PRECISE LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS AS X APPROACHES A

CONSTANT

The following problems require the use of the precise definition of limits of
functions as x approaches a constant. Most problems are average. A few are
somewhat challenging. We will begin with the precise definition of the limit of a
function as x approaches a constant.

DEFINITION: The statement has the following precise definition.

Given any real number , there exists another real number so that

if , then .

In general, the value of will depend on the value of . That is, we will always begin
with and then determine an appropriate corresponding value for . There
are many values of which work. Once you find a value that works, all smaller values
of also work.

To try and understand the meaning behind this abstract definition, see the given
diagram below.
We first pick an band around the number L on the y-axis . We then determine a
band around the number a on the x-axis so that for all x-values (excluding x=a ) inside
the band, the corresponding y-values lie inside the band. In other words, we first
pick a prescribed closeness ( ) to L . Then we get close enough ( ) to a so that all the
corresponding y-values fall inside the band. If a can be found for each value of
, then we have proven that L is the correct limit. If there is a single for
which this process fails, then the limit L has been incorrectly computed, or the limit
does not exist.

In the problems that follow, we will use this precise definition to mathematically
PROVE that the limits we compute algebraically are correct. When using this
definition, begin each proof by letting be given. Then take the expression
and, from this, attempt to algebraically ``solve for" | x - a | . At that
point, an appropriate value for can easily be determined.

The expression `` iff " will be used often in the solutions to the following problems. It
means `` if and only if " or `` is equivalent to ''. The expression `` min{A, B }" will
also be used in many of the solutions. It means `` the minimum value of A and B."
For example, min{ 3, 7 } = 3.

o PROBLEM 1 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 1.

o PROBLEM 2 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 2.

o PROBLEM 3 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 3.

o PROBLEM 4 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 4.

o PROBLEM 5 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 5.

o PROBLEM 6 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 6.

o PROBLEM 7 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 7.

o PROBLEM 8 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 8.

o PROBLEM 9 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 9.

o PROBLEM 10 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 10.

o PROBLEM 11 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 11.

o PROBLEM 12 : Prove that .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 12.

The following two problems require some knowledge and
understanding of the Mean Value Theorem.

o PROBLEM 13 : Prove that , where a is any real

number .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 13.

o PROBLEM 14 : Prove that , where a is any positive

real number .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 14.

The following problem uses the triangle inequality. The triangle

inequality states that

for any two real numbers A and B .

o PROBLEM 15 : Let . Prove that

does not exist .

Click HERE to see a detailed solution to problem 15.

Click HERE to return to the original list of various types of calculus

problems.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please e-mail any correspondence to
Duane Kouba by clicking on the following address :

kouba@math.ucdavis.edu

About this document ...

Duane Kouba
Wed Apr 30 16:21:53 PDT 1997