# Prove by definition the statement lim x->4 √x = 2

1. Apr 2, 2008

### roam

Prove by definition the statement

lim x->4 √x = 2

This is what I've done:
Given ε>0

|(√x)-2| = |√x-2|< ε if |x-4|< ε^2

I choose δ = ε^2

0<|x-4|< ε^2
=> |x-2|< √ε^2 = ε

Hence lim x->4 √x = 2

So, what do you think? Did I do the process correctly?

Last edited: Apr 2, 2008
2. Apr 2, 2008

### sutupidmath

Well what you actually need to prove is that

$$\forall\epsilon>0,\exists\delta(\epsilon)>0$$ such that whenever

$$0<|x-4|<\delta=>|\sqrt{x}-2|<\epsilon \ \ ??$$

$$\lim_{x\rightarrow 4}\sqrt{x}=2$$

so

$$|(\sqrt{x}-2)\frac{\sqrt{x}+2}{\sqrt{x}+2}|=|\frac{x-4}{\sqrt{x}+2}|<\frac{\delta}{\sqrt{x}+2}<\frac{\delta}{2}=\epsilon=>\delta=2\epsilon$$

Now since x-->4, it is safe to assume that

0<x<5 , now lets take the square root of both sides

$$0<\sqrt{x}<\sqrt{5} /+2=>2<\sqrt{x}+2<\sqrt{5}+2=>\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}+2}<\frac{1}{2}$$

Now to be absolutely sure that this holds we choose $$\delta=min(2\epsilon, 1)$$

This is all we needed. Do you understand how it goes now?

Last edited: Apr 2, 2008
3. Apr 2, 2008

### roam

Yes, I understand it now. Thank you!

My other question is; consider: lim x->0 x^2sin(1/x)

What do you think of the limit (i.e. it exists or it's infinite) ?
How can we prove that this limit is/isn't infinite? What's the working?

Thanks.

4. Apr 2, 2008

### HallsofIvy

How does that follow? Surely you didn't take the square root of both sides! This is the crucial part of your proof and it is not at all obvious. It isn't even true without other conditions: if x= 5, $\epsilon= 2$, then 0<|x-4|= 1< $\epsilon^2$= 4 but |x- 2|= 3 is NOT less than $\epsilon$= 2.

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 2, 2008
5. Apr 2, 2008

### sutupidmath

Well, what are your thoughts on it? Show what you did so far, what have you tried?

6. Apr 2, 2008

### HallsofIvy

If the sin(1/x) is bothering you, let y= 1/x and replace all xs with y.

7. Apr 3, 2008

### roam

Yes, I have also tried another question, I don't know if I'm right but I'll try it:
lim x->∞ (1+e^x)/e^x

I have sketched the graph and I think the limit is 1.

Now to prove the limit:

Let ε>0 be given.

We choose K = ln(1/ε)>0
so that;
x>k = ln(1/ε) => 1/ε<e^x => e^-x <ε
|((1+e^x)/e^x)|-1 = e^-x< ε

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd appreciate that.

8. Apr 3, 2008

### HallsofIvy

Perhaps it would be simpler as (1+ ex)/ex= e-x+ 1.