Real Analysis

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Lesson 88 of 96 · Module 7: The Riemann Integral

Module 0 — The Language of Proof (10/10)

L1. Why calculus needs a rebuild

Module 0  2026-08-05  ·  9:49  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Consider the function $f(x) = x$ if $x$ is rational and $f(x) = -x$ if $x$ is irrational. Is this function continuous at $x = 0$?
Reveal solution
  1. To check continuity at $x=0$, we need to see if $\lim_{x \to 0} f(x) = f(0)$.
  2. Note that $f(0) = 0$ because $0$ is rational.
  3. For any $x$, the value of $f(x)$ is either $x$ or $-x$.
  4. In both cases, $|f(x) - 0| = |x|$.
  5. As $x$ approaches $0$, $|x|$ approaches $0$ regardless of whether $x$ is rational or irrational.
  6. Therefore, the limit is $0$, which equals $f(0)$.

Answer: Yes, it is continuous at $x = 0$.

Problem 2. If a function $f$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$, must it be differentiable at $x = 1/2$? Provide a reason or a counterexample.
Reveal solution
  1. Recall the definition of differentiability: the limit of the difference quotient must exist.
  2. Consider the function $f(x) = |x - 1/2|$.
  3. This function is continuous everywhere on $[0, 1]$ because it is the composition of continuous functions.
  4. However, at $x = 1/2$, the function has a sharp corner.
  5. The left-hand derivative is $-1$ and the right-hand derivative is $1$.
  6. Since the one-sided limits of the difference quotient are not equal, the derivative does not exist.

Answer: No, the function $f(x) = |x - 1/2|$ is a counterexample.

Problem 3. Suppose a sequence of functions $f_n(x)$ converges to $f(x)$ for all $x$ in $[0, 1]$. If each $f_n$ is a polynomial, must $f$ be a polynomial?
Reveal solution
  1. Polynomials are smooth and have a finite number of terms.
  2. Consider the Taylor series for the exponential function $e^x = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{k!}$.
  3. Let $f_n(x)$ be the $n$-th partial sum of this series, which is a polynomial of degree $n$.
  4. As $n \to \infty$, $f_n(x)$ converges to $f(x) = e^x$ for all $x$.
  5. While each $f_n$ is a polynomial, the limit function $e^x$ is not a polynomial (it has infinitely many non-zero derivatives).

Answer: No, the limit of polynomials can be a non-polynomial function like $e^x$.

L2. Statements, quantifiers, and the order of forall and exists

Module 0  2026-08-06  ·  9:19  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the following statement is true or false: $\forall x \in \mathbb{R}, \exists y \in \mathbb{R} : xy = 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. We start with an arbitrary $x$.
  2. If $x \neq 0$, we can choose $y = 1/x$, then $x(1/x) = 1$.
  3. However, if $x = 0$, we need to find $y$ such that $0 \cdot y = 1$.
  4. Since $0 \cdot y = 0$ for all $y$, no such $y$ exists for $x = 0$.

Answer: False

Problem 2. Translate the following sentence into logical symbols: 'There is a real number that is greater than every other real number.'
Reveal solution
  1. The phrase 'There is a real number' indicates an existential quantifier: $\exists y \in \mathbb{R}$.
  2. The phrase 'greater than every other real number' indicates a universal quantifier for the other numbers: $\forall x \in \mathbb{R}$.
  3. The condition is $y > x$ (though strictly 'every other' implies $x \neq y$, in analysis we usually write $y > x$ for all $x$ to check for a maximum).

Answer: $\exists y \in \mathbb{R}, \forall x \in \mathbb{R} : y > x$

Problem 3. Compare the truth values of (A) $\forall x \in \mathbb{R}, \exists y \in \mathbb{R} : x + y = 5$ and (B) $\exists y \in \mathbb{R}, \forall x \in \mathbb{R} : x + y = 5$.
Reveal solution
  1. For (A), given $x$, we can choose $y = 5 - x$. Then $x + (5 - x) = 5$. This works for all $x$, so (A) is true.
  2. For (B), we must pick one $y$ first. If we pick $y = 2$, then $x + 2 = 5$ only when $x = 3$. It fails for $x = 4$.
  3. No single $y$ can make $x + y = 5$ for every possible $x$.

Answer: (A) is True, (B) is False

L3. Negating statements — the skill behind every counterexample

Module 0  2026-08-07  ·  10:49  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Negate the following statement: $\exists L, \forall \epsilon > 0, \exists \delta > 0, \forall x, (|x-a| < \delta \implies |f(x)-L| < \epsilon)$
Reveal solution
  1. Flip the first quantifier: $\exists L$ becomes $\forall L$.
  2. Flip the second quantifier: $\forall \epsilon > 0$ becomes $\exists \epsilon > 0$.
  3. Flip the third quantifier: $\exists \delta > 0$ becomes $\forall \delta > 0$.
  4. Flip the fourth quantifier: $\forall x$ becomes $\exists x$.
  5. Negate the implication: $|x-a| < \delta \implies |f(x)-L| < \epsilon$ becomes $|x-a| < \delta$ and $|f(x)-L| \ge \epsilon$.

Answer: $\forall L, \exists \epsilon > 0, \forall \delta > 0, \exists x, (|x-a| < \delta \text{ and } |f(x)-L| \ge \epsilon)$

Problem 2. Negate the statement: For every real number $x$, there exists a real number $y$ such that $x^2 + y^2 = 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. The original statement is $\forall x \in \mathbb{R}, \exists y \in \mathbb{R}, x^2 + y^2 = 1$.
  2. Flip $\forall x$ to $\exists x$.
  3. Flip $\exists y$ to $\forall y$.
  4. Negate the equation $x^2 + y^2 = 1$ to $x^2 + y^2 \neq 1$.

Answer: There exists a real number $x$ such that for all real numbers $y$, $x^2 + y^2 \neq 1$.

Problem 3. Negate the statement: There exists a function $f$ such that for all $x, y$ in the domain, if $x < y$, then $f(x) < f(y)$.
Reveal solution
  1. The original statement is $\exists f, \forall x, \forall y, (x < y \implies f(x) < f(y))$.
  2. Flip $\exists f$ to $\forall f$.
  3. Flip $\forall x$ to $\exists x$.
  4. Flip $\forall y$ to $\exists y$.
  5. Negate the implication: $x < y \implies f(x) < f(y)$ becomes $x < y$ and $f(x) \ge f(y)$.

Answer: For all functions $f$, there exist $x, y$ in the domain such that $x < y$ and $f(x) \ge f(y)$.

L4. Direct proof; proving implications

Module 0  2026-08-08  ·  9:41  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that the product of an even integer $n$ and an odd integer $m$ is even.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume $n$ is even, so $n = 2k$ for some integer $k$.
  2. Assume $m$ is odd, so $m = 2j + 1$ for some integer $j$.
  3. Compute the product: $nm = (2k)(2j + 1)$.
  4. Distribute: $nm = 4kj + 2k$.
  5. Factor out a 2: $nm = 2(2kj + k)$.
  6. Since $2kj + k$ is an integer, $nm$ is even by definition.

Answer: The product is $2(2kj + k)$, which fits the definition of an even number.

Problem 2. Prove that if $n$ is an odd integer, then $n^2 - 1$ is even.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume $n$ is odd, so $n = 2k + 1$ for some integer $k$.
  2. Substitute into the expression: $n^2 - 1 = (2k + 1)^2 - 1$.
  3. Expand the square: $n^2 - 1 = (4k^2 + 4k + 1) - 1$.
  4. Simplify: $n^2 - 1 = 4k^2 + 4k$.
  5. Factor out a 2: $n^2 - 1 = 2(2k^2 + 2k)$.
  6. Since $2k^2 + 2k$ is an integer, $n^2 - 1$ is even.

Answer: The expression simplifies to $2(2k^2 + 2k)$, which is even.

Problem 3. Prove that the sum of any three consecutive integers is always divisible by 3.
Reveal solution
  1. Let the three consecutive integers be $n$, $n+1$, and $n+2$.
  2. Sum them: $S = n + (n + 1) + (n + 2)$.
  3. Combine like terms: $S = 3n + 3$.
  4. Factor out the 3: $S = 3(n + 1)$.
  5. Since $n+1$ is an integer, $S$ is a multiple of 3, and thus divisible by 3.

Answer: The sum is $3(n+1)$, which is divisible by 3.

L5. Proof by contrapositive

Module 0  2026-08-09  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that for any integer $n$, if $3n + 2$ is even, then $n$ is even.
Reveal solution
  1. State the contrapositive: If $n$ is odd, then $3n + 2$ is odd.
  2. Assume $n$ is odd, so $n = 2k + 1$ for some integer $k$.
  3. Substitute into the expression: $3(2k + 1) + 2 = 6k + 3 + 2 = 6k + 5$.
  4. Rewrite as $2(3k + 2) + 1$.
  5. Since $3k + 2$ is an integer, $3n + 2$ is odd.
  6. The contrapositive is true, so the original statement is true.

Answer: Proven via contrapositive.

Problem 2. Prove that for any two integers $x$ and $y$, if $xy$ is even, then $x$ is even or $y$ is even.
Reveal solution
  1. State the contrapositive: If $x$ is odd AND $y$ is odd, then $xy$ is odd.
  2. Assume $x = 2k + 1$ and $y = 2m + 1$ for integers $k, m$.
  3. Compute the product: $xy = (2k + 1)(2m + 1) = 4km + 2k + 2m + 1$.
  4. Factor out a two: $xy = 2(2km + k + m) + 1$.
  5. Since $2km + k + m$ is an integer, $xy$ is odd.
  6. The contrapositive is true, so the original statement is true.

Answer: Proven via contrapositive.

Problem 3. Prove that for any integer $n$, if $n^2 - 2n + 7$ is even, then $n$ is odd.
Reveal solution
  1. State the contrapositive: If $n$ is even, then $n^2 - 2n + 7$ is odd.
  2. Assume $n = 2k$ for some integer $k$.
  3. Substitute: $(2k)^2 - 2(2k) + 7 = 4k^2 - 4k + 7$.
  4. Rewrite as $4k^2 - 4k + 6 + 1 = 2(2k^2 - 2k + 3) + 1$.
  5. Since $2k^2 - 2k + 3$ is an integer, the result is odd.
  6. The contrapositive is true, so the original statement is true.

Answer: Proven via contrapositive.

L6. Proof by contradiction — root 2 is irrational

Module 0  2026-08-10  ·  9:42  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use a proof by contradiction to show that if $n^2$ is an even integer, then $n$ must be an even integer.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume $n^2$ is even but $n$ is odd.
  2. Since $n$ is odd, we can write $n = 2k + 1$ for some integer $k$.
  3. Then $n^2 = (2k + 1)^2 = 4k^2 + 4k + 1 = 2(2k^2 + 2k) + 1$.
  4. This shows $n^2$ is odd, which contradicts the hypothesis that $n^2$ is even.
  5. Therefore, $n$ must be even.

Answer: n \text{ is even}

Problem 2. Prove by contradiction that there is no largest integer.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume there exists a largest integer $M$.
  2. Consider the number $M + 1$.
  3. Since $M$ is an integer, $M + 1$ is also an integer.
  4. By definition, $M + 1 > M$.
  5. This contradicts the assumption that $M$ is the largest integer.
  6. Therefore, no largest integer exists.

Answer: \text{No largest integer exists}

Problem 3. Prove by contradiction that $\sqrt{3}$ is irrational.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume $\sqrt{3} = p/q$ in simplest form.
  2. Then $3 = p^2/q^2$, so $3q^2 = p^2$.
  3. This implies $p^2$ is a multiple of 3, so $p$ must be a multiple of 3. Let $p = 3k$.
  4. Substitute: $3q^2 = (3k)^2 = 9k^2$, so $q^2 = 3k^2$.
  5. This implies $q^2$ is a multiple of 3, so $q$ must be a multiple of 3.
  6. Since both $p$ and $q$ are multiples of 3, the fraction $p/q$ was not in simplest form, a contradiction.

Answer: \sqrt{3} \notin \mathbb{Q}

L7. Induction I — the principle and first proofs

Module 0  2026-08-11  ·  10:06  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove by induction that for all $n \ge 1$, the sum of the first $n$ squares is $1^2 + 2^2 + \dots + n^2 = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case: For $n=1$, $1^2 = 1$ and $\frac{1(2)(3)}{6} = 1$. True.
  2. Inductive hypothesis: Assume $1^2 + 2^2 + \dots + k^2 = \frac{k(k+1)(2k+1)}{6}$.
  3. Inductive step: Add $(k+1)^2$ to both sides: $\frac{k(k+1)(2k+1)}{6} + (k+1)^2$.
  4. Factor out $(k+1)$: $\frac{k+1}{6} [k(2k+1) + 6(k+1)] = \frac{k+1}{6} [2k^2 + 7k + 6]$.
  5. Factor the quadratic: $2k^2 + 7k + 6 = (k+2)(2k+3)$.
  6. Result: $\frac{(k+1)(k+2)(2k+3)}{6}$, which is the formula for $n=k+1$.

Answer: \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}

Problem 2. Prove by induction that $2^n > n$ for all positive integers $n$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case: For $n=1$, $2^1 = 2$ and $2 > 1$. True.
  2. Inductive hypothesis: Assume $2^k > k$.
  3. Inductive step: We want to show $2^{k+1} > k+1$.
  4. Start with $2^{k+1} = 2 \cdot 2^k$.
  5. By hypothesis, $2 \cdot 2^k > 2k$.
  6. Since $k \ge 1$, we know $2k = k + k \ge k + 1$.
  7. Thus $2^{k+1} > k+1$.

Answer: 2^n > n

Problem 3. Prove by induction that $3^n > n$ for all positive integers $n$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case: For $n=1$, $3^1 = 3$ and $3 > 1$. True.
  2. Inductive hypothesis: Assume $3^k > k$ for some $k \ge 1$.
  3. Inductive step: Consider $3^{k+1} = 3 \cdot 3^k$.
  4. By hypothesis, $3 \cdot 3^k > 3k$.
  5. We want to show $3k > k+1$.
  6. This is equivalent to $2k > 1$, which is true for all $k \ge 1$.
  7. Thus $3^{k+1} > k+1$.

Answer: 3^n > n

L8. Induction II — strong induction; Bernoulli's inequality

Module 0  2026-08-12  ·  9:02  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use mathematical induction to prove that for all $n \ge 1$, $\sum_{i=0}^{n} 2^i = 2^{n+1} - 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case $n=1$: $2^0 + 2^1 = 1 + 2 = 3$, and $2^{1+1} - 1 = 4 - 1 = 3$. The base case holds.
  2. Inductive step: Assume $\sum_{i=0}^{k} 2^i = 2^{k+1} - 1$.
  3. For $n=k+1$, the sum is $(\sum_{i=0}^{k} 2^i) + 2^{k+1}$.
  4. Substitute the hypothesis: $(2^{k+1} - 1) + 2^{k+1} = 2 \cdot 2^{k+1} - 1 = 2^{k+2} - 1$.
  5. This matches the formula for $n=k+1$.

Answer: $\sum_{i=0}^{n} 2^i = 2^{n+1} - 1$

Problem 2. Prove using strong induction that every integer $n \ge 2$ can be written as a product of primes.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case $n=2$: $2$ is prime, so it is a product of one prime.
  2. Inductive step: Assume every integer $m$ such that $2 \le m \le k$ is a product of primes.
  3. Consider $n=k+1$. If $k+1$ is prime, we are done.
  4. If $k+1$ is composite, $k+1 = a \cdot b$ for some $1 < a, b < k+1$.
  5. By the strong inductive hypothesis, both $a$ and $b$ are products of primes.
  6. Thus, $k+1$ is a product of the primes that make up $a$ and $b$.

Answer: Every integer $n \ge 2$ is a product of primes.

Problem 3. Prove that for $x > 0$ and $n \ge 2$, $(1+x)^n > 1 + nx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case $n=2$: $(1+x)^2 = 1 + 2x + x^2$. Since $x > 0$, $x^2 > 0$, so $1 + 2x + x^2 > 1 + 2x$.
  2. Inductive step: Assume $(1+x)^k > 1 + kx$ for some $k \ge 2$.
  3. Multiply both sides by $(1+x)$. Since $x > 0$, $(1+x) > 0$.
  4. $(1+x)^{k+1} > (1+kx)(1+x) = 1 + x + kx + kx^2 = 1 + (k+1)x + kx^2$.
  5. Since $k \ge 2$ and $x^2 > 0$, the term $kx^2$ is strictly positive.
  6. Therefore, $1 + (k+1)x + kx^2 > 1 + (k+1)x$.

Answer: $(1+x)^n > 1 + nx$

L9. Sets, functions, injections/surjections — the vocabulary

Module 0  2026-08-13  ·  10:54  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the function $f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ defined by $f(x) = x^3 + x$ is a bijection.
Reveal solution
  1. To check injectivity, assume $f(x) = f(y)$, so $x^3 + x = y^3 + y$.
  2. Rearrange to $x^3 - y^3 + x - y = 0$, which factors as $(x-y)(x^2 + xy + y^2 + 1) = 0$.
  3. The term $x^2 + xy + y^2 + 1$ is always positive because it is $(x + y/2)^2 + 3y^2/4 + 1$.
  4. Thus, we must have $x - y = 0$, so $x = y$. The function is injective.
  5. For surjectivity, since $f(x)$ is a polynomial of odd degree, its limits as $x$ goes to plus or minus infinity are plus and minus infinity.
  6. By the Intermediate Value Theorem (Calculus, Lesson 20), $f(x)$ must take every real value. Thus, it is surjective.
  7. Since it is both injective and surjective, it is a bijection.

Answer: Yes, it is a bijection.

Problem 2. Let $f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ be defined by $f(x) = e^x$. Find the preimage of the set $T = [1, e^2]$.
Reveal solution
  1. The preimage $f^{-1}(T)$ is the set of all $x$ such that $f(x) \in [1, e^2]$.
  2. This means $1 \le e^x \le e^2$.
  3. Taking the natural logarithm of all parts of the inequality, we get $\ln(1) \le x \le \ln(e^2)$.
  4. Since $\ln(1) = 0$ and $\ln(e^2) = 2$, we have $0 \le x \le 2$.

Answer: [0, 2]

Problem 3. Consider the function $f: \mathbb{Z} \to \mathbb{Z}$ defined by $f(n) = 2n$. Is this function injective? Is it surjective?
Reveal solution
  1. For injectivity, assume $f(n) = f(m)$, so $2n = 2m$. Dividing by 2 gives $n = m$. Thus, it is injective.
  2. For surjectivity, we check if every integer $k$ in the codomain $\mathbb{Z}$ has a preimage $n \in \mathbb{Z}$ such that $2n = k$.
  3. If we pick $k = 1$, we need $2n = 1$, which means $n = 1/2$.
  4. However, $1/2$ is not an integer, so $1/2 \notin \mathbb{Z}$.
  5. Since there is no integer $n$ such that $f(n) = 1$, the function is not surjective.

Answer: Injective, but not surjective.

L10. Module 0 review + proof-writing self-test

Module 0  2026-08-14  ·  10:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that for any two real numbers $x$ and $y$, if $xy = 0$, then $x = 0$ or $y = 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Use the contrapositive: assume it is not the case that ($x = 0$ or $y = 0$).
  2. This means $x \neq 0$ and $y \neq 0$.
  3. Since both are non-zero, their product $xy$ cannot be zero.
  4. Thus, $\neg(x=0 \lor y=0) \implies xy \neq 0$, which proves the original statement.

Answer: Proven via contrapositive.

Problem 2. Determine if the function $f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ defined by $f(x) = x^3$ is a bijection.
Reveal solution
  1. Check injectivity: $x^3 = y^3$. Taking the cube root of both sides gives $x = y$. It is injective.
  2. Check surjectivity: For any $y \in \mathbb{R}$, we can choose $x = \sqrt[3]{y}$. Then $f(x) = (\sqrt[3]{y})^3 = y$. It is surjective.
  3. Since it is both injective and surjective, it is a bijection.

Answer: Yes, it is a bijection.

Problem 3. Prove by induction that for all $n \ge 1$, $1 + 2 + \dots + n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case $n=1$: $1 = \frac{1(2)}{2} = 1$. True.
  2. Inductive step: Assume $S_k = \frac{k(k+1)}{2}$.
  3. Then $S_{k+1} = S_k + (k+1) = \frac{k(k+1)}{2} + (k+1)$.
  4. Factor out $(k+1)$: $(k+1)(\frac{k}{2} + 1) = (k+1)(\frac{k+2}{2}) = \frac{(k+1)(k+2)}{2}$.
  5. This matches the formula for $n=k+1$.

Answer: Proven via induction.

Module 1 — The Real Numbers (10/10)

L11. What's wrong with the rationals — the hole at root 2

Module 1  2026-08-15  ·  10:57  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Starting with $x_1 = 1$, compute the fifth term $x_5$ of the Babylonian sequence $x_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2}(x_n + \frac{2}{x_n})$. Express your answer as a fraction.
Reveal solution
  1. We know $x_4 = \frac{577}{408}$.
  2. Compute $\frac{2}{x_4} = \frac{2}{577/408} = \frac{816}{577}$.
  3. Find the average: $x_5 = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{577}{408} + \frac{816}{577})$.
  4. Common denominator is $408 \times 577 = 235416$.
  5. Numerator is $577^2 + 816 \times 408 = 332929 + 332928 = 665857$.
  6. Result is $\frac{665857}{2 \times 235416} = \frac{665857}{470832}$.

Answer: $\frac{665857}{470832}$

Problem 2. Consider the sequence $y_n$ formed by the first $n$ digits of the decimal expansion of $\sqrt{2}$ (e.g., $y_1 = 1.4, y_2 = 1.41, \dots$). Explain why this sequence consists only of rational numbers and why its limit is not rational.
Reveal solution
  1. Each $y_n$ is a terminating decimal, which can be written as a fraction with a power of 10 in the denominator, so $y_n \in \mathbb{Q}$.
  2. The sequence converges to $\sqrt{2}$ by construction.
  3. Since $\sqrt{2}$ is irrational, the limit is not in $\mathbb{Q}$.

Answer: The terms are terminating decimals (fractions), but the limit is $\sqrt{2}$, which is irrational.

Problem 3. If a set of numbers is dense, does that necessarily mean it is complete? Use the results of today's lesson to justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. No, density does not imply completeness.
  2. The rational numbers $\mathbb{Q}$ are dense because between any two rationals there is another rational.
  3. However, $\mathbb{Q}$ is not complete because the Babylonian sequence of rationals bunches up but its limit $\sqrt{2}$ is not in $\mathbb{Q}$.

Answer: No; the rationals are dense but incomplete.

L12. Fields and order axioms — the rules we've been assuming

Module 1  2026-08-16  ·  10:37  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Using the field and order axioms, prove that for any $x \in \mathbb{R}$, $x^2 \ge 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. By the law of trichotomy, either $x > 0$, $x < 0$, or $x = 0$.
  2. Case 1: If $x > 0$, then multiplying both sides of $x > 0$ by the positive number $x$ gives $x^2 > 0$.
  3. Case 2: If $x < 0$, then $-x > 0$. Multiplying both sides of $-x > 0$ by the positive number $-x$ gives $(-x)^2 > 0$, which simplifies to $x^2 > 0$.
  4. Case 3: If $x = 0$, then $x^2 = 0 \cdot 0 = 0$.
  5. In all cases, $x^2 \ge 0$.

Answer: x^2 \ge 0

Problem 2. Prove that if $a < b$ and $c < d$, then $a + c < b + d$.
Reveal solution
  1. We are given $a < b$, which means $b - a > 0$.
  2. We are given $c < d$, which means $d - c > 0$.
  3. The sum of two positive numbers is positive, so $(b - a) + (d - c) > 0$.
  4. Rearranging the terms using commutativity and associativity gives $(b + d) - (a + c) > 0$.
  5. By the definition of order, this means $a + c < b + d$.

Answer: a + c < b + d

Problem 3. Prove that if $0 < a < 1$, then $a^2 < a$.
Reveal solution
  1. We are given $a < 1$.
  2. We are also given $a > 0$.
  3. Since $a$ is positive, we can multiply both sides of the inequality $a < 1$ by $a$ without changing the direction of the inequality.
  4. Multiplying $a < 1$ by $a$ yields $a \cdot a < 1 \cdot a$.
  5. This simplifies to $a^2 < a$.

Answer: a^2 < a

L13. Completeness: the supremum axiom — the one new idea

Module 1  2026-08-17  ·  9:51  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the supremum of the set $S = \{ \frac{n}{n+1} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Does the set have a maximum?
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: List some terms: $1/2, 2/3, 3/4, \dots$. All terms are less than 1, so 1 is an upper bound.
  2. Step 2: Check if 1 is the least upper bound. For any $\epsilon > 0$, we need $n/(n+1) > 1 - \epsilon$.
  3. Step 3: Solve for $n$: $n > (1 - \epsilon)(n+1) \implies n > n + 1 - \epsilon n - \epsilon \implies \epsilon n > 1 - \epsilon \implies n > (1 - \epsilon)/\epsilon$.
  4. Step 4: Since such an $n$ always exists in the natural numbers, 1 is the supremum.
  5. Step 5: Check if $1 \in S$. $n/(n+1) = 1$ would imply $n = n+1$, which is $0 = 1$, impossible. So no maximum exists.

Answer: \sup S = 1, \text{ no maximum exists}

Problem 2. Let $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 < 9 \}$. Find the supremum and the maximum of $S$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: The condition $x^2 < 9$ is equivalent to $-3 < x < 3$.
  2. Step 2: The set is the open interval $(-3, 3)$.
  3. Step 3: Any number $M \ge 3$ is an upper bound. The smallest such number is 3.
  4. Step 4: Since $3 \notin S$, there is no maximum.

Answer: \sup S = 3, \text{ no maximum exists}

Problem 3. Prove that if a set $S$ has a maximum $m$, then $\sup S = m$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: By definition of maximum, $m \in S$ and for all $x \in S, x \le m$.
  2. Step 2: This means $m$ is an upper bound of $S$.
  3. Step 3: To show it is the least upper bound, assume there is an upper bound $L < m$.
  4. Step 4: But we know $m \in S$, and since $L$ is an upper bound, $m \le L$.
  5. Step 5: This contradicts $L < m$. Therefore, no upper bound can be smaller than $m$.
  6. Step 6: Thus, $m$ is the least upper bound, so $\sup S = m$.

Answer: \sup S = m

L14. Working with sup and inf — technique clinic

Module 1  2026-08-18  ·  10:26  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $S = \{ 1 - \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Prove that $\sup S = 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Show 1 is an upper bound. Since $n \ge 1$, $\frac{1}{n} > 0$, so $1 - \frac{1}{n} < 1$ for all $n$.
  2. Step 2: Use the epsilon characterisation. We want $1 - \frac{1}{n} > 1 - \epsilon$.
  3. Step 3: Simplify the inequality: $-\frac{1}{n} > -\epsilon$, which means $\frac{1}{n} < \epsilon$, or $n > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$.
  4. Step 4: Since the natural numbers are unbounded, we can always find an $n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$. Thus, $\sup S = 1$.

Answer: \sup S = 1

Problem 2. Let $S = \{ \frac{n+1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Find $\inf S$ and prove it using the epsilon characterisation.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Guess $\inf S = 1$ because $\frac{n+1}{n} = 1 + \frac{1}{n}$, which approaches 1 as $n$ grows.
  2. Step 2: Show 1 is a lower bound. Since $\frac{1}{n} > 0$, $1 + \frac{1}{n} > 1$ for all $n$.
  3. Step 3: We want $1 + \frac{1}{n} < 1 + \epsilon$. This simplifies to $\frac{1}{n} < \epsilon$, or $n > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$.
  4. Step 4: Since the natural numbers are unbounded, we can pick $n > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$, ensuring an element of $S$ is less than $1 + \epsilon$.

Answer: \inf S = 1

Problem 3. Let $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 < 9 \}$. Prove that $\sup S = 3$ and $\inf S = -3$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: $x^2 < 9$ implies $-3 < x < 3$. Thus 3 is an upper bound and -3 is a lower bound.
  2. Step 2: For $\sup S$, given $\epsilon > 0$, we need $x \in S$ such that $x > 3 - \epsilon$.
  3. Step 3: If $\epsilon > 6$, $x=0$ works. If $\epsilon \le 6$, let $x = 3 - \frac{\epsilon}{2}$. Then $x^2 = (3 - \frac{\epsilon}{2})^2 < 3^2 = 9$, so $x \in S$.
  4. Step 4: Similarly for $\inf S$, let $x = -3 + \frac{\epsilon}{2}$. Then $x^2 < 9$ and $x < -3 + \epsilon$.

Answer: \sup S = 3, \inf S = -3

L15. The Archimedean property; density of the rationals

Module 1  2026-08-19  ·  11:36  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that for any real number $a > 0$, there exists a natural number $n$ such that $na > 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. Since $a > 0$, the number $1/a$ is a well-defined real number.
  2. By the Archimedean property, for any real number $x$, there exists $n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n > x$.
  3. Let $x = 1/a$. Then there exists $n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $n > 1/a$.
  4. Since $a > 0$, we can multiply both sides of the inequality by $a$ without changing the inequality sign.
  5. This gives $na > a(1/a)$, which simplifies to $na > 1$.

Answer: The existence of $n$ is guaranteed by the Archimedean property applied to $1/a$.

Problem 2. Let $x$ and $y$ be real numbers such that $x < y$. Prove that there exists a rational number $q$ such that $x < q < y$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $\delta = y - x$. Since $x < y$, $\delta > 0$.
  2. By the Archimedean property, there exists $n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $1/n < \delta$.
  3. Consider the set $S = \{k \in \mathbb{Z} : k/n > x\}$. This set is non-empty because for large $k$, $k/n$ exceeds $x$.
  4. Let $m$ be the smallest integer in $S$. Then $m/n > x$ and $(m-1)/n \le x$.
  5. From $(m-1)/n \le x$, we have $m/n \le x + 1/n$.
  6. Since $1/n < y - x$, we have $x + 1/n < x + (y - x) = y$.
  7. Thus, $x < m/n < y$, and $q = m/n$ is the required rational.

Answer: The rational $q = m/n$ exists where $n > 1/(y-x)$ and $m = \lceil nx \rceil$ (if $nx$ is not an integer).

Problem 3. Prove that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists a rational number $q$ such that $0 < q < \epsilon$.
Reveal solution
  1. We are looking for a rational $q$ in the interval $(0, \epsilon)$.
  2. By the density of the rationals, for any two real numbers $x < y$, there exists a rational $q$ such that $x < q < y$.
  3. Let $x = 0$ and $y = \epsilon$.
  4. Since $\epsilon > 0$, the condition $x < y$ is satisfied.
  5. Therefore, there exists a rational $q$ such that $0 < q < \epsilon$.

Answer: Such a $q$ exists by the density of the rationals in the interval $(0, \epsilon)$.

L16. Cardinality I — countable infinity; listing the rationals

Module 1  2026-08-20  ·  10:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that the set of odd natural numbers $O = \{1, 3, 5, \dots\}$ is countable by defining a bijection $f: \mathbb{N} \to O$.
Reveal solution
  1. We need a function that maps $1$ to $1$, $2$ to $3$, $3$ to $5$, and so on.
  2. The formula for the $n$-th odd number is $2n - 1$.
  3. Check for injection: if $2n - 1 = 2m - 1$, then $2n = 2m$, so $n = m$.
  4. Check for surjection: for any odd number $k$, $n = (k+1)/2$ is a natural number such that $f(n) = k$.

Answer: f(n) = 2n - 1

Problem 2. Is the set of all finite strings of letters from the English alphabet countable? Explain your reasoning.
Reveal solution
  1. We can list all strings of length 1 alphabetically.
  2. Then list all strings of length 2 alphabetically.
  3. Then length 3, and so on.
  4. Since there are only finitely many strings of any fixed length $L$, we will eventually reach any given string in a finite number of steps.

Answer: Yes, it is countable.

Problem 3. Prove that the union of two countable sets $A$ and $B$ is also countable.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $A = \{a_1, a_2, \dots\}$ and $B = \{b_1, b_2, \dots\}$ be the listings for $A$ and $B$.
  2. We can create a new list by interleaving them: $a_1, b_1, a_2, b_2, a_3, b_3, \dots$.
  3. If an element appears in both sets, we simply skip it the second time it appears to maintain a bijection.
  4. This process creates an exhaustive list of all elements in $A \cup B$.

Answer: The union is countable.

L17. Cardinality II — Cantor's diagonal

Module 1  2026-08-21  ·  10:22  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that the set $S$ of all infinite sequences of digits from the set $\{0, 1, 2\}$ is uncountable.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume $S$ is countable and list the sequences as $s_1, s_2, s_3, \dots$.
  2. Construct a new sequence $x = (x_1, x_2, x_3, \dots)$ where $x_n$ is chosen to be different from the $n$-th digit of $s_n$.
  3. For example, if the $n$-th digit of $s_n$ is $0$, let $x_n = 1$; otherwise, let $x_n = 0$.
  4. Since $x$ differs from every $s_n$ at the $n$-th position, $x$ is not in the list.
  5. This contradicts the assumption that the list was exhaustive, so $S$ is uncountable.

Answer: The set $S$ is uncountable by Cantor's diagonal argument.

Problem 2. If a set $A$ is uncountable and $A$ is a subset of $B$, what can we conclude about the cardinality of $B$?
Reveal solution
  1. Since $A \subseteq B$, the cardinality of $B$ must be at least as large as the cardinality of $A$.
  2. We are given that $A$ is uncountable, meaning $|A| > \aleph_0$.
  3. Therefore, $|B| \ge |A| > \aleph_0$.

Answer: $B$ must also be uncountable.

Problem 3. Prove that the set of irrational numbers in the interval $(0, 1)$ is uncountable.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $I = (0, 1)$ be the set of all real numbers in the interval, and $Q_I$ be the set of rational numbers in that interval.
  2. We know from today's lesson that $|I| = c$ (uncountable) and from yesterday that $|Q_I| = \aleph_0$ (countable).
  3. The set of irrationals $Irr_I$ is the complement $I \setminus Q_I$.
  4. If $Irr_I$ were countable, then $I = Irr_I \cup Q_I$ would be the union of two countable sets, which is countable.
  5. But $I$ is uncountable, so $Irr_I$ must be uncountable.

Answer: The set of irrationals is uncountable.

L18. The Cantor set — infinitely much of nothing

Module 1  2026-08-22  ·  10:40  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the number $\frac{7}{27}$ is an element of the Cantor set $C$.
Reveal solution
  1. Convert $\frac{7}{27}$ to base three.
  2. $\frac{7}{27} = \frac{6}{27} + \frac{1}{27} = \frac{2}{9} + \frac{1}{27}$.
  3. In base three, this is $0 \cdot 3^{-1} + 2 \cdot 3^{-2} + 1 \cdot 3^{-3}$, which is $(0.021)_3$.
  4. Since the expansion contains the digit $1$, the number is removed during the third step of the construction.

Answer: No, $\frac{7}{27} \notin C$.

Problem 2. Prove that the endpoints of the removed intervals, such as $\frac{1}{3}$ and $\frac{2}{3}$, are always in the Cantor set.
Reveal solution
  1. An endpoint is created at some step $n$ and is never part of an open middle third removed in any step $k > n$.
  2. For example, $\frac{1}{3}$ is the left endpoint of the first removed interval $(\frac{1}{3}, \frac{2}{3})$.
  3. Since we only remove open intervals, the endpoints themselves are never removed.
  4. Therefore, all endpoints remain in the intersection of all $C_n$.

Answer: Endpoints are never removed because only open intervals are deleted.

Problem 3. If we removed the middle fifth instead of the middle third at each step, would the resulting set still be uncountable?
Reveal solution
  1. Removing the middle fifth leaves two intervals of length $\frac{2}{5}$ each.
  2. The number of intervals at step $n$ would be $2^n$.
  3. The points remaining would be those that can be represented in base five using only the digits $0, 1, 3, 4$ (avoiding the middle digit $2$).
  4. This still creates a mapping to the set of all infinite sequences of a finite alphabet with at least two symbols.
  5. By Cantor's diagonal argument, this set is uncountable.

Answer: Yes, it would still be uncountable.

L19. Decimal expansions justified; 0.999... = 1 forever settled

Module 1  2026-08-23  ·  9:43  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the geometric series formula to find the exact fraction represented by the repeating decimal $0.727272\dots$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the repeating block as $72$ with a period of $2$.
  2. Write the expansion as a series: $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{72}{100^n}$.
  3. Identify the first term $a = \frac{72}{100}$ and the ratio $r = \frac{1}{100}$.
  4. Apply the formula $S = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{72/100}{1 - 1/100} = \frac{72/100}{99/100}$.
  5. Simplify the fraction $\frac{72}{99}$ by dividing by $9$.

Answer: $\frac{8}{11}$

Problem 2. Prove that $0.4999\dots = 0.5$ by expressing the left side as a sum of a constant and a geometric series.
Reveal solution
  1. Write $0.4999\dots$ as $0.4 + 0.0999\dots$.
  2. Express $0.0999\dots$ as a series: $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{9}{10^n}$.
  3. The first term is $a = \frac{9}{100}$ and the ratio is $r = \frac{1}{10}$.
  4. Calculate the sum: $S = \frac{9/100}{1 - 1/10} = \frac{9/100}{9/10} = \frac{1}{10} = 0.1$.
  5. Add the constant: $0.4 + 0.1 = 0.5$.

Answer: $0.5$

Problem 3. Consider the decimal $0.123123\dots$. Find its value as a fraction and explain why the sequence of partial sums $S_k$ must converge to this value.
Reveal solution
  1. The repeating block is $123$ with period $3$.
  2. The series is $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{123}{1000^n}$.
  3. Using the formula $S = \frac{123/1000}{1 - 1/1000} = \frac{123}{999}$.
  4. Simplify by dividing by $3$: $\frac{41}{333}$.
  5. The sequence $S_k$ converges because it is monotonic increasing and bounded above by $1$, and the limit of the geometric series is exactly $\frac{41}{333}$.

Answer: $\frac{41}{333}$

L20. Module 1 review + self-test

Module 1  2026-08-24  ·  11:01  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the supremum and infimum of the set $S = \{ \sqrt{n^2 + 1} - n : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Does the set contain its supremum or infimum?
Reveal solution
  1. Rewrite the expression by multiplying by the conjugate: $\sqrt{n^2+1} - n = \frac{(\sqrt{n^2+1}-n)(\sqrt{n^2+1}+n)}{\sqrt{n^2+1}+n} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}+n}$.
  2. For $n=1$, the value is $1/(\sqrt{2}+1) \approx 0.414$. As $n$ increases, the denominator increases, so the values decrease.
  3. The maximum value occurs at $n=1$, so $\sup S = \sqrt{2}-1$. Since this value is in the set, it is also the maximum.
  4. As $n \to \infty$, the expression $1/(\sqrt{n^2+1}+n)$ approaches $0$. Since the values are always positive, the infimum is $0$.
  5. Since $1/(\sqrt{n^2+1}+n)$ is never $0$ for any $n \in \mathbb{N}$, the infimum is not in the set.

Answer: \sup S = \sqrt{2}-1 \text{ (contained)}, \inf S = 0 \text{ (not contained)}

Problem 2. Use mathematical induction to prove that for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$, $2^n > n$.
Reveal solution
  1. Base case: For $n=1$, $2^1 = 2$ and $2 > 1$. The base case holds.
  2. Inductive step: Assume $2^k > k$ for some $k \in \mathbb{N}$.
  3. We want to show $2^{k+1} > k+1$.
  4. Note that $2^{k+1} = 2 \cdot 2^k$. By the inductive hypothesis, $2 \cdot 2^k > 2k$.
  5. Since $k \geq 1$, we know $2k = k + k \geq k + 1$.
  6. Therefore, $2^{k+1} > k+1$, completing the induction.

Answer: Proven by induction.

Problem 3. Prove that the set of all irrational numbers in the interval $(0, 1)$ is uncountable.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $I = (0, 1)$ be the set of all real numbers in the interval, and let $\mathbb{Q}_I$ be the set of all rational numbers in that interval.
  2. We know from the course that $I$ is uncountable ($|I| = c$).
  3. We also know that the set of all rationals $\mathbb{Q}$ is countable, so any subset $\mathbb{Q}_I$ must also be countable.
  4. The set of irrationals in the interval is $S = I \setminus \mathbb{Q}_I$.
  5. If $S$ were countable, then $I = S \cup \mathbb{Q}_I$ would be the union of two countable sets, which must be countable.
  6. This contradicts the fact that $I$ is uncountable. Therefore, $S$ must be uncountable.

Answer: The set of irrationals is uncountable.

Module 2 — Sequences (14/14)

L21. Convergence: the eps-N definition — the adversarial game

Module 2  2026-08-25  ·  11:46  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the epsilon-N definition to prove that the sequence $a_n = \frac{5}{n+2}$ converges to $0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $\epsilon > 0$. We want $|\frac{5}{n+2} - 0| < \epsilon$.
  2. This simplifies to $\frac{5}{n+2} < \epsilon$.
  3. Rearranging gives $n+2 > \frac{5}{\epsilon}$, so $n > \frac{5}{\epsilon} - 2$.
  4. Choose $N$ to be the smallest integer greater than $\frac{5}{\epsilon} - 2$.
  5. Then for all $n \geq N$, we have $n > \frac{5}{\epsilon} - 2$, which implies $|a_n - 0| < \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $0$ with $N = \lceil \frac{5}{\epsilon} - 2 \rceil$ (or any larger integer).

Problem 2. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \frac{n}{n+1}$ converges to $1$ using the epsilon-N definition.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $\epsilon > 0$. We want $|\frac{n}{n+1} - 1| < \epsilon$.
  2. Simplify the expression: $|\frac{n - (n+1)}{n+1}| = |\frac{-1}{n+1}| = \frac{1}{n+1}$.
  3. We need $\frac{1}{n+1} < \epsilon$, which means $n+1 > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$, or $n > \frac{1}{\epsilon} - 1$.
  4. Choose $N = \lceil \frac{1}{\epsilon} \rceil$.
  5. For $n \geq N$, $n+1 > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$, so $|a_n - 1| < \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $1$ with $N = \lceil \frac{1}{\epsilon} \rceil$.

Problem 3. Show that the sequence $a_n = (-1)^n$ does not converge to $0$ by using the negation of the epsilon-N definition.
Reveal solution
  1. To prove divergence to $0$, we need to find one $\epsilon > 0$ such that for every $N$, there is some $n \geq N$ where $|a_n - 0| \geq \epsilon$.
  2. Let $\epsilon = 0.5$.
  3. For any $N$, we can pick $n$ to be any integer greater than or equal to $N$.
  4. Since $|a_n| = |(-1)^n| = 1$ for all $n$, we have $|a_n - 0| = 1$.
  5. Since $1 \geq 0.5$, the condition $|a_n - 0| \geq \epsilon$ is always satisfied for every $n \geq N$.

Answer: The sequence does not converge to $0$ because for $\epsilon = 0.5$, $|a_n - 0| \geq \epsilon$ for all $n$.

L22. First convergence proofs — the template, slowly

Module 2  2026-08-26  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \frac{3}{n+1}$ converges to $0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|\frac{3}{n+1} - 0| < \epsilon \implies \frac{3}{n+1} < \epsilon \implies n+1 > \frac{3}{\epsilon} \implies n > \frac{3}{\epsilon} - 1$.
  2. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Choose $N = \lceil \frac{3}{\epsilon} - 1 \rceil$ (or $1$ if this is non-positive).
  3. Let $n \geq N$. Then $n \geq \frac{3}{\epsilon} - 1$.
  4. Adding $1$ gives $n+1 \geq \frac{3}{\epsilon}$, so $\frac{1}{n+1} \leq \frac{\epsilon}{3}$.
  5. Multiplying by $3$ gives $\frac{3}{n+1} \leq \epsilon$. Thus $|a_n - 0| \leq \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $0$.

Problem 2. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \frac{n}{n+5}$ converges to $1$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|\frac{n}{n+5} - 1| = |\frac{n - (n+5)}{n+5}| = |\frac{-5}{n+5}| = \frac{5}{n+5}$.
  2. We want $\frac{5}{n+5} < \epsilon \implies n+5 > \frac{5}{\epsilon} \implies n > \frac{5}{\epsilon} - 5$.
  3. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Choose $N = \max(1, \lceil \frac{5}{\epsilon} - 5 \rceil)$.
  4. For $n \geq N$, $n+5 \geq \frac{5}{\epsilon}$, so $\frac{5}{n+5} \leq \epsilon$.
  5. Therefore $|a_n - 1| \leq \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $1$.

Problem 3. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \frac{4n-1}{2n+3}$ converges to $2$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|\frac{4n-1}{2n+3} - 2| = |\frac{4n-1 - 2(2n+3)}{2n+3}| = |\frac{4n-1-4n-6}{2n+3}| = \frac{7}{2n+3}$.
  2. We want $\frac{7}{2n+3} < \epsilon \implies 2n+3 > \frac{7}{\epsilon} \implies 2n > \frac{7}{\epsilon} - 3 \implies n > \frac{7}{2\epsilon} - 1.5$.
  3. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Choose $N = \max(1, \lceil \frac{7}{2\epsilon} - 1.5 \rceil)$.
  4. For $n \geq N$, $2n+3 \geq \frac{7}{\epsilon}$, so $\frac{7}{2n+3} \leq \epsilon$.
  5. Therefore $|a_n - 2| \leq \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $2$.

L23. Uniqueness of limits; bounded sequences

Module 2  2026-08-27  ·  9:50  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Suppose $a_n \to 0$. Prove that $|a_n| \to 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. We want to show that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $N$ such that $||a_n| - 0| < \epsilon$ for all $n \geq N$.
  2. Note that $||a_n| - 0| = ||a_n|| = |a_n|$.
  3. Since $a_n \to 0$, for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $N$ such that $|a_n - 0| < \epsilon$ for all $n \geq N$.
  4. This simplifies to $|a_n| < \epsilon$ for all $n \geq N$.
  5. Thus, $||a_n| - 0| < \epsilon$ for all $n \geq N$, so $|a_n| \to 0$.

Answer: The sequence $|a_n|$ converges to $0$.

Problem 2. Give an example of a sequence that is bounded but does not converge, and explain why it fails to converge.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $a_n = (-1)^n$.
  2. The sequence is bounded because $|a_n| = 1$ for all $n$, so we can pick $M=1$.
  3. To show it diverges, assume it converges to $L$. Then for $\epsilon = 0.5$, there must be an $N$ such that $|a_n - L| < 0.5$ for all $n \geq N$.
  4. For $n=N$ and $n=N+1$, we have $|a_N - L| < 0.5$ and $|a_{N+1} - L| < 0.5$.
  5. But $|a_N - a_{N+1}| = |1 - (-1)| = 2$.
  6. By triangle inequality, $2 = |a_N - a_{N+1}| \leq |a_N - L| + |L - a_{N+1}| < 0.5 + 0.5 = 1$.
  7. Since $2 < 1$ is a contradiction, the sequence diverges.

Answer: $a_n = (-1)^n$ is bounded but diverges due to oscillation.

Problem 3. Prove that if $a_n \to L$ and $b_n \to M$, then the sequence $c_n = a_n - b_n$ converges to $L - M$.
Reveal solution
  1. We want to show $|(a_n - b_n) - (L - M)| < \epsilon$.
  2. Rewrite the expression as $|(a_n - L) - (b_n - M)|$.
  3. Apply the triangle inequality: $|(a_n - L) - (b_n - M)| \leq |a_n - L| + |b_n - M|$.
  4. Since $a_n \to L$, choose $N_1$ such that $|a_n - L| < \epsilon/2$ for $n \geq N_1$.
  5. Since $b_n \to M$, choose $N_2$ such that $|b_n - M| < \epsilon/2$ for $n \geq N_2$.
  6. For $n \geq \max(N_1, N_2)$, the sum is less than $\epsilon/2 + \epsilon/2 = \epsilon$.

Answer: $c_n \to L - M$.

L24. Algebra of limits — proved

Module 2  2026-08-28  ·  10:52  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Given that $a_n \to L$ and $b_n \to M$, prove using the $\epsilon$-$N$ definition that $a_n + b_n \to L + M$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $\epsilon > 0$.
  2. Since $a_n \to L$, there exists $N_1$ such that $|a_n - L| < \epsilon/2$ for $n \geq N_1$.
  3. Since $b_n \to M$, there exists $N_2$ such that $|b_n - M| < \epsilon/2$ for $n \geq N_2$.
  4. Let $N = \max(N_1, N_2)$. For $n \geq N$, $|(a_n + b_n) - (L + M)| = |(a_n - L) + (b_n - M)| \leq |a_n - L| + |b_n - M| < \epsilon/2 + \epsilon/2 = \epsilon$.

Answer: The sum converges to $L + M$.

Problem 2. Use the product rule for limits to find the limit of the sequence $s_n = (1 + 1/n)(2 + 1/n^2)$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify $a_n = 1 + 1/n$ and $b_n = 2 + 1/n^2$.
  2. Note that $a_n \to 1$ and $b_n \to 2$.
  3. By the product rule, $\lim s_n = (\lim a_n)(\lim b_n) = 1 \times 2 = 2$.

Answer: 2

Problem 3. Suppose $a_n \to L$. Use the product rule to prove that $a_n^2 \to L^2$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $b_n = a_n$. We are given $a_n \to L$ and $b_n \to L$.
  2. The sequence $a_n^2$ is the product $a_n b_n$.
  3. By the product rule, $\lim (a_n b_n) = (\lim a_n)(\lim b_n) = L \times L = L^2$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $L^2$.

L25. The squeeze theorem — proved

Module 2  2026-08-29  ·  11:33  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Squeeze Theorem to find the limit of the sequence $b_n = \frac{\cos(n)}{n^2}$ as $n \to \infty$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Identify the bounds of the cosine function: $-1 \leq \cos(n) \leq 1$.
  2. Step 2: Divide the entire inequality by $n^2$, which is always positive: $-\frac{1}{n^2} \leq \frac{\cos(n)}{n^2} \leq \frac{1}{n^2}$.
  3. Step 3: Find the limits of the guards: $\lim_{n \to \infty} -\frac{1}{n^2} = 0$ and $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{n^2} = 0$.
  4. Step 4: Since both guards converge to 0, by the Squeeze Theorem, the middle sequence must also converge to 0.

Answer: 0

Problem 2. Let $a_n = \frac{1}{n+1}$ and $c_n = \frac{1}{n-1}$ for $n \geq 2$. If $a_n \leq b_n \leq c_n$, what is the limit of $b_n$?
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Calculate the limit of the lower guard: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{n+1} = 0$.
  2. Step 2: Calculate the limit of the upper guard: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{n-1} = 0$.
  3. Step 3: Since $a_n \to 0$ and $c_n \to 0$, and $b_n$ is squeezed between them, $b_n$ must also converge to 0.

Answer: 0

Problem 3. Prove that the sequence $b_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{n}$ converges to 0 using the Squeeze Theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Note that $(-1)^n$ is always either $-1$ or $1$. Thus, $-1 \leq (-1)^n \leq 1$.
  2. Step 2: Divide by $n$: $-\frac{1}{n} \leq \frac{(-1)^n}{n} \leq \frac{1}{n}$.
  3. Step 3: The lower guard $a_n = -\frac{1}{n}$ converges to 0.
  4. Step 4: The upper guard $c_n = \frac{1}{n}$ converges to 0.
  5. Step 5: By the Squeeze Theorem, $b_n \to 0$.

Answer: 0

L26. Monotone Convergence Theorem — completeness at work

Module 2  2026-08-30  ·  10:43  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Show that the sequence $a_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{k^2}$ is convergent using the Monotone Convergence Theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Check monotonicity. $a_{n+1} - a_n = \frac{1}{ (n+1)^2 } > 0$, so the sequence is strictly increasing.
  2. Step 2: Check boundedness. We know $\frac{1}{k^2} \leq \frac{1}{k(k-1)}$ for $k \geq 2$.
  3. Step 3: The sum $\sum_{k=2}^{n} \frac{1}{k(k-1)}$ is a telescoping sum that equals $1 - \frac{1}{n}$.
  4. Step 4: Thus $a_n \leq 1 + (1 - \frac{1}{n}) < 2$. The sequence is bounded above by 2.
  5. Step 5: Since it is increasing and bounded above, it converges by the MCT.

Answer: The sequence converges because it is monotonically increasing and bounded above by 2.

Problem 2. Let $a_1 = \sqrt{2}$ and $a_{n+1} = \sqrt{2 + a_n}$. Prove the sequence converges and find its limit.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Prove $a_n < 2$ by induction. $a_1 = \sqrt{2} < 2$. If $a_n < 2$, then $a_{n+1} = \sqrt{2+a_n} < \sqrt{4} = 2$.
  2. Step 2: Prove $a_{n+1} > a_n$. $a_{n+1}^2 - a_n^2 = 2 + a_n - a_n^2 = (2-a_n)(1+a_n)$. Since $a_n < 2$ and $a_n > 0$, this is positive.
  3. Step 3: By MCT, the limit $L$ exists. Solve $L = \sqrt{2+L}$.
  4. Step 4: $L^2 - L - 2 = 0 \implies (L-2)(L+1) = 0$. Since $a_n > 0$, $L = 2$.

Answer: L = 2

Problem 3. Does the sequence $a_n = \frac{n}{n+1}$ converge? Justify using the Monotone Convergence Theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Monotonicity. $a_n = 1 - \frac{1}{n+1}$. As $n$ increases, $\frac{1}{n+1}$ decreases, so $1 - \frac{1}{n+1}$ increases. It is monotonically increasing.
  2. Step 2: Boundedness. Since $n < n+1$, $a_n < 1$ for all $n$. It is bounded above by 1.
  3. Step 3: By MCT, the sequence converges to its supremum, which is 1.

Answer: Yes, it converges to 1.

L27. e exists: (1+1/n)^n converges

Module 2  2026-08-31  ·  10:27  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Using the binomial expansion $a_n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{1}{k!} (1 - \frac{1}{n})\dots(1 - \frac{k-1}{n})$, prove that for any $n \geq 2$, the term for $k=2$ is less than or equal to $\frac{1}{2}$.
Reveal solution
  1. The term for $k=2$ is $\frac{1}{2!}(1 - \frac{1}{n})(1 - \frac{2}{n})$
  2. Since $n \geq 2$, the factors $(1 - \frac{1}{n})$ and $(1 - \frac{2}{n})$ are both $\leq 1$
  3. Therefore, the product is $\leq \frac{1}{2} \cdot 1 \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{2}$

Answer: \frac{1}{2!}(1 - \frac{1}{n})(1 - \frac{2}{n}) \leq \frac{1}{2}

Problem 2. Show that the sequence $a_n = (1 + \frac{1}{n})^n$ is strictly increasing for $n \geq 1$ by comparing the terms of the binomial expansion for $a_n$ and $a_{n+1}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Write $a_n$ as a sum of terms $T_{k,n} = \frac{1}{k!} \prod_{j=1}^{k-1} (1 - \frac{j}{n})$
  2. Observe that $1 - \frac{j}{n} < 1 - \frac{j}{n+1}$ for all $j \geq 1$
  3. Thus $T_{k,n} < T_{k,n+1}$ for all $k \leq n$
  4. Since $a_{n+1}$ has all the increased terms of $a_n$ plus an additional positive term $T_{n+1,n+1}$, $a_{n+1} > a_n$

Answer: a_{n+1} > a_n

Problem 3. Prove that $a_n < 3$ for all $n$ by using the bound $k! \geq 2^{k-1}$ for $k \geq 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. Start with $a_n \leq \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{1}{k!}$
  2. Separate the first term: $a_n \leq 1 + \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{k!}$
  3. Substitute the bound $k! \geq 2^{k-1}$: $a_n \leq 1 + \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{2^{k-1}}$
  4. The sum is a geometric series: $\sum_{i=0}^{n-1} (1/2)^i < \frac{1}{1 - 1/2} = 2$
  5. Thus $a_n < 1 + 2 = 3$

Answer: a_n < 3

L28. Subsequences; sequential characterisations

Module 2  2026-09-01  ·  11:02  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the sequence $a_n = \begin{cases} 1 + \frac{1}{n} & n \text{ even} \\ 2 + \frac{1}{n} & n \text{ odd} \end{cases}$ converges or diverges.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider the subsequence of even terms $a_{2k} = 1 + \frac{1}{2k}$. As $k \to \infty$, $a_{2k} \to 1$.
  2. Consider the subsequence of odd terms $a_{2k-1} = 2 + \frac{1}{2k-1}$. As $k \to \infty$, $a_{2k-1} \to 2$.
  3. Since the two subsequences converge to different limits ($1 \neq 2$), the original sequence diverges.

Answer: Diverges

Problem 2. Let $a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{n}$. Prove that $a_n$ converges to $0$ using subsequences.
Reveal solution
  1. The even subsequence is $a_{2k} = \frac{1}{2k}$, which converges to $0$.
  2. The odd subsequence is $a_{2k-1} = \frac{-1}{2k-1}$, which converges to $0$.
  3. Since every term of the sequence is either in the even or odd subsequence, and both converge to $0$, the entire sequence $a_n$ converges to $0$.

Answer: \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = 0

Problem 3. Does the sequence $a_n = \sin(\frac{n\pi}{4})$ converge? Justify your answer using subsequential limits.
Reveal solution
  1. Pick $n_k = 8k$, then $a_{8k} = \sin(2k\pi) = 0$. This subsequence converges to $0$.
  2. Pick $n_k = 8k+2$, then $a_{8k+2} = \sin(2k\pi + \frac{\pi}{2}) = 1$. This subsequence converges to $1$.
  3. Because we found two subsequences with different limits ($0$ and $1$), the sequence diverges.

Answer: Diverges

L29. Bolzano-Weierstrass — the compactness engine

Module 2  2026-09-02  ·  10:40  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Consider the sequence $a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{n} + 5$. Is this sequence bounded? Does it have a convergent subsequence? If so, what is the limit?
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Check boundedness. Since $|\frac{(-1)^n}{n}| \leq 1$, we have $4 \leq a_n \leq 6$. The sequence is bounded.
  2. Step 2: Apply Bolzano-Weierstrass. Since it is bounded, a convergent subsequence must exist.
  3. Step 3: Evaluate the limit. As $n \to \infty$, $\frac{(-1)^n}{n} \to 0$. Thus, the original sequence $a_n \to 5$.
  4. Step 4: Since the original sequence converges to 5, every subsequence also converges to 5.

Answer: The sequence is bounded and every convergent subsequence converges to $5$.

Problem 2. Let $a_n = \sin(\frac{n\pi}{2})$. Find all possible subsequential limits of this sequence.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: List the first few terms: $\sin(\pi/2)=1, \sin(\pi)=0, \sin(3\pi/2)=-1, \sin(2\pi)=0$.
  2. Step 2: The sequence repeats the pattern $1, 0, -1, 0$.
  3. Step 3: The subsequence $a_{4k+1}$ is constant $1$, so it converges to $1$.
  4. Step 4: The subsequence $a_{4k+3}$ is constant $-1$, so it converges to $-1$.
  5. Step 5: The subsequence $a_{2k}$ is constant $0$, so it converges to $0$.

Answer: The subsequential limits are $\{-1, 0, 1\}$.

Problem 3. Prove that the sequence $a_n = (-1)^n (1 + \frac{1}{n})$ has exactly two subsequential limits and find them.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Split the sequence into even and odd indices.
  2. Step 2: For even $n=2k$, $a_{2k} = (-1)^{2k}(1 + \frac{1}{2k}) = 1 + \frac{1}{2k}$. As $k \to \infty$, $a_{2k} \to 1$.
  3. Step 3: For odd $n=2k-1$, $a_{2k-1} = (-1)^{2k-1}(1 + \frac{1}{2k-1}) = -(1 + \frac{1}{2k-1})$. As $k \to \infty$, $a_{2k-1} \to -1$.
  4. Step 4: Any other subsequence must be a combination of these terms. Since any subsequence of a convergent sequence converges to the same limit, any convergent subsequence must converge to either $1$ or $-1$.

Answer: The subsequential limits are $1$ and $-1$.

L30. Cauchy sequences I — convergence without knowing the limit

Module 2  2026-09-03  ·  10:14  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{k(k+1)}$ is a Cauchy sequence using the definition.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Consider $n > m$. The difference is $|a_n - a_m| = \sum_{k=m+1}^{n} \frac{1}{k(k+1)}$.
  2. Step 2: Use partial fractions: $\frac{1}{k(k+1)} = \frac{1}{k} - \frac{1}{k+1}$.
  3. Step 3: The sum telescopes: $\sum_{k=m+1}^{n} (\frac{1}{k} - \frac{1}{k+1}) = \frac{1}{m+1} - \frac{1}{n+1}$.
  4. Step 4: Bound the result: $|a_n - a_m| < \frac{1}{m+1} < \frac{1}{m}$.
  5. Step 5: For any $\epsilon > 0$, choose $N > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$. Then for $n, m \ge N$, $|a_n - a_m| < \frac{1}{N} < \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence is Cauchy because for any $\epsilon > 0$, choosing $N > 1/\epsilon$ ensures $|a_n - a_m| < \epsilon$ for all $n, m \ge N$.

Problem 2. Show that the sequence $a_n = \sqrt{n}$ is not a Cauchy sequence.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: To show it is not Cauchy, we must find an $\epsilon > 0$ such that for any $N$, there exist $n, m \ge N$ with $|a_n - a_m| \ge \epsilon$.
  2. Step 2: Let $\epsilon = 1$.
  3. Step 3: For any $N$, choose $m = N$ and $n$ such that $\sqrt{n} \ge \sqrt{N} + 1$. This is possible by picking $n \ge (\sqrt{N} + 1)^2$.
  4. Step 4: Then $|a_n - a_m| = \sqrt{n} - \sqrt{N} \ge 1 = \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence is not Cauchy because the distance between terms can be made arbitrarily large.

Problem 3. Suppose a sequence $a_n$ satisfies $|a_{n+1} - a_n| < \frac{1}{2^n}$ for all $n \ge 1$. Prove that $a_n$ is a Cauchy sequence.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Assume $n > m$. Use the triangle inequality to write $|a_n - a_m| \le \sum_{k=m}^{n-1} |a_{k+1} - a_k|$.
  2. Step 2: Substitute the given bound: $|a_n - a_m| < \sum_{k=m}^{n-1} \frac{1}{2^k}$.
  3. Step 3: This is a geometric sum. The sum is $\frac{1}{2^m} (1 + \frac{1}{2} + \dots + \frac{1}{2^{n-m-1}}) < \frac{1}{2^m} \cdot 2 = \frac{1}{2^{m-1}}$.
  4. Step 4: For any $\epsilon > 0$, we can choose $N$ such that $\frac{1}{2^{N-1}} < \epsilon$.
  5. Step 5: Then for all $n, m \ge N$, $|a_n - a_m| < \frac{1}{2^{m-1}} \le \frac{1}{2^{N-1}} < \epsilon$.

Answer: The sequence is Cauchy because the sum of the gaps between consecutive terms is bounded by a convergent geometric series.

L31. Cauchy sequences II — completeness, three equivalent faces

Module 2  2026-09-04  ·  10:36  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Cauchy criterion to prove that the sequence $a_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{k^2}$ converges. Hint: use the inequality $\frac{1}{k^2} < \frac{1}{k(k-1)} = \frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k}$ for $k \ge 2$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $m > n$. The distance $|a_m - a_n| = \sum_{k=n+1}^{m} \frac{1}{k^2}$.
  2. Using the hint, $\sum_{k=n+1}^{m} \frac{1}{k^2} < \sum_{k=n+1}^{m} (\frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k})$.
  3. This is a telescoping sum: $(\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1}) + (\frac{1}{n+1} - \frac{1}{n+2}) + \dots + (\frac{1}{m-1} - \frac{1}{m}) = \frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{m}$.
  4. Since $\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{m} < \frac{1}{n}$, we can make this less than $\epsilon$ by choosing $N > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$.
  5. Thus, the sequence is Cauchy and therefore converges by completeness.

Answer: The sequence is Cauchy because $|a_m - a_n| < \frac{1}{n}$, so it converges.

Problem 2. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \ln(n)$ is not Cauchy.
Reveal solution
  1. To show it is not Cauchy, we need to find $\epsilon > 0$ such that for any $N$, there exist $m, n \ge N$ with $|a_m - a_n| \ge \epsilon$.
  2. Let $\epsilon = \ln(2)$.
  3. For any $N$, choose $n = N$ and $m = 2N$.
  4. Then $|a_m - a_n| = |\ln(2N) - \ln(N)| = |\ln(\frac{2N}{N})| = \ln(2)$.
  5. Since we found a constant distance $\ln(2)$ that persists for any $N$, the sequence is not Cauchy.

Answer: The sequence is not Cauchy because $|a_{2n} - a_n| = \ln(2)$ for all $n$.

Problem 3. Suppose a sequence $a_n$ is Cauchy and has a subsequence $a_{n_k}$ that converges to $L$. Prove that $a_n$ converges to $L$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Since $a_n$ is Cauchy, there exists $N$ such that $|a_n - a_m| < \epsilon/2$ for all $n, m \ge N$.
  2. Since $a_{n_k} \to L$, there exists $K$ such that for $k \ge K$, $|a_{n_k} - L| < \epsilon/2$.
  3. Pick $k$ large enough such that $k \ge K$ and $n_k \ge N$.
  4. For any $n \ge N$, use the triangle inequality: $|a_n - L| \le |a_n - a_{n_k}| + |a_{n_k} - L|$.
  5. The first term is $< \epsilon/2$ because $n, n_k \ge N$. The second term is $< \epsilon/2$ because $k \ge K$.
  6. Thus $|a_n - L| < \epsilon$ for all $n \ge N$.

Answer: The sequence converges to $L$ by the triangle inequality and the Cauchy property.

L32. limsup and liminf — taming non-convergence

Module 2  2026-09-05  ·  10:56  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the $\limsup_{n \to \infty} a_n$ and $\liminf_{n \to \infty} a_n$ for the sequence $a_n = \frac{1 + \sin(n)}{2}$.
Reveal solution
  1. We know that $-1 \le \sin(n) \le 1$ for all $n$.
  2. Adding 1 to all sides gives $0 \le 1 + \sin(n) \le 2$.
  3. Dividing by 2 gives $0 \le \frac{1 + \sin(n)}{2} \le 1$.
  4. Since $\sin(n)$ gets arbitrarily close to $1$ and $-1$ infinitely often, the supremum of the tail approaches $1$ and the infimum of the tail approaches $0$.

Answer: \limsup a_n = 1, \liminf a_n = 0

Problem 2. Consider the sequence $a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{n} + 2$. Determine if the sequence converges by calculating its $\limsup$ and $\liminf$.
Reveal solution
  1. The term $\frac{(-1)^n}{n}$ converges to $0$ as $n \to \infty$.
  2. Therefore, $a_n$ converges to $0 + 2 = 2$.
  3. For a convergent sequence, $\limsup a_n = \liminf a_n = L$.
  4. Thus, $\limsup a_n = 2$ and $\liminf a_n = 2$.

Answer: \limsup a_n = \liminf a_n = 2, \text{ so it converges to } 2

Problem 3. Let $a_n$ be a bounded sequence. If $\limsup_{n \to \infty} a_n = 5$ and $\liminf_{n \to \infty} a_n = 2$, can the sequence converge? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. A bounded sequence converges if and only if its $\limsup$ and $\liminf$ are equal.
  2. In this case, $\limsup a_n = 5$ and $\liminf a_n = 2$.
  3. Since $5 \neq 2$, the condition for convergence is not met.
  4. The sequence must oscillate and therefore diverges.

Answer: \text{No, because } \limsup a_n \neq \liminf a_n

L33. Recursive sequences clinic — root 2 by iteration

Module 2  2026-09-06  ·  10:20  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Consider the sequence $x_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2} (x_n + \frac{3}{x_n})$ with $x_1 = 2$. Prove that the sequence converges and find its limit.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Show $x_n \ge \sqrt{3}$ for $n \ge 2$. Consider $(x_n - \sqrt{3}/x_n)^2 \ge 0$, which implies $x_n^2 + 3/x_n^2 \ge 2\sqrt{3}$. Alternatively, use the fact that $x_{n+1}^2 - 3 = \frac{(x_n^2-3)^2}{4x_n^2} \ge 0$, so $x_n \ge \sqrt{3}$ for $n \ge 2$.
  2. Step 2: Show the sequence is decreasing for $n \ge 2$ by calculating $x_{n+1} - x_n = \frac{3 - x_n^2}{2x_n}$. Since $x_n^2 \ge 3$, the difference is $\le 0$.
  3. Step 3: By the Monotone Convergence Theorem, the limit $L$ exists.
  4. Step 4: Solve $L = \frac{1}{2}(L + 3/L)$, which gives $2L = L + 3/L$, so $L^2 = 3$. Since $x_n > 0$, $L = \sqrt{3}$.

Answer: $\sqrt{3}$

Problem 2. Analyze the convergence of $x_{n+1} = \sqrt{6 + x_n}$ with $x_1 = \sqrt{6}$. Find the limit if it exists.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Use induction to show $x_n < 3$. $x_1 = \sqrt{6} < 3$. If $x_n < 3$, then $x_{n+1} = \sqrt{6 + x_n} < \sqrt{6 + 3} = 3$.
  2. Step 2: Show the sequence is increasing. $x_{n+1}^2 - x_n^2 = 6 + x_n - x_n^2 = (3 - x_n)(2 + x_n)$. Since $x_n < 3$ and $x_n > 0$, the difference is positive.
  3. Step 3: By MCT, the limit $L$ exists.
  4. Step 4: Solve $L = \sqrt{6 + L} \implies L^2 - L - 6 = 0 \implies (L-3)(L+2) = 0$. Since $x_n > 0$, $L = 3$.

Answer: 3

Problem 3. Does the sequence $x_{n+1} = 3x_n - 2$ with $x_1 = 1$ converge? Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Calculate the first few terms: $x_1 = 1$, $x_2 = 3(1) - 2 = 1$, $x_3 = 3(1) - 2 = 1$.
  2. Step 2: Observe that $x_n = 1$ for all $n$.
  3. Step 3: A constant sequence is both monotone and bounded.
  4. Step 4: The limit is simply the constant value 1.

Answer: Yes, it converges to 1.

L34. Module 2 review + self-test

Module 2  2026-09-07  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $x_1 = 1$ and $x_{n+1} = \sqrt{2 + x_n}$ for $n \ge 1$. Prove that the sequence converges and find its limit.
Reveal solution
  1. Use induction to show $x_n < 2$. For $n=1$, $1 < 2$. If $x_n < 2$, then $x_{n+1} = \sqrt{2 + x_n} < \sqrt{2 + 2} = 2$.
  2. Show the sequence is increasing. $x_{n+1}^2 - x_n^2 = 2 + x_n - x_n^2 = (2 - x_n)(1 + x_n)$. Since $x_n < 2$ and $x_n > 0$, this is positive, so $x_{n+1} > x_n$.
  3. By the Monotone Convergence Theorem, the sequence converges to a limit $L$.
  4. Solve $L = \sqrt{2 + L}$, which gives $L^2 - L - 2 = 0$. The roots are $2$ and $-1$. Since $x_n > 0$, $L = 2$.

Answer: $L = 2$

Problem 2. Determine the $\liminf$ and $\limsup$ of the sequence $a_n = \sin\left(\frac{n\pi}{2}\right) + \frac{1}{n}$.
Reveal solution
  1. The term $\sin(n\pi/2)$ takes values $1, 0, -1, 0$ periodically.
  2. The sequence $a_n$ takes values $1 + 1/1, 0 + 1/2, -1 + 1/3, 0 + 1/4, 1 + 1/5, \dots$
  3. The subsequence of terms where $\sin(n\pi/2) = 1$ converges to $1$.
  4. The subsequence of terms where $\sin(n\pi/2) = -1$ converges to $-1$.
  5. The subsequence of terms where $\sin(n\pi/2) = 0$ converges to $0$.
  6. The highest limit point is $1$ and the lowest is $-1$.

Answer: $\liminf a_n = -1, \limsup a_n = 1$

Problem 3. Prove that the sequence $a_n = \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{1}{k^2}$ is Cauchy.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $m > n$. The difference is $|a_m - a_n| = \sum_{k=n+1}^m \frac{1}{k^2}$.
  2. Use the inequality $\frac{1}{k^2} < \frac{1}{k(k-1)} = \frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k}$.
  3. The sum is a telescoping sum: $\sum_{k=n+1}^m (\frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k}) = \frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{m}$.
  4. Thus $|a_m - a_n| < \frac{1}{n}$.
  5. For any $\epsilon > 0$, choose $N > 1/\epsilon$. Then for $m, n \ge N$, $|a_m - a_n| < 1/N < \epsilon$.
  6. Therefore, the sequence is Cauchy.

Answer: The sequence is Cauchy because $|a_m - a_n| < 1/n$ for $m > n$.

Module 3 — Series, Rigorously (10/10)

L35. Series as sequences of partial sums; geometric series proved

Module 3  2026-09-08  ·  11:16  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Compute the sum of the geometric series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 5 \left( \frac{1}{4} \right)^{n-1}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the first term $a$ by plugging in $n=1$: $a = 5(1/4)^0 = 5$.
  2. Identify the common ratio $r = 1/4$.
  3. Check convergence: $|1/4| < 1$, so the series converges.
  4. Apply the formula $S = a / (1 - r) = 5 / (1 - 1/4) = 5 / (3/4)$.
  5. Simplify the fraction: $5 \cdot (4/3) = 20/3$.

Answer: 20/3

Problem 2. Determine if the series $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} 3 \left( -\frac{2}{3} \right)^n$ converges, and if so, find its sum.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the first term $a = 3(-2/3)^0 = 3$.
  2. Identify the common ratio $r = -2/3$.
  3. Check convergence: $|-2/3| = 2/3 < 1$, so the series converges.
  4. Apply the formula $S = a / (1 - r) = 3 / (1 - (-2/3)) = 3 / (5/3)$.
  5. Simplify the fraction: $3 \cdot (3/5) = 9/5$.

Answer: 9/5

Problem 3. Find the sum of the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^n$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the first term $a$ by plugging in the starting index $n=2$: $a = (1/3)^2 = 1/9$.
  2. Identify the common ratio $r = 1/3$.
  3. Check convergence: $|1/3| < 1$, so the series converges.
  4. Apply the formula $S = a / (1 - r) = (1/9) / (1 - 1/3) = (1/9) / (2/3)$.
  5. Simplify the fraction: $(1/9) \cdot (3/2) = 3/18 = 1/6$.

Answer: 1/6

L36. The Cauchy criterion for series; the divergence test justified

Module 3  2026-09-09  ·  10:27  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Cauchy criterion to prove that the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}$ converges. Hint: Use the inequality $\frac{1}{k^2} < \frac{1}{k(k-1)} = \frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k}$ for $k \ge 2$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider the block sum $\sum_{k=n+1}^{m} \frac{1}{k^2}$.
  2. Apply the hint: $\sum_{k=n+1}^{m} \frac{1}{k^2} < \sum_{k=n+1}^{m} (\frac{1}{k-1} - \frac{1}{k})$.
  3. This is a telescoping sum: $(\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1}) + (\frac{1}{n+1} - \frac{1}{n+2}) + \dots + (\frac{1}{m-1} - \frac{1}{m})$.
  4. The sum simplifies to $\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{m}$.
  5. Since $\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{m} < \frac{1}{n}$, we can make this less than $\epsilon$ by choosing $N > \frac{1}{\epsilon}$.
  6. Thus, the Cauchy criterion is satisfied.

Answer: The series converges because the block sum is bounded by $\frac{1}{n}$, which can be made arbitrarily small.

Problem 2. Suppose a series $\sum a_n$ converges. Prove that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $N$ such that $|a_n| < \epsilon$ for all $n > N$.
Reveal solution
  1. Since the series converges, it satisfies the Cauchy criterion.
  2. For any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $N$ such that for all $m > n \ge N$, $|\sum_{k=n+1}^{m} a_k| < \epsilon$.
  3. Choose $m = n + 1$.
  4. The sum becomes $|\sum_{k=n+1}^{n+1} a_k| = |a_{n+1}|$.
  5. Therefore, $|a_{n+1}| < \epsilon$ for all $n \ge N$, which means $|a_k| < \epsilon$ for all $k > N$.

Answer: The result follows directly from the Cauchy criterion by setting $m = n + 1$.

Problem 3. Does the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n}$ satisfy the Cauchy criterion? Explain your reasoning based on the definition.
Reveal solution
  1. The series is the alternating harmonic series.
  2. We know from the Alternating Series Test (Calculus, Lesson 107) that this series converges.
  3. By the theorem proved today, a series converges if and only if it satisfies the Cauchy criterion.
  4. Therefore, the alternating harmonic series must satisfy the Cauchy criterion.
  5. Specifically, the block sum $|S_m - S_n|$ for an alternating series with decreasing terms is bounded by the magnitude of the first omitted term, $|a_{n+1}| = \frac{1}{n+1}$.
  6. Since $\frac{1}{n+1} \to 0$, the Cauchy criterion is satisfied.

Answer: Yes, it satisfies the Cauchy criterion because the series converges.

L37. Comparison and condensation — harmonic divergence, third proof

Module 3  2026-09-10  ·  10:23  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Comparison Test to determine if the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2 + n}$ converges or diverges.
Reveal solution
  1. Observe that for $n \ge 1$, $n^2 + n > n^2$.
  2. Therefore, $\frac{1}{n^2 + n} < \frac{1}{n^2}$.
  3. We know that $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$ is a convergent p-series with $p=2$.
  4. By the Comparison Test, since our series is term-by-term smaller than a convergent series, it must also converge.

Answer: Converges

Problem 2. Use the Cauchy Condensation Test to determine the convergence of $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n (\ln n)^3}$.
Reveal solution
  1. The terms $a_n = \frac{1}{n (\ln n)^3}$ are positive and non-increasing.
  2. Apply condensation: $2^k a_{2^k} = 2^k \cdot \frac{1}{2^k (\ln 2^k)^3} = \frac{1}{(k \ln 2)^3}$.
  3. This simplifies to $\frac{1}{(\ln 2)^3} \cdot \frac{1}{k^3}$.
  4. The series $\sum \frac{1}{k^3}$ is a convergent p-series with $p=3$.
  5. Since the condensed series converges, the original series converges.

Answer: Converges

Problem 3. Determine the convergence of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n + \sqrt{n}}$ using the Comparison Test.
Reveal solution
  1. Observe that for $n \ge 1$, $n + \sqrt{n} \le n + n = 2n$.
  2. Therefore, $\frac{1}{n + \sqrt{n}} \ge \frac{1}{2n}$.
  3. The series $\sum \frac{1}{2n} = \frac{1}{2} \sum \frac{1}{n}$ is a multiple of the harmonic series, which diverges.
  4. By the Comparison Test, since our series is term-by-term larger than a divergent series, it must also diverge.

Answer: Diverges

L38. Absolute convergence; ratio and root tests proved

Module 3  2026-09-11  ·  10:20  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{n^n}$ converges or diverges using the Ratio Test.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify $a_n = \frac{n!}{n^n}$ and $a_{n+1} = \frac{(n+1)!}{(n+1)^{n+1}}$.
  2. Compute the ratio: $\left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| = \frac{(n+1)!}{(n+1)^{n+1}} \cdot \frac{n^n}{n!} = \frac{(n+1)n!}{(n+1)(n+1)^n} \cdot \frac{n^n}{n!} = \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^n}$.
  3. Rewrite the ratio as $\left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^n = \frac{1}{(1 + 1/n)^n}$.
  4. Take the limit as $n \to \infty$: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{(1 + 1/n)^n} = \frac{1}{e}$.
  5. Since $e \approx 2.718$, $1/e < 1$.
  6. By the Ratio Test, the series converges absolutely.

Answer: Converges absolutely

Problem 2. Use the Root Test to determine the convergence of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left( \frac{3n+1}{2n-1} \right)^n$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify $a_n = \left( \frac{3n+1}{2n-1} \right)^n$.
  2. Apply the n-th root: $\sqrt[n]{|a_n|} = \frac{3n+1}{2n-1}$.
  3. Take the limit as $n \to \infty$: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{3n+1}{2n-1} = \frac{3}{2}$.
  4. Since $3/2 > 1$, the Root Test implies the series diverges.

Answer: Diverges

Problem 3. Determine if the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n^2}$ converges absolutely using the Ratio Test.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify $a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{n^2}$.
  2. Apply the Ratio Test: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n^2}{(n+1)^2} = 1$.
  3. The Ratio Test is inconclusive because $L=1$.
  4. Check for absolute convergence by looking at $\sum |a_n| = \sum \frac{1}{n^2}$.
  5. This is a p-series with $p=2$, which converges (Lesson 105).
  6. Therefore, the series converges absolutely.

Answer: Converges absolutely

L39. Alternating series theorem — proved with error bound

Module 3  2026-09-12  ·  10:31  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{\ln(n+1)}$ converges. Justify your answer using the Alternating Series Theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Check if terms alternate: The factor $(-1)^{n+1}$ ensures the signs flip every term.
  2. Check if absolute values $a_n = \frac{1}{\ln(n+1)}$ are non-increasing: Since $\ln(x)$ is an increasing function, $\ln(n+2) > \ln(n+1)$, which means $\frac{1}{\ln(n+2)} < \frac{1}{\ln(n+1)}$.
  3. Check the limit: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{\ln(n+1)} = 0$ because the logarithm grows without bound.
  4. Since all three conditions are met, the series converges.

Answer: Converges

Problem 2. For the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n^2}$, how many terms $n$ are needed to ensure the partial sum $S_n$ is within $0.01$ of the actual sum $S$?
Reveal solution
  1. The error bound is $|S - S_n| \le a_{n+1}$.
  2. We need $a_{n+1} \le 0.01$, where $a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{(n+1)^2}$.
  3. Solve $\frac{1}{(n+1)^2} \le \frac{1}{100}$.
  4. This implies $(n+1)^2 \ge 100$, so $n+1 \ge 10$.
  5. Therefore, $n \ge 9$.

Answer: n = 9

Problem 3. Does the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n+1} \frac{n+1}{n}$ converge? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. Check the limit of the absolute terms: $a_n = \frac{n+1}{n} = 1 + \frac{1}{n}$.
  2. Compute the limit: $\lim_{n \to \infty} (1 + \frac{1}{n}) = 1$.
  3. The Alternating Series Theorem requires the limit to be $0$.
  4. Since the limit is $1$, the terms of the series do not approach $0$.
  5. By the Divergence Test, the series diverges.

Answer: Diverges

L40. The rearrangement theorem I — conditional convergence's dark secret

Module 3  2026-09-13  ·  10:04  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. For the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n \ln(n)}$, determine if the series converges absolutely or conditionally, and then find the behavior of $\sum a_n^+$ and $\sum a_n^-$.
Reveal solution
  1. The series is alternating with $a_n = \frac{1}{n \ln(n)}$. Since $a_n$ decreases to $0$, the series converges by the Alternating Series Theorem.
  2. The absolute series is $\sum \frac{1}{n \ln(n)}$. Using the integral test, $\int_2^{\infty} \frac{1}{x \ln(x)} dx = [\ln(\ln(x))]_2^{\infty} = \infty$. Thus, it diverges.
  3. Since the series converges but not absolutely, it is conditionally convergent.
  4. By today's theorem, $\sum a_n^+ = \infty$ and $\sum a_n^- = -\infty$.

Answer: Conditionally convergent; $\sum a_n^+ = \infty$ and $\sum a_n^- = -\infty$.

Problem 2. Suppose $\sum a_n$ is a series such that $\sum a_n^+$ converges. Prove that $\sum a_n$ converges if and only if $\sum a_n^-$ converges.
Reveal solution
  1. We know $a_n = a_n^+ + a_n^-$.
  2. If $\sum a_n^-$ converges, then $\sum a_n$ is the sum of two convergent series, so it must converge.
  3. If $\sum a_n$ converges, then $\sum a_n^- = \sum a_n - \sum a_n^+$.
  4. Since the difference of two convergent series is convergent, $\sum a_n^-$ must converge.

Answer: The statement is true by the linearity of convergent series.

Problem 3. Can a series be conditionally convergent if $\sum a_n^+$ converges? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. If $\sum a_n^+$ converges, then for the series to be conditionally convergent, $\sum |a_n|$ must diverge.
  2. We know $\sum |a_n| = \sum a_n^+ - \sum a_n^-$.
  3. If $\sum a_n^+$ converges and $\sum |a_n|$ diverges, then $\sum a_n^-$ must diverge to $-\infty$.
  4. However, if $\sum a_n^+$ converges and $\sum a_n^-$ diverges, then the total sum $\sum a_n = \sum a_n^+ + \sum a_n^-$ must also diverge to $-\infty$.
  5. This contradicts the definition of conditional convergence, which requires the total sum to converge.

Answer: No, because if $\sum a_n^+$ converges, the total series can only converge if $\sum a_n^-$ also converges, which would imply absolute convergence.

L41. The rearrangement theorem II — any sum you like

Module 3  2026-09-14  ·  10:20  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Describe the greedy algorithm process to rearrange the alternating harmonic series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}$ so that it converges to $1$. Which term is the first to be added, and when does the first switch to negative terms occur?
Reveal solution
  1. The first term is $1$.
  2. Since the current sum is $1$, and our target is $1$, the algorithm immediately switches to negative terms to avoid exceeding the target.
  3. We add negative terms $-\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{1}{4}, \dots$ until the sum is less than $1$.
  4. Then we add positive terms $\frac{1}{3}, \frac{1}{5}, \dots$ until the sum exceeds $1$ again.

Answer: Start with $1$, then add negative terms until the sum is $< 1$, then positive terms until the sum is $> 1$.

Problem 2. If a series $\sum a_n$ converges absolutely to $S$, does there exist a rearrangement $\sigma$ such that $\sum a_{\sigma(n)} = S + 1$? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. No, such a rearrangement does not exist.
  2. A fundamental property of absolutely convergent series is that every rearrangement converges to the same sum.
  3. Therefore, for any permutation $\sigma$, $\sum a_{\sigma(n)} = S$.
  4. Since $S \neq S + 1$, the target sum is impossible.

Answer: No, because absolutely convergent series are invariant under rearrangement.

Problem 3. Suppose $\sum a_n$ is conditionally convergent. Prove that we can rearrange it to diverge to $-\infty$.
Reveal solution
  1. Use the same strategy as the divergence to $+\infty$, but mirrored.
  2. Add negative terms until the partial sum is less than $-1$.
  3. Add exactly one positive term to ensure all terms are used.
  4. Add negative terms until the partial sum is less than $-2$, and so on.
  5. Since $\sum a_n^- = -\infty$, we can always push the sum below any negative integer $-k$.
  6. Since $a_n \to 0$, the single positive terms cannot stop the divergence.

Answer: By greedily adding negative terms to pass $-1, -2, -3, \dots$ and adding single positive terms to maintain the bijection.

L42. Products of series; Cauchy products

Module 3  2026-09-15  ·  10:30  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the Cauchy product of the series $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n}$ and $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n}$. Show that the resulting series converges to the product of the individual sums.
Reveal solution
  1. The individual sums are geometric series: $\sum (1/3)^n = 1/(1 - 1/3) = 3/2$. The product of the sums is $(3/2) \cdot (3/2) = 9/4$.
  2. Compute $c_n = \sum_{k=0}^n (1/3)^k (1/3)^{n-k} = \sum_{k=0}^n (1/3)^n = (n+1)/3^n$.
  3. Sum the resulting series: $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{n+1}{3^n} = \sum \frac{n}{3^n} + \sum \frac{1}{3^n}$.
  4. The geometric part is $3/2$. For the arithmetico-geometric part, we use the known result $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n = 1/(1-x)$. Differentiating term-by-term (Calculus L114) gives $\sum n x^{n-1} = 1/(1-x)^2$. Multiplying by $x$ gives $\sum n x^n = x/(1-x)^2$. For $x=1/3$, this is $(1/3)/(4/9) = 3/4$.
  5. Total sum is $3/4 + 3/2 = 9/4$.

Answer: $\sum c_n = 9/4$

Problem 2. Let $a_n = \frac{1}{n!}$ and $b_n = \frac{1}{n!}$. Find the general term $c_n$ of their Cauchy product and identify the resulting series.
Reveal solution
  1. The terms are $c_n = \sum_{k=0}^n \frac{1}{k!} \frac{1}{(n-k)!}$.
  2. Multiply and divide by $n!$: $c_n = \frac{1}{n!} \sum_{k=0}^n \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}$.
  3. Recognize the binomial coefficient: $c_n = \frac{1}{n!} \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k}$.
  4. Use the identity $\sum \binom{n}{k} = 2^n$: $c_n = \frac{2^n}{n!}$.
  5. The resulting series is $\sum \frac{2^n}{n!}$, which is the Taylor series for $e^2$.

Answer: $c_n = \frac{2^n}{n!}$

Problem 3. Explain why the Cauchy product of $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n+1}$ with itself does not converge to $(\ln 2)^2$.
Reveal solution
  1. The series $\sum \frac{(-1)^n}{n+1}$ converges conditionally, not absolutely.
  2. Mertens' Theorem requires at least one series to converge absolutely to guarantee the product of sums.
  3. As shown in the lesson, the terms $c_n$ of the Cauchy product of the alternating harmonic series behave like $2 \ln n / n$ for large $n$.
  4. The series $\sum 2 \ln n / n$ diverges by comparison with the harmonic series $\sum 1/n$.
  5. Since the Cauchy product diverges, it cannot converge to the finite value $(\ln 2)^2$.

Answer: The series is conditionally convergent and the resulting Cauchy product diverges.

L43. Decimal and b-adic expansions as series

Module 3  2026-09-16  ·  10:37  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the binary expansion (base $b=2$) of the fraction $\frac{7}{16}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Multiply $\frac{7}{16}$ by 2: $\frac{14}{16} = 0.875$, so $d_1 = 0$.
  2. Multiply $0.875$ by 2: $1.75$, so $d_2 = 1$. Remainder is $0.75$.
  3. Multiply $0.75$ by 2: $1.5$, so $d_3 = 1$. Remainder is $0.5$.
  4. Multiply $0.5$ by 2: $1.0$, so $d_4 = 1$. Remainder is $0$.
  5. The expansion is $0.0111_2$.

Answer: 0.0111_2

Problem 2. In base $b=5$, what is the non-terminating expansion of the number $\frac{1}{5}$?
Reveal solution
  1. The terminating expansion is $0.1_5$.
  2. To find the non-terminating version, subtract 1 from the last non-zero digit: $1-1 = 0$.
  3. Append an infinite string of the digit $b-1$, which is $5-1 = 4$.
  4. The expansion is $0.0444\dots_5$.

Answer: 0.0444\dots_5

Problem 3. Prove that the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{2}{3^n}$ converges to $1$ using the geometric series formula.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the first term $a = \frac{2}{3^1} = \frac{2}{3}$.
  2. Identify the common ratio $r = \frac{1}{3}$.
  3. Apply the formula $S = \frac{a}{1-r}$.
  4. Compute $S = \frac{2/3}{1 - 1/3} = \frac{2/3}{2/3} = 1$.

Answer: 1

L44. Module 3 review + self-test

Module 3  2026-09-17  ·  10:20  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^3 + 1}}$ converges or diverges. Justify your answer using a rigorous test.
Reveal solution
  1. Observe that for $n \ge 1$, $n^3 + 1 > n^3$.
  2. Therefore, $\sqrt{n^3 + 1} > \sqrt{n^3} = n^{3/2}$.
  3. This implies $\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^3 + 1}} < \frac{1}{n^{3/2}}$.
  4. The series $\sum \frac{1}{n^{3/2}}$ is a p-series with $p = 1.5 > 1$, so it converges.
  5. By the Comparison Test, the original series also converges.

Answer: Converges

Problem 2. Consider the alternating harmonic series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}$. Does this series converge absolutely, conditionally, or diverge? Explain.
Reveal solution
  1. Check absolute convergence: $\sum |\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}| = \sum \frac{1}{n}$.
  2. The series $\sum \frac{1}{n}$ is the harmonic series, which is known to diverge.
  3. Check convergence of the original series: the terms $a_n = \frac{1}{n}$ are positive, decreasing, and $\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = 0$.
  4. By the Alternating Series Theorem, the series converges.
  5. Since it converges but not absolutely, it converges conditionally.

Answer: Conditionally convergent

Problem 3. Compute the first three terms $c_0, c_1, c_2$ of the Cauchy product of the series $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n}$ with itself.
Reveal solution
  1. The terms are $a_n = \frac{1}{3^n}$ and $b_n = \frac{1}{3^n}$.
  2. For $n=0$: $c_0 = a_0 b_0 = 1 \cdot 1 = 1$.
  3. For $n=1$: $c_1 = a_0 b_1 + a_1 b_0 = 1 \cdot \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{3} \cdot 1 = \frac{2}{3}$.
  4. For $n=2$: $c_2 = a_0 b_2 + a_1 b_1 + a_2 b_0 = 1 \cdot \frac{1}{9} + \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{9} \cdot 1 = \frac{3}{9} = \frac{1}{3}$.

Answer: c_0 = 1, c_1 = 2/3, c_2 = 1/3

Module 4 — Topology of the Real Line (10/10)

L45. Open and closed sets — the new vocabulary of nearness

Module 4  2026-09-18  ·  10:16  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}$ is open, closed, neither, or both.
Reveal solution
  1. Pick any $x \in S$. Since $x \neq 0$, the distance to the origin is $|x| > 0$.
  2. Choose $\epsilon = |x|/2$. The interval $(x-\epsilon, x+\epsilon)$ does not contain $0$ because the distance from $x$ to $0$ is $|x|$, which is greater than $\epsilon$.
  3. Thus, every point in $S$ is an interior point, so $S$ is open.
  4. Now check if it is closed. The sequence $x_n = 1/n$ is in $S$ for all $n$, but its limit is $0$.
  5. Since $0 \notin S$, the set does not contain all its limit points, so it is not closed.

Answer: Open

Problem 2. Is the set $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 > 1 \}$ open or closed?
Reveal solution
  1. Solve the inequality: $x^2 > 1$ implies $x > 1$ or $x < -1$.
  2. Pick any $x \in S$. If $x > 1$, let $\epsilon = x - 1$. The interval $(x-\epsilon, x+\epsilon) = (1, 2x-1)$ is a subset of $(1, \infty)$, which is a subset of $S$.
  3. If $x < -1$, let $\epsilon = -1 - x$. The interval $(x-\epsilon, x+\epsilon) = (2x+1, -1)$ is a subset of $(-\infty, -1)$, which is a subset of $S$.
  4. Since every point in $S$ is an interior point, $S$ is open.
  5. To check if it is closed, consider the sequence $x_n = 1 + 1/n$. This sequence is in $S$ and converges to $1$.
  6. Since $1 \notin S$, the set is not closed.

Answer: Open

Problem 3. Consider the set $S = \{ 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, \dots \}$. Is this set open or closed?
Reveal solution
  1. Check for openness: Pick the point $1 \in S$. Any interval $(1-\epsilon, 1+\epsilon)$ contains numbers like $1 + \epsilon/2$, which are not in $S$. Thus, $S$ is not open.
  2. Check for closedness: A set is closed if it contains all its limit points.
  3. The only limit point of the sequence $1/n$ is $0$.
  4. Is $0$ in the set $S$? No, $1/n$ is never equal to $0$ for any natural number $n$.
  5. Since the limit point $0$ is not in $S$, the set is not closed.

Answer: Neither

L46. Interior, closure, boundary, limit points

Module 4  2026-09-19  ·  10:44  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the interior, closure, and boundary of the set $S = [-1, 0] \cup (0, 1)$.
Reveal solution
  1. The set $S$ is the union of all $x$ from $-1$ to $0$ inclusive and all $x$ from $0$ to $1$ exclusive, which simplifies to the interval $[-1, 1)$.
  2. The interior consists of all points $x$ such that $(-1 < x < 1)$, so $\text{int}(S) = (-1, 1)$. Note that $x=0$ is an interior point because the interval $(-0.5, 0.5)$ is a subset of $[-1, 1)$.
  3. The limit points are all $x$ in $[-1, 1]$, so the closure is $\text{cl}(S) = [-1, 1]$.
  4. The boundary is the closure minus the interior: $[-1, 1] \setminus (-1, 1) = \{-1, 1\}$.

Answer: \text{int}(S) = (-1, 1), \text{cl}(S) = [-1, 1], \partial S = \{-1, 1\}

Problem 2. Let $S = \{ \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Find the set of limit points and the closure of $S$.
Reveal solution
  1. For any $n$, the point $1/n$ is isolated because we can pick a small enough $\epsilon$ to exclude other $1/m$.
  2. However, as $n$ goes to infinity, $1/n$ approaches $0$.
  3. Every neighborhood of $0$ contains points of the form $1/n$ for sufficiently large $n$.
  4. Thus, the only limit point is $0$.
  5. The closure is $S \cup \{0\}$.

Answer: \text{Limit points} = \{0\}, \text{cl}(S) = \{ \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \} \cup \{0\}

Problem 3. Prove that if $S$ is an open set, then $\partial S = \text{cl}(S) \setminus S$.
Reveal solution
  1. By definition, $\partial S = \text{cl}(S) \setminus \text{int}(S)$.
  2. Since $S$ is open, every point in $S$ is an interior point, so $S \subset \text{int}(S)$.
  3. Also, the interior is always a subset of the set, so $\text{int}(S) \subset S$.
  4. Therefore, for an open set, $\text{int}(S) = S$.
  5. Substituting this into the boundary formula gives $\partial S = \text{cl}(S) \setminus S$.

Answer: \partial S = \text{cl}(S) \setminus S

L47. Compactness I — open covers; why [0,1] is special

Module 4  2026-09-20  ·  9:39  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = [1, 2]$ is compact. Justify your answer using the closed and bounded criteria.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Check if $S$ is bounded. Since $1 \le x \le 2$ for all $x \in S$, the set is contained within the interval $[-10, 10]$, so it is bounded.
  2. Step 2: Check if $S$ is closed. The set $[1, 2]$ contains all its limit points (the limit points are the interval itself), so it is closed.
  3. Step 3: Since $S$ is both closed and bounded in $\mathbb{R}$, it is compact by the Heine-Borel theorem.

Answer: Yes, it is compact.

Problem 2. Consider the set $S = (0, 1]$. Is this set compact? If not, provide an open cover that has no finite subcover.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Check if $S$ is closed. The point $0$ is a limit point of $S$, but $0 \notin S$. Therefore, $S$ is not closed.
  2. Step 2: Since $S$ is not closed, it cannot be compact.
  3. Step 3: Construct a cover. Let $U_n = (\frac{1}{n}, 2)$ for $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$. The union is $(0, 2)$, which covers $(0, 1]$. Any finite subcover will have a maximum $n$, say $N$, and will only cover $(\frac{1}{N}, 2)$, missing points in $(0, \frac{1}{N}]$.

Answer: No, it is not compact.

Problem 3. Is the set $S = \{ \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$ compact? Hint: Consider the limit points of the set.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Identify the limit points. The sequence $\frac{1}{n}$ converges to $0$, so $0$ is a limit point of $S$.
  2. Step 2: Check if $S$ is closed. The limit point $0$ is not in the set $S$ (since $\frac{1}{n}$ is never $0$ for any natural number $n$). Thus, $S$ is not closed.
  3. Step 3: Since $S$ is not closed, it is not compact.

Answer: No, it is not compact.

L48. Compactness II — Heine-Borel

Module 4  2026-09-21  ·  10:22  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : \frac{1}{x} \ge 1 \}$ is compact.
Reveal solution
  1. First, solve the inequality $\frac{1}{x} \ge 1$. For this to be true, $x$ must be positive, so $1 \ge x$, which means $0 < x \le 1$.
  2. The set is $S = (0, 1]$.
  3. Check boundedness: The set is contained in $[0, 1]$, so it is bounded.
  4. Check closedness: The point $0$ is a limit point of $S$, but $0$ is not in $S$. Therefore, $S$ is not closed.
  5. Since $S$ is not closed, it is not compact by the Heine-Borel Theorem.

Answer: Not compact

Problem 2. Is the set $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 \ge 1 \}$ compact?
Reveal solution
  1. Solve the inequality $x^2 \ge 1$. This means $x \ge 1$ or $x \le -1$.
  2. The set is $S = (-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty)$.
  3. Check boundedness: The set extends to infinity in both directions, so it is not bounded.
  4. Since it is not bounded, it cannot be compact by the Heine-Borel Theorem.

Answer: Not compact

Problem 3. Let $S$ be the set of all $x$ such that $x = 1 + \frac{1}{n}$ for some $n \in \mathbb{N}$. Is $S$ compact?
Reveal solution
  1. The elements of $S$ are $2, 1.5, 1.33, \dots$ and they converge to $1$.
  2. Check boundedness: All elements are between $1$ and $2$, so $S$ is bounded.
  3. Check closedness: The only limit point of the sequence $1 + \frac{1}{n}$ is $1$.
  4. However, $1$ is not in the set $S$ because $1 + \frac{1}{n}$ is always strictly greater than $1$ for any natural number $n$.
  5. Since the limit point $1$ is missing, $S$ is not closed.
  6. Therefore, $S$ is not compact.

Answer: Not compact

L49. Compactness III — sequential compactness; the three faces unified

Module 4  2026-09-22  ·  10:36  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = [0, 1) \cup \{2\}$ is sequentially compact. Justify your answer using the Heine-Borel theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Check if the set is bounded: $S$ is contained within $[0, 2]$, so it is bounded.
  2. Check if the set is closed: The point $1$ is a limit point of $S$ because any neighborhood of $1$ contains points from $[0, 1)$.
  3. However, $1$ is not in $S$.
  4. Since $S$ does not contain all its limit points, it is not closed.
  5. By Heine-Borel, since it is not closed, it is not compact and therefore not sequentially compact.

Answer: Not sequentially compact.

Problem 2. Let $S = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : 1 \le x^2 \le 9 \}$. Is $S$ sequentially compact?
Reveal solution
  1. Solve the inequality $1 \le x^2 \le 9$.
  2. This implies $x \in [-3, -1] \cup [1, 3]$.
  3. The set $S$ is a union of two closed intervals.
  4. It is bounded (contained in $[-3, 3]$) and closed (union of closed sets).
  5. By the Heine-Borel theorem, $S$ is compact, and thus sequentially compact.

Answer: Yes, it is sequentially compact.

Problem 3. Consider the set $S = \{ 1 + \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Is $S$ sequentially compact? If not, what is the smallest set $S'$ containing $S$ that is sequentially compact?
Reveal solution
  1. Check boundedness: $S$ is contained in $[1, 2]$, so it is bounded.
  2. Check closedness: The sequence $1 + \frac{1}{n}$ converges to $1$.
  3. The point $1$ is a limit point of $S$, but $1$ is not in $S$ (since $1 + \frac{1}{n} > 1$ for all $n$).
  4. Thus $S$ is not closed and not sequentially compact.
  5. To make it sequentially compact, we must add all limit points. The only limit point is $1$.
  6. The set $S' = S \cup \{1\}$ is closed and bounded, hence sequentially compact.

Answer: S is not sequentially compact; $S' = \{ 1 + \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \} \cup \{1\}$.

L50. Connectedness — intervals are the only connected sets

Module 4  2026-09-23  ·  11:23  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = (0, 2) \cup [1, 3]$ is connected. Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Simplify the union. Since the intervals $(0, 2)$ and $[1, 3]$ overlap (for example, the point $1.5$ is in both), their union is a single interval.
  2. Step 2: The union is $(0, 3]$.
  3. Step 3: By the theorem proved in class, every interval is connected.
  4. Step 4: Therefore, $S$ is connected.

Answer: Connected

Problem 2. Is the set $S = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0, 1\}$ connected? If not, provide a separation.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: The set $S$ consists of three disjoint pieces: $(-\infty, 0)$, $(0, 1)$, and $(1, \infty)$.
  2. Step 2: To show it is disconnected, we only need one separation. Let $U = (-\infty, 0.5)$ and $V = (0.5, \infty)$.
  3. Step 3: $U$ and $V$ are open sets. Their union is $\mathbb{R} \setminus \{0.5\}$, which contains $S$.
  4. Step 4: Their intersection is empty.
  5. Step 5: $S \cap U$ contains $-1$ and $S \cap V$ contains $2$, so both are non-empty.
  6. Step 6: Thus, $S$ is disconnected.

Answer: Disconnected

Problem 3. Prove that any finite set with more than one element is disconnected.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Let $S = \{x_1, x_2, \dots, x_n\}$ with $n > 1$. Assume the elements are ordered $x_1 < x_2 < \dots < x_n$.
  2. Step 2: We can pick a value $r$ such that $x_1 < r < x_2$.
  3. Step 3: Define $U = (-\infty, r)$ and $V = (r, \infty)$.
  4. Step 4: $U$ and $V$ are open and their union is $\mathbb{R} \setminus \{r\}$, which contains $S$.
  5. Step 5: $U \cap V = \emptyset$.
  6. Step 6: $x_1 \in S \cap U$ and $x_2 \in S \cap V$, so both are non-empty.
  7. Step 7: Therefore, $S$ is disconnected.

Answer: Disconnected

L51. Perfect sets and the Cantor set revisited

Module 4  2026-09-24  ·  10:38  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $S = \{ 0 \} \cup \{ 1/n : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Is $S$ a perfect set? Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. A set is perfect if it is closed and has no isolated points.
  2. The set $S$ is closed because its only limit point is $0$, and $0$ is in $S$.
  3. However, consider the point $x = 1$.
  4. For $\epsilon = 0.1$, the interval $(0.9, 1.1)$ contains no points of $S$ other than $1$ itself.
  5. Thus, $1$ is an isolated point.
  6. Since $S$ contains an isolated point, it is not perfect.

Answer: No, $S$ is not perfect because it contains isolated points.

Problem 2. Prove that the set $S = [0, 1] \cup [2, 3]$ is a perfect set.
Reveal solution
  1. A set is perfect if it is closed and every point is a limit point.
  2. The union of two closed intervals is closed.
  3. For any $x \in [0, 1]$, any interval $(x-\epsilon, x+\epsilon)$ contains other points of $[0, 1]$, so $x$ is a limit point.
  4. Similarly, for any $x \in [2, 3]$, any interval $(x-\epsilon, x+\epsilon)$ contains other points of $[2, 3]$, so $x$ is a limit point.
  5. Since all points are limit points and the set is closed, $S$ is perfect.

Answer: The set is closed and contains no isolated points, thus it is perfect.

Problem 3. Consider the Cantor ternary set $C$. We know it is perfect. Use this to explain why the Cantor set must be uncountable, and explain why this does not contradict the fact that it contains no intervals.
Reveal solution
  1. Since $C$ is a non-empty perfect set, the theorem proved in the lesson states it must be uncountable.
  2. Uncountability refers to the cardinality (the number of elements), not the measure (the length).
  3. A set can be uncountable without containing any intervals; this is the definition of being totally disconnected.
  4. The Cantor set is the classic example of a set with cardinality $2^{\aleph_0}$ but length zero.

Answer: Perfect sets are always uncountable; uncountability does not imply the existence of an interval.

L52. Dense sets and G-delta/F-sigma — a glimpse

Module 4  2026-09-25  ·  10:00  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $S = \{ \frac{m}{3^n} \mid m \in \mathbb{Z}, n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Prove that $S$ is dense in $\mathbb{R}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider any interval $(a, b)$ with $a < b$.
  2. The width of the interval is $\epsilon = b - a > 0$.
  3. Choose $n$ such that $1/3^n < \epsilon$.
  4. The distance between consecutive points $m/3^n$ and $(m+1)/3^n$ is $1/3^n$.
  5. Since the gap is smaller than the interval width, there must be at least one $m$ such that $a < m/3^n < b$.

Answer: The set $S$ is dense because for any interval $(a, b)$, we can find $n$ such that $1/3^n < b-a$, ensuring a point of $S$ lies within the interval.

Problem 2. Is the set of all integers $\mathbb{Z}$ an F-sigma set? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. The set of integers $\mathbb{Z}$ is countable.
  2. We can write $\mathbb{Z} = \bigcup_{k \in \mathbb{Z}} \{k\}$.
  3. Each singleton set $\{k\}$ is a closed set in $\mathbb{R}$.
  4. Since $\mathbb{Z}$ is a countable union of closed sets, it satisfies the definition of an F-sigma set.

Answer: Yes, $\mathbb{Z}$ is F-sigma because it is a countable union of closed singleton sets.

Problem 3. If $S$ is a G-delta set, what can you say about its complement $S^c$? Prove it using the definitions.
Reveal solution
  1. By definition, $S = \bigcap_{n=1}^{\infty} G_n$ where each $G_n$ is open.
  2. The complement is $S^c = (\bigcap_{n=1}^{\infty} G_n)^c$.
  3. By De Morgan's Law, the complement of an intersection is the union of the complements: $S^c = \bigcup_{n=1}^{\infty} G_n^c$.
  4. Since each $G_n$ is open, each $G_n^c$ is closed.
  5. Thus, $S^c$ is a countable union of closed sets, which is the definition of an F-sigma set.

Answer: The complement of a G-delta set is always an F-sigma set.

L53. Why topology matters — a preview

Module 4  2026-09-26  ·  10:03  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f: (0, 1) \to \mathbb{R}$ be defined by $f(x) = \sin(1/x)$. Is the domain $(0, 1)$ compact? Is the function $f$ bounded on this domain?
Reveal solution
  1. The domain $(0, 1)$ is bounded but not closed, so by the Heine-Borel Theorem, it is not compact.
  2. The function $f(x) = \sin(1/x)$ takes values in the range $[-1, 1]$ for all $x$ in the domain.
  3. Therefore, the function is bounded, even though the domain is not compact.

Answer: The domain is not compact, but the function is bounded.

Problem 2. Suppose $f$ is a continuous function on the set $S = [0, 1] \cup [2, 3]$. If $f(1) = 5$ and $f(2) = 10$, must there be a point $c \in S$ such that $f(c) = 7$?
Reveal solution
  1. The Intermediate Value Theorem requires the domain to be connected.
  2. The set $S = [0, 1] \cup [2, 3]$ is not connected because it is the union of two disjoint closed sets.
  3. Since the domain is disconnected, the function can jump from 5 to 10 without passing through 7.
  4. For example, $f(x) = 5$ on $[0, 1]$ and $f(x) = 10$ on $[2, 3]$ is continuous on $S$ but never equals 7.

Answer: No, because the domain is not connected.

Problem 3. Explain why the function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ is not uniformly continuous on the interval $(0, 1)$.
Reveal solution
  1. For uniform continuity, a single $\delta$ must work for all $x, y$ in the domain.
  2. As $x$ approaches 0, the slope of $1/x$ becomes arbitrarily steep.
  3. This means for a fixed $\epsilon$, the required $\delta$ must become smaller and smaller as we move toward 0.
  4. Since there is no single positive $\delta$ that works for the entire interval, the function is not uniformly continuous.
  5. Note that the domain $(0, 1)$ is not compact, which is why the theorem continuous on compact implies uniformly continuous does not apply.

Answer: The slope increases without bound near 0, requiring $\delta$ to approach 0, so no global $\delta$ exists.

L54. Module 4 review + self-test

Module 4  2026-09-27  ·  11:33  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the set $S = \bigcup_{n=1}^{\infty} (\frac{1}{2n}, \frac{1}{2n-1})$ is open, closed, or neither.
Reveal solution
  1. Every point in $S$ belongs to at least one of the open intervals $(\frac{1}{2n}, \frac{1}{2n-1})$.
  2. Since each such interval is open, every point in $S$ is an interior point.
  3. Therefore, $S$ is open.

Answer: Open

Problem 2. Let $S = \{ \frac{1}{n} : n \in \mathbb{N} \}$. Find the derived set $S'$ and the closure $\overline{S}$.
Reveal solution
  1. The sequence $1/n$ converges to $0$.
  2. Any open interval around $0$ contains infinitely many points of $S$.
  3. No other point in $\mathbb{R}$ is a limit point because all other points are isolated.
  4. Thus, $S' = \{0\}$.
  5. The closure is $S \cup S' = \{ 1, 1/2, 1/3, \dots, 0 \}$.

Answer: S' = \{0\}, \overline{S} = \{ 1/n : n \in \mathbb{N} \} \cup \{0\}

Problem 3. Is the set $S = [0, 1] \cup [2, 3]$ compact? Is it connected?
Reveal solution
  1. The set is a union of two closed intervals, so it is closed.
  2. The set is contained within the interval $[0, 3]$, so it is bounded.
  3. Since it is closed and bounded, it is compact by Heine-Borel.
  4. The set is not an interval because there is a gap between $1$ and $2$.
  5. Therefore, it is not connected.

Answer: Compact, but not connected

Module 5 — Limits & Continuity (12/12)

L55. Functional limits: eps-delta in full

Module 5  2026-09-28  ·  10:49  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the $\epsilon-\delta$ definition to prove that $\lim_{x \to 4} (2x + 3) = 11$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Scratch work. We want $|(2x + 3) - 11| < \epsilon$.
  2. Step 2: Simplify the expression: $|2x - 8| = 2|x - 4|$.
  3. Step 3: Set $2|x - 4| < \epsilon$, which implies $|x - 4| < \epsilon/2$.
  4. Step 4: Formal proof. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Choose $\delta = \epsilon/2$.
  5. Step 5: If $0 < |x - 4| < \delta$, then $|(2x + 3) - 11| = 2|x - 4| < 2\delta = 2(\epsilon/2) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \epsilon/2

Problem 2. Use the $\epsilon-\delta$ definition to prove that $\lim_{x \to 2} (5x - 7) = 3$.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Scratch work. $|(5x - 7) - 3| = |5x - 10| = 5|x - 2|$.
  2. Step 2: We want $5|x - 2| < \epsilon$, so $|x - 2| < \epsilon/5$.
  3. Step 3: Formal proof. Let $\epsilon > 0$. Choose $\delta = \epsilon/5$.
  4. Step 4: If $0 < |x - 2| < \delta$, then $|(5x - 7) - 3| = 5|x - 2| < 5\delta = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \epsilon/5

Problem 3. Prove that $\lim_{x \to 1} x^2 = 1$ using the $\epsilon-\delta$ definition.
Reveal solution
  1. Step 1: Scratch work. $|x^2 - 1| = |x - 1||x + 1|$.
  2. Step 2: Bound $|x + 1|$. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $|x - 1| < 1 \implies 0 < x < 2 \implies |x + 1| < 3$.
  3. Step 3: We want $|x - 1||x + 1| < 3|x - 1| < \epsilon$, so $|x - 1| < \epsilon/3$.
  4. Step 4: Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/3)$.
  5. Step 5: If $0 < |x - 1| < \delta$, then $|x^2 - 1| = |x - 1||x + 1| < \delta \cdot 3 \le (\epsilon/3) \cdot 3 = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \epsilon/3)

L56. eps-delta proof clinic I

Module 5  2026-09-29  ·  11:22  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove using the epsilon-delta definition that $\lim_{x \to 3} (4x - 5) = 7$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|(4x - 5) - 7| = |4x - 12| = 4|x - 3|$.
  2. We want $4|x - 3| < \epsilon$, which means $|x - 3| < \epsilon/4$.
  3. Formal proof: Given $\epsilon > 0$, choose $\delta = \epsilon/4$.
  4. If $0 < |x - 3| < \delta$, then $|(4x - 5) - 7| = 4|x - 3| < 4\delta = 4(\epsilon/4) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \epsilon/4

Problem 2. Prove using the epsilon-delta definition that $\lim_{x \to 1} (2x^2 + 1) = 3$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|(2x^2 + 1) - 3| = |2x^2 - 2| = 2|x^2 - 1| = 2|x - 1||x + 1|$.
  2. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $|x - 1| < 1 \implies 0 < x < 2 \implies |x + 1| < 3$.
  3. We need $2|x - 1|(3) < \epsilon$, so $|x - 1| < \epsilon/6$.
  4. Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/6)$.
  5. If $0 < |x - 1| < \delta$, then $|2x^2 - 2| = 2|x - 1||x + 1| < 2(\epsilon/6)(3) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \epsilon/6)

Problem 3. Prove using the epsilon-delta definition that $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 3x) = -2$.
Reveal solution
  1. Scratch work: $|(x^2 - 3x) - (-2)| = |x^2 - 3x + 2| = |x - 2||x - 1|$.
  2. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $|x - 2| < 1 \implies 1 < x < 3 \implies |x - 1| < 2$.
  3. We need $|x - 2|(2) < \epsilon$, so $|x - 2| < \epsilon/2$.
  4. Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/2)$.
  5. If $0 < |x - 2| < \delta$, then $|x^2 - 3x + 2| = |x - 2||x - 1| < (\epsilon/2)(2) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \epsilon/2)

L57. eps-delta proof clinic II — the standard tricks

Module 5  2026-09-30  ·  10:50  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Prove using the epsilon-delta definition that $\lim_{x \to 3} (x^2 - x) = 6$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $|(x^2 - x) - 6| = |x^2 - x - 6| = |x - 3||x + 2|$.
  2. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $2 < x < 4$, so $|x + 2| < 6$.
  3. We want $|x - 3||x + 2| < 6|x - 3| < \epsilon$, which requires $|x - 3| < \epsilon/6$.
  4. Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/6)$.
  5. Then $|x^2 - x - 6| \le 6|x - 3| < 6(\epsilon/6) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \frac{\epsilon}{6})

Problem 2. Prove that $\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{1}{x+1} = \frac{1}{2}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $|\frac{1}{x+1} - \frac{1}{2}| = |\frac{2 - (x+1)}{2(x+1)}| = \frac{|1 - x|}{|2(x+1)|} = \frac{|x - 1|}{|2(x+1)|}$.
  2. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $0 < x < 2$, so $x+1 > 1$, meaning $|2(x+1)| > 2$.
  3. Thus $\frac{1}{|2(x+1)|} < \frac{1}{2}$.
  4. We want $\frac{1}{2}|x - 1| < \epsilon$, so $|x - 1| < 2\epsilon$.
  5. Choose $\delta = \min(1, 2\epsilon)$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, 2\epsilon)

Problem 3. Prove that $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 + 2x) = 8$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $|x^2 + 2x - 8| = |x - 2||x + 4|$.
  2. Assume $\delta \le 1$. Then $1 < x < 3$, so $|x + 4| < 7$.
  3. We want $7|x - 2| < \epsilon$, so $|x - 2| < \epsilon/7$.
  4. Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/7)$.
  5. Then $|x^2 + 2x - 8| \le 7|x - 2| < 7(\epsilon/7) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \frac{\epsilon}{7})

L58. Continuity: three equivalent definitions

Module 5  2026-10-01  ·  10:27  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the sequential definition to determine if the function $f(x) = x$ for $x \in \mathbb{Q}$ and $f(x) = x^2$ for $x \notin \mathbb{Q}$ is continuous at $x = 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check the function value at the point: $f(0) = 0$ since $0$ is rational.
  2. Consider any sequence $x_n \to 0$.
  3. If $x_n$ is rational, $f(x_n) = x_n$, which converges to $0$.
  4. If $x_n$ is irrational, $f(x_n) = x_n^2$, which also converges to $0$.
  5. Since $f(x_n) \to 0$ for all sequences $x_n \to 0$, the function is continuous at $x=0$.

Answer: Continuous at $x=0$

Problem 2. Prove using the epsilon-delta definition that $f(x) = 3x + 5$ is continuous at $x = 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. We want to show that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $\delta > 0$ such that $|x - 1| < \delta \implies |(3x + 5) - (3(1) + 5)| < \epsilon$.
  2. Simplify the output expression: $|3x + 5 - 8| = |3x - 3| = 3|x - 1|$.
  3. We need $3|x - 1| < \epsilon$, which means $|x - 1| < \epsilon/3$.
  4. Choose $\delta = \epsilon/3$.
  5. Then $|x - 1| < \delta \implies 3|x - 1| < 3(\epsilon/3) = \epsilon$.

Answer: \delta = \epsilon/3

Problem 3. Let $f(x) = 0$ for $x < 1$ and $f(x) = 1$ for $x \ge 1$. Use the open-set definition to show that $f$ is discontinuous at $x = 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. The function value is $f(1) = 1$.
  2. Pick an open set $V$ containing $1$, for example $V = (0.5, 1.5)$.
  3. Find the preimage $f^{-1}(V)$. This is the set of all $x$ such that $f(x) \in (0.5, 1.5)$.
  4. Since the only possible values of $f(x)$ are $0$ and $1$, we need $f(x) = 1$.
  5. This occurs for $x \in [1, \infty)$.
  6. The set $[1, \infty)$ is not open because it contains its left endpoint $1$ but no open neighborhood around $1$ is contained in the set.
  7. Since the preimage of an open set is not open, $f$ is discontinuous at $x=1$.

Answer: Discontinuous at $x=1$

L59. The pathological gallery: Dirichlet, Thomae

Module 5  2026-10-02  ·  10:06  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $g(x) = x$ if $x$ is rational and $g(x) = 0$ if $x$ is irrational. At which points is $g(x)$ continuous?
Reveal solution
  1. If $x = 0$, then $g(0) = 0$. For any sequence $x_n \to 0$, if $x_n$ is rational, $g(x_n) = x_n \to 0$. If $x_n$ is irrational, $g(x_n) = 0 \to 0$. Thus $g$ is continuous at $x=0$.
  2. If $x \neq 0$ and $x$ is rational, $g(x) = x$. A sequence of irrationals $x_n \to x$ gives $g(x_n) = 0 \to 0 \neq x$. Discontinuous.
  3. If $x \neq 0$ and $x$ is irrational, $g(x) = 0$. A sequence of rationals $x_n \to x$ gives $g(x_n) = x_n \to x \neq 0$. Discontinuous.

Answer: Continuous only at $x = 0$.

Problem 2. Prove that the Dirichlet function $f(x)$ is discontinuous at $x = \pi$.
Reveal solution
  1. The value of the function at $x = \pi$ is $f(\pi) = 0$ because $\pi$ is irrational.
  2. Since the rationals are dense, there exists a sequence of rational numbers $q_n$ such that $q_n \to \pi$.
  3. For each $q_n$, $f(q_n) = 1$.
  4. The limit of the images is $\lim_{n \to \infty} f(q_n) = 1$.
  5. Since $1 \neq 0$, the function is discontinuous at $x = \pi$.

Answer: The limit of a rational sequence is 1, while $f(\pi) = 0$.

Problem 3. For Thomae's function, show that $\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = 0$ for any $a \in \mathbb{R}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Fix $\epsilon > 0$. We need to find $\delta > 0$ such that $|x-a| < \delta \implies |f(x)| < \epsilon$.
  2. The condition $f(x) \ge \epsilon$ only happens if $x = p/q$ with $q \le 1/\epsilon$.
  3. In any bounded interval around $a$, say $(a-1, a+1)$, there are only finitely many such rationals.
  4. Let these rationals be $r_1, r_2, \dots, r_k$.
  5. Choose $\delta = \min(|a-r_1|, \dots, |a-r_k|)$ if $a$ is not one of them, or a smaller value if it is.
  6. Then for all $x$ in the $\delta$-window, $f(x) < \epsilon$.

Answer: The limit is 0 because rationals with small denominators are finite in any bounded region.

L60. Algebra of continuous functions; compositions

Module 5  2026-10-03  ·  10:03  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine the domain of continuity for the function $f(x) = \frac{\sqrt{x+5}}{x^2 - 9}$.
Reveal solution
  1. The numerator $\sqrt{x+5}$ is continuous where $x+5 \ge 0$, which is $x \ge -5$.
  2. The denominator $x^2 - 9$ is a polynomial and thus continuous everywhere.
  3. The quotient is continuous where both are continuous and the denominator is non-zero.
  4. Solve $x^2 - 9 = 0$ to find $x = 3$ and $x = -3$.
  5. Combine the conditions: $x \ge -5$ and $x \neq 3, -3$.

Answer: [-5, -3) \cup (-3, 3) \cup (3, \infty)

Problem 2. Let $g(x) = e^x$ and $f(x) = \frac{1}{x-1}$. Is the composition $(f \circ g)(x)$ continuous at $x = 0$? Explain why or why not.
Reveal solution
  1. Check the inner function $g(x) = e^x$ at $x=0$. $g$ is continuous everywhere, so it is continuous at $0$.
  2. Calculate the value $g(0) = e^0 = 1$.
  3. Check the outer function $f(u) = \frac{1}{u-1}$ at $u = g(0) = 1$.
  4. The function $f$ has a vertical asymptote at $u=1$ and is therefore discontinuous there.
  5. Since $f$ is not continuous at $g(0)$, the composition is not continuous at $x=0$.

Answer: No, because the outer function is discontinuous at $g(0)=1$.

Problem 3. Prove that any function of the form $p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \dots + a_0$ is continuous for all $x \in \mathbb{R}$ using the algebra of continuity.
Reveal solution
  1. The constant function $f(x) = a_i$ is continuous everywhere.
  2. The identity function $f(x) = x$ is continuous everywhere.
  3. By the product rule, $x^k$ (the product of $x$ with itself $k$ times) is continuous everywhere.
  4. By the product rule again, $a_k x^k$ is continuous everywhere.
  5. A polynomial is a finite sum of such terms $a_k x^k$.
  6. By the sum rule, the sum of continuous functions is continuous.

Answer: Polynomials are continuous as they are finite sums of products of continuous functions.

L61. Continuity and compactness: the Extreme Value Theorem — proved

Module 5  2026-10-04  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Consider the function $f(x) = 1/x$ on the interval $(0, 1]$. Does this function attain an absolute maximum or minimum on this domain? Explain why the Extreme Value Theorem does not guarantee these values.
Reveal solution
  1. The interval $(0, 1]$ is not closed because it does not contain its limit point $0$.
  2. The Extreme Value Theorem requires a closed and bounded interval $[a, b]$.
  3. As $x \to 0^+$, $f(x) \to \infty$, so the function is not bounded above and has no absolute maximum.
  4. At $x = 1$, $f(1) = 1$. Since $1/x \ge 1$ for all $x \in (0, 1]$, the absolute minimum is $1$.

Answer: No absolute maximum exists; absolute minimum is $1$ at $x=1$. EVT fails because the interval is not closed.

Problem 2. Let $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 5$ on the interval $[0, 3]$. Use the Extreme Value Theorem to justify that extrema exist, and then find the absolute maximum and minimum values.
Reveal solution
  1. The function is a polynomial (continuous) and the interval $[0, 3]$ is closed and bounded, so EVT applies.
  2. Find critical points: $f'(x) = 2x - 4 = 0 \implies x = 2$.
  3. Evaluate at endpoints and critical point: $f(0) = 5$, $f(2) = 4 - 8 + 5 = 1$, $f(3) = 9 - 12 + 5 = 2$.
  4. Comparing values: the maximum is $5$ and the minimum is $1$.

Answer: Absolute maximum is $5$ at $x=0$; absolute minimum is $1$ at $x=2$.

Problem 3. Suppose $f$ is continuous on $[a, b]$ and $f(a) = f(b)$. Prove that if $f$ is not constant, it must attain a value strictly greater than $f(a)$ or strictly less than $f(a)$.
Reveal solution
  1. By the Extreme Value Theorem, $f$ attains an absolute maximum $M$ and an absolute minimum $m$ on $[a, b]$.
  2. Since $f$ is not constant, it cannot be that $M = m$.
  3. If $M = m$, then $f(x) = M$ for all $x$, which contradicts that $f$ is not constant.
  4. Since $f(a) = f(b)$, if $M = f(a)$, then $m$ must be strictly less than $f(a)$.
  5. If $m = f(a)$, then $M$ must be strictly greater than $f(a)$.
  6. If neither $M$ nor $m$ equals $f(a)$, then both are different from $f(a)$.

Answer: Since $M > m$ and $f(a)$ is just one value, at least one of the extrema must differ from $f(a)$.

L62. The Intermediate Value Theorem — proved

Module 5  2026-10-05  ·  11:32  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Show that the equation $x^5 + x + 1 = 0$ has at least one real root in the interval $[-2, 0]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Define $f(x) = x^5 + x + 1$.
  2. Since $f$ is a polynomial, it is continuous on $[-2, 0]$.
  3. Calculate $f(-2) = (-2)^5 + (-2) + 1 = -32 - 2 + 1 = -33$.
  4. Calculate $f(0) = 0^5 + 0 + 1 = 1$.
  5. Since $f(-2) < 0 < f(0)$, the Intermediate Value Theorem guarantees a $c \in (-2, 0)$ such that $f(c) = 0$.

Answer: A root exists because $f(-2) = -33$ and $f(0) = 1$.

Problem 2. Let $f$ be a continuous function on $[0, 1]$ such that $f(0) = 0$ and $f(1) = 1$. Prove there exists $c \in [0, 1]$ such that $f(c) = c$.
Reveal solution
  1. Define a helper function $g(x) = f(x) - x$.
  2. Since $f$ and $x$ are continuous, $g$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$.
  3. Calculate $g(0) = f(0) - 0 = 0 - 0 = 0$.
  4. Calculate $g(1) = f(1) - 1 = 1 - 1 = 0$.
  5. In this specific case, $g(0)=0$ and $g(1)=0$, so $c=0$ and $c=1$ are already solutions. If we wanted a point in $(0, 1)$, we would need different endpoint values, but the theorem holds for the closed interval.

Answer: The points $c=0$ and $c=1$ satisfy $f(c)=c$.

Problem 3. Suppose $f$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$ and $f(0) = f(1)$. Prove that for any $y$ between $f(0)$ and the maximum value of $f$, there are at least two distinct points $c_1, c_2$ such that $f(c_1) = f(c_2) = y$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $M$ be the maximum value of $f$ on $[0, 1]$, attained at $x = d$ by the Extreme Value Theorem.
  2. If $d$ is an endpoint, the result is trivial or $y$ cannot be between $f(0)$ and $M$. Assume $d \in (0, 1)$.
  3. Consider the interval $[0, d]$. Since $f(0) < y < f(d)$, the IVT guarantees $c_1 \in (0, d)$ such that $f(c_1) = y$.
  4. Consider the interval $[d, 1]$. Since $f(d) > y > f(1) = f(0)$, the IVT guarantees $c_2 \in (d, 1)$ such that $f(c_2) = y$.
  5. Since $c_1 < d < c_2$, the points are distinct.

Answer: The IVT applied to the two sub-intervals $[0, d]$ and $[d, 1]$ guarantees two distinct points.

L63. Uniform continuity I — the definition and why it's different

Module 5  2026-10-06  ·  10:43  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ is uniformly continuous on the interval $[0, 1]$.
Reveal solution
  1. We want to see if for any $\epsilon > 0$, we can find a $\delta$ such that $|x - y| < \delta$ implies $|\sqrt{x} - \sqrt{y}| < \epsilon$.
  2. A useful property for square roots on $[0, 1]$ is that $|\sqrt{x} - \sqrt{y}| \le \sqrt{|x - y|}$.
  3. If we choose $\delta = \epsilon^2$, then $|x - y| < \delta$ implies $|\sqrt{x} - \sqrt{y}| \le \sqrt{|x - y|} < \sqrt{\epsilon^2} = \epsilon$.
  4. Since this $\delta$ depends only on $\epsilon$ and not on $x$ or $y$, the function is uniformly continuous.

Answer: Yes, it is uniformly continuous.

Problem 2. Prove that $f(x) = 3x - 2$ is uniformly continuous on $\mathbb{R}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider $|f(x) - f(y)| = |(3x - 2) - (3y - 2)| = |3x - 3y| = 3|x - y|$.
  2. We want $3|x - y| < \epsilon$.
  3. This is satisfied if $|x - y| < \epsilon/3$.
  4. Since $\delta = \epsilon/3$ depends only on $\epsilon$ and not on $x$ or $y$, the function is uniformly continuous.

Answer: \delta = \epsilon/3

Problem 3. Show that $f(x) = x^3$ is not uniformly continuous on $\mathbb{R}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Pick $\epsilon = 1$. We must show that for any $\delta > 0$, there exist $x, y$ such that $|x - y| < \delta$ but $|x^3 - y^3| \ge 1$.
  2. Let $x = n + \delta/2$ and $y = n$. Then $|x - y| = \delta/2 < \delta$.
  3. The difference is $|x^3 - y^3| = |(n + \delta/2)^3 - n^3| = |3n^2(\delta/2) + 3n(\delta/2)^2 + (\delta/2)^3|$.
  4. As $n \to \infty$, the term $3n^2(\delta/2)$ grows without bound and will eventually exceed $1$ for any fixed $\delta$.
  5. Therefore, no global $\delta$ exists for $\epsilon = 1$.

Answer: Not uniformly continuous.

L64. Uniform continuity II — Heine-Cantor

Module 5  2026-10-07  ·  11:10  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Heine-Cantor Theorem to determine if $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ is uniformly continuous on the interval $[0, 1]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check if $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$. Since the square root function is continuous for all $x \ge 0$, it is continuous on $[0, 1]$.
  2. Check if the domain $[0, 1]$ is compact. The interval is closed and bounded, so it is compact.
  3. Apply the Heine-Cantor Theorem: a continuous function on a compact set is uniformly continuous.

Answer: Yes, it is uniformly continuous.

Problem 2. Explain why the Heine-Cantor Theorem cannot be used to prove that $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ is uniformly continuous on the interval $(0, 1)$.
Reveal solution
  1. The function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ is continuous on $(0, 1)$.
  2. The interval $(0, 1)$ is bounded, but it is not closed because the endpoints $0$ and $1$ are not included.
  3. Since the domain is not closed, it is not compact.
  4. The Heine-Cantor Theorem requires a compact domain to guarantee uniform continuity.

Answer: The domain $(0, 1)$ is not compact because it is not closed.

Problem 3. Let $f$ be a function defined on $[a, b]$. If $f$ is continuous on $(a, b)$ but not uniformly continuous on $(a, b)$, what can we conclude about the continuity of $f$ at the endpoints $a$ and $b$?
Reveal solution
  1. If $f$ were continuous on the closed interval $[a, b]$, then by the Heine-Cantor Theorem, it would be uniformly continuous on $[a, b]$.
  2. If a function is uniformly continuous on a set, it is also uniformly continuous on any subset of that set.
  3. Therefore, if $f$ were continuous on $[a, b]$, it would necessarily be uniformly continuous on $(a, b)$.
  4. Since we are given that $f$ is NOT uniformly continuous on $(a, b)$, the hypothesis that $f$ is continuous on $[a, b]$ must be false.
  5. This means $f$ must be discontinuous at at least one of the endpoints $a$ or $b$.

Answer: The function $f$ must be discontinuous at at least one of the endpoints $a$ or $b$.

L65. Monotone functions and their discontinuities; inverse functions

Module 5  2026-10-08  ·  10:18  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f: [0, 1] \to \mathbb{R}$ be a monotone increasing function. Prove that the set $S = \{x \in (0, 1) : f(x^+) > f(x^-)\}$ is at most countable.
Reveal solution
  1. For each $x \in S$, define the jump interval $J_x = (f(x^-), f(x^+))$.
  2. Since $f$ is monotone increasing, if $x < y$, then $f(x^+) \le f(y^-)$, which implies $J_x \cap J_y = \emptyset$.
  3. Each $J_x$ is a non-empty open interval, so it contains at least one rational number $q_x$.
  4. The mapping $x \mapsto q_x$ is an injection from $S$ into $\mathbb{Q}$.
  5. Since $\mathbb{Q}$ is countable, $S$ must be at most countable.

Answer: The set $S$ is countable because it can be injected into the set of rational numbers.

Problem 2. Let $f: [a, b] \to [c, d]$ be a strictly increasing continuous bijection. Prove that $f^{-1}$ is continuous at any point $y_0 \in (c, d)$.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $x_0 = f^{-1}(y_0)$. We want to show that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists $\delta > 0$ such that $|y - y_0| < \delta \implies |f^{-1}(y) - x_0| < \epsilon$.
  2. Consider the interval $(x_0 - \epsilon, x_0 + \epsilon) \cap [a, b]$. This is an open set in the subspace topology of $[a, b]$.
  3. Since $f$ is strictly increasing and continuous on an interval, it maps the open interval $(x_0 - \epsilon, x_0 + \epsilon)$ to an open interval $(f(x_0 - \epsilon), f(x_0 + \epsilon))$.
  4. Since $y_0 = f(x_0)$ is inside this open interval, there exists a $\delta > 0$ such that $(y_0 - \delta, y_0 + \delta) \subset (f(x_0 - \epsilon), f(x_0 + \epsilon))$.
  5. Thus, if $|y - y_0| < \delta$, then $f^{-1}(y)$ must lie within $(x_0 - \epsilon, x_0 + \epsilon)$, proving continuity.

Answer: The continuity of $f^{-1}$ follows from the fact that $f$ maps open intervals to open intervals.

Problem 3. Construct a continuous bijection $f: D \to [0, 1]$ where $D$ is not an interval, such that $f^{-1}$ is not continuous.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $D = [0, 1/2] \cup [1, 3/2]$.
  2. Define $f(x) = x$ for $x \in [0, 1/2]$ and $f(x) = x - 1/2$ for $x \in [1, 3/2]$.
  3. The range of the first part is $[0, 1/2]$ and the range of the second part is $[1/2, 1]$.
  4. The function is a bijection from $D$ to $[0, 1]$ and is continuous on its domain.
  5. The inverse is $f^{-1}(y) = y$ for $y \in [0, 1/2)$ and $f^{-1}(y) = y + 1/2$ for $y \in [1/2, 1]$.
  6. As $y \to 1/2$ from the left, $f^{-1}(y) \to 1/2$, but $f^{-1}(1/2) = 1$. The jump at $y=1/2$ proves discontinuity.

Answer: A function defined on $D = [0, 1/2] \cup [1, 3/2]$ with $f(x)=x$ on the first part and $f(x)=x-1/2$ on the second part works.

L66. Module 5 review + self-test

Module 5  2026-10-09  ·  9:27  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the $\epsilon-\delta$ definition to prove that $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 1) = 3$.
Reveal solution
  1. We want $|(x^2 - 1) - 3| < \epsilon$, which simplifies to $|x^2 - 4| < \epsilon$.
  2. Factor the expression: $|x - 2||x + 2| < \epsilon$.
  3. Assume $\delta \le 1$, so $|x - 2| < 1$ implies $1 < x < 3$.
  4. Then $|x + 2| < 5$.
  5. We need $|x - 2| \cdot 5 < \epsilon$, so $|x - 2| < \epsilon/5$.
  6. Choose $\delta = \min(1, \epsilon/5)$.

Answer: \delta = \min(1, \epsilon/5)

Problem 2. Determine if $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ is uniformly continuous on the interval $[0, 1]$. Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. Check continuity: $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$.
  2. Check domain: The interval $[0, 1]$ is closed and bounded, therefore it is compact.
  3. Apply Heine-Cantor: Since $f$ is continuous on a compact set, it must be uniformly continuous.

Answer: Yes, it is uniformly continuous by the Heine-Cantor Theorem.

Problem 3. Prove that the function $f(x) = x^3$ is not uniformly continuous on the interval $[0, \infty)$.
Reveal solution
  1. We use the negation: $\exists \epsilon > 0$ such that $\forall \delta > 0, \exists x, y$ with $|x - y| < \delta$ but $|x^3 - y^3| \ge \epsilon$.
  2. Let $\epsilon = 1$. For any $\delta > 0$, we need to find $x, y$.
  3. Let $x = n + \delta/2$ and $y = n$. Then $|x - y| = \delta/2 < \delta$.
  4. The difference is $|(n + \delta/2)^3 - n^3| = |3n^2(\delta/2) + 3n(\delta/2)^2 + (\delta/2)^3|$.
  5. As $n \to \infty$, this expression grows without bound for any fixed $\delta$.
  6. Thus, for large enough $n$, the difference exceeds $1$.

Answer: Not uniformly continuous because the slope increases without bound as $x \to \infty$.

Module 6 — Differentiation, Rigorously (10/10)

L67. The derivative as a limit — differentiability implies continuity

Module 6  2026-10-10  ·  9:48  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the limit definition of the derivative to find $f'(a)$ for $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ where $a \neq 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Set up the difference quotient: $\frac{1/x - 1/a}{x - a}$.
  2. Find a common denominator in the numerator: $\frac{(a - x)/(ax)}{x - a}$.
  3. Simplify the expression: $\frac{-(x - a)}{ax(x - a)} = -\frac{1}{ax}$.
  4. Take the limit as $x \to a$: $\lim_{x \to a} -\frac{1}{ax} = -\frac{1}{a^2}$.

Answer: f'(a) = -\frac{1}{a^2}

Problem 2. Let $f(x) = x^{1/3}$. Determine if $f$ is continuous at $x = 0$ and if it is differentiable at $x = 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check continuity: $\lim_{x \to 0} x^{1/3} = 0 = f(0)$, so it is continuous.
  2. Set up the difference quotient at $a = 0$: $\frac{h^{1/3} - 0}{h}$.
  3. Simplify the expression: $\frac{h^{1/3}}{h} = \frac{1}{h^{2/3}}$.
  4. Take the limit as $h \to 0$: $\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{1}{h^{2/3}} = \infty$.
  5. Since the limit is not a finite number, the function is not differentiable at $x = 0$.

Answer: Continuous at $x=0$, but not differentiable at $x=0$.

Problem 3. Prove that if $f$ is not continuous at $a$, then it cannot be differentiable at $a$.
Reveal solution
  1. Use the contrapositive of the theorem 'differentiable implies continuous'.
  2. The contrapositive of $P \implies Q$ is $\neg Q \implies \neg P$.
  3. Here, $P$ is 'f is differentiable at a' and $Q$ is 'f is continuous at a'.
  4. The contrapositive is 'if f is not continuous at a, then f is not differentiable at a'.
  5. Since the original implication was proven true in the lesson, the contrapositive is also logically true.

Answer: The statement is the contrapositive of the theorem that differentiability implies continuity.

L68. Differentiation rules proved

Module 6  2026-10-11  ·  9:42  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the product rule to find the derivative of $f(x) = x^3 \ln(x)$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify $u = x^3$ and $v = \ln(x)$.
  2. Compute $u' = 3x^2$ and $v' = 1/x$.
  3. Apply the product rule: $f'(x) = u'v + uv'$.
  4. Substitute: $f'(x) = 3x^2 \ln(x) + x^3(1/x)$.
  5. Simplify: $f'(x) = 3x^2 \ln(x) + x^2$.

Answer: f'(x) = x^2(3\ln(x) + 1)

Problem 2. Find the derivative of $g(x) = \frac{\sin(x)}{x^2}$ using the quotient rule.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify numerator $u = \sin(x)$ and denominator $v = x^2$.
  2. Compute $u' = \cos(x)$ and $v' = 2x$.
  3. Apply the quotient rule: $g'(x) = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}$.
  4. Substitute: $g'(x) = \frac{\cos(x)x^2 - \sin(x)(2x)}{(x^2)^2}$.
  5. Simplify: $g'(x) = \frac{x^2\cos(x) - 2x\sin(x)}{x^4} = \frac{x\cos(x) - 2\sin(x)}{x^3}$.

Answer: g'(x) = \frac{x\cos(x) - 2\sin(x)}{x^3}

Problem 3. Find the derivative of $h(x) = e^{\sin(x^2)}$ using the chain rule twice.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the outermost function as $e^u$, where $u = \sin(x^2)$.
  2. The derivative of $e^u$ is $e^u \cdot u'$.
  3. Now find $u' = \frac{d}{dx}[\sin(x^2)]$. This is another chain rule: $\cos(x^2) \cdot (2x)$.
  4. Combine the results: $h'(x) = e^{\sin(x^2)} \cdot \cos(x^2) \cdot 2x$.

Answer: h'(x) = 2x \cos(x^2) e^{\sin(x^2)}

L69. x^2 sin(1/x) and friends

Module 6  2026-10-12  ·  10:00  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f(x) = x^{3/2} \sin(1/x)$ for $x > 0$ and $f(0) = 0$. Is $f$ differentiable at $x = 0$? If so, is $f'$ continuous at $x = 0$?
Reveal solution
  1. Check differentiability at $0$: $f'(0) = \lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{x^{3/2} \sin(1/x) - 0}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0^+} x^{1/2} \sin(1/x)$.
  2. Since $|x^{1/2} \sin(1/x)| \le x^{1/2}$ and $x^{1/2} \to 0$, the limit is $0$. So $f'(0) = 0$.
  3. Compute $f'(x)$ for $x > 0$: $f'(x) = \frac{3}{2}x^{1/2} \sin(1/x) + x^{3/2} \cos(1/x) \cdot (-1/x^2) = \frac{3}{2}x^{1/2} \sin(1/x) - x^{-1/2} \cos(1/x)$.
  4. Analyze $\lim_{x \to 0^+} f'(x)$: The first term goes to $0$, but the second term $x^{-1/2} \cos(1/x)$ is unbounded and oscillates as $x \to 0$.
  5. Therefore, the limit does not exist, and $f'$ is not continuous at $0$.

Answer: Differentiable at $x=0$ with $f'(0)=0$, but $f'$ is not continuous at $x=0$.

Problem 2. For $f(x) = x^n \sin(1/x)$ with $f(0)=0$ and $n > 0$, find the smallest integer $n$ such that $f'$ is continuous at $x=0$.
Reveal solution
  1. For $f$ to be differentiable at $0$, we need $\lim_{x \to 0} x^{n-1} \sin(1/x) = 0$, which requires $n > 1$.
  2. The derivative for $x \neq 0$ is $f'(x) = nx^{n-1} \sin(1/x) - x^{n-2} \cos(1/x)$.
  3. For $f'$ to be continuous at $0$, we need $\lim_{x \to 0} f'(x) = f'(0) = 0$.
  4. The term $nx^{n-1} \sin(1/x)$ goes to $0$ if $n > 1$.
  5. The term $x^{n-2} \cos(1/x)$ goes to $0$ if $n-2 > 0$, which means $n > 2$.
  6. The smallest integer $n$ satisfying $n > 2$ is $n = 3$.

Answer: n = 3

Problem 3. Let $f(x) = x^3 \sin(1/x)$ for $x \neq 0$ and $f(0) = 0$. Compute the value of $f'(1/\pi)$.
Reveal solution
  1. Use the derivative formula for $x \neq 0$: $f'(x) = 3x^2 \sin(1/x) - x \cos(1/x)$.
  2. Substitute $x = 1/\pi$: $f'(1/\pi) = 3(1/\pi)^2 \sin(\pi) - (1/\pi) \cos(\pi)$.
  3. Since $\sin(\pi) = 0$ and $\cos(\pi) = -1$, we have $f'(1/\pi) = 3(1/\pi)^2(0) - (1/\pi)(-1)$.
  4. This simplifies to $0 + 1/\pi = 1/\pi$.

Answer: 1/\pi

L70. The Weierstrass monster

Module 6  2026-10-13  ·  10:24  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Show that the function $g(x) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\sin(2^n x)}{3^n}$ is continuous for all $x$ using the comparison test with a geometric series.
Reveal solution
  1. Observe that $|\sin(2^n x)| \le 1$ for all $n$ and $x$.
  2. Thus, the absolute value of the $n$-th term is $|\frac{\sin(2^n x)}{3^n}| \le \frac{1}{3^n}$.
  3. The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (1/3)^n$ is a geometric series with $r = 1/3 < 1$, so it converges.
  4. By the comparison test for series, the series for $g(x)$ converges absolutely for all $x$, and since the terms are continuous, the sum is continuous.

Answer: The series is bounded by the convergent geometric series $\sum (1/3)^n$, ensuring continuity.

Problem 2. For the Weierstrass function $f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a^n \cos(b^n \pi x)$, if $a = 0.4$ and $b = 5$, does the condition $ab > 1 + 1.5\pi$ hold?
Reveal solution
  1. Calculate the product $ab$: $0.4 \times 5 = 2.0$.
  2. Calculate the threshold: $1 + 1.5\pi \approx 1 + 1.5(3.14159) \approx 1 + 4.712 = 5.712$.
  3. Compare the two values: $2.0 < 5.712$.

Answer: No, the condition does not hold.

Problem 3. Explain why the term-by-term derivative of $f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a^n \cos(b^n \pi x)$ fails to converge when $ab > 1$.
Reveal solution
  1. The $n$-th term of the derivative series is $f'_n(x) = -\pi a^n b^n \sin(b^n \pi x)$.
  2. The amplitude of this term is $|\pi (ab)^n|$.
  3. If $ab > 1$, then $(ab)^n \to \infty$ as $n \to \infty$.
  4. Since the amplitudes of the terms grow without bound, the series of derivatives cannot converge to a finite value.

Answer: The amplitudes of the derivative terms grow exponentially as $(ab)^n$.

L71. Local extrema and Fermat's theorem; Rolle — proved

Module 6  2026-10-14  ·  9:24  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 2x$ on the interval $[0, 1]$. Show that the hypotheses of Rolle's Theorem are satisfied and find all points $c \in (0, 1)$ where $f'(c) = 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check endpoints: $f(0) = 0$ and $f(1) = 1 - 3 + 2 = 0$.
  2. Continuity and differentiability: $f$ is a polynomial, so it is continuous on $[0, 1]$ and differentiable on $(0, 1)$.
  3. Compute derivative: $f'(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + 2$.
  4. Solve $3x^2 - 6x + 2 = 0$ using the quadratic formula: $x = \frac{6 \pm \sqrt{36 - 24}}{6} = \frac{6 \pm \sqrt{12}}{6} = 1 \pm \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}$.
  5. Check interval: $1 + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} > 1$, but $1 - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \approx 0.422$, which is in $(0, 1)$.

Answer: $c = 1 - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}$

Problem 2. Consider $f(x) = x^{2/3}$ on the interval $[-1, 1]$. Does Rolle's Theorem apply? If not, which hypothesis is violated?
Reveal solution
  1. Check endpoints: $f(-1) = (-1)^{2/3} = 1$ and $f(1) = 1^{2/3} = 1$. Endpoints are equal.
  2. Check continuity: $f(x)$ is continuous on $[-1, 1]$.
  3. Check differentiability: $f'(x) = \frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3} = \frac{2}{3\sqrt[3]{x}}$.
  4. At $x = 0$, the derivative is undefined. Since $0 \in (-1, 1)$, the function is not differentiable on the open interval.

Answer: No, Rolle's Theorem does not apply because $f$ is not differentiable at $x=0$.

Problem 3. Suppose $f$ is differentiable on $(a, b)$ and $f'(x) \neq 0$ for all $x \in (a, b)$. Prove that $f(a)$ cannot equal $f(b)$ if $f$ is continuous on $[a, b]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume for contradiction that $f(a) = f(b)$.
  2. Since $f$ is continuous on $[a, b]$ and differentiable on $(a, b)$, and $f(a) = f(b)$, all hypotheses of Rolle's Theorem are satisfied.
  3. By Rolle's Theorem, there must exist some $c \in (a, b)$ such that $f'(c) = 0$.
  4. However, the problem states that $f'(x) \neq 0$ for all $x \in (a, b)$.
  5. This is a contradiction. Therefore, the assumption $f(a) = f(b)$ must be false.

Answer: Proven by contradiction using Rolle's Theorem.

L72. The Mean Value Theorem — proved

Module 6  2026-10-15  ·  10:12  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find all values of $c$ that satisfy the Mean Value Theorem for $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ on the interval $[1, 9]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Calculate the average slope: $\frac{f(9) - f(1)}{9 - 1} = \frac{3 - 1}{8} = \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}$.
  2. Find the derivative: $f'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}$.
  3. Set the derivative equal to the average slope: $\frac{1}{2\sqrt{c}} = \frac{1}{4}$.
  4. Solve for $c$: $2\sqrt{c} = 4 \implies \sqrt{c} = 2 \implies c = 4$.
  5. Check if $c$ is in the interval $(1, 9)$: $4$ is indeed in the interval.

Answer: c = 4

Problem 2. Let $f$ be a differentiable function such that $f'(x) \le 3$ for all $x$. If $f(0) = 2$, what is the maximum possible value of $f(4)$?
Reveal solution
  1. Apply the MVT on the interval $[0, 4]$: $\frac{f(4) - f(0)}{4 - 0} = f'(c)$ for some $c \in (0, 4)$.
  2. Substitute known values: $\frac{f(4) - 2}{4} = f'(c)$.
  3. Use the given bound $f'(x) \le 3$: $\frac{f(4) - 2}{4} \le 3$.
  4. Solve for $f(4)$: $f(4) - 2 \le 12 \implies f(4) \le 14$.

Answer: 14

Problem 3. Prove that if $f'(x) = 0$ for all $x$ in an interval $(a, b)$, then $f$ is constant on that interval.
Reveal solution
  1. Pick any two points $x_1, x_2$ in the interval such that $x_1 < x_2$.
  2. Apply the MVT to $f$ on the closed interval $[x_1, x_2]$.
  3. There exists $c \in (x_1, x_2)$ such that $\frac{f(x_2) - f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1} = f'(c)$.
  4. Since $f'(x) = 0$ for all $x$, we have $f'(c) = 0$.
  5. Thus, $\frac{f(x_2) - f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1} = 0$, which implies $f(x_2) - f(x_1) = 0$, so $f(x_1) = f(x_2)$.
  6. Since this holds for any $x_1, x_2$, the function must be constant.

Answer: f(x) = C

L73. MVT consequences: monotonicity, derivative tests — all justified

Module 6  2026-10-16  ·  10:26  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Suppose $f$ is differentiable on $[a, b]$ and $|f'(x)| \le k$ for all $x \in (a, b)$. Prove that $|f(b) - f(a)| \le k|b - a|$.
Reveal solution
  1. By the Mean Value Theorem, there exists $c \in (a, b)$ such that $f(b) - f(a) = f'(c)(b - a)$.
  2. Take the absolute value of both sides: $|f(b) - f(a)| = |f'(c)| |b - a|$.
  3. Since $|f'(x)| \le k$ for all $x$, we know $|f'(c)| \le k$.
  4. Therefore, $|f(b) - f(a)| \le k |b - a|$.

Answer: $|f(b) - f(a)| \le k|b - a|$

Problem 2. Let $f(x) = x^3 - 3x$. Find the intervals of monotonicity and identify the local extrema.
Reveal solution
  1. Compute the derivative: $f'(x) = 3x^2 - 3$.
  2. Set $f'(x) = 0$ to find critical points: $3(x^2 - 1) = 0 \implies x = \pm 1$.
  3. Test intervals: For $x < -1$, $f'(x) > 0$ (increasing). For $-1 < x < 1$, $f'(x) < 0$ (decreasing). For $x > 1$, $f'(x) > 0$ (increasing).
  4. At $x = -1$, sign changes $(+) \to (-)$, so local max. At $x = 1$, sign changes $(-) \to (+)$, so local min.

Answer: Increasing on $(-\infty, -1) \cup (1, \infty)$, decreasing on $(-1, 1)$; local max at $x = -1$, local min at $x = 1$.

Problem 3. Prove that if $f'(x) \ge 0$ for all $x$ in an interval, then $f$ is non-decreasing on that interval.
Reveal solution
  1. Pick any $x_1, x_2$ in the interval such that $x_1 < x_2$.
  2. By the Mean Value Theorem, $f(x_2) - f(x_1) = f'(c)(x_2 - x_1)$ for some $c \in (x_1, x_2)$.
  3. We are given $f'(c) \ge 0$ and we know $x_2 - x_1 > 0$.
  4. The product of two non-negative numbers is non-negative, so $f(x_2) - f(x_1) \ge 0$.
  5. Thus $f(x_2) \ge f(x_1)$, which is the definition of a non-decreasing function.

Answer: $f(x_2) \ge f(x_1)$

L74. Darboux's theorem

Module 6  2026-10-17  ·  11:23  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the function $g(x) = \begin{cases} x & x < 0 \\ x + 1 & x \ge 0 \end{cases}$ can be the derivative of some differentiable function $f$ on the interval $[-1, 1]$. Justify your answer using Darboux's Theorem.
Reveal solution
  1. Check the values of $g(x)$ at the endpoints: $g(-1) = -1$ and $g(1) = 2$.
  2. According to Darboux's Theorem, if $g$ is a derivative, it must take every value between $-1$ and $2$.
  3. Observe that $g(x)$ never takes the value $0.5$, because for $x < 0$, $g(x) < 0$, and for $x \ge 0$, $g(x) \ge 1$.
  4. Since $g$ skips values in the interval $(-1, 2)$, it cannot be a derivative.

Answer: No, it cannot be a derivative because it fails the Intermediate Value Property.

Problem 2. Suppose $f$ is differentiable on $[0, 2]$ with $f'(0) = 1$ and $f'(2) = 4$. Prove that there exists at least one $c \in (0, 2)$ such that $f'(c) = 3$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the hypotheses: $f$ is differentiable on $[0, 2]$.
  2. Identify the endpoint values of the derivative: $f'(0) = 1$ and $f'(2) = 4$.
  3. Note that the target value $y = 3$ satisfies $1 < 3 < 4$.
  4. By Darboux's Theorem, since $f'(0) < 3 < f'(2)$, there must exist $c \in (0, 2)$ such that $f'(c) = 3$.

Answer: The existence of $c$ is guaranteed by Darboux's Theorem.

Problem 3. Let $f$ be differentiable on $[a, b]$. If $f'(x) \neq 0$ for all $x \in [a, b]$, prove that $f$ is strictly monotonic on $[a, b]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Assume for contradiction that $f'$ is not strictly monotonic. This would mean $f'$ takes both positive and negative values.
  2. If there exist $x_1, x_2$ such that $f'(x_1) < 0$ and $f'(x_2) > 0$, then by Darboux's Theorem, there must exist some $c$ between $x_1$ and $x_2$ such that $f'(c) = 0$.
  3. However, the hypothesis states $f'(x) \neq 0$ for all $x$.
  4. Therefore, $f'$ must be either always positive or always negative.
  5. From Lesson 73, a derivative that is strictly positive (or negative) implies the function is strictly increasing (or decreasing).

Answer: Since $f'$ cannot change sign without passing through zero, it must be constant in sign, implying strict monotonicity.

L75. L'Hopital's rule — proved at last, with its fine print

Module 6  2026-10-18  ·  10:22  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Evaluate the limit $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x - \sin(x)}{x^3}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check form: $0 - \sin(0) = 0$ and $0^3 = 0$. It is $0/0$.
  2. Apply L'Hopital: $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1 - \cos(x)}{3x^2}$. This is still $0/0$.
  3. Apply L'Hopital again: $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin(x)}{6x}$. This is still $0/0$.
  4. Apply L'Hopital a third time: $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\cos(x)}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$.

Answer: 1/6

Problem 2. Determine if L'Hopital's rule can be used to find $\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{x + \sin(x)}{x}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check form: $x + \sin(x) \to \infty$ and $x \to \infty$. It is $\infty/\infty$.
  2. Take derivatives: $f'(x) = 1 + \cos(x)$ and $g'(x) = 1$.
  3. Examine the limit of the ratio: $\lim_{x \to \infty} (1 + \cos(x))$.
  4. This limit does not exist because $\cos(x)$ oscillates between $-1$ and $1$.
  5. Since the limit of the derivatives does not exist, L'Hopital's rule is inconclusive.

Answer: No, the rule is inconclusive because the limit of the derivatives does not exist.

Problem 3. Evaluate $\lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{\ln(x)}{1/x}$.
Reveal solution
  1. Check form: $\ln(x) \to -\infty$ and $1/x \to \infty$. This is $\infty/\infty$.
  2. Take derivatives: $f'(x) = 1/x$ and $g'(x) = -1/x^2$.
  3. Form the ratio: $\frac{1/x}{-1/x^2} = \frac{1}{x} \cdot (-x^2) = -x$.
  4. Evaluate the limit: $\lim_{x \to 0^+} (-x) = 0$.

Answer: 0

L76. Module 6 review + self-test

Module 6  2026-10-19  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Mean Value Theorem to prove that $e^x \geq 1 + x$ for all $x \geq 0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Define $f(t) = e^t$ on the interval $[0, x]$.
  2. The function is continuous on $[0, x]$ and differentiable on $(0, x)$.
  3. By the MVT, there exists $c \in (0, x)$ such that $f'(c) = \frac{e^x - e^0}{x - 0}$.
  4. Since $f'(t) = e^t$, we have $e^c = \frac{e^x - 1}{x}$.
  5. Because $c > 0$, we know $e^c > e^0 = 1$.
  6. Thus, $\frac{e^x - 1}{x} > 1$, which implies $e^x - 1 > x$, or $e^x > 1 + x$.

Answer: $e^x \geq 1 + x$

Problem 2. Let $f(x) = x^3$ for $x < 0$ and $f(x) = x^2$ for $x \geq 0$. Is $f$ differentiable at $x = 0$? Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. Check the left-hand derivative: $\lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{h^3 - 0}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0^-} h^2 = 0$.
  2. Check the right-hand derivative: $\lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{h^2 - 0}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0^+} h = 0$.
  3. Since both one-sided limits exist and are equal to $0$, the derivative exists at $x = 0$ and $f'(0) = 0$.

Answer: Yes, $f$ is differentiable at $x = 0$ with $f'(0) = 0$.

Problem 3. Suppose $f$ is differentiable on $[0, 1]$ and $f'(x) \leq 2$ for all $x \in (0, 1)$. If $f(0) = 3$, what is the maximum possible value of $f(1)$?
Reveal solution
  1. Apply the Mean Value Theorem to $f$ on $[0, 1]$.
  2. There exists $c \in (0, 1)$ such that $f'(c) = \frac{f(1) - f(0)}{1 - 0}$.
  3. Substitute the known values: $f'(c) = f(1) - 3$.
  4. We are given that $f'(x) \leq 2$ for all $x$, so $f'(c) \leq 2$.
  5. Therefore, $f(1) - 3 \leq 2$, which implies $f(1) \leq 5$.

Answer: 5

Module 7 — The Riemann Integral (12/14)

L77. What should 'area' mean? Darboux sums, upper and lower

Module 7  2026-10-20  ·  10:29  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f(x) = 1$ for $0 \le x < 1$ and $f(x) = 2$ for $1 \le x \le 2$. For the partition $P = \{0, 0.5, 1.5, 2\}$, compute the lower sum $L(f, P)$ and the upper sum $U(f, P)$.
Reveal solution
  1. Interval 1 $[0, 0.5]$: $m_1 = 1, M_1 = 1, \Delta x_1 = 0.5$.
  2. Interval 2 $[0.5, 1.5]$: $m_2 = 1, M_2 = 2, \Delta x_2 = 1.0$.
  3. Interval 3 $[1.5, 2]$: $m_3 = 2, M_3 = 2, \Delta x_3 = 0.5$.
  4. Lower sum: $1(0.5) + 1(1.0) + 2(0.5) = 0.5 + 1.0 + 1.0 = 2.5$.
  5. Upper sum: $1(0.5) + 2(1.0) + 2(0.5) = 0.5 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 3.5$.

Answer: L(f, P) = 2.5, U(f, P) = 3.5

Problem 2. For $f(x) = x^2$ on $[0, 1]$ with a partition of $n$ equal sub intervals, find the expression for the upper sum $U(f, P)$ and its limit as $n \to \infty$.
Reveal solution
  1. Width $\Delta x = 1/n$.
  2. On $[(k-1)/n, k/n]$, the supremum is $M_k = (k/n)^2$.
  3. Upper sum $U(f, P) = \sum_{k=1}^n (k/n)^2 (1/n) = \frac{1}{n^3} \sum_{k=1}^n k^2$.
  4. Using the formula $\sum k^2 = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$, we get $U(f, P) = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6n^3}$.
  5. Taking the limit as $n \to \infty$, the leading terms are $2n^3 / 6n^3 = 1/3$.

Answer: U(f, P) = \frac{(n+1)(2n+1)}{6n^2}, \text{ limit is } 1/3

Problem 3. Prove that if $f$ is a constant function $f(x) = C$ on $[a, b]$, then it is Riemann integrable and its integral is $C(b-a)$.
Reveal solution
  1. For any partition $P$, on every sub interval $[x_{k-1}, x_k]$, the infimum $m_k = C$ and the supremum $M_k = C$.
  2. The lower sum $L(f, P) = \sum_{k=1}^n C(x_k - x_{k-1}) = C \sum (x_k - x_{k-1}) = C(b-a)$.
  3. The upper sum $U(f, P) = \sum_{k=1}^n C(x_k - x_{k-1}) = C(b-a)$.
  4. Since $L(f, P) = U(f, P) = C(b-a)$ for all $P$, the supremum of lower sums and infimum of upper sums are both $C(b-a)$.
  5. Thus, the function is integrable with integral $C(b-a)$.

Answer: \int_a^b C dx = C(b-a)

L78. The Riemann integral defined; the integrability criterion

Module 7  2026-10-21  ·  9:53  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the integrability criterion to prove that the function $f(x) = 2$ for $0 \le x < 1$ and $f(x) = 5$ for $1 \le x \le 2$ is Riemann integrable on $[0, 2]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Choose a partition $P$ that includes the point $x=1$.
  2. The sub-intervals are $[0, 1]$ and $[1, 2]$.
  3. On $[0, 1]$, $m_1 = 2$ and $M_1 = 2$. On $[1, 2]$, $m_2 = 5$ and $M_2 = 5$.
  4. The lower sum $L(f, P) = 2(1) + 5(1) = 7$.
  5. The upper sum $U(f, P) = 2(1) + 5(1) = 7$.
  6. Since $U(f, P) - L(f, P) = 0 < \epsilon$ for any $\epsilon > 0$, the function is integrable.

Answer: The function is integrable with $\int_0^2 f(x) \, dx = 7$.

Problem 2. Prove that the function $f(x) = x^2$ on $[0, 1]$ is Riemann integrable using the criterion. Hint: use a uniform partition into $n$ intervals.
Reveal solution
  1. For a uniform partition, $\Delta x = 1/n$.
  2. On the $k$-th interval $[(k-1)/n, k/n]$, $m_k = ((k-1)/n)^2$ and $M_k = (k/n)^2$.
  3. The difference $M_k - m_k = (k^2 - (k-1)^2)/n^2 = (2k-1)/n^2$.
  4. The total gap $U - L = \sum_{k=1}^n (2k-1)/n^2 \cdot (1/n) = (1/n^3) \sum (2k-1)$.
  5. The sum of the first $n$ odd numbers is $n^2$, so $U - L = n^2/n^3 = 1/n$.
  6. For any $\epsilon > 0$, choose $n > 1/\epsilon$ to satisfy the criterion.

Answer: The function is integrable because $U - L = 1/n \to 0$ as $n \to \infty$.

Problem 3. Let $f$ be a bounded function on $[a, b]$. If $f$ is integrable, prove that for any partition $P$, $L(f, P) \le \int_a^b f \le U(f, P)$.
Reveal solution
  1. By definition, the lower integral is the supremum of all lower sums: $\underline{\int} f = \sup_P L(f, P)$.
  2. By the property of the supremum, any specific lower sum $L(f, P)$ must be less than or equal to the supremum.
  3. Similarly, the upper integral is the infimum of all upper sums: $\overline{\int} f = \inf_P U(f, P)$.
  4. Any specific upper sum $U(f, P)$ must be greater than or equal to the infimum.
  5. Since the function is integrable, $\int f = \underline{\int} f = \overline{\int} f$.
  6. Therefore, $L(f, P) \le \int f \le U(f, P)$.

Answer: The result follows directly from the definitions of supremum and infimum.

L79. Integrating x^2 from the definition — once, honestly

Module 7  2026-10-22  ·  9:53  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Use the Riemann definition (with a regular partition of $n$ sub-intervals) to compute $\int_0^1 x \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Set $\Delta x = 1/n$ and $x_k = k/n$.
  2. The upper sum is $U(f, P_n) = \sum_{k=1}^n (k/n)(1/n) = (1/n^2) \sum k$.
  3. Using $\sum_{k=1}^n k = n(n+1)/2$, we get $U(f, P_n) = n(n+1)/(2n^2) = (n^2+n)/(2n^2)$.
  4. Taking the limit as $n \to \infty$, we get $1/2$.

Answer: 1/2

Problem 2. For $f(x) = x^2$ on $[0, 1]$, find the explicit expression for the difference $U(f, P_n) - L(f, P_n)$ for a regular partition of $n$ intervals.
Reveal solution
  1. From the lesson, $U(f, P_n) = (2n^3 + 3n^2 + n)/(6n^3)$.
  2. From the lesson, $L(f, P_n) = (2n^3 - 3n^2 + n)/(6n^3)$.
  3. Subtracting these gives $(6n^2)/(6n^3) = 1/n$.

Answer: 1/n

Problem 3. Using the Riemann definition and the formula $\sum_{k=1}^n k^3 = [n(n+1)/2]^2$, compute $\int_0^1 x^3 \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Set $\Delta x = 1/n$ and $x_k = k/n$.
  2. The upper sum is $U(f, P_n) = \sum_{k=1}^n (k/n)^3 (1/n) = (1/n^4) \sum k^3$.
  3. Substitute the formula: $U(f, P_n) = (1/n^4) [n^2(n+1)^2 / 4] = (n+1)^2 / (4n^2)$.
  4. Taking the limit as $n \to \infty$, $(n^2 + 2n + 1)/(4n^2)$ approaches $1/4$.

Answer: 1/4

L80. Which functions are integrable? Continuous and monotone functions

Module 7  2026-10-23  ·  10:13  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the function $f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 & 0 \le x < 1 \\ 2 & x = 1 \end{cases}$ is Riemann integrable on $[0, 1]$. Justify your answer using the concepts from today.
Reveal solution
  1. Check for continuity: The function has a jump discontinuity at $x=1$ because $\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = 1$ but $f(1) = 2$. Thus, it is not continuous.
  2. Check for monotonicity: For $0 \le x < 1$, $f(x) = x^2$ is strictly increasing. At $x=1$, $f(1)=2$, which is greater than all previous values. Thus, $f$ is non-decreasing on $[0, 1]$.
  3. Apply the theorem: Since $f$ is bounded and monotone on the closed interval $[0, 1]$, it is Riemann integrable.

Answer: Yes, it is integrable because it is monotone.

Problem 2. Let $f$ be a continuous function on $[a, b]$. If we use a uniform partition with $n$ sub-intervals, and we know that for a given $\epsilon > 0$, the oscillation $M_k - m_k < \epsilon$ for all $k$, show that $U(f, P) - L(f, P) < \epsilon(b-a)$.
Reveal solution
  1. The difference is $U(f, P) - L(f, P) = \sum_{k=1}^n (M_k - m_k) \Delta x_k$.
  2. Substitute the bound $M_k - m_k < \epsilon$: the sum is less than $\sum_{k=1}^n \epsilon \Delta x_k$.
  3. Factor out $\epsilon$: $\epsilon \sum_{k=1}^n \Delta x_k$.
  4. The sum of the widths of the sub-intervals is the total length $b-a$.
  5. Therefore, the difference is less than $\epsilon(b-a)$.

Answer: The difference is bounded by $\epsilon(b-a)$.

Problem 3. Is every integrable function on $[0, 1]$ necessarily monotone or continuous? Provide a counterexample or a brief explanation.
Reveal solution
  1. Consider a function with a single jump discontinuity that is not monotone, such as $f(x) = 0$ for $x \in [0, 1/3)$, $f(x) = 1$ for $x \in [1/3, 2/3)$, and $f(x) = 0$ for $x \in [2/3, 1]$.
  2. This function is not continuous because of the jumps at $1/3$ and $2/3$.
  3. This function is not monotone because it increases and then decreases.
  4. However, it is a step function with finitely many jumps, which is always Riemann integrable.
  5. Thus, continuity and monotonicity are sufficient but not necessary.

Answer: No, a function can be integrable without being monotone or continuous (e.g., a step function with multiple jumps).

L81. Dirichlet's function is not integrable; Thomae's is

Module 7  2026-10-24  ·  10:06  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f(x)$ be the Dirichlet function on $[0, 1]$. Prove that for any partition $P$, the lower Darboux sum $L(f, P)$ is exactly $0$.
Reveal solution
  1. Recall that $L(f, P) = \sum m_k \Delta x_k$, where $m_k = \inf_{x \in [x_{k-1}, x_k]} f(x)$.
  2. In any sub-interval $[x_{k-1}, x_k]$, there exists at least one irrational number $x$ because the irrationals are dense in $\mathbb{R}$.
  3. For any irrational $x$, $f(x) = 0$.
  4. Since $f(x) \ge 0$ for all $x$, the infimum $m_k$ must be $0$.
  5. Therefore, $L(f, P) = \sum 0 \cdot \Delta x_k = 0$.

Answer: L(f, P) = 0

Problem 2. Consider a function $g(x)$ on $[0, 1]$ that is $0$ everywhere except at $x = 1/3$ and $x = 2/3$, where $g(x) = 1$. Use the integrability criterion to show $g$ is integrable.
Reveal solution
  1. The lower sum $L(g, P)$ is always $0$ because every interval contains points where $g(x) = 0$.
  2. For any $\epsilon > 0$, choose a partition that isolates $1/3$ and $2/3$ in intervals of width $\epsilon/4$.
  3. The upper sum $U(g, P)$ consists of two intervals where $M_k = 1$ and the rest where $M_k = 0$.
  4. Thus $U(g, P) = 1 \cdot (\epsilon/4) + 1 \cdot (\epsilon/4) + 0 = \epsilon/2$.
  5. Since $U(g, P) - L(g, P) = \epsilon/2 < \epsilon$, the function is integrable.

Answer: \int_0^1 g(x) \, dx = 0

Problem 3. If a function $f$ is Riemann integrable on $[a, b]$, and we change its value at a single point $x_0$ to a new value $y$, is the new function $f^*$ still integrable? Justify your answer.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $P$ be a partition for $f$ such that $U(f, P) - L(f, P) < \epsilon/2$.
  2. Isolate $x_0$ in a sub-interval $I_k$ of width $\delta$.
  3. The change in the upper sum is at most $|y - f(x_0)| \cdot \delta$.
  4. The change in the lower sum is at most $|y - f(x_0)| \cdot \delta$.
  5. By choosing $\delta$ small enough, the total change in $U - L$ can be made less than $\epsilon/2$.
  6. Thus $U(f^*, P) - L(f^*, P) < \epsilon$, so $f^*$ is integrable.

Answer: Yes, it is still integrable.

L82. Properties of the integral — proved

Module 7  2026-10-25  ·  10:49  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Given that $\int_0^1 f(x) \, dx = 5$ and $\int_0^1 g(x) \, dx = -2$, compute $\int_0^1 (3f(x) - 4g(x)) \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Use linearity to split the integral: $3\int_0^1 f(x) \, dx - 4\int_0^1 g(x) \, dx$.
  2. Substitute the given values: $3(5) - 4(-2)$.
  3. Calculate the result: $15 + 8 = 23$.

Answer: 23

Problem 2. Let $f(x) = x$ for $x \in [0, 1]$ and $f(x) = 2$ for $x \in (1, 2]$. Use interval additivity to find $\int_0^2 f(x) \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Split the integral at $x=1$: $\int_0^1 x \, dx + \int_1^2 2 \, dx$.
  2. Compute the first part: $[x^2/2]_0^1 = 1/2$.
  3. Compute the second part: $[2x]_1^2 = 4 - 2 = 2$.
  4. Sum the results: $1/2 + 2 = 2.5$.

Answer: 2.5

Problem 3. Prove that the function $h(x) = x^2$ if $x \in \mathbb{Q}$ and $h(x) = -x^2$ if $x \notin \mathbb{Q}$ is Riemann integrable on $[0, 1]$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify two integrable functions that bound $h(x)$.
  2. Note that $-x^2 \le h(x) \le x^2$ for all $x \in [0, 1]$.
  3. Since $g(x) = -x^2$ and $k(x) = x^2$ are continuous, they are integrable.
  4. By the comparison property, since $h(x)$ is trapped between two integrable functions, $h(x)$ is also integrable.

Answer: Integrable by comparison property

L83. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus I — proved

Module 7  2026-10-26  ·  9:38  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $G(x) = \int_1^{x^2} \cos(t) \, dt$. Find $G'(x)$ using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the chain rule.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $u = x^2$. Then $G(x) = \int_1^u \cos(t) \, dt$.
  2. By FTC Part 1, $\frac{dG}{du} = \cos(u)$.
  3. By the chain rule, $G'(x) = \frac{dG}{du} \cdot \frac{du}{dx}$.
  4. Substitute $u = x^2$ and $\frac{du}{dx} = 2x$.
  5. Result is $\cos(x^2) \cdot 2x$.

Answer: 2x \cos(x^2)

Problem 2. Suppose $f$ is continuous on $[0, 1]$ and $F(x) = \int_0^x f(t) \, dt$. If $F(x) = x^2$, what is the function $f(x)$?
Reveal solution
  1. By FTC Part 1, $F'(x) = f(x)$.
  2. We are given $F(x) = x^2$.
  3. Differentiate $F(x)$ with respect to $x$: $F'(x) = 2x$.
  4. Therefore, $f(x) = 2x$.

Answer: f(x) = 2x

Problem 3. Prove that if $f(x) = c$ for some constant $c$, then the area function $F(x) = \int_a^x f(t) \, dt$ satisfies $F'(x) = c$.
Reveal solution
  1. The integral of a constant $c$ from $a$ to $x$ is $F(x) = c(x - a)$.
  2. Differentiate $F(x)$ with respect to $x$.
  3. The derivative of $cx$ is $c$, and the derivative of the constant $-ca$ is $0$.
  4. Thus $F'(x) = c$, which matches $f(x)$.

Answer: F'(x) = c

L84. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus II — proved

Module 7  2026-10-27  ·  11:23  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Evaluate the definite integral $\int_0^2 (3x^2 - 2x + 5) \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Find the antiderivative of $3x^2 - 2x + 5$. Using the power rule, $F(x) = x^3 - x^2 + 5x$.
  2. Evaluate $F$ at the upper limit: $F(2) = 2^3 - 2^2 + 5(2) = 8 - 4 + 10 = 14$.
  3. Evaluate $F$ at the lower limit: $F(0) = 0^3 - 0^2 + 5(0) = 0$.
  4. Subtract the results: $14 - 0 = 14$.

Answer: 14

Problem 2. Evaluate $\int_0^{\pi} \sin(x) \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the antiderivative of $\sin(x)$, which is $F(x) = -\cos(x)$.
  2. Evaluate at the upper limit: $F(\pi) = -\cos(\pi) = -(-1) = 1$.
  3. Evaluate at the lower limit: $F(0) = -\cos(0) = -(1) = -1$.
  4. Subtract the results: $1 - (-1) = 2$.

Answer: 2

Problem 3. Find the value of $\int_1^2 (4x^3 + \frac{1}{x}) \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Find the antiderivative: $F(x) = x^4 + \ln(x)$.
  2. Evaluate at the upper limit: $F(2) = 2^4 + \ln(2) = 16 + \ln(2)$.
  3. Evaluate at the lower limit: $F(1) = 1^4 + \ln(1) = 1 + 0 = 1$.
  4. Subtract the results: $(16 + \ln(2)) - 1 = 15 + \ln(2)$.

Answer: 15 + \ln(2)

L85. Integration by parts and substitution — justified

Module 7  2026-10-28  ·  11:29  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Evaluate the definite integral $\int_0^{\pi/2} x \cos(x) \, dx$ using integration by parts.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $u = x$, then $du = dx$.
  2. Let $dv = \cos(x) dx$, then $v = \sin(x)$.
  3. Apply the formula: $[x \sin(x)]_0^{\pi/2} - \int_0^{\pi/2} \sin(x) \, dx$.
  4. Evaluate the boundary term: $(\pi/2) \sin(\pi/2) - 0 = \pi/2$.
  5. Evaluate the integral: $[-\cos(x)]_0^{\pi/2} = -\cos(\pi/2) - (-\cos(0)) = 0 + 1 = 1$.
  6. Combine results: $\pi/2 - 1$.

Answer: \frac{\pi}{2} - 1

Problem 2. Evaluate $\int_0^1 x^2 e^{x^3} \, dx$ using u-substitution.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $u = x^3$, then $du = 3x^2 dx$, so $x^2 dx = \frac{1}{3} du$.
  2. Change limits: $x=0 \implies u=0$; $x=1 \implies u=1$.
  3. Rewrite integral: $\int_0^1 \frac{1}{3} e^u \, du$.
  4. Integrate: $[\frac{1}{3} e^u]_0^1 = \frac{1}{3}(e^1 - e^0)$.
  5. Simplify: $\frac{1}{3}(e - 1)$.

Answer: \frac{1}{3}(e - 1)

Problem 3. Evaluate $\int_1^e \ln(x) \, dx$ using integration by parts.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $u = \ln(x)$, then $du = \frac{1}{x} dx$.
  2. Let $dv = dx$, then $v = x$.
  3. Apply formula: $[x \ln(x)]_1^e - \int_1^e x \cdot \frac{1}{x} \, dx$.
  4. Boundary term: $e \ln(e) - 1 \ln(1) = e(1) - 0 = e$.
  5. Integral term: $\int_1^e 1 \, dx = [x]_1^e = e - 1$.
  6. Combine: $e - (e - 1) = 1$.

Answer: 1

L86. The integral MVT; averages justified

Module 7  2026-10-29  ·  9:47  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Find the average value of $f(x) = \sqrt{x}$ on the interval $[0, 4]$ and find all values of $c \in [0, 4]$ such that $f(c)$ equals this average value.
Reveal solution
  1. Compute the integral: $\int_0^4 x^{1/2} \, dx = [\frac{2}{3}x^{3/2}]_0^4 = \frac{2}{3}(8) = \frac{16}{3}$.
  2. Calculate average value: $f_{avg} = \frac{1}{4-0} \cdot \frac{16}{3} = \frac{4}{3}$.
  3. Set $f(c) = \frac{4}{3}$: $\sqrt{c} = \frac{4}{3}$.
  4. Solve for $c$: $c = (\frac{4}{3})^2 = \frac{16}{9}$.

Answer: f_{avg} = \frac{4}{3}, c = \frac{16}{9}

Problem 2. For $f(x) = e^x$ on $[0, 1]$, find the value of $c$ that satisfies the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals.
Reveal solution
  1. Compute the integral: $\int_0^1 e^x \, dx = [e^x]_0^1 = e - 1$.
  2. Calculate average value: $f_{avg} = \frac{e-1}{1-0} = e-1$.
  3. Set $f(c) = e-1$: $e^c = e-1$.
  4. Solve for $c$: $c = \ln(e-1)$.

Answer: c = \ln(e-1)

Problem 3. Suppose $f$ is continuous on $[a, b]$. Prove that if $f(x) > 0$ for all $x \in [a, b]$, then the average value $f_{avg}$ must also be strictly positive.
Reveal solution
  1. Since $f(x) > 0$ and is continuous on a closed interval, by the Extreme Value Theorem, it has a minimum $m > 0$.
  2. The integral $\int_a^b f(x) \, dx \ge m(b-a)$.
  3. Since $m > 0$ and $b-a > 0$, the integral is strictly positive.
  4. The average value $f_{avg} = \frac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b f(x) \, dx$ is therefore a positive number divided by a positive number, which is strictly positive.

Answer: f_{avg} > 0

L87. Improper integrals rigorously; comparison tests proved

Module 7  2026-10-30  ·  10:07  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Determine if the integral $\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^2 + x} \, dx$ converges or diverges. If it converges, find its value.
Reveal solution
  1. Compare the integrand to $\frac{1}{x^2}$. Since $x^2 + x > x^2$ for $x \ge 1$, we have $0 < \frac{1}{x^2 + x} < \frac{1}{x^2}$.
  2. We know $\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^2} \, dx$ converges (p-test with $p=2$), so the original integral converges by the Comparison Test.
  3. To find the value, use partial fractions: $\frac{1}{x(x+1)} = \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x+1}$.
  4. Integrate: $\int_1^t (\frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x+1}) \, dx = [\ln x - \ln(x+1)]_1^t = \ln(\frac{t}{t+1}) - \ln(\frac{1}{2})$.
  5. Take the limit as $t \to \infty$: $\lim_{t \to \infty} \ln(\frac{t}{t+1}) = \ln(1) = 0$.
  6. The result is $0 - \ln(1/2) = \ln(2)$.

Answer: \ln(2)

Problem 2. Use the Comparison Test to determine the convergence of $\int_1^\infty \frac{\sin^2(x)}{x^3} \, dx$.
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the bounds of the numerator: $0 \le \sin^2(x) \le 1$ for all $x$.
  2. Divide by $x^3$ to get the inequality: $0 \le \frac{\sin^2(x)}{x^3} \le \frac{1}{x^3}$.
  3. Check the convergence of the larger function: $\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^3} \, dx$ is a p-integral with $p=3$.
  4. Since $3 > 1$, the integral $\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^3} \, dx$ converges.
  5. By the Comparison Test, the original integral also converges.

Answer: Converges

Problem 3. Evaluate the improper integral $\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x^2} \, dx$ and explain the result.
Reveal solution
  1. The function is unbounded at $x=0$, so we set up the limit: $\lim_{\epsilon \to 0^+} \int_{\epsilon}^1 x^{-2} \, dx$.
  2. Find the antiderivative: $\int x^{-2} \, dx = -x^{-1} = -\frac{1}{x}$.
  3. Evaluate the definite integral: $[-\frac{1}{x}]_{\epsilon}^1 = -1 - (-\frac{1}{\epsilon}) = \frac{1}{\epsilon} - 1$.
  4. Take the limit as $\epsilon \to 0^+$: $\lim_{\epsilon \to 0^+} (\frac{1}{\epsilon} - 1) = \infty$.
  5. Since the limit is infinite, the integral diverges.

Answer: Diverges

L88. Sets of measure zero; Lebesgue's criterion

Module 7  2026-10-31  ·  10:51  ·  practice PDF

Practice problems (3)
Problem 1. Let $f(x)$ be a bounded function on $[0, 1]$ that is discontinuous only at the points $x_n = (1/2)^n$ for $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$. Is $f$ Riemann integrable?
Reveal solution
  1. Identify the set of discontinuities $S = \{(1/2)^n : n \in \mathbb{N}\}$.
  2. Observe that $S$ is a countable set.
  3. Recall that every countable set has measure zero.
  4. Since the set of discontinuities has measure zero, $f$ is continuous almost everywhere.
  5. By Lebesgue's criterion, $f$ is Riemann integrable.

Answer: Yes, it is Riemann integrable.

Problem 2. Consider the function $f(x) = 1$ if $x$ is a rational in $[0, 1]$ and $f(x) = 0$ if $x$ is irrational. Use Lebesgue's criterion to explain why it is not Riemann integrable.
Reveal solution
  1. The function is discontinuous at every point $x \in [0, 1]$.
  2. The set of discontinuities is $S = [0, 1]$.
  3. The measure of the interval $[0, 1]$ is $1 - 0 = 1$.
  4. Since $1 \neq 0$, the set of discontinuities does not have measure zero.
  5. Therefore, $f$ is not continuous almost everywhere and is not Riemann integrable.

Answer: Not integrable because the set of discontinuities has measure 1.

Problem 3. If $f$ and $g$ are Riemann integrable on $[a, b]$, prove that $f + g$ is also Riemann integrable using Lebesgue's criterion.
Reveal solution
  1. Let $D_f$ be the set of discontinuities of $f$ and $D_g$ be the set of discontinuities of $g$.
  2. Since $f$ and $g$ are integrable, $D_f$ and $D_g$ both have measure zero.
  3. The sum $f + g$ is discontinuous only at points where either $f$ or $g$ (or both) are discontinuous.
  4. Thus, the set of discontinuities of $f + g$ is $D_{f+g} \subset D_f \cup D_g$.
  5. The union of two sets of measure zero also has measure zero.
  6. Since $D_{f+g}$ is a subset of a set of measure zero, it also has measure zero.
  7. By Lebesgue's criterion, $f + g$ is Riemann integrable.

Answer: The set of discontinuities of $f+g$ is a subset of the union of the discontinuities of $f$ and $g$, which has measure zero.

L89. Where Riemann fails — the doorway to Lebesgue tomorrow 08:45
L90. Module 7 review + self-test
Module 8 — Sequences of Functions & Epilogue (0/6)
L91. Pointwise convergence and its failures
L92. Uniform convergence — the fix
L93. Uniform convergence preserves continuity and integrals — proved
L94. Power series justified: term-by-term operations
L95. Weierstrass approximation theorem
L96. Grand finale: the promise ledger closed

The promise ledger

Every claim Course 1 used on trust — paid off, one proof at a time.

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