Chapter 2: Problem 35
Gives a function \(f(x),\) a point \(c,\) and a positive number \(\epsilon .\) Find \(L=\lim f(x) .\) Then find a number \(\delta>0\) such that for all \(x\) $$0<|x-c|<\delta \Rightarrow|f(x)-L|<\epsilon$$ $$f(x)=\sqrt{1-5 x}, \quad c=-3, \quad \epsilon=0.5$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit \(L\) is 4, and \(\delta = 0.75\) satisfies the inequality.
Step by step solution
01
Determine the Limit L
We must first find the limit \(L\) of the function \(f(x) = \sqrt{1 - 5x}\) as \(x\) approaches \(c = -3\). To do so, simply substitute \(c\) into the function: \[ L = \lim_{x \to -3} \sqrt{1 - 5x} = \sqrt{1 - 5(-3)} = \sqrt{1 + 15} = \sqrt{16} = 4. \] Thus, \(L = 4\).
02
Set Up the Inequality for δ
We want to find \(\delta > 0\) such that if \(0 < |x + 3| < \delta\), then \(|f(x) - L| < \epsilon\). Using \(L = 4\) and \(\epsilon = 0.5\), we have: \[ |\sqrt{1 - 5x} - 4| < 0.5. \]
03
Solve the Inequality
Now, solve the inequality \(|\sqrt{1 - 5x} - 4| < 0.5\). This can be split into two inequalities: \[ -0.5 < \sqrt{1 - 5x} - 4 < 0.5. \] Thus, solving it we get: \[ 3.5 < \sqrt{1 - 5x} < 4.5. \]
04
Square Both Sides
By squaring all parts of the inequality, we can remove the square root: \[ 3.5^2 < 1 - 5x < 4.5^2. \] This results in \[ 12.25 < 1 - 5x < 20.25. \]
05
Solve for x
We now solve for \(x\): \[ 12.25 < 1 - 5x \quad \Rightarrow \quad 11.25 < -5x \quad \Rightarrow \quad x < -2.25, \] \[ 1 - 5x < 20.25 \quad \Rightarrow \quad -5x < 19.25 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x > -3.85. \]
06
Determine δ Interval
The interval for \(x\) is \(-3.85 < x < -2.25\). So, the distance from \(-3\) to the endpoints defines the values of \(\delta\):\[ \delta = \min(3 - 2.25, 3.85 - 3) = \min(0.75, 0.85) = 0.75. \] Thus, \(\delta = 0.75\).
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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 mathematical formalism used to prove the limit of a function. It establishes how close function values need to be to a particular limit, when the input values are near a certain point. Here's how it works:
- Given a function, a point, and an epsilon (\(\epsilon\)), which represents the maximum allowed difference from the limit.
- You're tasked to find a delta (\(\delta\)), highlighting the tolerance for how close the variable is to the point.
- The core statement is: Given any \(\epsilon > 0\), there exists a \(\delta > 0\) such that for all \(x\) satisfying \(0 < |x - c| < \delta\), it holds that \(|f(x) - L| < \epsilon\).
Continuity
Continuity is a cornerstone concept in calculus, describing a function that is smooth without any breaks or jumps. If a function is continuous at a point, we can rely on its graph being unbroken at that point. Here's what defines continuity:
- A function \(f(x)\) is continuous at a point \(c\) if the limit of \(f(x)\) as \(x\) approaches \(c\) from either side equals the function value \(f(c)\).
- In mathematical form: \(\lim_{x \to c} f(x) = f(c)\).
Square Roots
The square root function, denoted \(\sqrt{x}\), is very common in mathematics, involving finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, equals \(x\). The operation has some specific characteristics:
- The square root is only defined for non-negative numbers in the real number system, as no real number squared will give a negative result.
- It's typically an increasing function, meaning as the input increases, the output does as well.
- In the exercise, we considered \(\sqrt{1 - 5x}\); the expression inside determines real values of \(x\) for which the function is valid.