Conjecturing the Limit and Finding Delta for Sinusoidal Function

  • Thread starter John O' Meara
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Delta Limit
In summary, the conversation is about finding the value of the limit L = \lim_{x->0}f(x) using a graphing utility and its trace feature. The conjectured value of L is 2 and the goal is to find a positive number delta such that |f(x)-l|< \epsilon whenever 0 < |x| < \delta. The conversation discusses the process of finding this value and mentions that the function does not need to go both above and below the limit. It is also noted that delta could be smaller than the initial value found. The conversation ends with the statement that any positive number delta with the mentioned property is a solution, as long as the problem does not specifically ask for the largest possible
  • #1
John O' Meara
330
0
Let [tex] f(X)=\frac{\sin(2x)}{x} [/tex] and use a graphing utility to conjecture the value of L = [tex] \lim_{x->0}f(x) \mbox{ then let } \epsilon =.1 [/tex] and use the graphing utility and its trace feature to find a positive number [tex] \delta [/tex] such that [tex] |f(x)-l|< \epsilon \mbox{ if } 0 < |x| < \delta [/tex]. My conjecture of the limit L = 2, therefore if that is the case then [tex] 1.9< f(x) < 2.1[/tex]. Since the maximum value of f(x) < 2, the graphing utility will not be able to find delta will it? What is the value of delta if L=2?Thanks.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It will be able to. The function does not need to go both above and below. You just need to find a number [tex]\delta[/tex] so that f(x) is between those numbers whenever x is in the interval [tex][-\delta,\delta][/tex].
 
  • #3
I set up my graphing calculator Xmin =.2758..., Xmax = .2775... Then f(x)=y=1.8999954 gives x_0=.27596197. The length 0 to x_0 is not = delta but this half interval has the property that for each x in the interval (except possibly for x=0) the values of f(x) is between either 0 and L+epsilon or L-epsilon. delta could be much smaller than x_0. I still have not found delta.
 
  • #4
Any positive number delta that has that property ("for each x in the interval (except possibly for x=0) the values of f(x) is between either 0 and L+epsilon or L-epsilon") is a solution to the problem as long as it does not specifically ask for the largest possible number delta with that property.
 

FAQ: Conjecturing the Limit and Finding Delta for Sinusoidal Function

What is the purpose of finding a limit?

The purpose of finding a limit is to determine the behavior of a function as it approaches a certain value. It helps us understand the behavior of a function at a specific point or as it approaches infinity or negative infinity.

How do you find a limit algebraically?

To find a limit algebraically, you can use various techniques such as factoring, rationalizing the denominator, or applying algebraic manipulations. You can also use the limit laws, which state that the limit of a sum, difference, product, or quotient is equal to the sum, difference, product, or quotient of the individual limits.

What is the difference between a one-sided limit and a two-sided limit?

A one-sided limit only considers the behavior of a function as it approaches a specific value from either the left or right side. A two-sided limit takes into account both the left and right behavior of a function as it approaches a specific value. In other words, a two-sided limit exists if and only if both the left and right limits exist and are equal.

How do you know when a limit does not exist?

If the left and right limits of a function at a specific point are not equal, or if the function has a vertical asymptote at that point, then the limit does not exist. Additionally, if the function oscillates or has a jump discontinuity at that point, the limit does not exist.

What is the role of delta in finding a limit?

Delta, also known as the "change in x," is used to define the distance between the input values of a function. In the context of finding a limit, delta represents the interval around the specific point at which we are trying to evaluate the limit. It is used to establish a relationship between the input and output values of a function, and helps us determine the behavior of the function as the input approaches a certain value.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
26K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top