Proving the Limit of f(ax) with Delta Epsilon

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the limit of the function f(ax) as x approaches 0, given that lim (x-->0) f(x) = L. The key insight is that for any epsilon > 0, a corresponding delta can be chosen such that if 0 < |ax| < |a|d1, then |f(ax) - L| < epsilon. The participants clarify that while the textbook states d2 = d1/|a|, it is essential to recognize that the continuity of f allows for the selection of delta based on the scaling factor a, thus ensuring the limit holds true.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits and continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with the epsilon-delta definition of limits
  • Basic knowledge of function transformations
  • Experience with polynomial functions, specifically cubic functions like f(x) = x^3
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the epsilon-delta definition of limits in more depth
  • Explore the properties of continuous functions and their implications on limits
  • Investigate function transformations and their effects on limits
  • Practice proving limits with various functions, focusing on scaling factors
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Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of limits and continuity in mathematical analysis.

evry190
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hey if lim (x-->0) f(x) = L

where 0 < |x| < d1 implies |f(x) - L | < e

how do i prove lim (x --> 0) f(ax) = L?

i know

0 < |ax| < |a|d1

d2 = |a|d1

but the textbook says d2 = d1/|a|

help you guyssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
 
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You get to choose what d2 is
 
You know that the function f is continuous, so you know that given epsilon > 0, there exists an delta > 0 satisfying
d(x)<delta -> d(f(x),l))<epsilon. Now your problem asks you to show that, given an epsilon > 0, you can find a delta such that d(x)<delta -> d(f(ax),l)<epsilon.

The point is that, you can also choose such a delta for ax. the continuity of the f immediately tells you that you can choose such a delta. What if f were the function f(x) = x^3? consider a neighborhood of f(x)=l=0, (-8,8). Then if x is between -2,2, we know that this relation holds. However, f(ax), a = 5, gives us a drastically stretched function. (-8, 8) is stretched to (-40, 40). if x is between -2/5, 2/5 = original delta/a, then d (f(ax), l) < d(f(x),l)<epsilon, because d(x) is now less than the first delta (2) in this case (because f(ax), x<delta over a implies that x from our second delta neighborhood, times a, is in our first delta neighborhood Adapt, and you'll be done.
 

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