Really couldn't catch the concept on epsilon and delta in limits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concepts of epsilon and delta in limits, specifically addressing the differences between Δ (uppercase delta) and ∂ (lowercase delta) in calculus. Participants clarify that Δx represents the change in x (x2 - x1) and Δy represents the change in y (f(x2) - f(x1)). The slope of a secant line is defined as m = Δy/Δx, and the derivative is the limit of this ratio as Δx approaches 0. Additionally, it is emphasized that in integrals, the differential is denoted as dx, not ∂x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including limits and derivatives
  • Familiarity with the notation of Δ (delta) and ∂ (partial derivative)
  • Knowledge of secant lines and their relationship to slopes
  • Basic understanding of integrals and differentials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formal definition of limits using epsilon-delta notation
  • Learn about the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its implications for integrals
  • Explore the concept of partial derivatives in multivariable calculus
  • Practice calculating derivatives using the limit definition
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of limits and derivatives in calculus.

azizlwl
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Really couldn't catch the concept on epsilon and delta in limits.

Let ∂x=x2 - x1
In finding a gradient the value ∂y is taken at certain value.
But in finding area using integral, the ∂y is seen to taken as zero. F(x2)=F(x1)

Maybe one multiplication and the other is division.
 
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azizlwl said:
Really couldn't catch the concept on epsilon and delta in limits.

Let ∂x=x2 - x1
I think you mean Δx = x2 - x1. Δx means "the change in x."
Δ - uppercase Greek letter delta
δ - lowercase Greek letter delta

This is like the difference between D and d in the Roman letters.

This symbol - ∂ - is used for partial derivatives.

azizlwl said:
In finding a gradient the value ∂y is taken at certain value.
You probably mean Δy, "the change in y," which would be f(x2) - f(x1).

The slope of a secant line between two points (x1, f(x1)) and (x2, f(x2)) on a curve is given by

$$m = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{f(x_2) - f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1}$$

The derivative (also called gradient) is the limit of either fraction above as Δx approaches 0, or as x2 - x1 approaches 0.
azizlwl said:
But in finding area using integral, the ∂y is seen to taken as zero. F(x2)=F(x1)
No, not really. The differential in an integral would be dx or dt (or other), not ∂x or ∂t. If you're asking questions about slope and deltas, you're probably getting ahead of yourself in asking about differentials.
azizlwl said:
Maybe one multiplication and the other is division.
 

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