How to Find the Limit of a Power Function Using Desmos?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a power function using the Desmos graphing calculator. Participants explore the implications of graphing behavior at different values of x, particularly focusing on limits as x approaches infinity and the relevance of specific limit forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to take limits and the appropriate values of x to consider, questioning the use of large negative values versus large positive values.
  • One participant suggests using the standard limit form involving e, indicating it could be helpful in solving the problem.
  • There is a contention regarding the graph's behavior on the positive side, with some participants asserting that there is no graph while others disagree.
  • Participants discuss the conditions under which the graph of the function appears or disappears, particularly in the range of 0 to 2, raising questions about division by zero and taking even roots of negative numbers.
  • One participant emphasizes that the graph's behavior between 0 and 2 is not critical for the limit analysis, suggesting that examining the graph at large x values is more relevant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the graph's behavior in certain ranges or the correct approach to take for finding the limit. Multiple competing views remain regarding the significance of the graph's appearance and the appropriate limit evaluation strategy.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved questions about the function's behavior in specific intervals, the implications of division by zero, and the conditions under which the graph is defined.

karush
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karush said:
Ok all I did was DesmosNot real sure how to take limit

Why are you plugging in large negative values for x? Surely for an infinite limit you should be plugging in large positive values.

As for a hint, you should use the standard limit $\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} \left( 1 + \frac{1}{x} \right) ^x = \mathbf{e} $.
 
Ok I see what you mean
But there is no graph on the positive side

also its 2 not 1
 
Last edited:
What do you mean "there is no graph on the positive side"? Of couse there is.
 
karush said:
Ok I see what you mean
But there is no graph on the positive side

also its 2 not 1
Prove It is not giving you the answer he is giving you a suggestion that you can use the limit he posted. See if there is any kind of substitution you can make to put your limit into the form he gave you.

And the graph of f(x) becomes real again for [math]x \geq 2[/math]. (Why does it "disappear?" Why does it "reappear?")

-Dan
 
actually I don't know why it does not graph $0\le x \le 2$
 
karush said:
actually I don't know why it does not graph $0\le x \le 2$

Look at the numbers. Can you divide by 0? Can you take an even root of a negative number?
 
For this problem it doesn't matter that "it does't graph" between 0 and 2!

Using the "Desmos graphing calculator" at [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Tahoma,Calibri,Geneva,sans-serif]https://www.desmos.com/calculator you can look at the graph at very large x and small values of y so get an idea of the values you need.
 

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