Proving Continuity at a Point using (ε,δ) Method

  • Thread starter Thread starter ferret93
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Continuity Point
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the continuity of the function f(x) = 1/√(10 - x²) at the point x = -1 using the (ε,δ) method. The initial attempt involves manipulating the expression f(x) - f(-1) and simplifying it to ((x²) - 1)/(3√(10 - x²)). Participants suggest factoring this expression as (x + 1) multiplied by another term to facilitate the proof. The key insight is to use ε and δ to bound (x + 1) while keeping the remaining expression controlled.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the (ε,δ) definition of continuity
  • Familiarity with limits and their properties
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of square root functions and their behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the (ε,δ) definition of continuity in detail
  • Practice proving continuity for various functions using the (ε,δ) method
  • Learn about limit properties and how they apply to continuity proofs
  • Explore algebraic techniques for simplifying expressions in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, educators teaching continuity concepts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the (ε,δ) method in mathematical analysis.

ferret93
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I'm working on a problem as part of exam revision, but I've run into a bit of trouble so far. The problem is;
Give an (ε,δ) proof that f(x) = 1/[itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex] is continuous at x = -1

The attempt at a solution
So far what I've gotten is f(x) - f(-1) = 1/([itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex]) - 1/3
= (3 - ([itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex]))/(3[itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex])
= ((x^2) - 1)/(3[itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex])

Then from here I've gotten -2 < x < 0 → 10 - x^2 > 6
i'm lost from where to go from here though i just can't see a way though, any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi ferret93! welcome to pf! :smile:
ferret93 said:
= ((x^2) - 1)/(3[itex]\sqrt{10 - x^2}[/itex])

the standard trick is to write that as (x+1) times the rest …

you use ε,δ to minimise (x+1), and some other limit to kepp the rest bounded :wink:
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K