Problem proving if a limit exists

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In summary, the existence of lim x→a k(x) and lim x→a h(x), where a is some real number, and the fact that they are equal, does not necessarily imply that lim x→a f(x) exists.
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Tomath
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Homework Statement


We are given two functions f : [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] -> [itex]\mathbb{R}[/itex] and g: [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] -> [itex]\mathbb{R}[/itex]. For every x [itex]\in[/itex] [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] we define the following:

k(x) = max{f(x), g(x)}
h(x) = min{f(x), g(x)}

The question is:
if lim x-> a k(x) exists and lim x-> a h(x) exists, and the limits are equal, does that imply that lim x->a f(x) exists?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Suppose we define f(x) = 1/x and g(x) = x. At x = 0 f(x) is not defined, so g(x) is the minimum and the maximum at x = 0. Therefore k(x) = g(x) and h(x) = g(x). We know that lim x-> 0 h(x) exists and lim x-> 0 k(x) exists, but lim x -> 0 f(x) does not exists.

Is my work here correct or am i wrong in assuming that if f(0) is not defined then g(0) is the maximum and the minimum at x = 0?
 
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  • #2
Tomath said:

Homework Statement


We are given two functions f : [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] -> [itex]\mathbb{R}[/itex] and g: [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] -> [itex]\mathbb{R}[/itex]. For every x [itex]\in[/itex] [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] we define the following:

k(x) = max{f(x), g(x)}
h(x) = min{f(x), g(x)}

The question is:
if lim x-> a k(x) exists and lim x-> a h(x) exists, and the limits are equal, does that imply that lim x->a f(x) exists?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Suppose we define f(x) = 1/x and g(x) = x. At x = 0 f(x) is not defined, so g(x) is the minimum and the maximum at x = 0. Therefore k(x) = g(x) and h(x) = g(x). We know that lim x-> 0 h(x) exists and lim x-> 0 k(x) exists, but lim x -> 0 f(x) does not exists.

Is my work here correct or am i wrong in assuming that if f(0) is not defined then g(0) is the maximum and the minimum at x = 0?
Hello Tomath. Welcome to PF !

lim x→0 k(x) does not exist. Furthermore, this limit has nothing to do with whether or not k(0) exists, nor does it depend upon the value of k(x). From the left of x=0, k(x) approaches 0. From the right it approaches +∞ .
 

1. What is a limit?

A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It represents the value that a function is approaching as its input gets closer and closer to a particular point.

2. How do you prove if a limit exists?

To prove if a limit exists, you need to show that the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit of the function at the given point are equal. This can be done using the ε-δ definition of a limit, where you choose a small value for ε (epsilon) and find a corresponding value for δ (delta) that satisfies the condition for the limit to exist.

3. What is the ε-δ definition of a limit?

The ε-δ definition of a limit is a mathematical way of proving if a limit exists. It states that for any value ε greater than 0, there exists a corresponding value δ greater than 0 such that if the input is within δ units of the given point, the output will be within ε units of the limit.

4. Can a limit exist at a point where the function is not defined?

No, a limit cannot exist at a point where the function is not defined. This is because a limit requires the function to approach a specific value as the input approaches a particular point. If the function is not defined at that point, it is impossible for it to approach any value.

5. What are some common methods for proving if a limit exists?

Some common methods for proving if a limit exists include the ε-δ definition, using algebraic manipulation and theorems, using trigonometric identities, and using the squeeze theorem. It is important to choose the method that is most appropriate for the given function and point.

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