Chapter 2: Problem 26
$$ \text { Prove that } \lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \sqrt{x}=0 \text { . } $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 0 because \( \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \) for \( x < \varepsilon^2 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Limit Definition
To prove that \( \lim_{{x \to 0^+}} \sqrt{x} = 0 \), we need to use the \( \varepsilon-\delta \) definition of a limit. This definition states that for every \( \varepsilon > 0 \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that if \( 0 < x < \delta \), then \( \left| \sqrt{x} - 0 \right| < \varepsilon \).
02
Express the Function in Inequality Form
We need to ensure that \( \left| \sqrt{x} - 0 \right| = \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \). This simplifies to finding a \( \delta \) for which \( \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \) when \( 0 < x < \delta \).
03
Finding Delta in Terms of Epsilon
Since \( \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \) implies \( x < \varepsilon^2 \), we can choose \( \delta = \varepsilon^2 \). This means that if \( 0 < x < \varepsilon^2 \), then \( \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \).
04
Conclusion of the Proof
We have shown that for any \( \varepsilon > 0 \), choosing \( \delta = \varepsilon^2 \) guarantees that if \( 0 < x < \delta \), then \( \sqrt{x} < \varepsilon \). Therefore, by the definition of a limit, \( \lim_{{x \to 0^+}} \sqrt{x} = 0 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limits
Limits are a fundamental concept in calculus, allowing us to understand the behavior of functions as they approach specific points or infinity. When we say \( \lim_{{x \to a}} f(x) = L \), it means that as \( x \) approaches \( a \), the function \( f(x) \) gets arbitrarily close to the limit \( L \). This concept is crucial to analyze functions at points where they might not be directly defined.
Here are some important aspects of limits:
Here are some important aspects of limits:
- Approaching a Point: Limits focus on values approaching a particular point, not necessarily the value at that point.
- Direction Matters: Limits can be one-sided, approaching from the right (\( x \rightarrow a^{+} \)) or from the left (\( x \rightarrow a^{-} \)).
- Behavior Understanding: They help us understand function behavior, including at points of discontinuity.
Epsilon-Delta Definition
The epsilon-delta definition of a limit provides a rigorous way to understand what we mean by a function approaching a particular value. This definition is represented as:For every \( \varepsilon > 0 \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that if \( 0 < |x - a| < \delta \), then \( |f(x) - L| < \varepsilon \).
This means:
This means:
- Epsilon (\( \varepsilon \)): Represents how close \( f(x) \) needs to be to the limit \( L \).
- Delta (\( \delta \)): Indicates how close \( x \) must be to \( a \) to ensure \( f(x) \) is within \( \varepsilon \) of \( L \).
- Precision Control: For any precision \( \varepsilon \), you can find a corresponding \( \delta \) showing the function's limits.
Continuity
Continuity of a function at a point implies that as you zoom in at the point, there is no sudden jump, gap, or break. Mathematically, a function \( f(x) \) is continuous at a point \( a \) if:
Connections:
- \( f(a) \) is defined,
- \( \lim_{{x \to a}} f(x) \) exists,
- \( \lim_{{x \to a}} f(x) = f(a) \).
Connections:
- Limits: If a limit does not exist, a function cannot be continuous at that point.
- Epsilon-Delta Definition: This same approach can establish the continuity by proving the limit equals the function's value at the point.
Square Root Function
The square root function, represented as \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \), is one of the basic elementary functions. It maps each non-negative real number \( x \) to its square root, \( x^{1/2} \). This function is notable for its unique characteristics and behavior. Here are some features:
- Domain: The function is only defined for \( x \ge 0 \) since square roots of negative numbers are not real.
- Increasing Nature: As \( x \) increases, \( \sqrt{x} \) also increases, which is evident from its positive derivative.
- Continuity: \( \sqrt{x} \) is continuous where it is defined, providing a smooth curve in the graph.
- Limits: Understanding \( \lim_{{x \to 0^+}} \sqrt{x} = 0 \) involves analyzing the function as it approaches zero.
- Epsilon-Delta: Establishes how the values of \( \sqrt{x} \) approach zero from the right using precise methods.