Understanding Limits: Delta-Epsilon Proof Practice Problems and Solutions

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The discussion focuses on challenges faced while solving delta-epsilon proofs and limit problems in calculus. A specific example involves finding the limit of f(x) = 2 - (1/x) as x approaches 1, with a given epsilon of 0.1, where the participant struggles to derive the delta value of 1/11. Another problem discussed is finding the limit of sin(7x)/sin(9x) as x approaches 0, where the participant is unsure how to proceed after multiplying by csc(9x). Additionally, there is a request for guidance on determining the standard equation of a tangent line parallel to a given line. Overall, the thread highlights common difficulties in understanding and applying limit concepts in calculus.
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I am doing these practice problems to study for a test and I just can't figure them out, it's kind of frustrating.

The first concerns the delta-epsilon proof.

f(x) = 2-(1/x)
x is approaching 1, and the limit is 1.
Epsilon is given at 0.1

so, what I have...
0<|x-1|<d (delta)
|f(x)-1|<.1
so
|2-(1/x)-1|<.1
|1-(1/x)|<.1

Maybe I am just an idiot, but how do I go from there?
The answer is delta=1/11, I just can't see how to get it...

I mean, I have done other problems like it,
like for lim x->3 (2x-5) L=1 e=.01
|2x-5-1|<.01
2|x-3|<.01
|x-3|<.005 so delta=.005

And this other problem:
find the limit, using algebra, for x->0 of sin7x/sin9x

I multiplied both sides by csc9x, to get (sin7x*csc9x)/1
because sinx*cscx=1, sin9x*csc9x=1

But I can figure out where to go from there.
Am I doing it wrong?

Thank you for any help!
 
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Sorry to bother you guys, but can anyone explain to me how to find the standard equation of the tangent line to f(x) parallel to a given line? (so slope is known)

I desperately need to know how to do this particular thing...

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
the_quack said:
I am doing these practice problems to study for a test and I just can't figure them out, it's kind of frustrating.

The first concerns the delta-epsilon proof.

f(x) = 2-(1/x)
x is approaching 1, and the limit is 1.
Epsilon is given at 0.1

so, what I have...
0<|x-1|<d (delta)
|f(x)-1|<.1
so
|2-(1/x)-1|<.1
|1-(1/x)|<.1

Maybe I am just an idiot, but how do I go from there?
The answer is delta=1/11, I just can't see how to get it...
Okay, so |\frac{x-1}{x}|&lt; .1
You need to make |x-1|< 0.1|x|.
If x is close to 1, how small can x be? How small must |x-1| be?

I mean, I have done other problems like it,
like for lim x->3 (2x-5) L=1 e=.01
|2x-5-1|<.01
2|x-3|<.01
|x-3|<.005 so delta=.005

And this other problem:
find the limit, using algebra, for x->0 of sin7x/sin9x

I multiplied both sides by csc9x, to get (sin7x*csc9x)/1
because sinx*cscx=1, sin9x*csc9x=1

But I can figure out where to go from there.
Am I doing it wrong?

Thank you for any help!
Multiplied both sides of what by csc 9x? Looks to me like you just replaced 1/sin 9x by csc 9x.

Anyway, do you know the limit of sin x/ x as x goes to 0?

What would you do to get sin ax/x into that form?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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