Can the existence of a limit at x = 0 for sqrt(x) be debated?

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    Basic calculus Calculus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the function sqrt(x) as x approaches 0, specifically whether this limit exists when considering one-sided limits and the definition of the square root function for negative values. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding limits in real-valued functions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the limit as x approaches 0 from the positive side, lim x->0+, is 0.
  • Others argue that the limit as x approaches 0 from the negative side, lim x->0-, does not exist, as sqrt(x) is not defined for negative x in the context of real-valued functions.
  • A participant questions how sqrt(x) is defined for negative x, suggesting that it could either be considered as not existing or as an imaginary number.
  • There is a suggestion that if sqrt(x) is defined only for non-negative numbers, then the limit at x = 0 exists, while if it is not defined for negative numbers, the limit does not exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of the limit at x = 0, with some agreeing that the limit exists under certain definitions and others maintaining that it does not exist due to the behavior of the function from the left side.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions of the square root function and the implications of one-sided limits on the existence of the overall limit.

Caesar_Rahil
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can someone please convince me that lim x->0 sqrt(x) = 0
Who of you say it doesn't exist?
 
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If you mean

<br /> \lim_{x \to 0^+} \sqrt{x}<br />

(limit as x approaches 0 through the positives), then the limit is zero. Notice that this is a one-sided limit.

This

<br /> \lim_{x \to 0^-} \sqrt x<br />

means you are trying to approach 0 from the left - through negative numbers. I feel confident in saying this limit does not exist. Why might that be?

Finally, remember that the ordinary limit exists as a real number if, and only if, the two one-sided limits exist as real numbers and are equal. The comment and observation I made earlier combine to say (fill in the blank yourself) about

<br /> \lim_{x \to 0} \sqrt x<br />
 
Caesar_Rahil said:
can someone please convince me that lim x->0 sqrt(x) = 0
Who of you say it doesn't exist?

HI Caesar_Rahil! :smile:

lim x -> 0+ sqrt(x) = 0, but lim x->0- sqrt(x) depends on you define sqrt(x) for negative x …

how are you defining it?

Do you define it as not existing, or do you define it as an imaginary number?
 
I'm confining myself to real valued functions
since left hand limit does not exit, that means sqrt(x) does not have a limit there
so it does not exist
is this interpretation correct?
 
Caesar_Rahil said:
I'm confining myself to real valued functions
since left hand limit does not exit, that means sqrt(x) does not have a limit there
so it does not exist
is this interpretation correct?

Yes … if you define sqrt(x) for negative x as not existing, then automatically there cannot be a limit at x = 0.

(On the other hand, if you define sqrt as a function whose domain is the non-negative numbers only, then the limit does exist. :wink:)
 

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