How Does Subtracting a Limit Value Affect Convergence?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equivalence of limits in calculus, specifically that $\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L$ if and only if $\lim_{x\to a} [f(x) - L] = 0$. The proof demonstrates that for any $\epsilon > 0$, there exists a $\delta > 0$ such that if $0 < |x - a| < \delta$, then $|f(x) - L| < \epsilon$. This establishes that the limit of the difference approaches zero, confirming the equivalence of the two limit statements.

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  • Understanding of limit definitions in calculus
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  • Knowledge of real-valued functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
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  • Study advanced limit theorems in calculus
  • Explore epsilon-delta definitions in more complex scenarios
  • Learn about continuity and its relationship with limits
  • Investigate the implications of limits in real analysis
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Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of limit proofs and their applications in real analysis.

Amad27
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Prove that $\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L \space \text{if and only if} \space \lim_{x\to a} [f(x) - L] = 0$ Provide a rigorous proof.

I am not sure what he has given to us.

Is $\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L$ true?

So,

$|f(x) - L| < \epsilon$ for $|x - a| < \delta_1$ some $\delta_1$

$$\lim_{x\to a} f(x) - L = 0 \implies |f(x) - L| < \epsilon \space \text{such that} \space |x - a | < \delta_2$$

I feel we need to prove that $\delta_1 = \delta_2$ Can someone confirm this?

But how do we prove this?
 
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I think your idea is correct but I would write it down as follows.

To prove (the other direction is similar):
$$\lim_{x \to a} f(x)=L \Rightarrow \lim_{ x \to a}[f(x)-L]=0$$

Proof

Let $\epsilon>0$, as $\lim_{x \to a} f(x)=L$ there exists a $\delta>0$ such that
$$0<|x-a|<\delta \Rightarrow |f(x)-L|=|[f(x)-L]-0|<\epsilon$$

But that means we've found for every $\epsilon>0$ a suitable $\delta$ such that the above statement holds, that is, $\lim_{x \to a} [f(x)-L]=0$.
 

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