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SLIDE 1

Please Note

These pdf slides are configured for viewing on a computer screen. Viewing them on hand-held devices may be difficult as they require a “slideshow” mode. Do not try to print them out as there are many more pages than the number of slides listed at the bottom right of each screen. Apologies for any inconvenience.

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SLIDE 2

The Formal Definition of a Limit

Numeracy Workshop Adrian Dudek

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 2 / 37

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SLIDE 3

Introduction

These slides cover the formal definition of a limit, and aim to be helpful for students studying calculus to the level of MATH1001 or higher. Drop-in Study Sessions: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10am-12pm, Meeting Room 2204, Second Floor, Social Sciences South Building, every week. Website: Slides, notes, worksheets. http://www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au → Numeracy → Online Resources Email: geoff.coates@uwa.edu.au

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 3 / 37

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SLIDE 4

The Fibonacci Sequence

The study of limits is, in a sense, the study of closeness. Consider the famous Fibonacci sequence, defined by setting the first two terms of the sequence to 1, and furthermore defining each term to be the sum of the two before it. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 4 / 37

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SLIDE 5

The Fibonacci Sequence

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, . . . Choose two terms in the Fibonacci sequence that sit next to each other, and divide the larger by the smaller. For example, we choose 89 and 55, and then 89 55 = 1.6181818 . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 5 / 37

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SLIDE 6

The Fibonacci Sequence

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, . . . Choose two terms in the Fibonacci sequence that sit next to each other, and divide the larger by the smaller. For example, we choose 89 and 55, and then 89 55 = 1.6181818 . . . Let’s make a whole new sequence by taking the Fibonacci sequence and dividing each term by the term before it: 1/1, 2/1, 3/2, 5/3, 8/5, 13/8, 21/13, . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 5 / 37

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SLIDE 7

The Golden Ratio

1 1 2 1 3 2 5 3 8 5 13 8 21 13 . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 6 / 37

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SLIDE 8

The Golden Ratio

1 1 2 1 3 2 5 3 8 5 13 8 21 13 . . . If we write each of these in their decimal notation to 4 decimal places we get: 1.0000 2.0000 1.5000 1.6667 1.6000 1.6250 1.6154 . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 6 / 37

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SLIDE 9

The Golden Ratio

1 1 2 1 3 2 5 3 8 5 13 8 21 13 . . . If we write each of these in their decimal notation to 4 decimal places we get: 1.0000 2.0000 1.5000 1.6667 1.6000 1.6250 1.6154 . . . These numbers appear to be converging to a value.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 6 / 37

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SLIDE 10

The Golden Ratio

1 1 2 1 3 2 5 3 8 5 13 8 21 13 . . . If we write each of these in their decimal notation to 4 decimal places we get: 1.0000 2.0000 1.5000 1.6667 1.6000 1.6250 1.6154 . . . These numbers appear to be converging to a value. In fact, this sequence approaches the golden number φ, which is equal to 1 + √ 5 2 = 1.618033 . . .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 6 / 37

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SLIDE 11

The Golden Ratio

1 1 2 1 3 2 5 3 8 5 13 8 21 13 . . . If we write each of these in their decimal notation to 4 decimal places we get: 1.0000 2.0000 1.5000 1.6667 1.6000 1.6250 1.6154 . . . These numbers appear to be converging to a value. In fact, this sequence approaches the golden number φ, which is equal to 1 + √ 5 2 = 1.618033 . . . We say the limit of the sequence is φ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 6 / 37

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SLIDE 12

Limits: Example

Recall that a function takes in x-values and outputs y-values.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 7 / 37

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SLIDE 13

Limits: Example

Recall that a function takes in x-values and outputs y-values. Sometimes we are more concerned with the value of a function near a point, rather than at the point itself.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 7 / 37

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SLIDE 14

Limits: Example

Recall that a function takes in x-values and outputs y-values. Sometimes we are more concerned with the value of a function near a point, rather than at the point itself. Usually this is because the function itself doesn’t exist at the point!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 7 / 37

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SLIDE 15

Limits: Example

Recall that a function takes in x-values and outputs y-values. Sometimes we are more concerned with the value of a function near a point, rather than at the point itself. Usually this is because the function itself doesn’t exist at the point! From this, the notion of a limit arises.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 7 / 37

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SLIDE 16

Limits: Example

Here is an example function f (x).

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 8 / 37

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SLIDE 17

Limits: Example

Here is an example function f (x). We can say that limx→−1 f (x) = −4.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 8 / 37

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SLIDE 18

Limits: Example

The problem here is, we haven’t really justified this properly! We’ve just had a quick glance.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 9 / 37

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SLIDE 19

Limits: Example

The problem here is, we haven’t really justified this properly! We’ve just had a quick glance. In fact, the function might be getting closer and closer to 4.000001, rather than 4.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 9 / 37

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SLIDE 20

Limits: Example

The problem here is, we haven’t really justified this properly! We’ve just had a quick glance. In fact, the function might be getting closer and closer to 4.000001, rather than 4. So, we need a stronger argument for proving limits. Let’s introduce our argument with an example.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 9 / 37

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SLIDE 21

Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→0(x + 4) = 4.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 10 / 37

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SLIDE 22

Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→0(x + 4) = 4.

What we are trying to show that the sum of 4 and something very close to 0, is something very close to 4.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 10 / 37

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SLIDE 23

Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→0(x + 4) = 4.

What we are trying to show that the sum of 4 and something very close to 0, is something very close to 4. The idea is as follows. You want to show that you can keep (x + 4) extremely close (as close as we like) to 4 by keeping x extremely close to 0.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 10 / 37

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SLIDE 24

Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→0(x + 4) = 4.

What we are trying to show that the sum of 4 and something very close to 0, is something very close to 4. The idea is as follows. You want to show that you can keep (x + 4) extremely close (as close as we like) to 4 by keeping x extremely close to 0. It’s this idea of closeness that requires formalising.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 10 / 37

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SLIDE 25

Limits: Example

You might be asked to keep 3.9 < x + 4 < 4.1. How would you do this?

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 11 / 37

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SLIDE 26

Limits: Example

You might be asked to keep 3.9 < x + 4 < 4.1. How would you do this? Adding −4 to each part of the inequality gives −0.1 < x < 0.1.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 11 / 37

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SLIDE 27

Limits: Example

You might be asked to keep 3.9 < x + 4 < 4.1. How would you do this? Adding −4 to each part of the inequality gives −0.1 < x < 0.1. You might be asked to keep 3.9999 < x + 4 < 4.0001. How would you do this?

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 11 / 37

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SLIDE 28

Limits: Example

You might be asked to keep 3.9 < x + 4 < 4.1. How would you do this? Adding −4 to each part of the inequality gives −0.1 < x < 0.1. You might be asked to keep 3.9999 < x + 4 < 4.0001. How would you do this? Again, adding −4 to each part of the inequality gives −0.0001 < x < 0.0001.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 11 / 37

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SLIDE 29

Limits: Example

Essentially, you are being asked how to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ, and you are answering by saying that this is possible by −δ < x < δ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 12 / 37

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SLIDE 30

Limits: Example

Essentially, you are being asked how to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ, and you are answering by saying that this is possible by −δ < x < δ. However, there are infinitely many ǫ’s that they can throw at you, and you don’t want to play this “choose δ” game forever! So you have to choose a δ that will beat any ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 12 / 37

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SLIDE 31

A Silly Game

A particularly silly game which two people can play is “who can say the highest number”.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 13 / 37

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SLIDE 32

A Silly Game

A particularly silly game which two people can play is “who can say the highest number”. This is a back-and-forth game just like the “choose delta” game which we just saw.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 13 / 37

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SLIDE 33

A Silly Game

A particularly silly game which two people can play is “who can say the highest number”. This is a back-and-forth game just like the “choose delta” game which we just saw. Every time your oppenent says a number, you can just say the number that is one higher than their number to stay in the game!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 13 / 37

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SLIDE 34

A Silly Game

A particularly silly game which two people can play is “who can say the highest number”. This is a back-and-forth game just like the “choose delta” game which we just saw. Every time your oppenent says a number, you can just say the number that is one higher than their number to stay in the game! However, rather than playing in this silly game, you could simply program a robot to respond for you with x + 1, where x is the number your opponent chooses.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 13 / 37

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SLIDE 35

A Silly Game

A particularly silly game which two people can play is “who can say the highest number”. This is a back-and-forth game just like the “choose delta” game which we just saw. Every time your oppenent says a number, you can just say the number that is one higher than their number to stay in the game! However, rather than playing in this silly game, you could simply program a robot to respond for you with x + 1, where x is the number your opponent chooses. We want to do the same thing with epsilons and deltas!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 13 / 37

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SLIDE 36

Limits: Example

Let’s get back to our example! So we wish to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ by keeping −δ < x < δ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 14 / 37

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SLIDE 37

Limits: Example

Let’s get back to our example! So we wish to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ by keeping −δ < x < δ. We simply do the same algebra we did to the specific examples: Add −4 to all sides of 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ to get: −ǫ < x < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 14 / 37

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SLIDE 38

Limits: Example

Let’s get back to our example! So we wish to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ by keeping −δ < x < δ. We simply do the same algebra we did to the specific examples: Add −4 to all sides of 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ to get: −ǫ < x < ǫ So in this case, ǫ = δ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 14 / 37

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SLIDE 39

Limits: Example

Let’s get back to our example! So we wish to keep 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ by keeping −δ < x < δ. We simply do the same algebra we did to the specific examples: Add −4 to all sides of 4 − ǫ < x + 4 < 4 + ǫ to get: −ǫ < x < ǫ So in this case, ǫ = δ. This is all we have to do to prove a limit! Provide a response δ in terms of any ǫ. Of course, there is a little bit more to write out, but the hard work is done!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 14 / 37

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SLIDE 40

Limits: Graphical Example

Suppose we have a function f (x), and we wish to show that limx→3 f (x) = 5.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 15 / 37

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SLIDE 41

Limits: Graphical Example

Here ǫ = 1, and so we must choose a δ which works. We can see that δ = 1 is a fine choice.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 16 / 37

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SLIDE 42

Limits: Graphical Example

Here ǫ = 1/2, and so we must choose a δ which works. We can see that δ = 1/2 is a fine choice.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 17 / 37

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SLIDE 43

Limits: Graphical Example

Here ǫ = 0.25, and so we must choose a δ which works. We can see that δ = 0.25 is a fine choice.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 18 / 37

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SLIDE 44

Limits: Example

Example: Prove lim

x→2 3x + 4 = 10

That is, show that as x gets really close to 2, then 3x + 4 gets really close to 10.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 19 / 37

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SLIDE 45

Limits: Example

We want 3x + 4 to be really close to 10. We do this by specifying that the distance between them remain less than any positive number ǫ: |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 20 / 37

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SLIDE 46

Limits: Example

We want 3x + 4 to be really close to 10. We do this by specifying that the distance between them remain less than any positive number ǫ: |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ We want to show that this can be accomplished by keeping the distance between x and 2 less than any amount δ: |x − 2| < δ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 20 / 37

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SLIDE 47

Limits: Example

We want 3x + 4 to be really close to 10. We do this by specifying that the distance between them remain less than any positive number ǫ: |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ We want to show that this can be accomplished by keeping the distance between x and 2 less than any amount δ: |x − 2| < δ The problem is solved by establishing an answer δ in terms of ǫ, so that you have an answer for any ǫ they throw at you!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 20 / 37

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SLIDE 48

Limits: Example

We usually proceed by rearranging the demand |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 21 / 37

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SLIDE 49

Limits: Example

We usually proceed by rearranging the demand |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ into an inequality of the form |x − 2| < δ. Then we can simply read off what δ must be.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 21 / 37

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SLIDE 50

Limits: Example

We usually proceed by rearranging the demand |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ into an inequality of the form |x − 2| < δ. Then we can simply read off what δ must be. We start by writing the above without absolute value brackets. −ǫ < 3x + 4 − 10 < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 21 / 37

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SLIDE 51

Limits: Example

We usually proceed by rearranging the demand |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ into an inequality of the form |x − 2| < δ. Then we can simply read off what δ must be. We start by writing the above without absolute value brackets. −ǫ < 3x + 4 − 10 < ǫ Simplifying slightly we get −ǫ < 3x − 6 < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 21 / 37

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SLIDE 52

Limits: Example

−ǫ < 3x − 6 < ǫ Dividing by 3 we get −ǫ/3 < x − 2 < ǫ/3

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 22 / 37

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SLIDE 53

Limits: Example

−ǫ < 3x − 6 < ǫ Dividing by 3 we get −ǫ/3 < x − 2 < ǫ/3 which is the same as |x − 2| < ǫ/3

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 22 / 37

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SLIDE 54

Limits: Example

−ǫ < 3x − 6 < ǫ Dividing by 3 we get −ǫ/3 < x − 2 < ǫ/3 which is the same as |x − 2| < ǫ/3 Thus, for any ǫ > 0 we choose, we would set δ = ǫ/3.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 22 / 37

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SLIDE 55

Limits: Example

−ǫ < 3x − 6 < ǫ Dividing by 3 we get −ǫ/3 < x − 2 < ǫ/3 which is the same as |x − 2| < ǫ/3 Thus, for any ǫ > 0 we choose, we would set δ = ǫ/3. That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 22 / 37

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SLIDE 56

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 57

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ. We check as follows: |3x + 4 − 10| = |3x − 6|

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 58

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ. We check as follows: |3x + 4 − 10| = |3x − 6| = 3|x − 2|

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 59

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ. We check as follows: |3x + 4 − 10| = |3x − 6| = 3|x − 2|

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 60

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ. We check as follows: |3x + 4 − 10| = |3x − 6| = 3|x − 2| < 3ǫ/3

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 61

Limits: Example

That is, by keeping |x − 2| < δ = ǫ/3, we guarantee that |3x + 4 − 10| < ǫ. We check as follows: |3x + 4 − 10| = |3x − 6| = 3|x − 2| < 3ǫ/3 < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 23 / 37

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SLIDE 62

Limits: The Definition

In general, if we wish to show that lim

x→a f (x) = L

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 24 / 37

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SLIDE 63

Limits: The Definition

In general, if we wish to show that lim

x→a f (x) = L

then we need to show that the distance between f (x) and L can be made as small as we want, by making the distance between x and a sufficiently small.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 24 / 37

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SLIDE 64

Limits: The Definition

In general, if we wish to show that lim

x→a f (x) = L

then we need to show that the distance between f (x) and L can be made as small as we want, by making the distance between x and a sufficiently small. That is, if somebody wants the distance between f (x) and L to be less than ǫ, then we need to show that there is some δ (in terms of ǫ) where keeping the distance between x and a less than δ guarantees this.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 24 / 37

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SLIDE 65

Limits: The Definition

In general, if we wish to show that lim

x→a f (x) = L

then we need to show that the distance between f (x) and L can be made as small as we want, by making the distance between x and a sufficiently small. That is, if somebody wants the distance between f (x) and L to be less than ǫ, then we need to show that there is some δ (in terms of ǫ) where keeping the distance between x and a less than δ guarantees this. ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ δ > 0 s.t |x − a| < δ ⇒ |f (x) − L| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 24 / 37

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SLIDE 66

Limits: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of f (x) as x → a is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ δ > 0 s.t |x − a| < δ ⇒ |f (x) − L| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 25 / 37

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SLIDE 67

Limits: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of f (x) as x → a is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ δ > 0 s.t |x − a| < δ ⇒ |f (x) − L| < ǫ You need to remember this for tests and exams. Feel free to recite it at parties to test your memory!

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 25 / 37

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SLIDE 68

Infinite Limits

Sometimes we deal with limits as x → ±∞. One such example is: lim

x→∞

  • 2 + 4

x

  • = 2

This says, that as x gets really large, 2 + 4 x gets really close to 2.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 26 / 37

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SLIDE 69

Infinite Limits

Sometimes we deal with limits as x → ±∞. One such example is: lim

x→∞

  • 2 + 4

x

  • = 2

This says, that as x gets really large, 2 + 4 x gets really close to 2. Once again, the way we prove this is the same! You want to show that the distance between 2 + 4 x and 2 can be made smaller than any positive number ǫ, by making x larger than a corresponding number N.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 26 / 37

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SLIDE 70

Infinite Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→∞

  • 2 + 4

x

  • = 2

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 27 / 37

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SLIDE 71

Infinite Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→∞

  • 2 + 4

x

  • = 2

We want to keep

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ. How large does x need to be to guarantee this? That

is, find a number N, where keeping x > N will guarantee this.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 27 / 37

slide-72
SLIDE 72

Infinite Limits: Example

Example: Prove that lim

x→∞

  • 2 + 4

x

  • = 2

We want to keep

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ. How large does x need to be to guarantee this? That

is, find a number N, where keeping x > N will guarantee this. Once again, we rearrange our original inequality for x.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 27 / 37

slide-73
SLIDE 73

Infinite Limits: Example

We start with

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 28 / 37

slide-74
SLIDE 74

Infinite Limits: Example

We start with

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ

which gives −ǫ < 4 x < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 28 / 37

slide-75
SLIDE 75

Infinite Limits: Example

We start with

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ

which gives −ǫ < 4 x < ǫ Multiplying through by x (keeping the inequality signs as they are, because x is positive) gives −ǫx < 4 < ǫx

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 28 / 37

slide-76
SLIDE 76

Infinite Limits: Example

We start with

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ

which gives −ǫ < 4 x < ǫ Multiplying through by x (keeping the inequality signs as they are, because x is positive) gives −ǫx < 4 < ǫx The right hand side of this says that 4 < ǫx. We rearrange this to get x > 4 ǫ .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 28 / 37

slide-77
SLIDE 77

Infinite Limits: Example

We start with

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ

which gives −ǫ < 4 x < ǫ Multiplying through by x (keeping the inequality signs as they are, because x is positive) gives −ǫx < 4 < ǫx The right hand side of this says that 4 < ǫx. We rearrange this to get x > 4 ǫ . So N = 4 ǫ .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 28 / 37

slide-78
SLIDE 78

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ .

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-79
SLIDE 79

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-80
SLIDE 80

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • Adrian Dudek

The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-81
SLIDE 81

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • The second statement re-arranges to give

4 x < ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-82
SLIDE 82

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • The second statement re-arranges to give

4 x < ǫ. Hence

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • Adrian Dudek

The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-83
SLIDE 83

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • The second statement re-arranges to give

4 x < ǫ. Hence

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • < |ǫ| = ǫ (since ǫ > 0).

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

slide-84
SLIDE 84

Infinite Limits: Example

So, we claim that

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • < ǫ whenever x > N = 4

ǫ . To finish off the proof nicely we will show the first statement is true under the assumption of the second:

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • The second statement re-arranges to give

4 x < ǫ. Hence

  • 2 + 4

x − 2

  • =
  • 4

x

  • < |ǫ| = ǫ (since ǫ > 0).

We have proven the limit.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 29 / 37

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SLIDE 85

Infinite Limits: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of f (x) as x → ∞ is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ N > 0 s.t x > N ⇒ |f (x) − L| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 30 / 37

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SLIDE 86

Infinite Limits: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of f (x) as x → ∞ is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ N > 0 s.t x > N ⇒ |f (x) − L| < ǫ Exercise: Try to write out the definition of a limit as x → −∞.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 30 / 37

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SLIDE 87

Limit of a Sequence

What about limits of sequences? We might want to show that the sequence 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 . . . converges to 0.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 31 / 37

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SLIDE 88

Limit of a Sequence

The limit of a sequence requires the same sort of approach as for infinite limits.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 32 / 37

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SLIDE 89

Limit of a Sequence

The limit of a sequence requires the same sort of approach as for infinite limits. If we believe a sequence an → L, then we must show that we can keep an arbitrarily close to L, by starting our sequence far enough to the right.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 32 / 37

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SLIDE 90

Limit of a Sequence

The limit of a sequence requires the same sort of approach as for infinite limits. If we believe a sequence an → L, then we must show that we can keep an arbitrarily close to L, by starting our sequence far enough to the right. Starting our sequence far enough to the right means that the index n of our sequence an commences after some positive number N.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 32 / 37

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SLIDE 91

Limit of a Sequence: Example

Let (an)n≥1 be the sequence defined by an = 1/(1 + n). Show that lim

n→∞ an = 0

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 33 / 37

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SLIDE 92

Limit of a Sequence: Example

Let (an)n≥1 be the sequence defined by an = 1/(1 + n). Show that lim

n→∞ an = 0

We want to show that |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ whenever we keep n > N for some positive number N.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 33 / 37

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SLIDE 93

Limit of a Sequence: Example

Let (an)n≥1 be the sequence defined by an = 1/(1 + n). Show that lim

n→∞ an = 0

We want to show that |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ whenever we keep n > N for some positive number N. This will work just as before! We want to find N in terms of ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 33 / 37

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SLIDE 94

Limit of a Sequence: Example

We start with |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 34 / 37

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SLIDE 95

Limit of a Sequence: Example

We start with |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ which gives −ǫ < 1/(1 + n) < ǫ.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 34 / 37

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SLIDE 96

Limit of a Sequence: Example

We start with |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ which gives −ǫ < 1/(1 + n) < ǫ. Multiplying through by (1 + n) gives: −ǫ(1 + n) < 1 < ǫ(1 + n)

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 34 / 37

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SLIDE 97

Limit of a Sequence: Example

We start with |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ which gives −ǫ < 1/(1 + n) < ǫ. Multiplying through by (1 + n) gives: −ǫ(1 + n) < 1 < ǫ(1 + n) Dividing through by ǫ gives: −(1 + n) < 1/ǫ < 1 + n

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 34 / 37

slide-98
SLIDE 98

Limit of a Sequence: Example

We start with |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ which gives −ǫ < 1/(1 + n) < ǫ. Multiplying through by (1 + n) gives: −ǫ(1 + n) < 1 < ǫ(1 + n) Dividing through by ǫ gives: −(1 + n) < 1/ǫ < 1 + n

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 34 / 37

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SLIDE 99

Limit of a Sequence: Example

−(1 + n) < 1/ǫ < 1 + n Now rearranging the rightmost part of this inequality gives us n > 1/ǫ − 1.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 35 / 37

slide-100
SLIDE 100

Limit of a Sequence: Example

−(1 + n) < 1/ǫ < 1 + n Now rearranging the rightmost part of this inequality gives us n > 1/ǫ − 1. So, to keep |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ, we need to start the sequence off after N = 1/ǫ − 1. We show that this works as follows:

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 35 / 37

slide-101
SLIDE 101

Limit of a Sequence: Example

−(1 + n) < 1/ǫ < 1 + n Now rearranging the rightmost part of this inequality gives us n > 1/ǫ − 1. So, to keep |1/(1 + n) − 0| < ǫ, we need to start the sequence off after N = 1/ǫ − 1. We show that this works as follows: | 1 1 + n − 0| = 1 1 + n < 1 1 + 1/ǫ − 1 = 1 1/ǫ = ǫ and we are done.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 35 / 37

slide-102
SLIDE 102

Limit of a Sequence: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of an as n → ∞ is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ N > 0 s.t n > N ⇒ |an − L| < ǫ

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 36 / 37

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SLIDE 103

Limit of a Sequence: The Definition

Definition: We say that the limit of an as n → ∞ is L if ∀ǫ > 0 ∃ N > 0 s.t n > N ⇒ |an − L| < ǫ We often say an → L, rather than limn→∞ an = L.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 36 / 37

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SLIDE 104

Using STUDYSmarter Resources This resource was developed for UWA students by the STUDYSmarter team for the numeracy program. When using our resources, please retain them in their original form with both the STUDYSmarter heading and the UWA crest.

Adrian Dudek The Formal Definition of a Limit 37 / 37