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Learning Objectives
- Describe the epsilon-delta definition of a limit.
- Apply the epsilon-delta definition to find the limit of a function.
- Describe the epsilon-delta definitions of one-sided limits and infinite limits.
- Use the epsilon-delta definition to prove the limit laws.
By now you have progressed from the very informal definition of a limit in the introduction of this chapter to the intuitive understanding of a limit. At this point, you should have a very strong intuitive sense of what the limit of a function means and how you can find it. In this section, we convert this intuitive idea of a limit into a formal definition using precise mathematical language. The formal definition of a limit is quite possibly one of the most challenging definitions you will encounter early in your study of calculus; however, it is well worth any effort you make to reconcile it with your intuitive notion of a limit. Understanding this definition is the key that opens the door to a better understanding of calculus.
Quantifying Closeness
Before stating the formal definition of a limit, we must introduce a few preliminary ideas. Recall that the distance between two points and on a number line is given by .
- The statement may be interpreted as: The distance between and is less than .
- The statement may be interpreted as: and the distance between and is less than .
It is also important to look at the following equivalences for absolute value:
- The statement is equivalent to the statement .
- The statement is equivalent to the statement and .
With these clarifications, we can state the formal epsilon-delta definition of the limit .
Definition
Let be defined for all over an open interval containing . Let be a real number. Then
if, for every , there exists a such that if , then .
This definition may seem rather complex from a mathematical point of view, but it becomes easier to understand if we break it down phrase by phrase. The statement itself involves something called a universal quantifier (for every ), an existential quantifier (there exists a ), and, last, a conditional statement (if then ). Let’s take a look at (Figure) , which breaks down the definition and translates each part.
Definition | Translation |
---|---|
1. For every , | 1. For every positive distance from , |
2. there exists a , | 2. There is a positive distance from , |
3. such that | 3. such that |
4. if , then . | 4. if is closer than to and , then is closer than to . |
We can get a better handle on this definition by looking at the definition geometrically. (Figure) shows possible values of for various choices of for a given function , a number , and a limit at . Notice that as we choose smaller values of (the distance between the function and the limit), we can always find a small enough so that if we have chosen an value within of , then the value of is within of the limit .
Visit the following applet to experiment with finding values of for selected values of :
(Figure) shows how you can use this definition to prove a statement about the limit of a specific function at a specified value.
Proving a Statement about the Limit of a Specific Function
Prove that .
Solution
Let .
The first part of the definition begins “For every .” This means we must prove that whatever follows is true no matter what positive value of is chosen. By stating “Let ,” we signal our intent to do so.
Choose .
The definition continues with “there exists a .” The phrase “there exists” in a mathematical statement is always a signal for a scavenger hunt. In other words, we must go and find . So, where exactly did come from? There are two basic approaches to tracking down . One method is purely algebraic and the other is geometric.
We begin by tackling the problem from an algebraic point of view. Since ultimately we want , we begin by manipulating this expression: is equivalent to , which in turn is equivalent to . Last, this is equivalent to . Thus, it would seem that is appropriate.
We may also find through geometric methods. (Figure) demonstrates how this is done.
Assume . When has been chosen, our goal is to show that if , then . To prove any statement of the form “If this, then that,” we begin by assuming “this” and trying to get “that.”
Thus,
The following Problem-Solving Strategy summarizes the type of proof we worked out in (Figure) .
Problem-Solving Strategy: Proving That for a Specific Function
- Let’s begin the proof with the following statement: Let .
- Next, we need to obtain a value for . After we have obtained this value, we make the following statement, filling in the blank with our choice of : Choose _______.
- The next statement in the proof should be (filling in our given value for ):
Assume . - Next, based on this assumption, we need to show that , where and are our function and our limit . At some point, we need to use .
- We conclude our proof with the statement: Therefore, .
Proving a Statement about a Limit
Complete the proof that by filling in the blanks.
Let _____.
Choose ________.
Assume .
Thus, .
Therefore, .
Solution
We begin by filling in the blanks where the choices are specified by the definition. Thus, we have
Let .
Choose _______. (Leave this one blank for now — we’ll choose later)
Assume (or equivalently, ).
Thus, .
Focusing on the final line of the proof, we see that we should choose .
We now complete the final write-up of the proof:
Let .
Choose .
Assume (or equivalently, ).
Thus, .
Complete the proof that by filling in the blanks.
Let _____.
Choose ________.
Assume .
Thus, .
Therefore, .
Hint
Follow the outline in the Problem-Solving Strategy that we worked out in full in (Figure) .
Solution
Let ; choose ; assume .
Thus, .
Therefore, .
In (Figure) and (Figure) , the proofs were fairly straightforward, since the functions with which we were working were linear. In (Figure) , we see how to modify the proof to accommodate a nonlinear function.
Proving a Statement about the Limit of a Specific Function (Geometric Approach)
Prove that .
Solution
- Let . The first part of the definition begins “For every ,” so we must prove that whatever follows is true no matter what positive value of is chosen. By stating “Let ,” we signal our intent to do so.
- Without loss of generality, assume . Two questions present themselves: Why do we want and why is it okay to make this assumption? In answer to the first question: Later on, in the process of solving for , we will discover that involves the quantity . Consequently, we need . In answer to the second question: If we can find that “works” for , then it will “work” for any as well. Keep in mind that, although it is always okay to put an upper bound on , it is never okay to put a lower bound (other than zero) on .
- Choose . (Figure) shows how we made this choice of .
- We must show: If , then , so we must begin by assuming
.
We don’t really need (in other words, ) for this proof. Since , it is okay to drop .
So, , which implies .Recall that . Thus, and consequently . We also use here. We might ask at this point: Why did we substitute for on the left-hand side of the inequality and on the right-hand side of the inequality? If we look at (Figure) , we see that corresponds to the distance on the left of 2 on the -axis and corresponds to the distance on the right. Thus,
.We simplify the expression on the left:
.Then, we add 2 to all parts of the inequality:
.We square all parts of the inequality. It is okay to do so, since all parts of the inequality are positive:
.We subtract 4 from all parts of the inequality:
.Last,
. - Therefore,
.
Solution
Choose .
The geometric approach to proving that the limit of a function takes on a specific value works quite well for some functions. Also, the insight into the formal definition of the limit that this method provides is invaluable. However, we may also approach limit proofs from a purely algebraic point of view. In many cases, an algebraic approach may not only provide us with additional insight into the definition, it may prove to be simpler as well. Furthermore, an algebraic approach is the primary tool used in proofs of statements about limits. For (Figure) , we take on a purely algebraic approach.
Proving a Statement about the Limit of a Specific Function (Algebraic Approach)
Prove that .
Solution
Let’s use our outline from the Problem-Solving Strategy:
- Let .
- Choose . This choice of may appear odd at first glance, but it was obtained by taking a look at our ultimate desired inequality: . This inequality is equivalent to . At this point, the temptation simply to choose is very strong. Unfortunately, our choice of must depend on only and no other variable. If we can replace by a numerical value, our problem can be resolved. This is the place where assuming comes into play. The choice of here is arbitrary. We could have just as easily used any other positive number. In some proofs, greater care in this choice may be necessary. Now, since and , we are able to show that . Consequently, . At this point we realize that we also need . Thus, we choose .
- Assume . Thus,
and .
Since , we may conclude that . Thus, by subtracting 4 from all parts of the inequality, we obtain . Consequently, . This gives us
.Therefore,
.
Complete the proof that .
Let ; choose ; assume .
Since , we may conclude that . Thus, . Hence, .
Hint
Use (Figure) as a guide.
Solution
You will find that, in general, the more complex a function, the more likely it is that the algebraic approach is the easiest to apply. The algebraic approach is also more useful in proving statements about limits.
Proving Limit Laws
We now demonstrate how to use the epsilon-delta definition of a limit to construct a rigorous proof of one of the limit laws. The triangle inequality is used at a key point of the proof, so we first review this key property of absolute value.
Definition
The triangle inequality states that if and are any real numbers, then .
Proof
We prove the following limit law: If and , then .
Let .
Choose so that if , then .
Choose so that if , then .
Choose .
Assume .
Thus,
Hence,
We now explore what it means for a limit not to exist. The limit does not exist if there is no real number for which . Thus, for all real numbers , . To understand what this means, we look at each part of the definition of together with its opposite. A translation of the definition is given in (Figure) .
<table id=”fs-id1170571696614″ summary=”A table with two columns and four rows. The top row contains the headers “definition” and “opposite.” The second row contains the definition “for every epsilon
Translation of the Definition of and its Opposite Definition Opposite 1. For every ,1. There exists so that2. there exists a so that2. for every ,3. if , then .3. There is an satisfying so that .
Finally, we may state what it means for a limit not to exist. The limit does not exist if for every real number , there exists a real number so that for all , there is an satisfying , so that . Let’s apply this in (Figure) to show that a limit does not exist.
Showing That a Limit Does Not Exist
Show that does not exist. The graph of is shown here:
Solution
Suppose that is a candidate for a limit. Choose .
Let . Either or . If , then let . Thus,
and
On the other hand, if , then let . Thus,
and
Thus, for any value of , .
One-Sided and Infinite Limits
Just as we first gained an intuitive understanding of limits and then moved on to a more rigorous definition of a limit, we now revisit one-sided limits. To do this, we modify the epsilon-delta definition of a limit to give formal epsilon-delta definitions for limits from the right and left at a point. These definitions only require slight modifications from the definition of the limit. In the definition of the limit from the right, the inequality replaces , which ensures that we only consider values of that are greater than (to the right of) . Similarly, in the definition of the limit from the left, the inequality replaces , which ensures that we only consider values of that are less than (to the left of) .
Definition
Limit from the Right: Let be defined over an open interval of the form where . Then,
if for every , there exists a such that if , then .
Limit from the Left: Let be defined over an open interval of the form where . Then,
if for every , there exists a such that if , then .
Proving a Statement about a Limit From the Right
Prove that .
Solution
Let
Choose . Since we ultimately want , we manipulate this inequality to get or, equivalently, , making a clear choice. We may also determine geometrically, as shown in (Figure) .
Assume . Thus, . Hence, . Finally, .
Therefore, .
We conclude the process of converting our intuitive ideas of various types of limits to rigorous formal definitions by pursuing a formal definition of infinite limits. To have , we want the values of the function to get larger and larger as approaches . Instead of the requirement that for arbitrarily small when for small enough , we want for arbitrarily large positive when for small enough . (Figure) illustrates this idea by showing the value of for successively larger values of .
Definition
Let be defined for all in an open interval containing . Then, we have an infinite limit
if for every , there exists such that if , then .
Let be defined for all in an open interval containing . Then, we have a negative infinite limit
if for every , there exists such that if , then .
Key Concepts
- The intuitive notion of a limit may be converted into a rigorous mathematical definition known as the epsilon-delta definition of the limit.
- The epsilon-delta definition may be used to prove statements about limits.
- The epsilon-delta definition of a limit may be modified to define one-sided limits.
In the following exercises, write the appropriate – definition for each of the given statements.
1.
2.
Solution
For every , there exists a so that if , then
3.
4.
Solution
For every , there exists a so that if , then
The following graph of the function satisfies . In the following exercises, determine a value of that satisfies each statement.
5. If , then .
6. If , then .
Solution
The following graph of the function satisfies . In the following exercises, determine a value of that satisfies each statement.
7. If , then .
8. If , then .
Solution
The following graph of the function satisfies . In the following exercises, for each value of , find a value of such that the precise definition of limit holds true.
9.
10.
Solution
In the following exercises, use a graphing calculator to find a number such that the statements hold true.
11. [T] , whenever
12. [T] , whenever
Solution
In the following exercises, use the precise definition of limit to prove the given limits.
13.
14.
Solution
Let . If , then .
15.
16.
Solution
Let . If , then .
17.
In the following exercises, use the precise definition of limit to prove the given one-sided limits.
18.
Solution
Let . If , then .
19. , where .
20. , where
Solution
Let . If , then .
In the following exercises, use the precise definition of limit to prove the given infinite limits.
21.
22.
Solution
Let . If , then .
23.
24. An engineer is using a machine to cut a flat square of Aerogel of area 144 cm 2 . If there is a maximum error tolerance in the area of 8 cm 2 , how accurately must the engineer cut on the side, assuming all sides have the same length? How do these numbers relate to , and ?
Solution
0.033 cm,
25. Use the precise definition of limit to prove that the following limit does not exist: .
26. Using precise definitions of limits, prove that does not exist, given that is the ceiling function. ( Hint : Try any .)
Solution
Answers may vary.
27. Using precise definitions of limits, prove that does not exist: . ( Hint : Think about how you can always choose a rational number , but .)
28. Using precise definitions of limits, determine for ( Hint : Break into two cases, rational and irrational.)
Solution
0
29. Using the function from the previous exercise, use the precise definition of limits to show that does not exist for .
For the following exercises, suppose that and both exist. Use the precise definition of limits to prove the following limit laws:
30.
Solution
31. for any real constant ( Hint : Consider two cases: and .)
32. . ( Hint : .)
Solution
Answers may vary.
- Glossary
- epsilon-delta definition of the limit
- if for every , there exists a such that if , then
- triangle inequality
- If and are any real numbers, then
Analysis
In this part of the proof, we started with and used our assumption in a key part of the chain of inequalities to get to be less than . We could just as easily have manipulated the assumed inequality to arrive at as follows:
Therefore, . (Having completed the proof, we state what we have accomplished.)
After removing all the remarks, here is a final version of the proof:
Let .
Choose .
Assume .
Thus,
Therefore, .