Question about a limit definition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of limits in metric spaces as presented in Rosenlicht's "Introduction to Analysis." Participants explore the implications of the definition, particularly regarding the concepts of cluster points, the roles of different metric spaces, and the notation used in the definition.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the significance of the metric spaces E, E', and E'' in the limit definition, questioning whether E' simply represents the range and domain of the function.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of cluster points in Euclidean space, with one participant asserting that a cluster point is an arbitrary ball around a limit point, while another clarifies that a cluster point is a single point and distinguishes it from a limit point.
  • Participants question whether the limit point q can be part of p0, with some suggesting that a cluster point must not be part of the domain of the function.
  • One participant mentions issues with the readability of the definition due to formatting problems in their browser, which obscures certain symbols and notations.
  • A specific example of the function f(p) = 1/p is brought up to illustrate how the limit can exist even when the point in question is not in the domain of the function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants demonstrate disagreement regarding the definition and nature of cluster points, with some asserting different interpretations. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly concerning the implications of the definitions and the notation used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in understanding due to formatting issues in the text, which may affect the interpretation of the definitions and symbols presented.

BWV
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From Rosenlicht, Introduction to Analysis:

Definition: Let E, E′ be metric spaces, let p0 be a cluster point of E, and let f(complement(p0)) be a function. A point q ∈ E" is called a limit of f at p0 if, given any e > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that if p ∈ E , p < > p0 and d( p, p0) < δ, then d′( f( p), q) < e.

A couple of questions, i get the standard epsilon delta limit definition as you would see it in a Calc I textbook, but the other stuff is confusing me.- what is the significance, if any, of the E’, E’’? I read E -> E’ as just showing the range and domain of the function - but what is E’’ - it seems to come out of nowhere?

- a cluster point in Euclidian space (that is all the book is concerned with) is an arbitrary ball around a limit point, so it already contains the limit point -which is outside the domain of the function- but the points around the limit point that comprise the cluster point are in the domain.

- Is q ∈ p0?

Thinking of how this would apply to a simple function like f(p) =1/p
 
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BWV said:
From Rosenlicht, Introduction to Analysis:

Definition: Let E, E′ be metric spaces, let p0 be a cluster point of E, and let f(complement(p0)) be a function. A point q ∈ E" is called a limit of f at p0 if, given any e > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that if p ∈ E , p < > p0 and d( p, p0) < δ, then d′( f( p), q) < e.

A couple of questions, i get the standard epsilon delta limit definition as you would see it in a Calc I textbook, but the other stuff is confusing me.- what is the significance, if any, of the E’, E’’? I read E -> E’ as just showing the range and domain of the function - but what is E’’ - it seems to come out of nowhere?

- a cluster point in Euclidian space (that is all the book is concerned with) is an arbitrary ball around a limit point, so it already contains the limit point -which is outside the domain of the function- but the points around the limit point that comprise the cluster point are in the domain.

- Is q ∈ p0?

Thinking of how this would apply to a simple function like f(p) =1/p
I can't read some of what you wrote in your Definition section
  1. let f(complement(p0)) be a function. -- In IE, I see a small dashed rectangle just to the left of f. Inside the rectangle I think it says OBJ, but I can't tell for sure.
  2. if, given any e > 0 -- The rectangle is just before e > 0.
  3. such that if p ∈ E , -- here the rectangle shows up right after E.
  4. then d′( f( p), q) < e -- The rectangle is just before e.
These don't show up at all in Google Chrome, so I don't know what the rectangles with OBJ are supposed to mean.
 
BWV said:
- a cluster point in Euclidian space (that is all the book is concerned with) is an arbitrary ball around a limit point
No, this isn't right. A cluster point isn't a ball -- it is a single point. A ball around a point x consists of all points within the set in question that are within a certain distance from x. The difference between a limit point and a cluster point of a set X is that the limit point doesn't necessarily have to belong to X. The term "accumulation point" is also used in place of "cluster point."
 
Ok, copied and pasted on my tablet which was probably the source of the bad characters. Thanks - ok see where I misunderstood the cluster point - that is just the point in the domain that as the function approaches the limit in the range is approached.
 
BWV said:
Ok, copied and pasted on my tablet which was probably the source of the bad characters. Thanks - ok see where I misunderstood the cluster point - that is just the point in the domain that as the function approaches the limit in the range is approached.

A cluster point must not be part of the domain of the function.

Consider the function ##f: \mathbb{R}_0 \to \mathbb{R}: x \mapsto x/x = 1##

Then ##\lim_{x \to 0} f(x)## exists, while ##x=0## is a point that is not in the domain of the function. It is necessary though that it is a cluster point for the definition to make sense.
 
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