(Tricky) Absolute Value Inequalities

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the function \(\sqrt{x}\) is uniformly continuous on the interval \([0, \infty]\). The key step involves understanding the implications of the inequality \(|x - x_0| < \epsilon^2\), which leads to the conclusion that \(-\epsilon^2 + x_0 < x < \epsilon^2 + x_0\). Participants clarify that the inequality does not specify the relative positions of \(x\) and \(x_0\), necessitating the use of two inequalities to cover both cases. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing these nuances in absolute value inequalities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uniform continuity in mathematical analysis
  • Familiarity with absolute value inequalities
  • Knowledge of the properties of the square root function
  • Basic concepts of limits and epsilon-delta definitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definition and properties of uniform continuity
  • Explore examples of absolute value inequalities in mathematical proofs
  • Learn about the epsilon-delta definition of limits
  • Investigate the implications of continuity on different types of functions
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced calculus or real analysis, particularly those studying continuity and inequalities.

vertciel
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Hello everyone,

I'm posting here since I'm only having trouble with an intermediate step in proving that

\sqrt{x} \text{ is uniformly continuous on } [0, \infty].

1zfjwxs.png


By definition, |x - x_0| &lt; ε^2 \Longleftrightarrow -ε^2 &lt; x - x_0 &lt; ε^2 \Longleftrightarrow -ε^2 + x_0 &lt; x &lt; ε^2 + x_0

1. How does this imply the inequality in red?

\text{ Since } ε &gt; 0 \text{ then } x_0 - ε^2 &lt; x_0

However, I do not know more about x0 vs x.

2. Also, how does the above imply the case involving the orange; what "else" is there?

Thank you very much!
 
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The inequality |x - x0| < ε2 doesn't specify whether x is to the right of x0 or to the left of it. That's the reason for the two inequalities.
 
Thank you for your response, Mark44.

Could you please explain the red box?
 
vertciel said:
Thank you for your response, Mark44.

Could you please explain the red box?
It looks like that's exactly what he did !
 

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