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
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
1. Limits and Continuity
Introduction to Limits
Problem 2.7.48
Textbook Question
Use the precise definition of infinite limits to prove the following limits.

1
Step 1: Understand the definition of an infinite limit. The limit \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = \infty \) means that for every positive number \( M \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that if \( 0 < |x - a| < \delta \), then \( f(x) > M \).
Step 2: Consider the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x^4} - \sin(x) \). As \( x \to 0 \), \( \frac{1}{x^4} \to \infty \) and \( \sin(x) \to 0 \). Therefore, \( f(x) \to \infty \).
Step 3: For a given \( M > 0 \), we need to find \( \delta > 0 \) such that if \( 0 < |x| < \delta \), then \( \frac{1}{x^4} - \sin(x) > M \).
Step 4: Since \( \sin(x) \) is bounded, \( |\sin(x)| \leq |x| \). Therefore, \( \frac{1}{x^4} - \sin(x) \geq \frac{1}{x^4} - |x| \).
Step 5: Choose \( \delta \) small enough such that \( \frac{1}{x^4} - |x| > M \) for \( 0 < |x| < \delta \). This ensures that \( \frac{1}{x^4} - \sin(x) > M \), proving the limit is infinite.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Infinite Limits
Infinite limits describe the behavior of a function as the input approaches a certain value, where the function's output grows without bound. Specifically, if the limit of a function as x approaches a value results in infinity, it indicates that the function increases indefinitely in that vicinity. Understanding infinite limits is crucial for analyzing functions that exhibit vertical asymptotes or unbounded growth.
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Sine Function Behavior
The sine function, denoted as sin(x), oscillates between -1 and 1 for all real numbers x. As x approaches 0, sin(x) can be approximated by its Taylor series expansion, which shows that sin(x) behaves like x near zero. This property is essential for evaluating limits involving sin(x) and understanding how it interacts with other functions, particularly in the context of limits approaching zero.
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Limit Definition and Evaluation
The precise definition of a limit involves the concept of approaching a value as closely as desired. To prove limits, one often uses algebraic manipulation, substitution, or the epsilon-delta definition. In this case, evaluating the limit requires analyzing the expression as x approaches 0, particularly focusing on the dominant term in the expression, which is crucial for determining the limit's behavior.
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