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Theorem

Arzela-Ascoli Theorem

Analysis

Characterizes when a family of continuous functions on a compact space has a uniformly convergent subsequence, in terms of the family being uniformly bounded and equicontinuous. It is a central compactness criterion in functional analysis, named for Cesare Arzela and Giulio Ascoli.

Facts
Statement
If a sequence of real-valued continuous functions on a closed and bounded interval is uniformly bounded and uniformly equicontinuous, then it has a subsequence that converges uniformly. 1
Proof Year
1895 1
Classification
Statement Form
Characterization Theorem 1
Connections

In Branch

Sources
1. Arzela-Ascoli Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Statement and first consequences section
    Consider a sequence of real-valued continuous functions f_n defined on a closed and bounded interval [a, b] of the real line. If this sequence is uniformly bounded and uniformly equicontinuous, then there exists a subsequence that converges uniformly.
  • lead section, history sentence
    A weak form of the theorem was proven by Ascoli (1883-1884), who established the sufficient condition for compactness, and by Arzelà (1895), who established the necessary condition and gave the first clear presentation of the result.
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