Why Is the Function Bounded in the Extreme Value Theorem Proof?

In summary, the conversation discussed the proof of the boundedness theorem and its connection to the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem. It was clarified that the sequence is bounded in the given case, and the alternative proof used the fact that a continuous function on a compact set is bounded.
  • #1
Amer
259
0
I was reading Wiki, I met a problem in understanding the the proof of boundedness theorem exactly when they said

"Because [a,b] is bounded, the Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem implies that there exists a convergent subsequence"

but Bolzano theorem state that if the sequence is bounded, which is not necessary in our case.
What I miss here

And in the alternative proof they said
"The set {yR : y = f(x) for some x ∈ [a,b]} is a bounded set."
f is continuous at [a,b] but how should it be bounded it is clear but how to prove that ?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Re: Extreme vlaue theore Proof

but Bolzano theorem state that if the sequence is bounded, which is not necessary in our case.
Of course it is! If the sequence is defined in $[a,b]$, this means that for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$ we have $x_n \in [a,b]$, which in turn means that $a \leq x_n \leq b$.

As for the other, it is using the fact that if a function $f: X \to \mathbb{R}$ is continuous, then if $X$ is compact you have that $f(X)$ is compact. This of course means that $f(X) = \{ y \in \mathbb{R} : y = f(x) \text{ for some }x \in [a,b] \}$ is closed and bounded.
 

Related to Why Is the Function Bounded in the Extreme Value Theorem Proof?

What is the Extreme Value Theorem?

The Extreme Value Theorem is a fundamental theorem in calculus that states that a continuous function on a closed interval must have both a maximum and minimum value.

What is the significance of the Extreme Value Theorem?

The Extreme Value Theorem is important because it guarantees the existence of a maximum and minimum value for continuous functions on closed intervals. This allows us to find and analyze these points in order to solve optimization problems.

What is the proof for the Extreme Value Theorem?

The proof for the Extreme Value Theorem is based on the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem, which states that a bounded sequence must have a convergent subsequence. Using this theorem and the intermediate value theorem, it can be shown that a continuous function on a closed interval must have a maximum and minimum value.

Can the Extreme Value Theorem be applied to functions that are not continuous?

No, the Extreme Value Theorem only applies to continuous functions. If a function is not continuous, it may not have a maximum or minimum value on a closed interval.

What are some real-life applications of the Extreme Value Theorem?

The Extreme Value Theorem has many applications in fields such as engineering, economics, and physics. It can be used to solve optimization problems, find the most efficient solutions, and analyze data sets to find extreme values.

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