Solving Simple Limits with Examples

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a function as delta x approaches zero, specifically for the function f(x) = 2x + 3. Participants are exploring the correct setup and interpretation of the limit expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify how to apply the limit definition to the function and questions whether to substitute directly into the function or consider the limit expression. Other participants inquire about the correct form of the limit and the meaning of f(x) and f(x + delta x).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on interpreting the function and the limit expression. There is an emphasis on understanding the definitions involved, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the importance of correctly stating the limit as delta x approaches zero, as well as the need for clarity in the problem setup. Some confusion exists regarding the proper formulation of the limit expression.

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I'm given the limit f(x + [tex]\Delta[/tex]x) / [tex]\Delta[/tex]x
Given f(x) is 2x + 3, do I just plug in 2x +3 into x? Or do I plug it into x and [tex]\Delta[/tex]x, or do I find the limits of f(x + [tex]\Delta[/tex]x) / [tex]\Delta[/tex]x) and -f(x)/[tex]\Delta[/tex]x?, etc..If someone could get me started on this it would be great, Thanks.
 
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First of all, write your problem CORRECTLY from your book. That you haven't done.
 
This is my first time using latex so I guess I'll just type it out for clarity. Find the limit of the function (f(x + delta x) - f(x)) / delta x as delta x approaches 0 when f(x) = 2x + 3.
 
Quite so.
Given that, what is in this case f(x+delta x)?
 
You are going to find it very, very difficult to do calculus if you don't understand what "f(x)" and "f(x+ y)" mean!

If f(x)= 2x+ 3, then f(a)= 2a+ 3 (just replace x in the entire formula with whatever is in the parentheses on the left). In particular, f(x+ y)= 2(x+ y)+ 3= 2x+2y+ 3.

(Your latex was fine in your first post. arildno's point was that you didn't specify "as [itex]\Delta[/itex]x goes to 0"!)
 
Actually, he did not subtract f(x) in the numerator; that's what I reacted upon.
 

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