Question. Let $C(\Bbb{R})$ denote the ring of real-valued continuous functions on $\Bbb{R}$, with pointwise addition and multiplication. Which of the following form an ideal in this ring?
- The set of all $C^\infty$ functions having compact support.
- $C_c(\Bbb{R})$
- The set of all continuous functions which vanish at infinity.
My Solution.
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True.(Follows from: $Support(f+g) \subset support(f) \cup support(g)$ also $Support(fg) \subset support(f)$ and $support(f):=cl\{x | f(x) \neq 0\}$)
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False. (Take, $f(x)=\frac{1}{1+x^2} \in C_0(\Bbb{R})$ and $r(x)=1+x^2\in C(\Bbb{R})$, then $rf$ doesn't belong to $C_0(\Bbb{R})$).
But I cannot find a counter example in (1) as I did in (3) …
Suppose I choose $f(x)=1$ in $[-1,1]$ and take $r(x)=|x|$. Then $rf(x)=|x|$ and $rf$ doesn't belong to $C_0(\Bbb{R})$. But the problem is if I define $f=0$ outside $[-1,1]$ it wouldn't be smooth…
So I think I have to find another counter example. Can any one please help me to find an counter example here?
Best Answer
There exists a $C^{\infty}$ function $f$ such that $f(x)=1$ for all $x \in (-1,1)$ and $f(x)=0$ for $|x| >2$. [Construction of such functions using $e^{-1/x}$ is standard]. If you multiply this by $|x|$ you will go out of $C^{\infty}$.