What is the next step for a 0/0 limit with l'Hospital's rule?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the limit as \( u \) approaches 1 for the expression \( \frac {(u-1)^{3}}{u^{-1}-u^{2}+3u-3} \), which results in a \( 0/0 \) indeterminate form, prompting the use of l'Hospital's rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of l'Hospital's rule, with one participant attempting to differentiate the expression multiple times due to the persistent \( 0/0 \) form. Another participant suggests an alternative approach by factoring and simplifying the expression instead of continuing with derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to resolve the limit. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of derivatives, while alternative strategies have also been suggested. There is no explicit consensus on the preferred method at this stage.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that the problem is from a section in their book focused on l'Hospital's rule, which influences their approach to the limit evaluation.

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Homework Statement



[tex]\lim_{u \to 1} \frac {(u-1)^{3}}{u^{-1}-u^{2}+3u-3}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So the first derivative is:

[tex]\lim_{u \to 1} \frac {3(u-1)^{2}}{-u^{-2}-2u+3}[/tex]

this limit also gives a 0/0 situation so take the derivative again:

[tex]\lim_{u \to 1} \frac{6(u-1)}{2u^{-3}-2}[/tex]

and this limit as well gives a 0/0 again, so would I do it again? or what's the next step? The book doesn't give me any instruction to this situation just to the 2nd derivative.

If I do take the derivative again it is -1, is that correct?
 
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There's no need to use L'Hopital's rule here. Just start by multiplying both numerator and denominator by [itex]u[/itex], and then factor the denominator (you already know [itex]u=1[/itex] is a factor, so it should be easy)
 
right well its from the section in my book to learn l'hopital's rule, so that is why I am using it here.
 
In that case, yes, just differentiate one more time to get -1.
 

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