Is there a difference between undefined limits and non-existent limits?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BloodyFrozen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Limit
Click For Summary
Undefined limits and non-existent limits are often considered synonymous in calculus discussions. Undefined limits typically refer to situations where a function approaches infinity or has a cusp, while non-existent limits indicate that the right-hand side does not equal the left-hand side. However, both terms ultimately describe scenarios where a limit cannot be determined. The distinction lies in specific cases, as approaching infinity is a subset of limits that do not exist. Overall, the terms can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
BloodyFrozen
Messages
353
Reaction score
1
Is there any difference between a limit that is undefined and a "does not exist"?

From what I think,

Undefined means it approaches +/- infinity (asymptotes) or a cusp, etc.

Does not exist- RHS≠LHS

Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
No. "undefined" and "does not exist" mean exactly the same thing.

Going to +/- infinity is just particular ways in which a limit may not exit.
 
Ok, thanks for clarification.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K