Is Absolute Value Necessary for Proving Limit with Epsilon for $\frac{1}{x^4}$?

The absolute values ensure that the inequality holds for both positive and negative values of $x$. In summary, to prove that $\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1}{x^4}=\infty$, we need to show that for any given $M>0$, there exists a positive $\delta$ such that for all positive real values of $x$ less than $\delta$, $1/x^4$ is greater than $M$. The use of absolute values is necessary to consider both positive and negative values of $x$.
  • #1
Dethrone
717
0
Prove that $\lim_{{x}\to{0}}\frac{1}{x^4}=\infty$, given a $M>0$

So we need to prove that $f(x) > M$:

$\frac{1}{x^4}>M$, $\frac{1}{M}>x^4$, $\frac{1}{M^{1/4}}>|x|$

Is that right so far? Is the absolute values necessary in my last statement?
 
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  • #2
That looks good to me. All you have to do now is to pick up a positive $\delta < 1/M^{1/4}$ such that for all positive real $x < \delta$, $1/x^4 > M$.

Is the absolute values necessary in my last statement?

Well, at least you have to state explicitly that $x$ is a positive real before drawing that argument.
 
  • #3
I would say yes, because it is a two-sided limit.
 

Related to Is Absolute Value Necessary for Proving Limit with Epsilon for $\frac{1}{x^4}$?

1. What is a limit?

A limit is a mathematical concept that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It is denoted by the symbol "lim" and is used to determine the value that a function approaches as its input gets closer and closer to a specified value.

2. What is the epsilon-delta definition of a limit?

The epsilon-delta definition of a limit is a formal way of proving that a limit exists for a given function. It states that for any positive value of epsilon (ε), there exists a corresponding positive value of delta (δ) such that if the distance between the input and the specified value is less than delta, then the distance between the output and the limit value is less than epsilon.

3. How do you use the epsilon-delta definition to prove a limit?

To prove a limit using the epsilon-delta definition, you must first choose a value of epsilon and then find a corresponding value of delta that satisfies the definition. This involves manipulating the function algebraically and setting up inequalities to find the appropriate value of delta.

4. What is the importance of proving a limit with epsilon-delta?

Proving a limit with epsilon-delta is important because it provides a rigorous and formal method for determining the existence of a limit. It also allows us to prove that a limit is unique, meaning that a function can only approach one particular value as its input approaches a specified value.

5. Can a limit be proven using methods other than epsilon-delta?

Yes, there are other methods for proving limits, such as the Squeeze Theorem and the Intermediate Value Theorem. However, the epsilon-delta definition is often considered the most fundamental and widely applicable method for proving limits.

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