Chapter 1: Problem 40
Prove the statement using the \(\varepsilon, \delta\) definition of a limit. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} x^{3}=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Choose \(\delta = \varepsilon^{1/3}\), then \(|x^3| < \varepsilon\) for \(|x| < \delta\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Statement
We need to prove that as \(x\) approaches 0, \(x^3\) approaches 0 as well. In mathematical words, given any \(\varepsilon > 0\), there should be a \(\delta > 0\) such that if \(|x| < \delta\), then \(|x^3| < \varepsilon\).
02
Express |x^3| < ε
According to the \(\varepsilon, \delta\) definition, we want \(|x^3| < \varepsilon\) whenever \(|x| < \delta\). Notice that \(|x^3| = |x|^3\). We need to find a relation between \(|x|\) and \(\varepsilon\).
03
Choose δ in terms of ε
To achieve \(|x|^3 < \varepsilon\), take the cube root of both sides: \(|x| < \varepsilon^{1/3}\). Hence, we can choose \(\delta = \varepsilon^{1/3}\).
04
Verification
Verify that when \(|x| < \delta\), the condition \(|x^3| < \varepsilon\) is satisfied. By substitution, \(|x| < \delta = \varepsilon^{1/3}\) implies \(|x|^3 < (\varepsilon^{1/3})^3 = \varepsilon\). This shows the solution works as intended.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Epsilon-Delta Definition
In calculus, the epsilon-delta definition is critical for rigorously defining limits. It provides a formal approach to what it means for a function to approach a certain value as the input approaches some point. In simple terms:
This creates a framework within which function behavior is tightly controlled and predictable near the limit point.
- For every small distance (epsilon, \(\varepsilon\)), you want the function's output to be within that distance from the target value.
- You achieve this by picking a suitable boundary (delta, \(\delta\)) for the input.
This creates a framework within which function behavior is tightly controlled and predictable near the limit point.
Limit as x Approaches 0
Understanding the process of finding a limit as \(x\) approaches 0 is fundamental. It means we observe how a function behaves when the input values get closer and closer to zero.
For example, for the function \(x^3\), we are interested in proving that as \(x\) approaches 0, \(x^3\) approaches 0 as well. This is done by finding conditions (epsilon and delta) that verify this behavior.
For example, for the function \(x^3\), we are interested in proving that as \(x\) approaches 0, \(x^3\) approaches 0 as well. This is done by finding conditions (epsilon and delta) that verify this behavior.
- The aim is to ensure that no matter how close we want \(x^3\) to be to 0 (determined by epsilon), there exists a region around 0 (determined by delta) within which \(x^3\) behaves as desired.
Cube Root Relation
The cube root plays a pivotal role in relating \(\varepsilon\) and \(\delta\) in the limit problem of \(x^3\) as \(x\) approaches 0. To demonstrate that \(x^3\) approaches 0, we need to express \(|x^3| < \varepsilon\) using \(|x| < \delta\).
- Start by recognizing that \(|x^3| = |x|^3\).
- To relate it to \(\varepsilon\), solve the inequality \(|x|^3 < \varepsilon\) for \(|x|\).
- Taking the cube root on both sides gives: \(|x| < \varepsilon^{1/3}\).
Verification of Delta Condition
Verification of the delta condition is the final step in applying the epsilon-delta definition to prove a limit. Once you have expressed \(\delta\) in terms of \(\varepsilon\), you must ensure that the conditions hold true throughout:
- Suppose we choose \(\delta = \varepsilon^{1/3}\).
- We assume \(|x| < \delta\).
- Substituting this assumption back into our inequality \(|x|^3 < \varepsilon\), we verify: \(|x|^3 < \varepsilon\).