Limit of cos x as x approaches 1 formal

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SUMMARY

The limit of cos x as x approaches 1 can be evaluated using the formal definition of limits, specifically by manipulating the inequality |cos x - 0.5403023| < epsilon. For epsilon values of 0.1, 0.001, and 0.00001, the approach involves setting up inequalities to find corresponding delta values. The identity \cos{a} - \cos{b} = -2 \sin \frac {a+b} 2 \sin \frac {a-b} 2 is crucial for simplifying the calculations. This method allows for precise determination of delta for each epsilon value.

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Homework Statement



The limit of Cos X as x approaches one using the formal definition.
Given epsilon values of .1, .001, .00001


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Spent all period in physics calc trying to solve this using the formal definition.
Since there is no way to manipulate abs(cosx-.5403)<epsilon
I proceeded to make my delta = the epsilon values and plug into the equation.
None of the answers were working correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated because i have a feeling that I am missing something here.
 
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It appears you want to find the individual values of delta when epsilon is .1, .001, and .00001.

Set up your inequality for each of these values.
For epsilon = .1

|cos x - 0.5403023| < .1
<==> -.1 < cos x - 0.5403023 < .1
Continue in this vein until you have cos x between two values, and then use cos-1 to get an inequality in x. At that point you should have a good idea what to use for delta.

Do the same for the other two values of epsilon.
 
Hint: You might find this identity useful:

\cos{a} - \cos{b} = -2 \sin \frac {a+b} 2 \sin \frac {a-b} 2
 

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