Math Problem Statement

Let f(x) = -5x + 3. 1. Find the real number L such that lim(x→2) f(x) = L. 2. Prove the equality from part (1) using an epsilon-delta proof.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step.

Part 1: Find the Limit

The function given is f(x)=5x+3f(x) = -5x + 3. We need to find: limx2f(x)\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) Since f(x)f(x) is a linear function, it's continuous everywhere, so we can find the limit by direct substitution: limx2f(x)=f(2)=5(2)+3=10+3=7\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = f(2) = -5(2) + 3 = -10 + 3 = -7 Thus, the real number LL is 7-7.

Part 2: Prove the Equality Using an ε\varepsilon-δ\delta Proof

To prove limx2f(x)=7\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = -7 using an ε\varepsilon-δ\delta proof, we proceed as follows:

  1. Definition of the Limit: We need to show that for every ε>0\varepsilon > 0, there exists a δ>0\delta > 0 such that if 0<x2<δ0 < |x - 2| < \delta, then f(x)(7)<ε|f(x) - (-7)| < \varepsilon.

  2. Set Up the Inequality: f(x)(7)=(5x+3)+7=5x+10|f(x) - (-7)| = |(-5x + 3) + 7| = |-5x + 10|

    We can factor out the 5-5: 5x+10=5x2|-5x + 10| = 5|x - 2|

  3. Choosing δ\delta: We want 5x2<ε5|x - 2| < \varepsilon. To make this true, set: x2<ε5|x - 2| < \frac{\varepsilon}{5}

    Therefore, let δ=ε5\delta = \frac{\varepsilon}{5}. This choice ensures that if 0<x2<δ0 < |x - 2| < \delta, then: f(x)(7)=5x2<5ε5=ε|f(x) - (-7)| = 5|x - 2| < 5 \cdot \frac{\varepsilon}{5} = \varepsilon

  4. Conclusion: By the definition of the limit, if 0<x2<δ0 < |x - 2| < \delta, then f(x)(7)<ε|f(x) - (-7)| < \varepsilon, confirming that: limx2f(x)=7\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = -7

This completes the ε\varepsilon-δ\delta proof.

Would you like further details or explanations on any step?

Relative Questions

  1. How do you find the limit of a polynomial function?
  2. What makes a function continuous, and how does it relate to limits?
  3. How do you approach proving a limit for more complex functions using the ε\varepsilon-δ\delta method?
  4. Can you explain how to choose δ\delta when dealing with non-linear functions?
  5. Why is it important that δ\delta depends on ε\varepsilon in an ε\varepsilon-δ\delta proof?

Tip

When proving limits using ε\varepsilon-δ\delta, focus on manipulating the absolute value expression to isolate xc|x - c|. This step is crucial in finding a suitable δ\delta.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Linear Functions
Epsilon-Delta Proof

Formulas

Limit definition: lim(x→c) f(x) = L
Linear function: f(x) = mx + b
Epsilon-Delta proof: For every ε > 0, there exists δ > 0 such that if 0 < |x - c| < δ, then |f(x) - L| < ε

Theorems

Continuity of Linear Functions
Epsilon-Delta Definition of Limit

Suitable Grade Level

College Level Calculus