Is Absolute Value Necessary for Proving Limit with Epsilon for $\frac{1}{x^4}$?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the limit of $\frac{1}{x^4}$ as $x$ approaches 0 is infinity, specifically for any positive $M$. The proof involves demonstrating that if $\frac{1}{x^4} > M$, then $|x| < \frac{1}{M^{1/4}}$. The necessity of using absolute values is confirmed, as the limit is two-sided, requiring explicit acknowledgment that $x$ is a positive real number. The conclusion is that absolute values are essential for clarity in the proof.

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Dethrone
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Prove that $\lim_{{x}\to{0}}\frac{1}{x^4}=\infty$, given a $M>0$

So we need to prove that $f(x) > M$:

$\frac{1}{x^4}>M$, $\frac{1}{M}>x^4$, $\frac{1}{M^{1/4}}>|x|$

Is that right so far? Is the absolute values necessary in my last statement?
 
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That looks good to me. All you have to do now is to pick up a positive $\delta < 1/M^{1/4}$ such that for all positive real $x < \delta$, $1/x^4 > M$.

Is the absolute values necessary in my last statement?

Well, at least you have to state explicitly that $x$ is a positive real before drawing that argument.
 
I would say yes, because it is a two-sided limit.
 

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