Calculus 1 (limits, VA and constants)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding vertical asymptotes and limits in calculus, specifically focusing on rational functions and continuity conditions. The original poster presents several functions and limit problems, seeking assistance in understanding their behavior as certain values are approached.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the identification of vertical asymptotes for given functions, questioning the original poster's calculations and interpretations. There is a focus on the need for proper notation and clarity in mathematical expressions.
  • Questions arise regarding the limits presented, with participants seeking clarification on how specific results were obtained, particularly in relation to undefined forms.
  • There is a discussion about ensuring continuity in piecewise functions, with suggestions on evaluating one-sided limits at a specified point.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing feedback and questioning assumptions made by the original poster. Some guidance has been offered regarding the evaluation of limits and continuity, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the original poster's answers.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need for parentheses in mathematical expressions to avoid ambiguity. The original poster's questions are somewhat vague, leading to varied interpretations among participants.

gator
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Im in calculus 1 and need some help

Question: Find the vertical asymptotes for…
F(x) = x^3 + 8 / x^2 –4
I got a va of –2

F(x) = 2x/ sin2x
I got a va of 1

Find the limit
Lim tan^2 2x/ x^2
x-0

I got 4 as my answer

Lim x^2 –4 / (x + 2 )^2
x- (-2)

I got –4/0 = no limit

Constant problem

F(x) = -x + 2 x<c
2x^2 –2x –4 x_>c

Not sure how to answer this.

Where can I find notes on this section online?
Thanks
 
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gator said:
Im in calculus 1 and need some help
Did you notice this NOT the "homework" section?
Question: Find the vertical asymptotes for…
F(x) = x^3 + 8 / x^2 –4
I got a va of –2

PLEASE use parentheses! I assume you really meant
F(x)= (x^3+ 8)/(x^2- 4)= ((x+ 2)(x^2- 2x+ 4))/((x+2)(x-2))=
((x-2)(x-2))/(x-2)= x-2 as long as x is not 2 or -2. I don't see any vertical asymptote there.

F(x) = 2x/ sin2x
I got a va of 1

F(1)= 2/sin 2. How is that "vertical"?

Find the limit
Lim tan^2 2x/ x^2
x-0

I got 4 as my answer

HOW did you get 4?

Lim x^2 –4 / (x + 2 )^2
x- (-2)

I got –4/0 = no limit

Once again, HOW did you get "-4/0"?

Constant problem

F(x) = -x + 2 x<c
2x^2 –2x –4 x_>c

Not sure how to answer this. [\quote]

Answer what? There is no question here!

If, buy chance, you mean "Find c so that F(x) is continuous for all x" then you should find the one-sided limits as x-> c. Since -x+ 2 and 2x^2- 2x- 4 are both polynomials (and so continuous) you can do that by just setting x= c in each. The function will be continuous at x= c if those are the same. (There are two answers.)

Where can I find notes on this section online?
Thanks

Since I really have no idea what "section" you are talking about, I don't know.
 
HallsofIvy said:
PLEASE use parentheses! I assume you really meant
F(x)= (x^3+ 8)/(x^2- 4)= ((x+ 2)(x^2- 2x+ 4))/((x+2)(x-2))=
((x-2)(x-2))/(x-2)= x-2 as long as x is not 2 or -2. I don't see any vertical asymptote there.
As a matter of fact, [itex](x ^ 2 - 2x + 4) \neq (x - 2) ^ 2[/itex] :wink:
Once again, HOW did you get "-4/0"?
I think he probably meant:
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow -2} \frac{x ^ 2 - 4}{(x + 2) ^ 2} = \lim_{x \rightarrow -2} \frac{x - 2}{(x + 2)} \rightarrow \frac{-4}{0}[/tex]
(@ gator, I wouldn't say -4 / 0 = no limit (as -4 / 0 is not really well-defined), I'd rather say, as x tends to -2, the numerator tends to -4, and the denominator tends to 0, hence there's no limit).
If, buy chance, you mean "Find c so that F(x) is continuous for all x" then you should find the one-sided limits as x-> c. Since -x+ 2 and 2x^2- 2x- 4 are both polynomials (and so continuous) you can do that by just setting x= c in each. The function will be continuous at x= c if those are the same. (There are two answers.)
How much will a chance probably cost me? :-p
 
Last edited:
VietDao29 said:
As a matter of fact, [itex](x ^ 2 - 2x + 4) \neq (x - 2) ^ 2[/itex]

Well, dang me! It was probably that fourth whiskey and soda.
 

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