Simple calc limit problem help

[Matus1976]

I'm in Calc I and have run into a probably simple problem I can use guidance on.

Evaluate the following Limit

lim x -> -1 [(2x-1)^2 - 9] / [x+1]

Its been a few years since pre-calc and I'm drawing a blank on how to proceed on this problem. Thanks for any help offered!

 

[Dick]

Try to factor (2x-1)^2-9 and see if x+1 is a factor. I think it is.

 

[Matus1976]

That's what it was, thanks!

How about this one?? The book has the answer as -1

lim x -> b [(x-b)^50 - x + b] / [x - b]

 

[Dick]

That's what it was, thanks!

How about this one?? The book has the answer as -1

lim x -> b [(x-b)^50 - x + b] / [x - b]

Write the numerator as (x-b)^50-(x-b). It is divisible by (x-b), right?

 

[Matus1976]

Write the numerator as (x-b)^50-(x-b). It is divisible by (x-b), right?

Yeah that did it, thanks again! I didn't think to factor the -1 out.