Another delta, epsilon problem

In summary: So you need to swap the inequality sign to get the lower limit. In summary, to find the lower limit for x approaching 1 from the left, we need to solve the inequality \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 and then swap the inequality sign to get the lower limit of x as x > \sqrt{10^{-2}+1}, which is approximately 5*10^-3. The correct answer is \delta = 1 - \sqrt{.99} or approximately .00504.
  • #1
Asphyxiated
264
0

Homework Statement



For:

[tex] \lim_{x \to 1^{-}} \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} = \infty [/tex]

Find [tex]\; \delta > 0 \;[/tex] such that whenever:

[tex] 1-\delta<x<1 \;\;[/tex] then [tex] \; \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 [/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex] |x-a| < \delta [/tex]

[tex] |f(x)-L| < \epsilon [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So as it is set right now, this:

[tex] \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 [/tex]

when solved for x will give me the upper limit but I am looking for the lower limit so I solve for x starting with this:

[tex] \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} < -100 [/tex]

[tex] 1-x^{2} > -10^{-2} [/tex]

[tex] -x^{2} > -10^{-2}-1 [/tex]

[tex] x^{2} > 10^{-2}+1 [/tex]

[tex] x > \sqrt{10^{-2}+1} [/tex]

and then since:

[tex] 1-\delta<x<1 = -\delta<x-1<0 [/tex]

then I will subtract 1 from both sides of the inequality to get:

[tex] x-1 > \sqrt{10^{-2}+1}-1 [/tex]

which works out to be:

[tex] x-1 > .0049 \; or \; \approx 5*10^{-3} [/tex]

which 5*10^-3 is the correct answer but I am not sure that I did the work correctly. They got an exact answer of:

[tex] \delta = 1 - \sqrt{.99} [/tex]

which is actually about .00504, so not my answer exactly

Someone help with where I went wrong?

I say that 5*10^-3 is correct because the answer in the back reads like so:

[tex] \delta = 1 - \sqrt{.99} \; or \; \approx 5*10^{-3} [/tex]

thanks!
 
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  • #2
Asphyxiated said:

Homework Statement



For:

[tex] \lim_{x \to 1^{-}} \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} = \infty [/tex]

Find [tex]\; \delta > 0 \;[/tex] such that whenever:

[tex] 1-\delta<x<1 \;\;[/tex] then [tex] \; \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 [/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex] |x-a| < \delta [/tex]

[tex] |f(x)-L| < \epsilon [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So as it is set right now, this:

[tex] \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 [/tex]

when solved for x will give me the upper limit but I am looking for the lower limit so I solve for x starting with this:

[tex] \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} < -100 [/tex]
You don't want to do that because...
[tex] 1-x^{2} > -10^{-2} [/tex]

[tex] -x^{2} > -10^{-2}-1 [/tex]

[tex] x^{2} > 10^{-2}+1 [/tex]

[tex] x > \sqrt{10^{-2}+1} [/tex]
You have x>1 but you're trying to find the lower limit of x as you approach from the left.
 
  • #3
So are you saying I should have solved it as:

[tex] \frac {1}{1-x^{2}} > 100 [/tex]

instead of swapping it around? I thought that my way was correct because you end with the sign as something less than x and thus that would be the lower limit as it is less than x, is that incorrect logic?
 
  • #4
Right, you shouldn't have swapped. You ended up solving the problem for x approaching 1 from the right.
 

Related to Another delta, epsilon problem

1. What is the "Another delta, epsilon problem" all about?

The "Another delta, epsilon problem" is a common mathematical problem encountered in calculus and analysis courses. It involves proving the limit of a function using the epsilon-delta definition, which is a rigorous way of defining limits.

2. Why is the epsilon-delta definition important in calculus?

The epsilon-delta definition is important because it provides a precise and rigorous way of defining limits. It helps to avoid any ambiguity and ensures that the limit is mathematically correct.

3. How do you solve the "Another delta, epsilon problem"?

The "Another delta, epsilon problem" can be solved by following the epsilon-delta definition. The key steps include choosing an epsilon value, finding a corresponding delta value, and then using algebraic manipulation to prove the limit.

4. What are some common mistakes when solving the "Another delta, epsilon problem"?

One common mistake is choosing an epsilon value that is too small, making it difficult to find a corresponding delta value. Another mistake is not using the correct algebraic techniques to manipulate the equations. It is important to carefully follow the steps of the epsilon-delta definition to avoid these errors.

5. How can I improve my skills in solving "Another delta, epsilon problems"?

The best way to improve your skills in solving "Another delta, epsilon problems" is to practice regularly. Start with simpler problems and gradually move on to more complex ones. It is also helpful to review the basic concepts of limits and the epsilon-delta definition. Seeking help from a tutor or professor can also be beneficial.

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