Evaluating a DNE Limit

1. Jan 25, 2012

chelceyd

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Evaluate each limit. If the limit does not exist, so indicate.

lim as X approaches -3 of (X3+3X2)/(X2+6X+9)

2. Relevant equations

n/a

3. The attempt at a solution

I know that the answer is supposed to be DNE, but everytime I try to calculate it, I can't get the answer to not exist...I think I may just be looking at it wrong. I keep getting 0/-18.

2. Jan 25, 2012

vela

Staff Emeritus
How are you getting -18 on the bottom?

3. Jan 25, 2012

chelceyd

Oh I forgot that (-3)2 is positive 9, not negative 9. ok, so now I got 0/0. But isn't it supposed to be something like x/0? so that it is a DNE?

4. Jan 25, 2012

vela

Staff Emeritus
0/0 is an indeterminate form, so it's still possible for the limit not to exist.

5. Jan 25, 2012

chelceyd

Ahhh ok, I got a little mixed up. I kept going with the equation and I got the DNE answer. Thank you so much for your help :) I just could not wrap my brain around this one :)