Finding Maximum Delta for a Limit Involving a Quadratic Function

  • Thread starter Thread starter ver_mathstats
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Definition Limit
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the maximum delta (δ) for the limit of a quadratic function as x approaches 3. The goal is to ensure that the condition |x^2 - 9| < 0.009 holds true when |x - 3| < δ. Participants express confusion about transitioning from linear to quadratic functions and suggest using epsilon-delta definitions to formulate the problem. They emphasize the importance of solving a system of inequalities and caution against blindly multiplying inequalities without considering their directions. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need for careful analysis when dealing with quadratic limits.
ver_mathstats
Messages
258
Reaction score
21
Homework Statement
Find a maximum value of δ.
Relevant Equations
limx→3 (x^2) =9.
Consider limx→3x^2=9.
Find a maximum value of δ such that:
|x2 - 9|<0.009 if |x-3|<δ

I just learned how to do this today and I am quite comfortable doing this if the function is linear, however now I am struggling with working with quadratic functions.

So far this is what I have come up with:

-0.009<x2-9<0.009

-0.009<(x-3)(x+3)<0.009

This is where I begin to get confused. Should I first solve it using epsilon and delta? And then use 0.009?
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
Draw a picture! Of course not with a true scale, exaggerate. You could solve ##x^2-9 = 0.009## and observe how far away from ##3## your values are allowed to be.
 
It all boils down to solving a system of inequalities that involve ##\delta## and ##\epsilon##.

To formulate the system I would start with $$|x-3|<\delta \Rightarrow -\delta<x-3<\delta \Rightarrow 6-\delta<x+3<6+\delta$$

Now by combining the last two inequalities what inequalities can you infer for the product ##x^2-9=(x-3)(x+3)## which has to satisfy ##|x^2-9|<\epsilon##. You got to be careful in the combining though , cause one can't always multiply inequalities and get an inequality with the same direction.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
5K