Proving Limits: δ = min(δ1,δ2) Meaning Explained

[Miike012]

The chapter I am reading is on proving limits... The terms "δ = min(δ1,δ2)" has came up a few times but what does it mean?

My guess is that the distances δ1 and δ2 are some where in the interval of the distance δ about some x value.

 

[Ray Vickson]

The chapter I am reading is on proving limits... The terms "δ = min(δ1,δ2)" has came up a few times but what does it mean?

My guess is that the distances δ1 and δ2 are some where in the interval of the distance δ about some x value.

Typically, min(δ1,δ2) means the smaller of δ1 and δ2, or at least it does in most books and papers. Does your source really not have a glossary of notation?

RGV

 

[Miike012]

Ok it says the min of two numbers x and y is denoted min(x,y).. so I am guessing what I posted above that "min(δ1,δ2)" means δ1= δ if δ1<δ2 and vise versa. is that right?

 

[Mark44]

Ok it says the min of two numbers x and y is denoted min(x,y).. so I am guessing what I posted above that "min(δ1,δ2)" means δ1= δ if δ1<δ2 and vise versa. is that right?

It's the other way around.

δ = δ₁ if δ₁ is the smaller of the two numbers, and

δ = δ₂ if δ₂ is the smaller of the two numbers.

If δ₁ = δ₂, then set δ to either number.