Chapter 5: Problem 1
Prove the existence of the limit \(\lim _{x \rightarrow x_{0}}(4-12 x)\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit exists and equals \(4 - 12x_0\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Definition of Limit
The limit of a function as it approaches a specific value is given by the expression \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} f(x) = L \]if for every \( \epsilon > 0 \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that whenever \( 0 < |x - x_0| < \delta \), we have \( |f(x) - L| < \epsilon \). This definition will guide us in proving the limit.
02
Substitute the Function and Point
We want to find and prove \( \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} (4 - 12x) \). Substitute the function \( f(x) = 4 - 12x \) and evaluate the limit at point \( x_0 \).
03
Evaluate the Function Directly at \(x_0\)
To find \( \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} (4 - 12x) \), substitute \( x_0 \) into the function: \[ f(x_0) = 4 - 12x_0 \].
04
Apply the Limit Definition
According to the limit definition, for the function's limit to exist and equal \( L = 4 - 12x_0 \), for every \( \epsilon > 0 \), we need to find a \( \delta > 0 \) such that \[ |(4 - 12x) - (4 - 12x_0)| < \epsilon \]when \( 0 < |x - x_0| < \delta \).
05
Simplify the Expression
We have, \[ |(4 - 12x) - (4 - 12x_0)| = |-12x + 12x_0| = 12|x - x_0| \]. We want \[ 12|x - x_0| < \epsilon \]to hold. This implies \[ |x - x_0| < \frac{\epsilon}{12} \].
06
Choose \(\delta\)
For the given \( \epsilon > 0 \), we choose \( \delta = \frac{\epsilon}{12} \). Thus, whenever \( 0 < |x - x_0| < \delta \), it follows that \[ 12|x - x_0| < \epsilon \].
07
Conclusion
Since for any \( \epsilon > 0 \), we found a \( \delta = \frac{\epsilon}{12} \) that meets the condition, the limit \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} (4 - 12x) = 4 - 12x_0 \]exists.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Epsilon-Delta definition
The Epsilon-Delta definition is a formal way to state what it means for a function to have a limit at a particular point. It ensures that as we get closer to a specific point, the values of the function get close to a certain number, called the limit. Here’s a simple way to understand it:
- Epsilon (\( \epsilon \)): This represents how close we want the values of the function to be to the limit. It's a small positive number, and the closer we want to be, the smaller \( \epsilon \) becomes.
- Delta (\( \delta \)): This indicates how close the input, or x-values, need to be to the point of interest, denoted as \( x_0 \). Once we decide on \( \epsilon \), we find this \( \delta \) to match it.
- The goal is: If we can find a \( \delta \) for any chosen \( \epsilon \) so that for all x within the distance \( \delta \) (not equal to \( x_0 \)), the function value is within \( \epsilon \) of the limit, then the function \( f(x) \) approaches that limit as x approaches \( x_0 \).
Direct substitution
Direct substitution is a straightforward approach to finding the limit of a function. If a function is easy and straightforward, we simply plug the point into the function. Let's explore what this means:
- If a function is continuous at a point, direct substitution often allows you to find the limit instantly. This means you simply replace x with \( x_0 \) and evaluate the function.
- For example, consider the function \( f(x) = 4 - 12x \). To find \( \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} (4 - 12x) \), we substitute x with \( x_0 \) to get \( 4 - 12x_0 \). Here, the limit is already visible at \( L = 4 - 12x_0 \).
- If the calculation after substitution results in a defined number, the limit exists and equals that number. If not, we may need the epsilon-delta method or algebraic manipulation to determine the limit.
Continuous functions
A function is continuous at a point if you can draw it without lifting your pen off the paper at that point. The great thing about continuous functions is how predictable they are when determining limits.
- Mathematically, a function \( f(x) \) is continuous at \( x_0 \) if \( \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} f(x) = f(x_0) \). This means that the function's limit as x approaches \( x_0 \) is simply the function's value at \( x_0 \).
- In our example, \( f(x) = 4 - 12x \) is a linear function, which is continuous everywhere. Therefore, finding the limit at any point is straightforward: just substitute the point into the function.
- Continuous functions do not break or jump, making the process of calculating limits, especially via direct substitution, efficient and intuitive.