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truewt
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Can a limit of a function = infinity?
Moo Of Doom said:In general, yes. The definition is as follows:
[tex]\lim_{x\to a}f\left(x\right) = +\infty \mbox{ if and only if for any } \epsilon > 0, \mbox{ there exists a } \delta > 0 \mbox{ such that if } \left|x - a\right| < \delta, \mbox{ then } f(x) > \epsilon .[/tex]
EDIT:
And if you want the limit as [itex]x[/itex] approaches infinity, we simply modify the [itex]\delta[/itex] condition a little:
[tex]\lim_{x\to \infty}f\left(x\right) = +\infty \mbox{ if and only if for any } \epsilon > 0, \mbox{ there exists a } \delta > 0 \mbox{ such that if } x > \delta, \mbox{ then } f(x) > \epsilon .[/tex]
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value or approaches infinity. It is used to determine the value that a function approaches as it gets closer and closer to a specific input.
Limits are important because they allow us to understand the behavior of a function and make predictions about its outputs. They are also used in many real-world applications, such as in physics and engineering, to solve problems and make accurate models.
To find the limit of a function, you first need to identify the value that the input is approaching. Then, you can use algebraic techniques, such as direct substitution or factoring, or graphical methods, such as using a graphing calculator, to find the limit. In some cases, you may need to use more advanced techniques, such as L'Hopital's rule.
A left limit, also known as a one-sided limit, is the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain value from the left side. A right limit is the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain value from the right side. In some cases, the left and right limits may be different, indicating that the overall limit does not exist.
The most common types of limits are infinite limits, where the output of the function approaches positive or negative infinity, and limits at infinity, where the input approaches positive or negative infinity. Other types of limits include one-sided limits, limits involving trigonometric functions, and limits of composite functions.