Limit Proof with Rational Functions

In summary, using Exercise 57 and Limit Law #5, it can be shown that for every number a in the domain of a rational function r, the limit of r(x) as x approaches a is equal to r(a). This is because a rational function can be written as a ratio of two polynomials, and by the limit laws, the limit of a ratio is equal to the ratio of the limits (if the denominator is not equal to 0). Therefore, for any a in the domain of r, the limit of r(x) is equal to the ratio of the limits of the polynomials in the numerator and denominator, which by Exercise 57, is equal to r(a). It is important to note that this is
  • #1
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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  • #2
It looks fine to me. You should probably observe that for every ##a## in domain ##r##, ##g(a)\ne 0##.
 
  • #3
I amended the third line of the proof to incorporate that. Thank you!
 

1. What is a limit proof with rational functions?

A limit proof with rational functions is a type of mathematical proof used to determine the value of a limit as a variable approaches a specific value. This type of proof involves using rational functions, which are equations that contain polynomials in both the numerator and denominator, to evaluate the limit.

2. How do you solve a limit proof with rational functions?

To solve a limit proof with rational functions, you first need to factor both the numerator and denominator of the equation. Then, you can cancel out any common factors and evaluate the limit by plugging in the value that the variable is approaching. If the resulting expression is indeterminate, you can use algebraic manipulation or L'Hopital's rule to simplify it and determine the limit.

3. What are the common types of limits encountered in rational function proofs?

The most common types of limits encountered in rational function proofs are horizontal asymptotes, vertical asymptotes, and limits at infinity. Horizontal asymptotes occur when the value of the limit approaches a constant value as the variable approaches either positive or negative infinity. Vertical asymptotes occur when the value of the limit approaches infinity or negative infinity as the variable approaches a specific value. Limits at infinity occur when the value of the limit approaches positive or negative infinity as the variable approaches infinity.

4. What are some tips for solving limit proofs with rational functions?

One tip for solving limit proofs with rational functions is to always start by factoring the numerator and denominator. This will help identify any common factors that can be cancelled out. Additionally, it is important to check for any special cases, such as when the limit approaches zero or when the limit involves trigonometric functions. Finally, if the limit involves an indeterminate form, using L'Hopital's rule can help simplify the expression and determine the limit.

5. How are limit proofs with rational functions used in real life?

Limit proofs with rational functions are used in many real-life applications, particularly in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. For example, they can be used to determine the maximum or minimum values of a function, which is important in optimization problems. They can also be used to model and predict the behavior of systems, such as in predicting stock market trends or analyzing the growth of a population.

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