Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
1. Limits and Continuity
Introduction to Limits
Problem 2.7.45
Textbook Question
Use the precise definition of infinite limits to prove the following limits.
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of an infinite limit. The statement \( \lim_{{x \to 4}} \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} = \infty \) means that for every positive number \( M \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that if \( 0 < |x - 4| < \delta \), then \( \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} > M \).
Step 2: Start by manipulating the inequality \( \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} > M \). This can be rewritten as \( (x-4)^2 < \frac{1}{M} \).
Step 3: Solve the inequality \( (x-4)^2 < \frac{1}{M} \) for \( x \). This gives \( |x-4| < \frac{1}{\sqrt{M}} \).
Step 4: Choose \( \delta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{M}} \). This choice of \( \delta \) ensures that whenever \( 0 < |x - 4| < \delta \), the inequality \( \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} > M \) holds true.
Step 5: Conclude that since for every \( M > 0 \), there exists a \( \delta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{M}} \) such that \( 0 < |x - 4| < \delta \) implies \( \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} > M \), the limit \( \lim_{{x \to 4}} \frac{1}{{(x-4)^2}} = \infty \) is proven.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Finding Limits Numerically and Graphically with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning