# Epsilon/Delta Limit Exercise

1. Aug 22, 2011

### 0range

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Prove each statement using the epsilon delta definition of limit.

lim $$(x^2-1)=3$$
x -> -2

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Given E > 0, we need D > 0 such that if $$|x-(-2)|<D$$ then $$|(x^2-4|<E$$.

If $$|x+2|<1$$, then $$-1<x+2<1$$ $$-5<x-2<-3$$ $$|x-2|<5$$.

Here's where I'm lost... my answer key says to take $$D=min{E/5,1}$$ but I don't understand why this is.

2. Aug 22, 2011

### LCKurtz

So if |x+2| < 1 what would be your overestimate for

|x2 - 4| = |(x+2)(x-2)| ?

This is what you are trying to make small. How close to -2 does x have to be?

3. Aug 23, 2011

### 0range

Sorry... I don't know how to figure that out.

4. Aug 23, 2011

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
You want to make $|(x+2)(x- 2)|< \epsilon$. That's the same as $|x+ 2|< \epsilon/|x- 2|$

Now, you have calculated that -5< x- 2< -3 so that 3<|x- 2< 5. The one you really want is 3< |x- 2|. That way, 1/|x- 2|> 1/3 and so $\epsilon/|x-2|> \epsilon/3$.

Last edited: Aug 23, 2011
5. Aug 23, 2011

### LCKurtz

If |x+2| < 1 you have shown that |(x-2)| < 5. So

|x2 - 4| = |(x+2)(x-2)| < 5|(x+2)|

How small does |x+2| need to be to make this less than $\epsilon$? Answer that and you will see where the book's answer comes from.

6. Aug 23, 2011

### 0range

I think I get it now... when I'm home from work I'll sit down, work through it and post the answer.

Thanks again, your help is very appreciated guys.