Understanding Limits: Delta-Epsilon Proof Practice Problems and Solutions

  • Thread starter the_quack
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Limits
In summary, the conversation is about a student struggling with practice problems for an upcoming test. The first problem involves a delta-epsilon proof with the function f(x) = 2-(1/x), where the limit is 1 and epsilon is given at 0.1. The student is unsure how to proceed with the proof and the answer is eventually given as delta=1/11. The student also discusses other problems they have done and asks for help with finding the standard equation of a tangent line for a given slope. They also mention a problem involving finding the limit of sin7x/sin9x using algebra. The conversation ends with the student seeking clarification on their approach to the problem.
  • #1
the_quack
9
0
I am doing these practice problems to study for a test and I just can't figure them out, it's kind of frustrating.

The first concerns the delta-epsilon proof.

f(x) = 2-(1/x)
x is approaching 1, and the limit is 1.
Epsilon is given at 0.1

so, what I have...
0<|x-1|<d (delta)
|f(x)-1|<.1
so
|2-(1/x)-1|<.1
|1-(1/x)|<.1

Maybe I am just an idiot, but how do I go from there?
The answer is delta=1/11, I just can't see how to get it...

I mean, I have done other problems like it,
like for lim x->3 (2x-5) L=1 e=.01
|2x-5-1|<.01
2|x-3|<.01
|x-3|<.005 so delta=.005

And this other problem:
find the limit, using algebra, for x->0 of sin7x/sin9x

I multiplied both sides by csc9x, to get (sin7x*csc9x)/1
because sinx*cscx=1, sin9x*csc9x=1

But I can figure out where to go from there.
Am I doing it wrong?

Thank you for any help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Sorry to bother you guys, but can anyone explain to me how to find the standard equation of the tangent line to f(x) parallel to a given line? (so slope is known)

I desperately need to know how to do this particular thing...

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
  • #3
the_quack said:
I am doing these practice problems to study for a test and I just can't figure them out, it's kind of frustrating.

The first concerns the delta-epsilon proof.

f(x) = 2-(1/x)
x is approaching 1, and the limit is 1.
Epsilon is given at 0.1

so, what I have...
0<|x-1|<d (delta)
|f(x)-1|<.1
so
|2-(1/x)-1|<.1
|1-(1/x)|<.1

Maybe I am just an idiot, but how do I go from there?
The answer is delta=1/11, I just can't see how to get it...
Okay, so [itex]|\frac{x-1}{x}|< .1[/itex]
You need to make |x-1|< 0.1|x|.
If x is close to 1, how small can x be? How small must |x-1| be?

I mean, I have done other problems like it,
like for lim x->3 (2x-5) L=1 e=.01
|2x-5-1|<.01
2|x-3|<.01
|x-3|<.005 so delta=.005

And this other problem:
find the limit, using algebra, for x->0 of sin7x/sin9x

I multiplied both sides by csc9x, to get (sin7x*csc9x)/1
because sinx*cscx=1, sin9x*csc9x=1

But I can figure out where to go from there.
Am I doing it wrong?

Thank you for any help!
Multiplied both sides of what by csc 9x? Looks to me like you just replaced 1/sin 9x by csc 9x.

Anyway, do you know the limit of sin x/ x as x goes to 0?

What would you do to get sin ax/x into that form?
 

1. What are limits?

Limits are an important concept in mathematics that describe the behavior of a function as its input approaches a specific value. They are used to determine the value of a function at a certain point, even if the function is not defined at that point.

2. How do you evaluate limits?

To evaluate a limit, you can use algebraic manipulation, graphing, or substitution. You can also use the limit laws, which state that the limit of a sum, difference, product, or quotient is equal to the sum, difference, product, or quotient of the limits of the individual functions.

3. What is the difference between a one-sided limit and a two-sided limit?

A one-sided limit only considers the behavior of a function as the input approaches a specific value from one direction, either the left or the right. A two-sided limit considers the behavior from both directions and requires that the function approaches the same value from both sides.

4. Can limits be infinite?

Yes, limits can be infinite if the function approaches a value that becomes increasingly large or small without bound. This can happen, for example, if the denominator of a fraction becomes very small.

5. How are limits used in real-life applications?

Limits are used in many real-life applications, including physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to model the behavior of systems and predict outcomes. For example, limits can be used to determine the maximum speed of a car or the optimal production level for a company.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
876
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
987
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
731
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top