# Math Help - prove that there exists a delta>0 such that f(x)>0...

1. ## prove that there exists a delta>0 such that f(x)>0...

Let f: D->R be continuous at a point a $\in$D and assume f(a)>0. How would I prove that there exists a $\delta$>0 such that f(x)>0 for all x $\in$D $\cup$(a- $\delta$, a+ $\delta$)?

2. Originally Posted by alice8675309
Let f: D->R be continuous at a point a $\in$D and assume f(a)>0. How would I prove that there exists a $\delta$>0 such that f(x)>0 for all x $\in$D $\cup$(a- $\delta$, a+ $\delta$)?
You have a mistake. It must be intersection not union.
As in $x\in D\cap (a-\delta, a+\delta)$
BTW: Look a the correct LaTeX: $$x\in D\cap (a-\delta, a+\delta)$$.

In the definition of continuity use $\varepsilon = \frac{{f(a)}}{2} > 0$.

3. Oops sorry it is supposed to be intersection. But how to I go about starting it?

4. Originally Posted by alice8675309
Oops sorry it is supposed to be intersection. But how to I go about starting it?
$\left| {x - a} \right| < \delta \, \Rightarrow \,\left| {f(x) - f(a)} \right| <\dfrac{{f(a)}}{2}.$

5. Originally Posted by Plato
$\left| {x - a} \right| < \delta \, \Rightarrow \,\left| {f(x) - f(a)} \right| <\dfrac{{f(a)}}{2}.$
Right. My biggest problem is going from what we have to what I need, which is basically writing the proof. Following the format of my notes and other proofs, I've been trying to put together a proof. I don't know but is this right:

Assume that f is continuous at a and that f(a)>0. Now we choose epsilon=f(a)/2>0. By the definition of continuous, there exists a delta>0 such that for any x, |x-a|<delta then |f(x)-f(a)|<f(a)/2.

Hint: $|y-a|