Prove that cos:R->[-1,1] is continuous at every a∈R

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In summary, the task is to prove that the cosine function is continuous at every point in the real numbers. This means showing that for any point a in the domain, the limit of cos(x) as x approaches a is equal to cos(a). A delta/epsilon argument can be used to prove this.
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Charismaztex
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Prove that cos:R-->[-1,1] is continuous at every a∈R

Homework Statement



Prove that cos:R-->[-1,1] is continuous at every a∈R

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



If the function is right continuous at -1, and left continuous at 1, then should the function be continuous in the interval? so the limit of cos(x) as it approaches -1 from the right towards -1 should be the same as cos(-1), and vice versa for the other side. Please confirm or deny this.

Thanks in advance,
Charismaztex
 
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  • #2


I think you may have your domain and your range confused: you need to show that cos is continuous at every point in [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex], not just in the interval: [-1,1].

I suggest using a delta/epsilon argument...
 

1) What does it mean for a function to be continuous at a certain point?

Continuity at a point means that the function has the same value at that point as it approaches from both the left and right sides, and that the limit of the function as it approaches that point exists.

2) How do you prove that cos(x) is continuous at a certain point?

To prove continuity at a point a, we must show that the limit of cos(x) as x approaches a exists and is equal to cos(a). This can be done using the definition of continuity and the properties of cosine function.

3) Is the function cos(x) continuous at every point on the real number line?

Yes, cos(x) is continuous at every point on the real number line. This is because the cosine function is defined for all real numbers and has no points of discontinuity.

4) How does the interval [-1,1] relate to the continuity of cos(x)?

The interval [-1,1] represents the range of values that the cosine function can take. Since the function is defined for all real numbers, the range of values must also include all values in this interval. Therefore, by proving that the function is continuous at every point, we can say that cos(x) is continuous on the interval [-1,1].

5) Can you provide an example of how to use the epsilon-delta definition to prove the continuity of cos(x)?

Yes, for example, to prove that cos(x) is continuous at x=π/2, we can use the epsilon-delta definition and show that for any given epsilon (error), there exists a delta (neighborhood) such that if the distance between x and π/2 is less than delta, then the difference between cos(x) and cos(π/2) is less than epsilon. This can be done by choosing a delta value that is smaller than both epsilon and π/2, and using the fact that the cosine function is bounded by 1 to show that the difference is indeed less than epsilon.

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