Proof of addition of limits when the output value is infinite

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the addition of limits when the output value approaches infinity. Participants explore the conditions necessary for such proofs, particularly focusing on the differences between finite and infinite limits. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning related to limits in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the absence of a proof for the addition of limits when the output is infinite, contrasting it with finite cases that have established proofs.
  • Another participant clarifies that the ε-δ condition for infinite limits involves |f(x)| > M, which complicates the use of certain mathematical tricks.
  • There is a suggestion to demonstrate the concept using the function f(x) = 1/x and examining limits as x approaches 0 from the positive side.
  • A participant expresses understanding of single function limits but seeks clarification on the case involving the sum of two functions approaching infinity.
  • Another participant proposes a formal statement of the limit condition for the sum of two functions, indicating a specific mathematical formulation.
  • There is a mention of reviewing external resources that may address the proof for cases involving infinity.
  • One participant expresses confidence that proving the addition of limits for infinite cases should not be difficult.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of understanding and uncertainty regarding the proof for the addition of limits at infinity. While some agree on the general approach, there is no consensus on the specific proof method or conditions required.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for different conditions when dealing with infinite limits compared to finite limits, highlighting the complexity of the topic. There are unresolved questions about the application of certain mathematical techniques in this context.

swampwiz
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I was looking at some websites that show the proof of addition of limits for a finite output value, but I don't see one for the case of infinite output value, which has a different condition that needs to be met - i.e., | f( x ) | > M instead of | f( x ) - L | < ε.

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitProofs.aspx

http://www.milefoot.com/math/calculus/limits/GenericLimitLawProofs04.htm

And I can't use the trick of letting M be ½ since the triangle inequality doesn't work in the proper direction.

Any idea on how this proof is done for an infinite value?
 
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swampwiz said:
I was looking at some websites that show the proof of addition of limits for a finite output value, but I don't see one for the case of infinite output value, which has a different condition that needs to be met - i.e., | f( x ) | > M instead of | f( x ) - L | < ε.

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitProofs.aspx

http://www.milefoot.com/math/calculus/limits/GenericLimitLawProofs04.htm

And I can't use the trick of letting M be ½ since the triangle inequality doesn't work in the proper direction.

Any idea on how this proof is done for an infinite value?
What exactly are you trying to prove?
 
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PeroK said:
What exactly are you trying to prove?

AIUI, the ε-δ comparison is not { | f( x ) - L | < ε }, but rather { | f( x ) | > M }, so the trick of making each term be { f( x ) > ½ M } doesn't work.
 
swampwiz said:
AIUI, the ε-δ comparison is not { | f( x ) - L | < ε }, but rather { | f( x ) | > M }, so the trick of making each term be { f( x ) > ½ M } doesn't work.
What is AIUI? If it's an acronym, it's not one I've seen before.

All you need to do is to show that, given any (large and positive) M, then you can find a ##\delta > 0## such that f(x) > M.

Try it with f(x) = 1/x, and ##\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x)##. If it's not obvious, can you find a number ##\delta## so that f(x) > 1000? 10,000? 100,000? You'll need to find a different ##\delta## for each.
 
Mark44 said:
What is AIUI? If it's an acronym, it's not one I've seen before.

All you need to do is to show that, given any (large and positive) M, then you can find a ##\delta > 0## such that f(x) > M.

Try it with f(x) = 1/x, and ##\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x)##. If it's not obvious, can you find a number ##\delta## so that f(x) > 1000? 10,000? 100,000? You'll need to find a different ##\delta## for each.

I understand when it's a single function, but the case I was referring to was when it's the sum of a pair of functions.

AIUI = As I Understand It
 
swampwiz said:
I understand when it's a single function, but the case I was referring to was when it's the sum of a pair of functions.

AIUI = As I Understand It

AIUI you want to prove:
$$\text {If} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) = +\infty \ \text{and} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} g(x) = +\infty, $$
$$\ \text{then} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} (f(x)+g(x)) = +\infty$$
 
swampwiz said:
I understand when it's a single function, but the case I was referring to was when it's the sum of a pair of functions.
If the limit is as @PeroK shows, then let h(x) = f(x) + g(x), and follow what I described earlier.
 
PeroK said:
AIUI you want to prove:
$$\text {If} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) = +\infty \ \text{and} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} g(x) = +\infty, $$
$$\ \text{then} \ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} (f(x)+g(x)) = +\infty$$

Yes, although for all cases involving an infinity. I think the website I had mentioned goes into this after dealing with non-infinity cases. I will review that; I think it might explain what I am looking for.
 
swampwiz said:
Yes, although for all cases involving an infinity. I think the website I had mentioned goes into this after dealing with non-infinity cases. I will review that; I think it might explain what I am looking for.

It shouldn't be hard to prove.
 

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