Name Kibet Caleb

Student number 19/U/0118

Registration number 1900700118

Limit Definition
The Epsilon-Delta Definition for Limits defines a limit at a finite point
that has a finite value.

E formal definition of a limit, which is typically called the Epsilon-

Delta Definition for Limits or Delta-Epsilon Proof, defines a limit at a
finite point that has a finite value.

Epsilon Delta Definition of a Limit

 1. First, we create two variables, delta (δ) and epsilon (ε).
2. Next we choose an epsilon region around the number L on the y-
axis.
3. Then, we use this region to help us define a delta region around
the number a on the x-axis so that all x-values, excluding a,
inside the region correspond to y-values inside the epsilon
region.
4. Finally, we show (prove) that we can find y-values of the function
as close as we want to the value L by using only the points in a
small enough interval around a.

We will define our limit in such a way as to allow epsilon to represent

any number, while we restrict the value of delta; thus, ensuring that
our region is precise.
Example #1

1. lim 3 x +5 = 11
x →2

Solution

Let ε > 0.
The first part of the definition begins “For every ε > 0.” This means we
must prove that whatever follows is true no matter what positive value
of ε is chosen. By stating “Let ε > 0,” we signal our intent to do so.

Choose δ=ε/2.

The definition continues with “there exists a δ > 0. ”. In other words, we
must go and find δ. So, where exactly did δ=ε/2 come from?

We tackle the problem from an algebraic point of view. This is our

"Analysis Doodle" to discover what value to use for δ.

Let ε > 0.

Choose δ = ε/2.

Assume 0 < |x−1| < δ.

In other words:

0 < |x−1| < ε/2,

so – ε/2 < x−1 < ε/2,

then –ε < 2x−2 < ε

then |2x−2| < ε,

then |(3x+5)−11| < ε

Thus, if  0 < |x−1| < δ, then |(3x+5)−11| < ε.

Therefore, by the definition of limit,  lim 3 x +5 = 11

x →2
 ( )
❑
3 x2 −3 x
2.lim
x →1 x−1

Solution

2
3 x −3 x
lim
x →1 x−1
=3

The first part we separate the equations according to the properites of

limits

Thus wee get

lim ¿ ¿ = 3
x →1

lim ( x−1¿)¿ ≠ 0
x →1

As noted in the statement we only need to worry about the limit in the
denominator being zero when we do the limit of a quotient. If it were
zero we would end up with a division by zero error and we need to
avoid that.

if for all M > 0, there exists an N > 0 such that

lim f ( x )=∞
x→ ∞
f(x) > M

for all x > N 

We say a function has a negative infinite limit at infinity and write

lim f ( x )=−∞ lim f ( x )=−∞
x→ ∞ x →∞

If for all M < 0, there exists an N > 0 such that

f(x) < M

for all x > N.

Similarly we can define limits as  x →−∞ .

1. Let  ε > 0.

2. Choose δ = min {1, ε/4}.

This choice of δ may appear odd at first glance, but it was obtained by
taking a look at our ultimate desired inequality:

∣ (3 x 2−3 x) −3 ( x−1 ¿∣ < ε.

| (3 x 2−6 x+ 3)| < ε.

This inequality is equivalent to | x−1|⋅|3 x−3| < ε.

This is the place where assuming δ ≤ 1 comes into play.

 The choice of δ ≤ 1 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 δ ≤ 1 and |x - 1| < δ ≤ 1,

We are able to show that |3x−3| <4.

Consequently, | x−1|⋅|3 x−3|<| x−1|⋅4

At this point we realize that we also need δ ≤ ε/4.

Thus, we choose δ = min {1, ε/4}.

3. Assume 0< | x−1| < δ. Thus,

| x−1|<1
And
| x−1| < ε/4.

Since | x−1| < 1, we may conclude that −1 < x−1< 1.

Thus, by subtracting 3 from all parts of the inequality, we obtain – 4 <

x−4 < −1. Consequently, |3x−3| < 4. This gives us
ε
∣3 x 2−6 x+3∣ = | x−1|⋅|3 x−3| < 4 ⋅4 = ε.

Therefore,

3 x 2−3 x
lim
x →1 x−1
=3