Is the expression \(\lim_{x \to 1.5} \sin x = 0.997494986\) with large δ valid?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of the expression \(\lim_{x \to 1.5} \sin x = 0.997494986\) when considering a large δ in the context of limit definitions in calculus. Participants explore the implications of δ and ε in relation to the behavior of the sine function as x approaches 1.5.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that with a large δ, the value of \(\sin x\) does not approach 0.997494986 directly as x approaches 1.5, suggesting fluctuations in the function's value.
  • Another participant asserts that the limit definition requires that if \(|x - a| < \delta\), then \(|f(x) - L| < \epsilon\), emphasizing that the manner of approach does not affect the validity of the limit.
  • Some participants clarify the delta-epsilon definition, noting that the condition should be framed as if \(|x - 1.5| < \delta\), then \(|\sin(x) - 0.5381| < \epsilon\), although the value of 0.5381 is questioned.
  • There is a mention of a false definition regarding the relationship between δ and ε, with a suggestion that disproving this could be a valuable exercise.
  • Participants express confusion about the correct limit value, with one noting the incorrect value provided by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of δ in relation to the limit, with some agreeing on the delta-epsilon framework while others challenge the correctness of specific limit values. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of the expression with large δ.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the correct limit value and the implications of using a large δ in the context of the sine function's behavior near 1.5.

dE_logics
Messages
742
Reaction score
0
In a sinusoidal function...suppose the value of δ is very large...then as x approaches any a, the value of f(x) might not approach L directly...or there should not be a direct relation; example -

\lim_{x \to 1.5} sin x = 0.997494986

Where I've stated δ as 7...then if x = 1.5 – 6.9 = -5.4; as x approach 1.5 from -5.4, value of sin x does not directly approach 0.997494986...it fluctuates between 1 to -1 many times before it reaches that value.

My question is...is this expression \lim_{x \to 1.5} sin x = 0.997494986 with δ as 7 valid?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It does not matter "how" x approaches a. The only requirement is that "if |x-a|< delta, then |f(x)- L|< epsilon. It is NOT a matter of x getting "closer and closer to a".

Talking about f(x) changing "as x approaches 1.5", for x distant from 1.5 is completely irrelevant. Given any epsilon> 0, there exist a delta such that if |x- 1.5|< delta, then |sin(x)-0.5381|< epsilon.
 
HallsofIvy said:
It does not matter "how" x approaches a. The only requirement is that "if |x-a|< delta, then |f(x)- L|< epsilon. It is NOT a matter of x getting "closer and closer to a".

Talking about f(x) changing "as x approaches 1.5", for x distant from 1.5 is completely irrelevant. Given any epsilon> 0, there exist a delta such that if |x- 1.5|< delta, then |sin(x)-0.5381|< epsilon.

Oh, ok, I get it...I think.

|sin(x)-0.5381| should not exceed ε if |x- 1.5|< delta.
 
dE_logics said:
Oh, ok, I get it...I think.

|sin(x)-0.5381| should not exceed ε if |x- 1.5|< delta.

Rather the other way around. If |x-1.5| < delta, then |sin(x)-.05381| will be less than epsilon. That's the point of the delta-epsilon proof.
 
We can take either ways.
 
dE_logics said:
We can take either ways.
actually, watch out for the false definition:

for any epsilon > 0, there exists a delta > 0 such that |f(x) - L | < epsilon => |x-a| < delta

this is WRONG. it would be a good exercise disproving this
 
"B if A" is the same as "if A, then B." If you read carefully, you'll notice dE_logics said the right thing (except with an incorrect value for the limit. I don't know where Halls got 0.5381 from...).
 
Moo Of Doom said:
"B if A" is the same as "if A, then B." If you read carefully, you'll notice dE_logics said the right thing (except with an incorrect value for the limit. I don't know where Halls got 0.5381 from...).
Neither do I! I don't know where I got that.
 
Moo Of Doom said:
"B if A" is the same as "if A, then B." If you read carefully, you'll notice dE_logics said the right thing (except with an incorrect value for the limit. I don't know where Halls got 0.5381 from...).

yeah, I noticed that, but it is good practise to disprove the false statement anyway, many functions work under that particular kind of false definition
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K