Proving Limits with Δ & ε | Homework Statement

  • Thread starter DDarthVader
  • Start date
In summary: Since the limits of f(x) and g(x) are both finite, there must be a value of δ where both f(x) and g(x) are equal to ε. That value is δ=min{δf,δg}.
  • #1
DDarthVader
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0

Homework Statement


Hello! Now I want to prove this using only δ and ε:[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+g(x)=\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+\lim_{x\rightarrow p}g(x)[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


These are my attempts to solve the problem.
First we start with
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+g(x)[/tex]
if the limit do exist (and we know it does) then
[tex]p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow f(p)-\epsilon <f(x)+g(x)<f(p)+\epsilon[/tex]
and it's limit is given by
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow f(x)+g(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex]
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+f(x)+g(x)[/tex]

now we do the same thing for f(x)
if the limit do exit then
[tex]p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow f(p)-\epsilon <f(x)<f(p)+\epsilon[/tex]
and it's limit is given by
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow f(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex]
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+f(x)[/tex]

now we do it for g(x)
[tex]p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow g(p)-\epsilon <g(x)<g(p)+\epsilon[/tex]
and it's limit is given by
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow g(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex]
[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+g(x)[/tex]

Now we see that [tex]L>-\epsilon+g(x)[/tex] and [tex]L>-\epsilon+f(x)[/tex] hence
[tex]f(x)=g(x)[/tex]
Now I'm stuck! I mean, I don't know if what I did is correct so I don't think I should go on...
 
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  • #2
DDarthVader said:

Homework Statement


Hello! Now I want to prove this using only δ and ε:[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+g(x)=\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+\lim_{x\rightarrow p}g(x)[/tex]

I think they want you to prove that

[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}(f(x)+g(x))=\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+\lim_{x\rightarrow p}g(x)[/tex]

Big difference.
 
  • #3
Yes! Sorry my fault.
Anyway, do you know how to prove it?
 
  • #4
DDarthVader said:

Homework Statement


Hello! Now I want to prove this using only δ and ε:[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+g(x)=\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+\lim_{x\rightarrow p}g(x)
[/tex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


These are my attempts to solve the problem.
First we start with [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow p}f(x)+g(x)[/tex] if the limit do exist (and we know it does) then [tex]p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow f(p)-\epsilon <f(x)+g(x)<f(p)+\epsilon[/tex] and it's limit is given by [tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow f(x)+g(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex] [tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+f(x)+g(x)[/tex]
now we do the same thing for f(x)
if the limit do exit then[tex]
p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow f(p)-\epsilon <f(x)<f(p)+\epsilon[/tex]and it's limit is given by [tex]
0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow f(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex] [tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+f(x)[/tex]
now we do it for g(x)[tex]
p-\delta <x<p+\delta \Rightarrow g(p)-\epsilon <g(x)<g(p)+\epsilon[/tex]and it's limit is given by[tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow g(x)-L<\epsilon[/tex][tex]0<x-p<\delta \Rightarrow L>-\epsilon+g(x)[/tex]
Now we see that [tex]L>-\epsilon+g(x)[/tex] and [tex]L>-\epsilon+f(x)[/tex] hence
[tex]f(x)=g(x)[/tex]Now I'm stuck! I mean, I don't know if what I did is correct so I don't think I should go on...
I assume that what need to do is the following.
If [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \ p}f(x)[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\ p}g(x)[/itex] exist, then prove that [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\ p}(f(x)+g(x))=\lim_{x\to\ p}f(x)+\lim_{x\to\ p}g(x)\ .[/itex]​
Given ε > 0, use εf = ε/2 and εg = ε/2 .

You then know that there is some δf and δg .

What should your δ be for the limit of the sum ?
 
  • #5
Why εf = ε/2 and εg = ε/2?

What should your δ be for the limit of the sum ?
My δ would be δ=min{δf,δg}, correct?
 
  • #6
DDarthVader said:
Yes! Sorry my fault.
Anyway, do you know how to prove it?

Yes. I already took that class!
 
  • #7
DDarthVader said:
Why εf = ε/2 and εg = ε/2?


My δ would be δ=min{δf,δg}, correct?
That's the correct δ.

Put it all together to see why εf = ε/2 and εg = ε/2 .
 

1. What is the purpose of proving limits with Δ & ε?

The purpose of proving limits with Δ & ε is to provide a rigorous mathematical proof for the behavior of a function as it approaches a specific point. This allows us to make precise conclusions about the behavior of the function without relying on graphical or numerical approximations.

2. How is the Δ & ε method used to prove limits?

The Δ & ε method, also known as the delta-epsilon method, involves finding a relationship between the distance between the input value and the limiting value (Δ) and the corresponding distance between the output value and the limiting value (ε). This relationship must hold true for all values of ε, no matter how small.

3. What is the significance of the delta and epsilon values in proving limits?

The delta and epsilon values represent the distance between the input value and the limiting value (Δ) and the corresponding distance between the output value and the limiting value (ε). These values are used to determine the behavior of the function as it approaches the limiting value, and to establish the precision and accuracy of the limit.

4. What are the key steps in proving limits with Δ & ε?

The key steps in proving limits with Δ & ε are:

  1. Write out the limit statement in mathematical notation.
  2. Define Δ and ε in terms of the input and output values.
  3. Manipulate the expression to find a relationship between Δ and ε.
  4. Use this relationship to set constraints on Δ and ε.
  5. Find a suitable value for Δ that satisfies the constraints and proves the limit.
  6. Write a concluding statement that summarizes the limit proof.

5. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when proving limits with Δ & ε?

Some common mistakes to avoid when proving limits with Δ & ε include:

  1. Not defining Δ and ε correctly in terms of the input and output values.
  2. Using a fixed value for Δ instead of finding a suitable value that satisfies the constraints.
  3. Assuming that the limit is true without properly proving it.
  4. Not considering all possible values of Δ and ε.
  5. Incorrectly manipulating the expression to find a relationship between Δ and ε.

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