If Riemann integrable functions converge by uniform convergence to , then is Riemann integrable andThis concerns one fixed compact interval, with finite length.[ref]
Here is a proof outline that also establishes Riemann integrability of the uniform limit. Assume , and put and . One bounded and finite show that is a bounded function. For any partition of an interval , its upper Darboux sum and lower Darboux sum satisfyGiven , choose with , then a partition of an interval with . The displayed gap is below , proving Riemann integrability. Finally, and monotonicity of the Riemann integral give the stated error estimate. When , every integral is zero.
For the polynomial functions on , direct integration and the uniform bound giveAt , the exact integral is approximately , while the general error bound is approximately . The bound certifies the result without an exact antiderivative. On , these same integrals still tend to zero, although there is no uniform convergence: sufficient conditions need not be necessary. On an unbounded interval, even uniform convergence can fail to control total area, as uniformly vanishing functions can retain a nonzero integral shows.
Uniform convergence alone also fails to preserve derivatives: converges uniformly to zero on , while . The small amplitude does not control the slopes of the sine oscillations.
Uniform derivative convergence with an anchored value Created 2026-10-07 Updated 2026-10-14
Let be continuously differentiable functions on an interval . If by uniform convergence on and at one fixed , then converge locally uniformly to a continuously differentiable function with . If is bounded, the convergence is uniform on all of .[ref]
6.2 Interchange of limits. Basic Analysis: Introduction to Real Analysis, Volume I by Jiří Lebl, §6.2.3, Theorem 6.2.10 and the unbounded-interval observation following its proof
The anchor fixes the additive constant that a derivative cannot see. By the fundamental theorem of calculus, defineThe uniform limit theorem makes a continuous function, so the fundamental theorem of calculus gives . The displayed estimate proves uniform convergence wherever has a common finite bound, and therefore proves locally uniform convergence on any interval.
For example, on take . Its derivative is , with supremum error from , and . The reconstructed uniform limit is ; the exact supremum error is , equal to the bound above. Without an anchor, the constant functions have zero derivatives but no finite pointwise limit. On the real line, has convergent anchored values and uniformly convergent derivatives, but its supremum error from zero is infinite. The bounded-distance condition has a real role.
Uniform limit theorem Created 2026-09-29 Updated 2026-10-14
A uniform limit of continuous functions is a continuous function. No compactness assumption on the domain of a function is required.[ref]
For a proof, fix an input and tolerance . Uniform convergence supplies one with . Its continuity at supplies with for allowed inputs satisfying . The triangle inequality givesOne approximating function controls both endpoints of this estimate. Under pointwise convergence, selecting an index for supplies no common control at nearby . This explains why the polynomial functions can have a discontinuous pointwise limit on .