Formal definition of limits as x approaches infinity used to prove a limit

In summary, the formal definition for showing that the limit as t goes to infinity of (1-2t-3t^2)/(3+4t+5t^2) is equal to -3/5 involves finding a value of N such that if x>N, then the absolute value of the expression is less than a given epsilon. This can be achieved by manipulating the expression to find a specific value of N, and proving that it satisfies the definition.
  • #1
aegiuscutter
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Homework Statement


use the formal definition to show that lim as t goes to infinity of (1-2t-3t^2)/(3+4t+5t^2) = -3/5


Homework Equations



given epsilon > 0, we want to find N such that if x>N then absolute value of ((1-2t-3t^2)/(3+4t+5t^2) + 3/5) < epsilon

The Attempt at a Solution


i assume that X>N>0 and that the numerator and denominator can't be equal to zero.
do i have to limit the domain? not sure how to proceed from here

absolute value of ((1-2t-3t^2)/(3+4t+5t^2)) < epsilon - 3/5
absolute value of (-(3t+1)(t-1)/5t^2+4t+3)) < epsilon -3/5
 
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  • #2
For this problem, begin by massaging your |f(x) - L| into the form x>N so that you will get a particular value of N which may work.

Then re-state your definition except say [itex]\forall ε>0, \exists N = something \space | \space x > something \Rightarrow |f(x)-L| < ε[/itex]

Then proceed to prove that the particular value of N you found satisfies the definition.
 

What is the formal definition of a limit as x approaches infinity?

The formal definition of a limit as x approaches infinity states that for a function f(x), the limit as x approaches infinity is equal to L if, for every real number ε > 0, there exists a corresponding real number N such that for all x > N, the distance between f(x) and L is less than ε.

How is this formal definition used to prove a limit?

The formal definition of a limit as x approaches infinity is used to prove that the limit of a function exists and is equal to a specific value. By showing that for any arbitrarily small distance ε, there exists a corresponding x-value N that satisfies the definition, we can prove that the function approaches a specific value as x gets closer to infinity.

Can this formal definition be applied to all functions?

Yes, the formal definition of a limit as x approaches infinity can be applied to all functions, as long as the function is well-defined and continuous at the point of interest. This means that the function has a defined value at the point and that the function's graph has no breaks or gaps.

Are there any limitations to using this formal definition to prove a limit?

One limitation of using the formal definition of a limit as x approaches infinity is that it can be a time-consuming and tedious process, especially for more complex functions. Additionally, it may not always be possible to find a specific value for the limit using this definition, as some functions may not have defined limits at infinity.

Are there any other methods for proving a limit?

Yes, there are other methods for proving a limit, such as using the Squeeze Theorem or using algebraic manipulation to simplify the function. These methods may be more efficient and easier to use for certain functions, but they are all based on the same concept of showing that the function approaches a specific value as x gets closer to the limit point.

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