Proofing the Limit of ##f(x)+g(x) = \infty##

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In summary, we have shown that for any arbitrary positive real number S, there exists a δ such that |x-a|<δ implies f(x)+g(x)>S, which proves that lim_(x→a)(f(x)+g(x))=∞. The proof is valid, but it can be improved by explicitly stating the choice of S and clarifying the relation between S, M, and ε.
  • #1
Tsunoyukami
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Suppose ##\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = \infty## and ##\lim_{x \to a} g(x) = c## where ##c## is a real number. Prove ##\lim_{x \to a} \big( f(x)+g(x) \big) = \infty##.

Proof Assume ##\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = \infty## and ##\lim_{x \to a} g(x) = c##. Then, by definition:

1) For every ##M > 0## there exists ##\delta_{1} > 0## such that ##0<|x-a|<\delta_1 \implies f(x)>M##.
2) For every ##\epsilon >0## there exists ##\delta_{2} >0## such that ##0<|x-a|<\delta_{2} \implies |g(x)-c|<\epsilon##.

We want to show that for every ##S>0## there exists ##\delta>0## such that ##0<|x-a|<\delta \implies f(x)+g(x)>S##.

Choose ##\delta = \min(\delta_{1}, \delta_{2})##.
Then ##0<|x-a|<\delta \implies f(x)>M## and Then ##0<|x-a|<\delta \implies |g(x)+c|<\epsilon \implies c -\epsilon < g(x) < c + \epsilon##.

Then ##f(x) + g(x) > M - \epsilon + c = S## and so, with ##S = M + c - \epsilon## we conclude ##\lim_{x \to a} \big( f(x)+g(x) \big) = \infty##.


Is this a valid proof? I'm not entirely sure if my argument is valid near the end. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Seems legit.
 
  • #3
It's good, but there are a few things you can improve. g(x)+c appears to be a typo. Should be g(x)-c. I think it's not entirely clear what you're doing with S and M. It would add some clarity if you say "let S>0 be arbitrary" at the start of the proof, and then make it clear that you have chosen M and ε to be positive real numbers such that M-ε+c≥S (or =S). (It kind of looks like you let M and ε be arbitrary and then defined S by S=M-ε+c. That's not OK). That last line needs a "for all x such that |x-a|<δ" or a ##|x-a|<\delta~\Rightarrow~##.
 
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1. How do you define the limit of a function?

The limit of a function is the value that the function approaches as the input approaches a specific value or infinity. It is a fundamental concept in calculus that helps us understand the behavior of a function near a certain point.

2. What is "proofing the limit" of a function?

Proofing the limit of a function involves using mathematical techniques to prove that the limit of the function exists and has a specific value. It is an important aspect of calculus and is often used to solve complex problems involving limits.

3. How do you prove the limit of a sum of two functions is infinity?

To prove that the limit of a sum of two functions is infinity, you need to show that the sum of the limits of the individual functions is equal to infinity. This can be done by using the definition of a limit and manipulating the given functions to show that the limit approaches infinity.

4. Can the limit of a function be undefined?

Yes, the limit of a function can be undefined. This typically happens when the function has a vertical asymptote or a jump discontinuity at the point where the limit is being evaluated. In these cases, the limit does not exist because the function does not approach a specific value from both sides.

5. How do you apply "proofing the limit" in real-world scenarios?

In real-world scenarios, "proofing the limit" can be used to analyze the behavior of a system as certain variables approach extreme values. For example, it can be used to predict the maximum capacity of a storage tank or the maximum speed of a moving object. It is also commonly used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving rates of change and optimization.

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