How Does Corresponding Number Ensure Limit Existence?

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In summary, if for every epsilon greater than 0, there exists a corresponding delta greater than 0 such that for all x within a certain interval, the difference between f(x) and the limit L is less than epsilon, then L is a limit. This means that for any challenge of epsilon, there is a corresponding response of delta that ensures the existence of the limit. The deltas are determined by the inequalities or arguments used in the epsilon-delta proof.
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wajed
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If for every number E>0, there exists a corresponding number D>0 such that for all x
|x-x0|<D >> |f(x)-L|<E
Then L is a limit

what is precisely mean of "corresponding number"?
and how can that "correspondance" assure me that the limit exists?

how can a number be corresponding to another number?
I know how can a number be equal/less than/greater than a number, but how can it be corresponding to another number?

I think I understand the definition now, except this "essential?" part
 
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  • #2
It just means that if someone tell you E>0, you can tell them D>0 so that the second part is true.
 
  • #3
Your intention is to foil the following series of arguments by coming up with deltas that work for every scenario:
"You say that f(x) approaches the value L near x=a, but I bet you can't give me an f(x) that is 0.000001 away from L!"
"Of course I can. Just take any x in the interval (a - D, a + D)!"
"Oh okay. but I bet you can't give me an f(x) within 10-10000 of L!"
"No problem. Let x be in the interval (a - D1, a + D1)!"
"Hmm. What about ..."
and so on. The challenges are the epsilons and the responses are the deltas. You can usually formulate an epsilon-delta argument so that the deltas are some function of the epsilon challenges, or argue by inequalities.
 

FAQ: How Does Corresponding Number Ensure Limit Existence?

What is the formal definition of a limit?

The formal definition of a limit is the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a specific value. It is represented mathematically as:
lim x→a f(x) = L, where L is the limit of the function f(x) as x approaches a.

How is a limit different from a value of a function?

A limit is a theoretical concept, whereas the value of a function is an actual output. A limit represents the behavior of a function near a certain point, while the value of a function is the exact output at that point. For example, the limit of a function may exist even if the function is undefined at that point.

What is the significance of limits in calculus?

Limits are essential in calculus because they allow us to study the behavior of functions near certain points. They are used to define derivatives and integrals, which are fundamental concepts in calculus. Limits also help us determine the rate of change of a function and its continuity.

Can limits be used to find the value of a function at a specific point?

No, limits cannot be used to directly find the value of a function at a specific point. They only tell us the behavior of a function near that point. However, we can use limits to estimate the value of a function at a specific point by examining the values of the function as the input approaches that point.

Are there different types of limits?

Yes, there are different types of limits, such as one-sided limits, infinite limits, and limits at infinity. One-sided limits are used when the input approaches the specific value from only one direction. Infinite limits occur when the output of a function approaches positive or negative infinity as the input approaches a certain value. Limits at infinity are used when the input of a function approaches infinity.

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