How to prove there is no limit of cos1/x using theorm of limit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that there is no limit of cos(1/x) as x approaches 0, utilizing the theorem of limits. Participants explore various approaches, including epsilon-delta definitions and sequences, while grappling with the implications of the oscillatory nature of the cosine function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the limit definition and the behavior of cos(1/x) as x approaches 0, noting that it relates to the limit of 1/x approaching infinity.
  • Another participant proposes showing that for any arbitrary number L, there exists a neighborhood around 0 where the distance |L - cos(1/x)| can exceed 1/2.
  • A different approach is mentioned, where finding two sequences a(n) and b(n) that converge to 0 but yield different limits for cos(a(n)) and cos(b(n)) could demonstrate the non-existence of the limit.
  • One participant emphasizes that taking the limit from the right (0+) leads to cos(infinity), which does not converge to a single value, supporting the argument that no limit exists.
  • Another participant discusses a counterexample approach, stating that for any epsilon, there exists a delta such that |cos(x) - L| can exceed epsilon for some x within the delta neighborhood.
  • One participant reflects on their earlier misunderstanding, clarifying their thoughts on the conditions under which the limit might not hold.
  • A final note highlights the importance of understanding the negation of propositions in the context of limits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and reasoning regarding the non-existence of the limit, but no consensus is reached on a single definitive approach. Multiple competing views and techniques remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on different definitions and interpretations of limits, including epsilon-delta definitions and sequence convergence, which may introduce varying assumptions and conditions that are not fully resolved.

flying2000
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How to prove there is no limit(x->0) of cos1/x using theorem of limit?
Anybody can give me some hints?
thanks
 
Last edited:
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I'm just learning this myself, but here is how I would approach it.

[itex]\lim_{x\to 0}f(x)=\cos(\frac{1}{x})[/itex]
You know what happens to [itex]\lim_{x\to 0}f(x) = \frac{1}{x}[/itex]

You also know what a graf with [itex]f(x) = \cos(x)[/itex] looks like.

Now consider

[itex]y = \frac{1}{x}[/itex]

and

[itex]\lim_{y\to\infty}f(y)=\cos(y)[/itex]
 
Last edited:
thanx

Choose an arbitrary number called "L". (Think of it as between -1 and 1 if you like)
Show that there exists a neighbourhood U of 0, so that given |L|<1, there will always be some x in U so that |L-cos(1/x)|>1/2
but I don't know how to continue...

Dr-NiKoN said:
I'm just learning this myself, but here is how I would approach it.

[itex]\lim_{x\to 0}f(x)=\cos(\frac{1}{x})[/itex]
You know what happens to [itex]\lim_{x\to 0}f(x) = \frac{1}{x}[/itex]

You also know what a graf with [itex]f(x) = \cos(x)[/itex] looks like.

Now consider

[itex]y = \frac{1}{x}[/itex]

and

[itex]\lim_{y\to\infty}f(y)=\cos(y)[/itex]
 
my question is how to find x to makes |L-cos(1/x)|>1/2

my question is how to find x to makes |L-cos(1/x)|>1/2
 
Use the easier, and equivalent, definition of limit.

If you can find two sequences a(n) and b(n) tending to zero such that cos(a(n)) and cos(b(n)) tend to different numbers you're done.
 
thanx,but I want to know if I can prove it by E-Delta therom? Hope U can Help me..

thanx,but I want to know if I can prove it by E-Delta therom? Hope U can Help me..
matt grime said:
Use the easier, and equivalent, definition of limit.

If you can find two sequences a(n) and b(n) tending to zero such that cos(a(n)) and cos(b(n)) tend to different numbers you're done.
 
Take limit as x approaches 0 from the right (lim->0+) of cos(1/x). Using direct substitution, you would get cos(infinity). cos(infinity) does not approach a single value, because it is not a monotonic function over the required interval. So, no limit exists, because no single value is approached. If one side of a limit does not exist, the limit does not exist.

This is the way I learned to do limits. Not sure if it applies here though.
 
To prove the counter example it suffices to show that given any d there is a e such that there is some x with |cos(x)-L| > e and |x|<d

but this is trivial. firstly L must be between -1 and 1, and let x be some sufficiently large solution to cos(x)=1 or -1, then one of |1-L| and |-1-L| must be greater than 1 (which we can choose to be e)

nb e:=epsilon, d:=delta
 
thanx

I got it now,thanx a lot
Actually,I thought it should hold for all x ,my mistake!

matt grime said:
To prove the counter example it suffices to show that given any d there is a e such that there is some x with |cos(x)-L| > e and |x|<d

but this is trivial. firstly L must be between -1 and 1, and let x be some sufficiently large solution to cos(x)=1 or -1, then one of |1-L| and |-1-L| must be greater than 1 (which we can choose to be e)

nb e:=epsilon, d:=delta
 
  • #10
In the negation of propositions never forget that 'for all' is changed to 'there exists'
 

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