Solve the limit question

  • Thread starter Jan Hill
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Limit
In summary, the conversation is about finding the limit as x approaches 0 of the given expression. The participants discuss different approaches to solving the problem, including multiplying by the conjugate and finding a common denominator. They also mention the importance of properly formatting mathematical expressions.
  • #1
Jan Hill
63
0

Homework Statement



Find the limit as x--> 0 of numerator = 1/x-1 + 1/x + 1 denominator = x

2.

3.
I multiplied the numerator by the conjugate and therefore the denominator by the conjugate but in simplifying, I still get zero in the denominator and this will not do. Am I going about it in the wrong way?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
do you mean
[tex] \frac{1/x-1 + 1/x + 1}{x} [/tex]

i would start by multiplying thrrugh x/x & (x-1)/(x-1) to simplify the numerator
 
  • #3
No the question is

Find the limit as x--> 0 of 1/x -1 + 1/x + 1 all divided by x
 
  • #4
That is exactly what lanedance wrote and you said was wrong!

Please use parentheses! You probably mean "1/(x- 1)+ 1/(x+ 1)" all divided by x.

That is
[tex]\frac{\frac{1}{x-1}+ \frac{1}{x+ 1}}{x}[/tex]
Go ahead and add the fractions in the numerator. What is a common denominator and what do you get when you add the fractions?
 
  • #5
Jan Hill said:
Find the limit as x--> 0 of numerator = 1/x-1 + 1/x + 1 denominator = x

Please start learning how to format mathematical expressions properly, instead of "numerator = ..." and "denominator = ..."

At the very least, you can write the expression above in text as
[1/(x - 1) + 1/(x + 1)]/x

What you wrote could reasonably be interpreted as [(1/x) - 1 + (1/x) + 1]/x, but I don't think that's what you meant.

If you want to get fancier, you can see how lanedance formatted the LaTeX expression he wrote by clicking that expression.
 

1. What is a limit in mathematics?

A limit in mathematics is the value that a function approaches as the input value gets closer and closer to a certain value. It is used to describe the behavior of a function at a specific point or as the input approaches a certain value.

2. How do you solve a limit question?

To solve a limit question, you can use various methods such as direct substitution, factoring, rationalization, and the use of limit laws. It is important to identify the type of limit (one-sided, infinite, or indeterminate) and choose the appropriate method to evaluate the limit.

3. What are some common types of limit questions?

Some common types of limit questions include finding the limit of a polynomial or rational function, using L'Hopital's rule, evaluating limits at infinity, and solving limits involving trigonometric, exponential, or logarithmic functions.

4. What are the key steps to solving a limit question?

The key steps to solving a limit question include identifying the type of limit and choosing an appropriate method, simplifying the function if possible, applying the chosen method to evaluate the limit, and checking for any restrictions or special cases.

5. Why are limits important in mathematics?

Limits are important in mathematics because they help us understand the behavior of a function at a particular point and can be used to solve various problems in calculus, physics, and other fields. They also provide a theoretical framework for concepts such as continuity, derivatives, and integrals.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
807
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
924
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
665
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
192
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
827
Back
Top