Limit Evaluation Help: How to Simplify a Limit Involving Rational Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a limit involving rational functions as \( x \) approaches infinity. The original poster presents a limit expression and attempts to simplify it, leading to confusion regarding the expected outcome.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods to simplify the limit, including factoring, finding common denominators, and converting terms involving \( x \) into terms with \( 1/x \). There are questions about the accuracy of the original limit statement and its implications on the evaluation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with multiple interpretations of the limit expression being explored. Some participants suggest that there may be a misprint in the original problem, while others express confusion about the limit approaching negative infinity versus the expected value of \( 2/9 \). Guidance has been offered regarding simplification techniques, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the exact formulation of the limit problem, with participants questioning whether the original statement was accurately presented. This has led to differing conclusions about the limit's behavior.

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Homework Statement


Evaluate: [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} ( \frac {x^3}{(3x)^2-4}-\frac{x^2}{3x+2} )[/tex]2. The attempt at a solution

First i took x^2/3x+2 common, and then substituted y=1/x , y->0.
simplifying, i get [tex]\frac{-2}{9y}[/tex]...i am unable to eliminate all the y's.
The answer given at the back of the book is 2/9.
Plz help me figure this out.
&&Thx
 
Last edited:
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Are you sure that's exactly the question? The limit approaches minus infinity...
 
There is a theorem for this because what you have is an [tex]\infty[/tex]/[tex]\infty[/tex] correct? (L'Hopital)
Note: If this is a calc one qustion ignore this.
 
Last edited:
learningphysics said:
Are you sure that's exactly the question? The limit approaches minus infinity...
yeah, that's why i am confused

EnumaElish said:
The trick is to convert each term with x's into a term with 1/x's.

What do you need to divide with both the numerator and the denominator of the first term, to convert all the x's into 1/x's?

What do you need to divide with both the numerator and the denominator of the second term?

Say for the 1st term, i divide and multiply by x^3, the Dr. becomes 0 ?
 
Are you sure the question isn't:

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} ( \frac {3x^3}{(3x)^2-4}-\frac{x^2}{3x+2} )[/tex]
 
i keep getting [tex]\infty[/tex] not 2/9
 
Find a common denominator, then add the fractions together.
 
learningphysics said:
Are you sure the question isn't:

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} ( \frac {3x^3}{(3x)^2-4}-\frac{x^2}{3x+2} )[/tex]

I checked it again, but the question is exactly as I put it.
 
(3x)^2 - 4 = 9x^2 - 4 = (3x + 2)(3x - 2)

use this to simply your function (i.e multply your second term with (3x -2) in both nominator and denominator)

Then the x^3 term will vanish

Also, there must be a misprint as "learningphysics" has noticed
 
Last edited:
  • #10
f(x) said:
I checked it again, but the question is exactly as I put it.

I'm guessing it's a misprint or something that left out the 3... because the limit of the function I just posted is 2/9.
 

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