epsilon–delta definition of limit

E110604

The epsilon–delta definition of limit is the rigorous formalization of the intuitive notion of a function approaching a value, forming the foundation of modern analysis and calculus.

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epsilon–delta definition of limit canonical 1

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Predicate Object
instanceOf concept in real analysis
foundational concept in calculus
mathematical definition
alternativeFormulation metric-space definition using distances
neighborhood-based definition of limit
appliesTo complex-valued functions
multivariable functions
real-valued functions of a real variable
assumes ordered field structure of real numbers
characterizes behavior of functions near a point
clarifies concept of continuity at a point
difference between limit and function value
compatibleWith completeness of the real numbers
coreQuantifiers for every ε > 0 there exists δ > 0
defines limit of a function at a point
doesNotRequire function to be defined at the limit point
enables epsilon–delta proofs of differentiability
rigorous error estimates in analysis
field calculus
mathematical analysis
formalizes idea of a function approaching a value
intuitive notion of limit
generalizesTo metric spaces
topological spaces
historicallyAssociatedWith Augustin-Louis Cauchy
Karl Weierstrass
implies uniqueness of limits when they exist
logicalStructure universal–existential quantifier pattern
purpose to provide rigorous foundations for calculus
to remove ambiguity from infinitesimal reasoning
relatedConcept epsilon–N definition of limit of a sequence
sequential definition of limit
requires absolute value inequalities
notion of distance on the real line
supports rigorous definition of continuity
rigorous definition of definite integral
rigorous definition of derivative
rigorous definition of series convergence
taughtIn introductory real analysis textbooks
undergraduate analysis courses
timePeriod 19th century
typicalFormulation for every ε > 0 there exists δ > 0 such that 0 < |x − a| < δ implies |f(x) − L| < ε
usedIn epsilon–N definition of sequence limits
proofs of continuity properties
proofs of limit laws
usesSymbols delta (δ)
epsilon (ε)

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Karl Weierstrass notableFor epsilon–delta definition of limit