How Do You Solve a Delta/Epsilon Limit Proof Involving a Rational Function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a rational function as it approaches a specific point, specifically using the delta-epsilon definition of limits. The function in question is f(x) = (x² + 6x + 5) / (x + 5), with the limit being evaluated at x₀ = -5 and ε = 0.5.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the limit and the subsequent determination of δ. There is uncertainty regarding the correct limit value and how to handle negative limits. Some participants express confusion about the function's behavior at the point of interest and the implications for δ.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the limit and its implications for δ. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the limit and the function's definition, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy in the limit values discussed, as well as confusion regarding the function's definition at x = -5. Participants are also addressing formatting issues related to LaTeX.

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Homework Statement


Find [itex]L=\lim_{x\rightarrow\x_{0}} f(x)[/itex]. Then find a number [itex]\delta > 0[/itex] such that for all x, [itex]0<\left|x-x_{0}\right|<\delta[/itex] [itex]\Rightarrow[/itex] [itex]\left|f(x) - L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]

Problem:
[itex]f(x)=\frac{x^{2}+6x+5}{x+5}[/itex], [itex]x_{0}=-5[/itex], [itex]\epsilon=0.5[/itex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Found the limit first which = -4
[itex]\left|f(x) - L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]
[itex]\left|\frac{x^{2}+6x+5}{x+5} - 4\right|<\epsilon[/itex] <--- Problem here not sure... My teacher seems to sometimes keep the negative limit or sometimes he'll make it positive :confused:
[itex]\left|\frac{(x+5)(x+1)}{x+5} - 4\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]\left|x+1-4\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]\left|x-3\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]-.05<x-3<.05[/itex]
[itex]7.95<x+5<8.05[/itex]
[itex]\delta=.05[/itex]

Is that right :|PS: can someone tell me how to fix the limit in latex?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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iRaid said:

Homework Statement


Find [itex]L=\lim_{x\rightarrow x_{0}} f(x)[/itex]. Then find a number [itex]\delta > 0[/itex] such that for all x, [itex]0<\left|x-x_{0}\right|<\delta[/itex] [itex]\Rightarrow[/itex] [itex]\left|f(x) - L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]

Problem:
[itex]f(x)=\frac{x^{2}+6x+5}{x+5}[/itex], [itex]x_{0}=5[/itex], [itex]\epsilon=0.5[/itex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Found the limit first which = -4
[itex]\left|f(x) - L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]
[itex]\left|\frac{x^{2}+6x+5}{x+5} - 4\right|<\epsilon[/itex] <--- Problem here not sure... My teacher seems to sometimes keep the negative limit or sometimes he'll make it positive :confused:
[itex]\left|\frac{(x+5)(x+1)}{x+5} - 4\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]\left|x+1-4\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]\left|x-3\right|<.05[/itex]
[itex]-.05<x-3<.05[/itex]
[itex]7.95<x+5<8.05[/itex]
[itex]\delta=.05[/itex]

Is that right :|


PS: can someone tell me how to fix the limit in latex?

Thanks.
Removed an extra \.

First of all, your function is defined everywhere except at x = -5. For any other value of x, f(x) = x + 1. For this reason, [itex]\lim_{x \to 5} f(x) = 6[/itex], not -4.
 
oops, x0 is supposed to equal -5 not 5.

Also, I only have 1 \ :|
 
This is what you had:
[noparse] [itex]L=\lim_{x\rightarrow\x_{0}} f(x)[/itex] [/noparse]

The \ after rightarrow and before x_{0} was causing the problem.

Your value of δ is not right.

Let's sum up, with errors corrected.
[tex]\lim_{x \to -5}f(x) = -4[/tex]

For x [itex]\neq[/itex] -5, f(x) = [(x + 5)(x + 1)]/(x + 5)] = x + 1

You want to find δ so that if |x - (-5)| < δ, then |f(x) - (-4)| < 0.5.

Can you take it from here?
 
Last edited:
-5+1=-4 not 6 tho >.<
 
iRaid said:
-5+1=-4 not 6 tho >.<
Right. My previous post has been corrected.
 

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