Evaluating Limit for (x^3 + x + 2) / (x^4 -x +1) Tending Towards Infinity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on evaluating the limit of the expression (x^3 + x + 2) / (x^4 - x + 1) as x approaches infinity. Participants explore various techniques for limit evaluation, including factoring and understanding the behavior of polynomial degrees in the numerator and denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the method for evaluating the limit and seeks clarification on the steps involved.
  • Another participant corrects a misunderstanding regarding the notation, emphasizing that "1/x = 0" is incorrect and should be stated as "1/x -> 0 as x -> infinity."
  • A suggestion is made to factor x^4 out of every term in both the numerator and denominator before taking the limit.
  • It is noted that teachers typically expect students to know the limit's behavior without requiring a detailed worked-out solution, focusing on the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
  • One participant explains that the degree of the polynomial in the denominator is greater than that in the numerator, leading to the conclusion that the limit approaches 0 as x approaches infinity.
  • A detailed step-by-step approach is provided, showing the cancellation of terms and the application of limits to arrive at the conclusion that the limit is 0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various methods and interpretations for evaluating the limit, with no consensus reached on a single approach. Some emphasize conceptual understanding, while others focus on procedural steps.

Contextual Notes

There are differing views on the necessity of detailed steps versus conceptual understanding in limit evaluation. Some participants highlight the importance of recognizing the relative degrees of polynomials in determining limit behavior.

fran1942
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Hello, I am just starting to learn limit evaluation techniques. I am unsure of the method used in this case.

(x^3 + x + 2) / (x^4 -x +1)
limit tending towards infinity.

I know the first step is 'x^3 / x^4', then '1/x = 0'
But I don't understand how this came about.

Can someone please clarify these steps.
Thanks kindly if possible.
 
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You want a proof of the limit of 1/x is 0?
Do you know the definition of limit?

Another thing. "1/x = 0" is wrong its "1/x -> 0 as x -> infinity".
 
Factor x4 out of every term in both the numerator and denominator, and then take the limit.
 
normally teachers don't really look for the worked out solution.. they just expect you to know if it is 0 or infinity or just the coefficients. and that all depends on the greatest power of the denominator and numerator
 
Basically you can just factor everything by x^4 like Mark44 says but then you'd have to factor it out of the constants too and you'll end up with a jumbled mess, which if you then evaluate the limit for you can prove is 0.

It's important for you to be able to conceptualize this and understand why it approaches 0.

The degree of the exponent in the bottom is larger than any in the top, therefore, infinity climbs faster at the bottom than it does at the top and at infinity the rate is infinitely greater thus the numerator eventually becomes insignificant.
 
Well come.Please see these steps carefully.
(lim x...>∞(x3+x+1/x4-x+1)
taking x3 and x4 common 4m numerator & denominator respectively
=lim x...>∞[x3(1+1/x2+1/x3)/x4(1-1/x3+1/x4)]
x3 and x4 will cancel each other which comes 1/x
=lim x...>∞[1(1+1/x2+1/x3)/x(1-1/x3+1/x4)]
as by applying limit,1/x2 comes 1/(∞)2=1/∞=0 and so on,so
=1(1+0+0)/∞(1-0+0)
=1/∞
=0.
 

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