Can I say this equation is right?

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Let $a,b,c,\epsilon$ be positive real numbers. This $\epsilon$ is that you can see in $(\epsilon, \delta)$-definition of limit, thus $\epsilon$ is arbitrary though $a,b,c$ is constant.


Now this equation is given.

$a < b < c + \epsilon \ \ \ (1)$

In this case, can I say the below equation is right?

$a < c\ \ \ (2)$


I think it is true. Let me explain my solution.

(i) When $a<c$

Trivial.

$ $

(ii) When $a = c$

$(\mathrm{eq.}1) \Rightarrow c < b < c + \epsilon \ \ \ (3)$

Let $d$ be a positive real number and rewrite $b$ as below.

$b = c + d\ \ \ (4)$

Then (eq.3) becomes

$c < c + d < c + \epsilon \ \ \ (5)$

But, since you can lessen $\epsilon$ arbitrarily, if you decide $\epsilon = d - 0$, the relational equation between $a,b,c,\epsilon$ becomes

$c < c + \epsilon < c + d\ \ \ (6)$

$\Leftrightarrow a < c + \epsilon < b\ \ \ (7)$

This contradict (eq.1). Thus $a \neq c$.

$ $

(iii) When $a > c$

(eq.1) $\Rightarrow c < a < b < c + \epsilon$

This case isn't essentially different from the second case of $a = c$.

$ $

Thus $a < c$.


Could anyone tell me whether this solution is right? Thank you in advance.

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Clearly taking limit when $\epsilon\to 0$ we get $b\le c$ hence $a\lt c$.

It is good as an exercise for you using trichotomy (by the order relation in real numbers) but it is not necessary.