Understanding Limits: Delta-Epsilon Proof Practice Problems and Solutions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on delta-epsilon proofs in calculus, specifically addressing limits and their calculations. The user presents multiple problems, including finding the limit of f(x) = 2 - (1/x) as x approaches 1, with a given epsilon of 0.1, and seeks clarification on deriving the corresponding delta value, which is established as delta = 1/11. Additionally, the user explores limits involving trigonometric functions, such as sin(7x)/sin(9x), and seeks guidance on applying algebraic techniques to solve these problems effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of delta-epsilon definitions in limits
  • Familiarity with basic calculus concepts, including limits and continuity
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their limits
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study delta-epsilon proofs in detail, focusing on examples with varying epsilon values
  • Learn the limit properties of trigonometric functions, particularly lim (sin(ax)/x) as x approaches 0
  • Practice finding limits using algebraic manipulation techniques
  • Explore tangent line equations and their derivation in relation to given slopes
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, educators teaching limit concepts, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of delta-epsilon proofs and limit calculations.

the_quack
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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 [itex]|\frac{x-1}{x}|< .1[/itex]
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?
 

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