, x], then g(t) ≤ h(t) for all t ∈ [0, x].

(b) Let f, SN , and EN be as Theorem 6.6.3, and take 0 < x < R. If f (N +1) (t) ≤ M for
all t ∈ [0, x], show
M xN +1
|EN (x)| ≤
(N + 1)!
Solution
TODO
Exercise 6.6.9 (Cauchy’s Remainder Theorem)

Let f be differentiable N + 1 times on (−R, R). For each a ∈ (−R, R), let SN (x, a) be the
partial sum of the Taylor series for f centered at a; in other words, define
N
X f (n) (a)
SN (x, a) = cn (x − a)n where cn = .
n=0
n!
Let EN (x, a) = f (x)−SN (x, a). Now fix x ̸= 0 in (−R, R) and consider EN (x, a) as a function
of a.
(a) Find EN (x, x).
(b) Explain why EN (x, a) is differentiable with respect to a, and show
′ −f (N +1) (a)
EN (x, a) = (x − a)N .
N!
(c) Show
f (N +1) (c)
EN (x) = EN (x, 0) = (x − c)N x
N!
for some c between 0 and x. This is Cauchy’s form of the remainder for Taylor series
centered at the origin.
Solution
TODO
Exercise 6.6.10 √
Consider f (x) = 1/ 1 − x.
(a) Generate the Taylor series for f centered at zero, and use Lagrange’s Remainder The-
orem to show the series converges to f on [0, 1/2]. (The case x < 1/2 is more straight-
forward while x = 1/2 requires some extra care.) What happens when we attempt this
with x > 1/2?
(b) Use Canchy’s Remainder Theorem proved in Exercise 6.6.9 to show the series repre-
sentation for f holds on [0, 1).
Solution
TODO

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Understanding Analysis Solutions

1 The Real Numbers 1

2 Sequences and Series 27

4 Functional Limits and Continuity 91

5 The Derivative 119

6 Power series 141

The Real Numbers

1.2 Some Preliminaries

(b) True, because we eventually reach Aj = {x} and get stuck

(c) False, A = ∅ gives ∅ = C.

(d) True, intersection is associative.

(e) True, draw a diagram.

Exercise 1.2.5 (De Morgan’s Laws)

(a) If x ∈ (A ∩ B)c , explain why x ∈ Ac ∪ B c . This shows that (A ∩ B)c ⊆ Ac ∪ B c

(c) Show (A ∪ B)c = Ac ∩ B c by demonstrating inclusion both ways.

(b) Let x ∈ Ac ∪ B c implying x ∈ Ac or x ∈ B c meaning x ∈

(c) First let x ∈ (A ∪ B)c implying x ∈

x ∈ Ac and x ∈ B c implying x ∈ / A and x ∈/ B meaning x ∈ / A ∪ B which is just

(c) Prove |a − b| ≤ |a − c| + |c − d| + |d − b| for all a, b, c, and d.

||a| − |b|| = |a| − |b| = |(a − b) + b| − |b| ≤ |a − b| + |b| − |b| = |a − b|

(b) Find two sets A and B for which f (A ∩ B) ̸= f (A) ∩ f (B).

(b) A = {−1}, B = {1} thus f (A ∩ B) = ∅ but f (A) ∩ f (B) = {1}

(a) f : N → N that is 1 − 1 but not onto.

(b) f : N → N that is onto but not 1 − 1.

(c) f : N → Z that is 1 − 1 and onto.

(b) Let f (1) = 1 and f (n) = n − 1 for n > 1

(b) False, consider a = b as above

yn+1 = (2yn − 6)/3 =⇒ yn = (3yn+1 + 6)/2 > −6

Thus yn+1 > −6

yn+1 < yn =⇒ 2yn+1 < 2yn

Thus (yn ) is decreasing.

(a) Show how induction can be used to conclude that

(A1 ∪ A2 ∪ · · · ∪ An )c = Ac1 ∩ Ac2 ∩ · · · ∩ Acn

for any finite n ∈ N

(b) It is tempting to appeal to induction to conclude

((A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An ) ∪ An+1 )c = (A1 ∪ · · · ∪ An )c ∩ Acn+1

(b) B1 = {1, 2, . . . }, B2 = {2, 3, . . . }, . . .

(c) First suppose x ∈ ( ∞ / ∞

Now suppose xT∈ ∞ c

1.3 The Axiom of Completeness

(i) Lower bound, a ≥ i for all a ∈ A

(a) A set B with inf B ≥ sup B.

(c) Let B = {r ∈ Q | 1 < r ≤ 2} we have inf B = 1 ∈

(b) Consider sup ( ∞

Yes. Let S = {sup Ak | k = 1, . . . , } and s = sup S. s is obviously an upper bound for

(a) If c ≥ 0, show that sup(cA) = c sup A.

(b) sup(cA) = c inf(A) for c < 0

(a) Let s = sup A and t = sup B. Show s + t is an upper bound for A + B.

(c) Finally, show sup(A + B) = s + t.

(b) t ≤ u − a should be true since u − a is an upper bound on b, meaning it is greater then

(b) {(−1)m /n : m, n ∈ N}.

(b) sup = 1, inf = −1

(c) sup = 1/3, inf = 1/4

(d) sup = 1, inf = 0

(b) A = {x | x ≤ 1}, B = {x | x < 1} no b ∈ B is an upper bound since 1 ∈ A and 1 > b.

Exercise 1.3.10 (Cut Property)

(a) Use the Axiom of Completeness to prove the Cut Property.

(i) Since E ⊆ A, a ≤ c implies e ≤ c thus c is an upper bound.

1.4 Consequences of Completeness