Epsilon Delta Limit Definition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of the function 1/(sqrt(x^2 + 1)) as x approaches -1 using the epsilon-delta definition of a limit. Participants are exploring the necessary steps to establish this proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to express the limit in terms of epsilon and delta, with some expressing uncertainty about how to determine an appropriate delta. There are discussions about simplifying the expression and rationalizing the numerator to facilitate the proof.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made initial attempts to manipulate the expression but are encountering difficulties with simplification and rationalization. There is a recognition of the need to restrict delta to bound the expression, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or simplification method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the epsilon-delta definition, and there are indications of confusion regarding the algebraic manipulation required to progress in the proof.

MathSquareRoo
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Homework Statement



Prove lim x--> -1

1/(sqrt((x^2)+1)

using epsilon, delta definition of a limit

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the limit =(sqrt(2))/2

And my proof is like this so far. Let epsilon >0 be given. We need to find delta>0 s.t. if 0<lx+1l<delta, then l[1/(sqrt((x^2)+1)]-(sqrt(2))/2l < epsilon. So we need to pick delta= ?

I'm not sure how to arrive at the delta. I know I have to work out what's inside the absolute values, but I'm getting stuck.
 
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MathSquareRoo said:

Homework Statement



Prove lim x--> -1

1/(sqrt((x^2)+1)

using epsilon, delta definition of a limit

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the limit =(sqrt(2))/2

And my proof is like this so far. Let epsilon >0 be given. We need to find delta>0 s.t. if 0<lx+1l<delta, then l[1/(sqrt((x^2)+1)]-(sqrt(2))/2l < epsilon. So we need to pick delta= ?

I'm not sure how to arrive at the delta. I know I have to work out what's inside the absolute values, but I'm getting stuck.
What have you tried?

Where are you stuck?
 
I don't know how to simplify it at all. My thought was to maybe to get common denominator or and then multiply by the conjugate, but I don't know if this is correct. I got l[2-(2)^(1/2) *((x^2)+1)^(1/2)]/(2((x^2)+1)^(1/2)l. I'm sorry, it's hard to type it here, does any of that make sense?
 
MathSquareRoo said:
I don't know how to simplify it at all. My thought was to maybe to get common denominator or and then multiply by the conjugate, but I don't know if this is correct. I got l[2-(2)^(1/2) *((x^2)+1)^(1/2)]/(2((x^2)+1)^(1/2)l. I'm sorry, it's hard to type it here, does any of that make sense?
Yes, that makes some sense.

What you have is: [itex]\displaystyle \left|\frac{2-\sqrt{2}\sqrt{1+x^2}}{2\,\sqrt{1+x^2}}\right|[/itex] which is equivalent to: [itex]\displaystyle \left|\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right|[/itex]. That's a start.

Rationalize the numerator. One factor of the result will be (x + 1) .

Restrict δ to put a bound on the rest of the expression.
 
When I try to rationalize, I get l(-2x^2)/[4((x^2)+1)^(1/2)+2(2)^(1/2)*((x^2)+1)]l

What did I do wrong?
 
MathSquareRoo said:
When I try to rationalize, I get l(-2x^2)/[4((x^2)+1)^(1/2)+2(2)^(1/2)*((x^2)+1)]l

What did I do wrong?
The numerator should be 2(1-x2) which is 1(1-x)(1+x).

The denominator is a mess.
 

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