Is My Epsilon-Delta Proof Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of the conjugate of a complex number using the epsilon-delta definition of limits. The original poster is attempting to show that as \( z \) approaches \( z_0 \), the conjugate \( \overline{z} \) approaches \( \overline{z_0} \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster outlines an attempt to establish the relationship between \( \varepsilon \) and \( \delta \) in their proof. Some participants suggest clarifying the order of the proof and ensuring that the conditions for \( \delta \) are correctly stated. Questions arise about the necessity of specifying that \( z \neq z_0 \) during the proof.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the structure of the proof. There is acknowledgment of improvements made by the original poster, but further refinement is suggested, particularly regarding the conditions under which the limit is evaluated.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is self-studying complex variables and lacks access to instructors for immediate feedback, which may influence the depth of their understanding of epsilon-delta proofs.

BrianMath
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Homework Statement


Using the Epsilon-Delta Definition of a limit, show that

\lim_{z\to z_0} \overline{z} = \overline{z_0}

where \overline{z} is the conjugate of z.

Homework Equations


|\overline{z}|=|z|
\overline{z_1}-\overline{z_2} = \overline{z_1-z_2}


The Attempt at a Solution


\forall \varepsilon > 0, \exists \delta > 0: 0 < |z-z_0| < \delta \implies |\overline{z} - \overline{z_0}| < \varepsilon
|\overline{z}-\overline{z_0}| = |\overline{z-z_0}| = |z-z_0|
Choose \delta = \varepsilon

|\overline{z-z_0}| = |z-z_0| < \delta = \varepsilon


I'm currently teaching myself Complex Variables using Churchill and Brown's text, but do not have access to any instructors to comment on my work (summer before university). This is the first time that I'm seeing \varepsilon-\delta proofs, so I want to make sure that my proof is correct.
 
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You've got the main part sort of backwards. What you've shown is what I call the scratch work that you do on the side before writing up the formal proof. It's how you decide what relationship δ should have to ε so that when z is within the 'δ - neighborhood' of z0, then your function of z, in this case \bar{z}, is within the 'ε - neighborhood' of the limit L, in this case \bar{z}_0.

Yes, you start with ε > 0 as you did. Then you set δ, in this case you said δ = ε.

Next show that for any z such that 0 < | z - z0 | < δ, then it follows (by algebra, etc.) that \left|\bar{z}-\bar{z}_0\right|&lt;\epsilon\,.
 
Okay, thank you. I was wondering if I had the right order of everything.
So is this right, now?

Let \varepsilon &gt; 0 and choose \delta = \varepsilon. Then
0 &lt; |z-z_0| &lt; \delta \implies |\overline{z}-\overline{z_0}| = |\overline{z-z_0}| = |z-z_0| &lt; \delta = \varepsilon
 
Last edited:
BrianMath said:
Okay, thank you. I was wondering if I had the right order of everything.
So is this right, now?

Let \varepsilon &gt; 0 and choose \delta = \varepsilon. Then
|z-z_0|&lt;\delta \implies |\overline{z}-\overline{z_0}| = |\overline{z-z_0}| = |z-z_0| &lt; \delta = \varepsilon
That's much better.

Probably should say 0&lt;|z-z_0|&lt;\delta \implies |\overline{z}-\overline{z_0}\,| = \dots

You don't want (or need) z = z0.
 
SammyS said:
That's much better.

Probably should say 0&lt;|z-z_0|&lt;\delta \implies |\overline{z}-\overline{z_0}\,| = \dots

You don't want (or need) z = z0.

Oops, oh yeah, I did forget the greater than 0 part. :biggrin:

Thank you very much for your help.
 

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