Limit Definition and 999 Threads

In mathematics, the limit inferior and limit superior of a sequence can be thought of as limiting (i.e., eventual and extreme) bounds on the sequence. They can be thought of in a similar fashion for a function (see limit of a function). For a set, they are the infimum and supremum of the set's limit points, respectively. In general, when there are multiple objects around which a sequence, function, or set accumulates, the inferior and superior limits extract the smallest and largest of them; the type of object and the measure of size is context-dependent, but the notion of extreme limits is invariant.
Limit inferior is also called infimum limit, limit infimum, liminf, inferior limit, lower limit, or inner limit; limit superior is also known as supremum limit, limit supremum, limsup, superior limit, upper limit, or outer limit.

The limit inferior of a sequence




x

n




{\displaystyle x_{n}}
is denoted by





lim inf

n





x

n




or





lim
_



n






x

n


.


{\displaystyle \liminf _{n\to \infty }x_{n}\quad {\text{or}}\quad \varliminf _{n\to \infty }x_{n}.}
The limit superior of a sequence




x

n




{\displaystyle x_{n}}
is denoted by





lim sup

n





x

n




or





lim
¯



n






x

n


.


{\displaystyle \limsup _{n\to \infty }x_{n}\quad {\text{or}}\quad \varlimsup _{n\to \infty }x_{n}.}

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  1. Addez123

    How can I prove this limit does not exist?

    If I set x = 1, I can cancel out y-1 and get limit = 1 Now if I approach from the x-axis the numerator will be smaller or bigger than the denominator, but how would you prove that that does not result in 1 when you reach (x,y) = (1,1)? TL;DR: Textbook says limit does not exist, but I obviously...
  2. S

    B Confused about time dilation and cosmic speed limit

    [Moderator's note: Thread spun off from previous thread due to topic/forum change.] Time dilation sounds really weird, can i assume it has a logical explanation?
  3. mcas

    Fermi-Dirac distribution at T->0 and \mu->\epsilon_0

    The limit itself is pretty easy to calculate ##lim_{T->0} \ lim_{\mu->\epsilon_F} \ (e^{\frac{(\epsilon_F - \mu)}{kT}}+1)^{-1} = \frac{1}{2}## But I'm very confused about changing ##\epsilon_\vec{k}## to ##\epsilon_F##. Why do we do this?
  4. A

    Proving this equation -- Limit of a sum of inverse square root terms

    Hi I was working on a physics problem and it was almost solved. Only the part that is mostly mathematical remains, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not solve it. I hope you can help me. This is the equation I came up with and I wanted to prove it: $$\lim_{n \rightarrow+ \infty} {...
  5. vibha_ganji

    I Proof of 1/(x^2) Not Having Limit at 0

    In Apostol’s Calculus (Pg. 130) they are proving that 1/(x^2) does not have a limit at 0. In the proof, I am unable to understand how they conclude from the fact that the value of f(x) when 0 < x < 1/(A+2) is greater than (A+2)^2 which is greater than A+2 that every neighborhood N(0) contains...
  6. Leo Liu

    Prove that the limit of |x|/x at x=0 DNE

    Problem: Prove that $$\lim_{x\to 0}|\frac{|x|} x=\text{Undefined}$$ The solution written by my prof. uses a special case where the tolerance of error ##\epsilon=1/2##. However, I want to proof it with generality, meaning that the tolerance is shrinking. Below is my attempt at a solution...
  7. M

    I Does time dilation occur due to the speed limit of light or c?

    The universal speed limit is c, and as a consequence light is confined to that limit. I was thinking about the time dilation in SR and was wondering if this is result of reaching speeds close to the speed of light or because of reaching speed close to c? For example, let's say light could be...
  8. jaychay

    MHB Limit Comparision Test: Get Help Now

    Can you please help me Thank you in advance
  9. L

    I Prove that the limit of this matrix expression is 0

    Given a singular matrix ##A##, let ##B = A - tI## for small positive ##t## such that ##B## is non-singular. Prove that: $$ \lim_{t\to 0} (\chi_A(B) + \det(B)I)B^{-1} = 0 $$ where ##\chi_A## is the characteristic polynomial of ##A##. Note that ##\lim_{t\to 0} \chi_A(B) = \chi_A(A) = 0## by...
  10. kshitij

    Limit calculation involving log and trig functions

    This was the question, The above solution is the one that I got originally by the question setters, Below are my attempts (I don't know why is the size of image automatically reduced but hope that its clear enough to understand), As you can see that both these methods give different answers...
  11. PainterGuy

    How do I change this integral limit from x to t?

    Hi, It's not a homework problem. I was just doing it and couldn't find a way to change the integral limit from "x" to "t". I should end up with kinetic energy formula, (1/2)mv^2. I've assumed that what I've done is correct. Thank you! Edit: "E" is work done.
  12. A

    MHB Is the Limit of Sin x/x=1 Proven in Elementary Calculus?

    From elementary calculus it is known that (lim x-->0) ((sin x)/x) = 1. Is this result equivalent to (lim x-->0) sin x = x ? If so, how is it proved? Many thanks for all guidance.
  13. M

    Is there any evidence to suggest that there is no limit to technology?

    I am currently obsessed with futurism but I am terrified I will run out of novums to contemplate about. A novum is an idea like “FTL travel” or “Gene splicing”. I was wondering if their is any proof that their is an unlimited amount of ideas that humans can come up with. My uncle was reading...
  14. K

    I Definition of Limit for vector fields

    Apostol defines limit for vector fields as > ##\quad \lim _{x \rightarrow a} f(x)=b \quad(\rm or\; f(x) \rightarrow b## as ##x \rightarrow a)## means that : ##\lim _{\|x-a\| \rightarrow 0}\|f(x)-b\|=0## Can't we say it's equivalent to ##\lim _{x \rightarrow a}(f(x)-b)=0##
  15. guyvsdcsniper

    Understanding Multivariable Limits: Solving with Factoring Methods

    I do not understand how they got the -x in the numerator to turn into a sqrt(x) when factoring to solve this multivariable function. Could some help me understand?
  16. T

    B Explanation of light speed limit

    To an average person with high school math knowledge how would you explain in a few words why no object could travel faster than the speed of light ? Well it's because...
  17. N

    Use Graph To Investigate Limit

    Use a graph to investigate limit of f(x) as x→c at the number c. Note: c is given to be 2. This number comes from the side conditions of the piecewise function. See attachments. lim (x + 2) as x tends to c from the left is 2. lim x^2 as x tends to c from the right is 4. LHL does not...
  18. N

    Use the graph of f(x) to investigate the limit

    Use the graph to investigate the limit of f(x) as x tends to c at the number c. See attachments. Based on the graph of f(x), here is what I did: lim (2x + 1) as x tends to 0 from the left is 1. lim (2x) as x tends to 0 from the right is 0. LHL does not equal RHL. I conclude the limit of...
  19. N

    Investigating Limit of Piecewise Function

    Use the graph to investigate (a) lim of f(x) as x→2 from the left side. (b) lim of f(x) as x→2 from the right side. (c) lim of f(x) as x→2. Question 20 For part (a), as I travel along on the x-axis coming from the left, the graph reaches a height of 4. The limit is 4. It does not matter...
  20. N

    Investigating A Limit Via Graph

    Use the graph to investigate (a) lim of f(x) as x→2 from the left side. (b) lim of f(x) as x→2 from the right side. (c) lim of f(x) as x→2. Question 18 For part (a), as I travel along on the x-axis coming from the left, the graph reaches a height of 4. The limit is 4. It does not matter if...
  21. N

    Investigate Limit of Piecewise Function

    My apologies. I posted the correct problem with the wrong set of instructions. It it a typo at my end. Here is the correct set of instructions for 28: Use the graph to investigate limit of f(x) as x→c. If the limit does not exist, explain why. For (a), the limit is 1. For (b), the limit DOES...
  22. N

    Use Graph To Investigate Limit

    For questions 24 and 26, Use the graph to investigate limit of f(x) as x→c. If the limit does not exist, explain why. Question 24 For (a), the limit is 1. For (b), the limit is cannot be determined due to the hole at (c, 2). For (c), LHL does not = RHL. I conclude the limit does not exist...
  23. N

    What Happens to f(x) as x Approaches 2?

    Investigate A Limit Investigate the limit of f(x) as x tends to c at the given c number. Attachment has been deleted. Let me see. Let c = 2 I think I got to take the limit of f(x) as x tends to 2 from the left and right. What about as x tends to 2 (from the left and right at the same...
  24. N

    Use Graph to Determine Limit: Calculating Limits with Piecewise Functions

    Summary:: Graphs and Limits Use the graph to determine the limit of the piecewise function as x tends to 1. Let me see. lim of (-x + 3) as x-->1 from the left is 2. lim of (2x) as x-->1 from the right is 2. I can safely say that the limit of f(x) as x tends to 1 from the left and right...
  25. N

    Use Graph To Investigate Limit

    Summary:: Use Graph To Investigate Limit Use the graph to investigate the limit of f(x) as x tends to 0. Let me see. I got to use the graph to investigate the limit of f(x) as x tends to 0 from the left and right. Let y = f(x). The given function can also be expressed as f(x) = | x |. The...
  26. N

    I Understanding the basic concept of a Limit

    Hello everyone. How are you? I want to learn calculus so badly. I plan to do a self-study of calculus l, ll, and lll. Before thinking so far ahead, I need a clear, basic definition of the concept of a limit. Textbook language is never easy to grasp unless the student is gifted. I am not gifted...
  27. H

    Confirm Limit Existence for Function f w/o Piecewise Def.

    If you are told something holds if the limit exists, and given a function f (specifically not piecewise defined), is it enough to show that the limit as x approaches c = the function evaluated at c? With a piecewise defined function, it is easy to check both sides of a potential discontinuity...
  28. R

    I How can we define a limit approaching negative infinity?

    I have the following definition: $$ \lim_{x\to p^+}f(x)=+\infty\iff \forall\,\,\varepsilon>0,\,\exists\,\,\delta>0,\,\,\text{with}\,\,p+\delta< b: p< x < p+\delta \implies f(x) > \varepsilon$$ From this, how can I get the definition of $$\lim_{x\to p^-}=-\infty? $$
  29. R

    MHB What is the definition of a negative infinity limit?

    I have the following definition: $$\lim_{x\to p^+}f(x)=+\infty\iff \forall\,\,\varepsilon>0,\,\exists\,\,\delta>0,\,\,\text{with}\,\,p+\delta< b: p< x < p+\delta \implies f(x) > \varepsilon$$ From this, how can I get the definition of $$\lim_{x\to p^-}=-\infty? $$
  30. C

    Showing continuous function has min or max using Cauchy limit def.

    Problem: Let ## f: \Bbb R \to \Bbb R ## be continuous. It is known that ## \lim_{x \to \infty } f(x) = \lim_{x \to -\infty } f(x) = l \in R \cup \{ \pm \infty \} ##. Prove that ## f ## gets maximum or minimum on ## \Bbb R ##. Proof: First we'll regard the case ## l = \infty ## ( the case...
  31. S

    What is the difference in this limit?

    Hello! I need to calculate the limit of this function ## f(x) = (x^2-9)*e^{-x}## for + and - ## \infty ## Now for + infinity I did this $$ \frac{(x^2-9)}{e^x} $$ apply L'Hospital since we have infinity divided by infinity; $$\frac{2x}{e^x} $$ Apply L'Hospital again $$ \frac{2}{e^x} $$ the...
  32. S

    MHB Limit of a Sequence (Updated with progress)

    Hello, I know I posted this question recently but I wanted to update with my progress. I have figured out what the limit should be but I would really appreciate help with how to use the definition of the limit of a sequence to prove it! What I have is:Suppose n is extremely large, then both...
  33. S

    MHB Discover the Limit of a Sequence with Easy-to-Follow Steps

    Hello! I have been trying to work through this but I have never really been able to use the definition correctly to find a limit sequence. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
  34. M

    Is there a limit to technology?

    Bernard Stiegler said that technology is an evolving organism that never ends as long as their are people; yet as an aspiring futurist; I feel that I’ve reached the limit to all the different concepts for technology. All the futurism stuff is repetitive because their are only so many things a...
  35. C

    I ##(a_n) ## has +10,-10 as partial limits. Then 0 is also a partial limit

    Problem: If sequence ## (a_n) ## has ##10-10## as partial limits and in addition ##\forall n \in \mathbb{N}.|a_{n+1} − a_{n} |≤ \frac{1}{n} ##, then 0 is a partial limit of ## (a_n) ##. Proof : Suppose that ## 0 ## isn't a partial limit of ## (a_n) ##. Then there exists ## \epsilon_0 > 0 ## and...
  36. S

    Finding lower and upper limit for time related to roller coaster

    height from ground speed 100 40 80 48 60 60 40 72 20 80 I tried to plot the points (speed on x-axis and height on y axis) and I got more or less like a straight line but I am not sure whether the graph would help to calculate the upper and lower limit of the time. I also tried to...
  37. yucheng

    Computing a limit involving a square root: what is wrong?

    My attempt: \begin{align} \lim\limits_{n \to \infty} \sqrt{n^2 + n} - n &= n\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{n}} -n\\ &=n - n\\ &= 0\\ \end{align} I think the issue is at (1)-(2) For comparison, here is Rudin's solution
  38. V

    Determine the limit of 2^x/x^2 as x approaches infinity....

    How would I determine the following limit without substitution of large values of x to see what value is approached by the complex function? ## \lim_{x \rightarrow +\infty} {\dfrac {2^{x}} {x^{2} } } ## where ## x\in \mathbb{R}##
  39. N

    MHB What is the Epsilon-Delta Method for Proving Limits?

    Use the epsilon-delta method to show that the limit is 3/2 for the given function. lim (1 + 2x)/(3 - x) = 3/2 x-->1 I want to find a delta so that | x - 1| < delta implies |f(x) - L| < epsilon. | (1 + 2x)/(3 - x) - (3/2) | < epsilon -epsilon < (1 + 2x)/(3 - x) - 3/2 < epsilon I now add...
  40. N

    MHB What is the best deal for maximum profit?

    The model below is given to find the growth of a population of an endangered species. P(t) = (500)/[1 + 82.3e^(-0.162t)] Find the limit of P(t) as t tends to positive infinity. The answer in the textbook is 500. Can a model like this be graphed? If so, is the graph of P(t) the best approach...
  41. N

    MHB What is the Limit of (5x)/(100 - x) as x Approaches 100 from the Left?

    Find the limit of (5x)/(100 - x) as x tends to 100 from the left side. The side condition given: 0 <= x < 100 To create a table, I must select values of x slightly less than 100. I did that and ended up with negative infinity as the answer. The textbook answer is positive infinity. Can you...
  42. N

    MHB Limit of Newton's Law of Cooling....2

    Given u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T, find the limit of u(t) as t tends to 0 from the right side. The answer is u_0. How is the answer found? Seeking a hint or two. Can this Law of Cooling be graphed? If so, what does the graph look like?
  43. N

    MHB Limit of Newton's Law of Cooling....1

    Given u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T, find the limit of u(t) as t tends to positive infinity. The answer is T. How is the answer found? Seeking a hint or two.
  44. N

    MHB Limit of Trigonometric Function....2

    Find the limit of csc(2x) as x tends to pi/2 from the right side. I decided to graph the function. Based on the graph, I stated the answer to be positive infinity. According to the textbook, the answer is negative infinity. Why is negative infinity the right answer? Thanks
  45. N

    MHB Limit of Trigonometric Function....1

    Find the limit of cot (x) as x tends to pi from the left side. Seeking a hint or two. Does the graph of the given function help in terms of finding the limit?
  46. N

    MHB How to Find the Limit of (1 - x)/[(3 - x)^2] as x Approaches 3?

    Find the limit of (1 - x)/[(3 - x)^2] as x---> 3. I could not find the limit using algebra. So, I decided to graph the given function. I can see from the graph on paper that the limit is negative infinity. How is this done without graphing?
  47. N

    MHB Is the Limit of 1/(x^2 - 9) as x Approaches -3 from the Left Positive Infinity?

    Find the limit of 1/(x^2 - 9) as x tends to -3 from the left side. Approaching -3 from the left means that the values of x must be slightly less than -3. I created a table for x and f(x). x...(-4.5)...(-4)...(-3.5) f(x)... 0.088...0.142...…...0.3076 I can see that f(x) is getting larger and...
  48. N

    MHB Is the Limit of 5/(x^2 - 4) as x Approaches 2 from the Right Positive Infinity?

    Find the limit of 5/(x^2 - 4) as x tends to 2 from the right side. Approaching 2 from the right means that the values of x must be slightly larger than 2. I created a table for x and f(x). x...2.1...2.01...2.001 f(x)...12...124.68...1249.68 I can see that f(x) is getting larger and larger...
  49. N

    MHB What is the Limit of (3x)/(x-2) as x Approaches 2 from the Left?

    Find the limit of (3x)/(x - 2) as x tends to 2 from the left side. Approaching 2 from the left means that the values of x must be slightly less than 2. I created a table for x and f(x). x...0...0.5...1...1.5 f(x)...0...-1...-3...-9 I can see that f(x) is getting smaller and smaller and...
  50. N

    MHB Is graphing the best method for finding the limit of a rational function?

    Find the limit of x/(x^2 - 4) as x tends to 2 from the right. If I plug x = 0, I will get 0/-4 = asymptote. Again, is graphing the best to do this one? I can also create a number line. <----------(-2)----------(0)---------------(2)--------> I can then select values for x from each interval...
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