# Confirm Precise Definition of a Limit solution

1. Jul 3, 2008

### kylera

As the subject says, I have "proved" a function, but because this type of problem seems to have no set answer, I'd like some opinions on whether I walked through it properly or not.

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
lim(x=> -2) (x^2-1) = 3

2. Relevant equations
Precise Definition of a Limit

3. The attempt at a solution
Part 1. Assume a value for $$\delta$$
Since 0 < |x + 2|<$$\delta$$,

|f(x) - 3| < $$\epsilon$$
|f(x) - 3| = |x^2 - 1 - 3|
= |x^2 - 4| = |x + 2||x - 2|< $$\epsilon$$

Let C = |x - 2|, which leads to C|x + 2| < $$\epsilon$$

|x + 2| = $$\delta$$ < $$\frac{\epsilon}{C}$$

Applying the Precise Definition of a Limit,

For a $$\delta$$ value $$\frac{\epsilon}{C}$$ greater than zero, there exists $$\epsilon$$ greater than zero such that if 0 < |x + 2|<$$\delta$$, then |f(x) - 3| < $$\epsilon$$.

|f(x) - 3| < $$\epsilon$$
|f(x) - 3| = |x^2 - 1 - 3|
= |x^2 - 4| = |x + 2||x - 2|< $$\epsilon$$

Re-apply C and $$\delta$$ to get

C x $$\frac{\epsilon}{C}$$ < $$\epsilon$$

Hence, by the Precise Definition of a limit, said limit does exist.

2. Jul 3, 2008

### durt

It looks like you're doing this backwards. Your proof should start like "Given $\epsilon > 0$ there exists $\delta > 0$ such that if $0<|x+2|<\delta$, then $|f(x)-3|<\epsilon$..." Now show that this is true using the $\delta$ that you found.

3. Jul 3, 2008

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
You can't do that. |x-2| is a variable, not a constant
what you need is a BOUND on |x-2|. If C is close to -2, say between -1 and -3, how large or how small can |x-2| be?