Limit Proof with Rational Functions

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SUMMARY

The limit of a rational function, defined as ##r(x) = \frac{p(x)}{g(x)}## where ##p(x)## and ##g(x)## are polynomials, is equal to the function's value at a point in its domain. Specifically, it is established that ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} r(x) = r(a)## for every number ##a## in the domain of ##r##, provided that ##g(a) \neq 0##. This conclusion is derived using Limit Laws, particularly Law #5, and is supported by Exercise 57, which states that ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} p(x) = p(a)##. The proof effectively incorporates the necessary conditions for ##a## being in the domain of ##r##.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rational functions and their definitions
  • Familiarity with polynomial functions
  • Knowledge of limit laws, specifically Limit Law #5
  • Basic calculus concepts, including limits and continuity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of polynomial functions and their limits
  • Learn about the implications of domain restrictions in rational functions
  • Explore advanced limit laws and their applications in calculus
  • Review examples of limits involving rational functions and polynomials
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on limits and rational functions, as well as educators seeking to clarify the concepts of continuity and domain in mathematical functions.

Villyer
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Homework Statement



If r is a rational function, use Exercise 57 to show that ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space r(x) = r(a)## for every number a in the domain of r.

Exercise 57 in this book is: if p is a polynomial, show that ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space p(x) = p(a)##.

Homework Equations



Limit Laws #5 (in this textbook): ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space f(x)}{\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space g(x)} \space if \space \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space g(x) ≠ 0##

The Attempt at a Solution



A rational function is defined as ##\frac{p(x)}{g(x)}## where ##p(x)## and ##g(x)## are polynomials, so ##r(x)## can be written as ##\frac{p(x)}{g(x)}##.
Therefore ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space r(x) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space \frac{p(x)}{g(x)}## where ##p(x)## and ##g(x)## are polynomials.
By the limit laws, ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space \frac{p(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space p(x)}{\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space g(x)} \space if \space \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space g(x) ≠ 0##, which is true for all a in the domain of r.
From Exercise 57, ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space p(x) = p(a)## and ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space g(x) = g(a)## (since ##p(x)## and ##g(x)## are both polynomials).
So ##\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to a} \space r(x) = \frac{p(a)}{g(a)} = r(a)## for every a in the domain of r.

I'm worried that I didn't address the possibility of a not being in the domain of r enough, and I don't have confidence in my wording. Is what I have okay?
 
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It looks fine to me. You should probably observe that for every ##a## in domain ##r##, ##g(a)\ne 0##.
 
I amended the third line of the proof to incorporate that. Thank you!
 

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