Does it matter if L + epsilon is not in the range of the function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a graphing calculator to determine the value of δ in the context of limits, specifically when evaluating the function sin(x) as x approaches π/2. The original poster is exploring the implications of the function's range in relation to the limit L and the ε value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the graphical representation of sin(x) alongside horizontal lines at y=1.2 and y=0.8 to analyze the limit behavior. Questions arise regarding the validity of δ when L + ε exceeds the maximum value of sin(x), which is 1.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of L + ε being greater than 1, while others clarify that this does not affect the validity of the δ value found. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the conditions for the limit, with some participants confirming that the original poster's approach appears reasonable.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the inequalities involving L and ε, with participants questioning the accuracy of the expressions used in the discussion.

rakeru
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Homework Statement


Use a graphing calculator to find [itex]\delta[/itex]
when

0<|x - [itex]\pi[/itex]/2|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |sin(x) - 1|<0.2


Homework Equations


I don't think there are any other than the format of the previous information:

0<|x-a|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |f(x)-L|<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I used the graphing calculator to graph sinx, y=1.2 and y=0.8
The thing is, L + ε turns out to be greater than 1, so I have something like this (i attached a picture).

For [itex]\delta[/itex] I got 0.61. I'm not sure if it's possible, because the line y=1.2 doesn't touch the graph of sinx. Is it possible?

Thank you!
 

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rakeru said:

Homework Statement


Use a graphing calculator to find [itex]\delta[/itex]
when

0<|x - [itex]\pi[/itex]/2|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |sin(x) - 1|<0.2


Homework Equations


I don't think there are any other than the format of the previous information:

0<|x-a|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |f(x)-L|<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I used the graphing calculator to graph sinx, y=1.2 and y=0.8
The thing is, L + ε turns out to be greater than 1, so I have something like this (i attached a picture).

For [itex]\delta[/itex] I got 0.61. I'm not sure if it's possible, because the line y=1.2 doesn't touch the graph of sinx. Is it possible?

Thank you!

That's just fine. Sure, sin(x) never exceeds 1.2, so you don't have to worry about that case.
 
rakeru said:

Homework Statement


Use a graphing calculator to find [itex]\delta[/itex]
when

0<|x - [itex]\pi[/itex]/2|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |sin(x) - 1|<0.2


Homework Equations


I don't think there are any other than the format of the previous information:

0<|x-a|<[itex]\delta[/itex] and |f(x)-L|<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I used the graphing calculator to graph sinx, y=1.2 and y=0.8
The thing is, L + ε turns out to be greater than 1, so I have something like this (i attached a picture).

For [itex]\delta[/itex] I got 0.61. I'm not sure if it's possible, because the line y=1.2 doesn't touch the graph of sinx. Is it possible?

Thank you!
No.

Edited:
You just need to have ##\displaystyle \ L-\varepsilon < f(x) < L+\varepsilon \ ## whenever ##\displaystyle 0< \left| x-a \right| <\delta ##
 
Last edited:
Uhm, okay. So... who is right?
I don't quite understand what L-ε < f(x) < L -ε means. Do you mean L - ε < f(x) < L + ε ?
 
rakeru said:
Uhm, okay. So... who is right?
I don't quite understand what L-ε < f(x) < L -ε means. Do you mean L - ε < f(x) < L + ε ?

I'm not sure what SammyS is on about. If |x-pi/2|<0.61 then |sin(x)-1|<0.2. At least approximately, as your graph is showing you. I don't see any problems with what you did.
 
Dick said:
I'm not sure what SammyS is on about. If |x-pi/2|<0.61 then |sin(x)-1|<0.2. At least approximately, as your graph is showing you. I don't see any problems with what you did.
Mainly a typo.

I'll fix it.
 
SammyS said:
Mainly a typo.

I'll fix it.

Ah, ok so your "No" was answering the "Does it matter" question in the post question and my "Yes" was answering the "Is it possible" question posed by the OP in the post. No conflict.
 

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