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Complete the proof that lim x 2 ( 3 x 2 ) = 4 by filling in the blanks.

Let _______.

Choose δ = _______ .

Assume 0 < | x ____ | < ____ .

Thus,

| _______ ____ | = ______________________________ ε .

Therefore, lim x 2 ( 3 x 2 ) = 4 .

Let ε > 0 ; choose δ = ε 3 ; assume 0 < | x 2 | < δ .

Thus, | ( 3 x 2 ) 4 | = | 3 x 6 | = | 3 | · | x 2 | < 3 · δ = 3 · ( ε / 3 ) = ε .

Therefore, lim x 2 3 x 2 = 4 .

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In [link] and [link] , the proofs were fairly straightforward, since the functions with which we were working were linear. In [link] , we see how to modify the proof to accommodate a nonlinear function.

Proving a statement about the limit of a specific function (geometric approach)

Prove that lim x 2 x 2 = 4.

  1. Let ε > 0 . The first part of the definition begins “For every ε > 0 ,” so we must prove that whatever follows is true no matter what positive value of ε is chosen. By stating “Let ε > 0 ,” we signal our intent to do so.
  2. Without loss of generality, assume ε 4 . Two questions present themselves: Why do we want ε 4 and why is it okay to make this assumption? In answer to the first question: Later on, in the process of solving for δ , we will discover that δ involves the quantity 4 ε . Consequently, we need ε 4 . In answer to the second question: If we can find δ > 0 that “works” for ε 4 , then it will “work” for any ε > 4 as well. Keep in mind that, although it is always okay to put an upper bound on ε , it is never okay to put a lower bound (other than zero) on ε .
  3. Choose δ = min { 2 4 ε , 4 + ε 2 } . [link] shows how we made this choice of δ .
    This graph shows how to find delta geometrically for a given epsilon for the above proof. First, the function f(x) = x^2 is drawn from [-1, 3]. On the y axis, the proposed limit 4 is marked, and the line y=4 is drawn to intersect with the function at (2,4). For a given epsilon, point 4 + epsilon and 4 – epsilon are marked on the y axis above and below 4. Blue lines are drawn from these points to intersect with the function, where pink lines are drawn from the point of intersection to the x axis. These lines land on either side of x=2. Next, we solve for these x values, which have to be positive here. The first is x^2 = 4 – epsilon, which simplifies to x = sqrt(4-epsilon). The next is x^2 = 4 + epsilon, which simplifies to x = sqrt(4 + epsilon). Delta is the smaller of the two distances, so it is the min of (2 – sqrt(4 – epsilon) and sqrt(4 + epsilon) – 2).
    This graph shows how we find δ geometrically for a given ε for the proof in [link] .
  4. We must show: If 0 < | x 2 | < δ , then | x 2 4 | < ε , so we must begin by assuming
    0 < | x 2 | < δ .

    We don’t really need 0 < | x 2 | (in other words, x 2 ) for this proof. Since 0 < | x 2 | < δ | x 2 | < δ , it is okay to drop 0 < | x 2 | .
    | x 2 | < δ .

    Hence,
    δ < x 2 < δ .

    Recall that δ = min { 2 4 ε , 4 + ε 2 } . Thus, δ 2 4 ε and consequently ( 2 4 ε ) δ . We also use δ 4 + ε 2 here. We might ask at this point: Why did we substitute 2 4 ε for δ on the left-hand side of the inequality and 4 + ε 2 on the right-hand side of the inequality? If we look at [link] , we see that 2 4 ε corresponds to the distance on the left of 2 on the x -axis and 4 + ε 2 corresponds to the distance on the right. Thus,
    ( 2 4 ε ) δ < x 2 < δ 4 + ε 2 .

    We simplify the expression on the left:
    −2 + 4 ε < x 2 < 4 + ε 2 .

    Then, we add 2 to all parts of the inequality:
    4 ε < x < 4 + ε .

    We square all parts of the inequality. It is okay to do so, since all parts of the inequality are positive:
    4 ε < x 2 < 4 + ε .

    We subtract 4 from all parts of the inequality:
    ε < x 2 4 < ε .

    Last,
    | x 2 4 | < ε .
  5. Therefore,
    lim x 2 x 2 = 4 .
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Find δ corresponding to ε > 0 for a proof that lim x 9 x = 3 .

Choose δ = min { 9 ( 3 ε ) 2 , ( 3 + ε ) 2 9 } .

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The geometric approach to proving that the limit of a function takes on a specific value works quite well for some functions. Also, the insight into the formal definition of the limit that this method provides is invaluable. However, we may also approach limit proofs from a purely algebraic point of view. In many cases, an algebraic approach may not only provide us with additional insight into the definition, it may prove to be simpler as well. Furthermore, an algebraic approach is the primary tool used in proofs of statements about limits. For [link] , we take on a purely algebraic approach.

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Source:  OpenStax, Calculus volume 1. OpenStax CNX. Feb 05, 2016 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11964/1.2
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