Taking the limit of this as s-> 0 (algebra based)

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SUMMARY

The limit of the expression [(1/s)(a-b)/(s^2 + cs + a)] as s approaches 0 does not yield 0, contrary to the initial assumption using L'Hopital's rule. The correct interpretation reveals that the numerator approaches infinity while the denominator approaches a constant value, leading to the conclusion that the limit tends to infinity. This misunderstanding arises from the incorrect application of L'Hopital's rule, which is only applicable for indeterminate forms such as "0/0" or "∞/∞".

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  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with L'Hopital's rule
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation of rational expressions
  • Basic concepts of indeterminate forms
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  • Review the conditions for applying L'Hopital's rule
  • Study the concept of limits approaching infinity
  • Practice algebraic manipulation of rational expressions
  • Explore alternative methods for evaluating limits, such as factoring or substitution
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Students studying calculus, particularly those grappling with limits and algebraic expressions, as well as educators looking for clarification on common misconceptions regarding L'Hopital's rule.

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Homework Statement



Hi all, this may sound trivial but I've been like cranking my brains on this. Probably I just can't see it. Will need someone to shed some light.

Taking the limit of [(1/s)(a-b)/(s^2 + cs + a)] as s-> 0


Homework Equations



Stated above

The Attempt at a Solution



By using L'Hopital rule, I know this limit tends to 0 itself. However, I just can't manipulate the expression algebraically to obtain the same limit of 0. I'm just unable to cancel out that 'solo' s at the denominator. Hence, it appears to me that the limit shoots up to infinity as s-> 0 through algebraic means. I know this is incorrect but I just couldn't figure it out.

Please kindly help me in guiding me along.

Thanks!
 
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rela said:

Homework Statement



Hi all, this may sound trivial but I've been like cranking my brains on this. Probably I just can't see it. Will need someone to shed some light.

Taking the limit of [(1/s)(a-b)/(s^2 + cs + a)] as s-> 0


Homework Equations



Stated above

The Attempt at a Solution



By using L'Hopital rule, I know this limit tends to 0 itself. However, I just can't manipulate the expression algebraically to obtain the same limit of 0. I'm just unable to cancel out that 'solo' s at the denominator. Hence, it appears to me that the limit shoots up to infinity as s-> 0 through algebraic means. I know this is incorrect but I just couldn't figure it out.

Please kindly help me in guiding me along.

Thanks!
You can't use l'Hopital's rule here, because the fraction is not of the form "0/0" or "inf/inf". I understadn what you wrote as
[tex] \lim_{s\to 0}\frac{\frac{1}{s}(a-b)}{s^2+cs+a}[/tex]
The numerator tends to infinity, the denominator however tends to a, so yes, the expression "blows up" as s-->0.
 

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