Limit Algebra: Solving Tricky Limits Using Factoring and Case Work

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving limits using factoring and case work techniques in calculus. Key examples include limits approaching negative infinity, such as \(\lim_{x\rightarrow -\infty} \frac{x-2}{(x+1)^{2}}\), where dividing by the highest power of \(x\) simplifies the expression. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering sign changes when dealing with square roots and negative infinity. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of case work for limits that do not exist, such as \(\lim_{x\rightarrow 3} \frac{x}{x-3}\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with factoring algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of square roots and their properties
  • Ability to perform case work in limit evaluation
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply the Squeeze Theorem in limit problems
  • Study the concept of one-sided limits and their implications
  • Explore advanced limit techniques such as L'Hôpital's Rule
  • Investigate the behavior of limits involving absolute values
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians tackling limit problems, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of limit evaluation techniques.

courtrigrad
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Limits

(1)[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow -\infty} \frac{x-2}{x^{2} + 2x + 1}[/tex]. I factored it as [tex]\frac{x-2}{(x+1)^{2}}[/tex]. Then what?
(2) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow -\infty} \frac{\sqrt{5x^{2}-2}}{x+3}[/tex]. For this one would I just multiply both sides by the numerator? I am not sure what to do with this one.
(3) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow -\infty} \frac{\sqrt{3x^{4}+x}}{x^{2}-8}[/tex]. Would I do the same thing and multiply both sides by the numerator?
(4) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 3} \frac{x}{x-3}[/tex]. Is there any way I can separate this?
(5) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 4-} \frac{3-x}{x^{2}-2x-8}[/tex]. Would I just factor both the numerator and denominator?
(6) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty} \frac{7-6x^{5}}{x+3}[/tex]. For this one would I also factor? Not sure how to do it.
(7)[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0-} \frac{x}{|x|}[/tex]. This would just be -1?
(8) [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin 2\theta}{\theta^{2}}[/tex]. This wouldn't exist? [tex]\frac{\sin 2\theta}{\theta^{2}} = 2\cos\theta(\frac{\sin\theta}{\theta})(\frac{1}{\theta})[/tex]. How would I show this algebraically?

Thanks
 
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Alrighty, ill help you with as much as i have time for right now.
For the first 3, what you need to do is do divide top and bottom by your highest power of x in the denominator. ill show you the first one and you can do the other 2.

if i divide by x^2 on top and bottom, i get
(1/x) - (2/x^2) divided by (1 + 2/x + 1/x^2)

now, your x is tending to negative infinity, but here the sign is irrelevant. think about it. if i divided a constant by a number that's getting bigger and bigger, itll become closer to 0 right? so replace any instance of (1/x) and those things, with 0.
so your numerator will tend towards 0. and therefore your entire limit will be 0.

in 2 and 3 its the same concept, just you need to square the power of x and you divided by in the numberator to be able to insert it into the root. the minus infinity will thus become important because you might need a sign change. (because -infinity= -root of infinity squared).
try and work it out and tell me what you find.

for the 4th one, you can't factor it. so you must so a 2 case workout of the possibilities. one where you approach the limit from the left, and another where you approach it from the right and you compare the two limits and see if they are equal. if they are not, you can say that the limit does not exist. (when i say left, i mean negative) so replace x by something very very close (like, +0.000001 difference) and another time with ( -0.000001) difference, and see what you notice.

5) the full limit doesn't exist, even if you do factor it, but it says to approach x as 3-. that means from the negative side. and see what kind of infinity you get.

thats all i have time for, please write back if you have questions so far. i didnt really want to give you the answers so much as give you something to think about.

have fun!
Bobo
 

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