[Math] Prove $\lim_{x\to0}\cos(\frac{1}{x})$ does not exist

calculuslimits

Prove $\lim_{x\to0}\cos\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)$ does not exist using $\epsilon$-$\delta$ proof.

I think my professor wants this to be done by letting $L$ be arbitrary. Then have two cases: $L > 0$ and $L < 1$. Then I would pick an epsilon, for all delta, and pick an $x$.

Any help would be appreciated.

Best Answer

Suppose $\varepsilon=1/10$. If the limit exists, then there exists $\delta>0$ such that if $|x|<\delta$, then $|\cos x-L|<\varepsilon$. But there are numbers $x_1$, $x_2$, both less than $\delta$ in absolute value, for which $\cos x_1=1$ and $\cos x_2=-1$. So $1$ and $-1$ are both within a distance $1/10$ of $L$. From $1$ to $L$ is a distance $<1/10$ and from $L$ to $-1$ is a distance $<1/10$, so the triangle inequality tells us the distance from $1$ to $-1$ is $<2/10$.

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