Is it possible to manipulate limits in equations?

  • Thread starter Jhenrique
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In summary: So you can convert the limit as x → x0 to the limit as Δx → 0. You just have to be careful to also convert any other occurrences of x in the expression.
  • #1
Jhenrique
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I believed the definitions of derivative that we know was really definitions
[tex]f'(x_0)=\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0}\frac{f(x)-f(x_0)}{x-x_0}[/tex]
[tex]f'(x_0)=\lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}\frac{f(x_0+\Delta x)-f(x_0)}{\Delta x}[/tex]
But not, is one definition, just use the equality bellow in equations above...
[tex]\\ \Delta x=x-x_0 \\ x=x_0+\Delta x[/tex]

However, how proof the equality between limits?
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \; \underset{=}{?} \; \lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}[/tex]

Maybe by:
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0}=\lim_{x-x_0\rightarrow x_0-x_0}=\lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}[/tex]

What do you think about this? Is correct work with limit as if it is a equation?

EDIT: And more... Is possible to manipulate the limits like a algebric variable? I want say... move the limit from left side of equation to right side, apply a limit in equation that eliminate outher limit that already exist, know, use the limit like a function (and a function have a inverse function). What do you think??
 
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  • #2
Jhenrique said:
However, how proof the equality between limits?
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \; \underset{=}{?} \; \lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}[/tex]

That notation doesn't make sense. You should specify the functions involved. To properly phrase your question, you should ask:

How do we prove:

[eq, 1] [itex] \lim_{x\rightarrow x_{0}} g(x) = \lim_{\Delta x \rightarrow 0} g(x + \Delta x) [/itex]


Maybe by:
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0}=\lim_{x-x_0\rightarrow x_0-x_0}=\lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}[/tex]

How you prove things depends on what theorems you have already proven. You seem to be seeking a proof that only uses the manipulation of symbols. Many important mathematical theorems cannot be proven just by manipulation of symbols. (Symbolic manipulation is an aid to thought, not a substitute for it.) One way to prove [eq. 1] is to write a proof consisting mostly of words. Another way is to use theorems about limits of the composition of functions, if your study materials have proven such theorems.



EDIT: And more... Is possible to manipulate the limits like a algebric variable? I want say... move the limit from left side of equation to right side, apply a limit in equation that eliminate outher limit that already exist, know, use the limit like a function (and a function have a inverse function). What do you think??

It is not possible in general. For special kinds of functions, you might be able to develop methods of symbolic manipulation that work. For example, in general [itex] lim_{x\rightarrow x_{0}} lim_{y\rightarrow y_{0}} f(x_0,y_0) [/itex] is not equal to [itex] lim_{y\rightarrow y_{0}} lim_{x\rightarrow x_{0}} f(x_0,y_0) [/itex]. However, for many types of functions, the two expressions are equal.
 
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  • #3
Given:
[tex]\frac{f(x)-f(x_0)}{x-x_0}=\frac{f(x_0+\Delta x)-f(x_0)}{\Delta x}[/tex]
and applying one limit bellow in equation above
[tex]\\ \lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \\ \lim_{\Delta x\rightarrow 0}[/tex]
then:
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \frac{f(x)-f(x_0)}{x-x_0}=\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \frac{f(x_0+\Delta x)-f(x_0)}{\Delta x}[/tex]
So this I saw the need of know to transform the limits so that which equation have its apropried limit
 
  • #4
Jhenrique said:
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \frac{f(x)-f(x_0)}{x-x_0}=\lim_{x\rightarrow x_0} \frac{f(x_0+\Delta x)-f(x_0)}{\Delta x}[/tex]
So this I saw the need of know to transform the limits so that which equation have its apropried limit
The limit on the right doesn't make sense - there is no x anywhere. That limit should be as Δx → 0.

If Δx = x - x0, then as x → x0, Δx → 0. It might be that that's what you're asking about.
 
  • #5
Yes, doesn't make sense. Exactly by this that it need to be manipuled: x → x₀ <=> x - x₀ → x₀ - x₀ <=> Δx → 0
 
  • #6
Jhenrique said:
Yes, doesn't make sense. Exactly by this that it need to be manipuled: x → x₀ <=> x - x₀ → x₀ - x₀ <=> Δx → 0
So your question is answered?

BTW, the word is manipulated
 
  • #7
So so, I'd like to know the your opinion about this. But, I already noticed that is possible work with limits in a equation.

Sorry I'm not american or british...
 
  • #8
Jhenrique said:
Yes, doesn't make sense. Exactly by this that it need to be manipuled: x → x₀ <=> x - x₀ → x₀ - x₀ <=> Δx → 0

Jhenrique said:
So so, I'd like to know the your opinion about this. But, I already noticed that is possible work with limits in a equation.
Yes, you can convert limits as you show above. It's nothing more complicated than algebra. If Δx = x - x0, then as x approaches x0, Δx necessarily approaches 0.
 

FAQ: Is it possible to manipulate limits in equations?

What are equations with limits?

Equations with limits are mathematical expressions that involve a variable and a limit, which represents the value that the variable approaches as it gets closer and closer to a certain point. These equations are used to describe and analyze the behavior of functions.

How do you solve equations with limits?

To solve an equation with limits, you need to first determine the limit of the function at the given point. This can be done by evaluating the function at values closer and closer to the point and observing the trend. Once the limit is determined, you can plug it into the equation and solve for the variable.

What are the applications of equations with limits?

Equations with limits are used in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and economics, to model and predict the behavior of systems. They are also used in calculus to find the derivatives and integrals of functions.

Are there any special cases when solving equations with limits?

Yes, there are special cases when solving equations with limits, such as when the limit of the function does not exist or when it approaches infinity. In these cases, other techniques, such as L'Hopital's rule, may be used to solve the equation.

How can equations with limits be useful in real-life situations?

Equations with limits can be used to model and analyze real-life situations, such as population growth, chemical reactions, and stock market trends. They can also be used to make predictions and optimize systems, making them a valuable tool in decision-making processes.

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