Math Problem Statement

Solve this

Solve the limits: lim (x -> 2) (x^2 - 4) / (x - 2), lim (x -> 0) sin(3x) / x, lim (x -> 1) 1 / (x - 1), lim (x -> 1) (9^x - 5^x) / (x - 1).

Solution

The image contains four limit problems, and it asks to estimate the value of the limit using a table of values or to confirm the result graphically. I'll go ahead and solve each of these limit problems:

24. limx2x24x2\lim_{x \to 2} \frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2}

This is an indeterminate form of 00\frac{0}{0} when directly substituting x=2x = 2. To solve:

Factor the numerator: x24x2=(x2)(x+2)x2\frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} = \frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x - 2}

Cancel the common factor: limx2(x2)(x+2)x2=limx2(x+2)\lim_{x \to 2} \frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x - 2} = \lim_{x \to 2} (x + 2)

Now, substitute x=2x = 2: limx2(x+2)=4\lim_{x \to 2} (x + 2) = 4

Answer: limx2x24x2=4\lim_{x \to 2} \frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} = 4


25. limx0sin3xx\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{x}

This limit is a standard trigonometric limit, but we can rewrite it using the known limit limu0sinuu=1\lim_{u \to 0} \frac{\sin u}{u} = 1:

limx0sin3xx=limx0sin3x3x3=3limx0sin3x3x=31=3\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{3x} \cdot 3 = 3 \cdot \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{3x} = 3 \cdot 1 = 3

Answer: limx0sin3xx=3\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{x} = 3


26. limx11x1\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{1}{x-1}

This limit is a standard form that tends to infinity as xx approaches 1. The behavior of the limit depends on the direction from which xx approaches 1:

  • If x1+x \to 1^+, then 1x1\frac{1}{x-1} tends to ++\infty.
  • If x1x \to 1^-, then 1x1\frac{1}{x-1} tends to -\infty.

Since the limit is not specified as one-sided, the two-sided limit does not exist because the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit are not equal.

Answer: The limit does not exist (DNE)


27. limx19x5xx1\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{9^x - 5^x}{x-1}

This limit can be solved using L'Hôpital's Rule, as it is in an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}.

First, differentiate the numerator and denominator:

  • The derivative of the numerator 9x5x9^x - 5^x is ln(9)9xln(5)5x\ln(9) \cdot 9^x - \ln(5) \cdot 5^x.
  • The derivative of the denominator x1x-1 is 1.

Thus, applying L'Hôpital's Rule:

limx19x5xx1=limx1ln(9)9xln(5)5x1=ln(9)91ln(5)51\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{9^x - 5^x}{x-1} = \lim_{x \to 1} \frac{\ln(9) \cdot 9^x - \ln(5) \cdot 5^x}{1} = \ln(9) \cdot 9^1 - \ln(5) \cdot 5^1

Calculate this:

ln(9)9ln(5)5=9ln(9)5ln(5)\ln(9) \cdot 9 - \ln(5) \cdot 5 = 9\ln(9) - 5\ln(5)

Answer: limx19x5xx1=9ln(9)5ln(5)\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{9^x - 5^x}{x-1} = 9\ln(9) - 5\ln(5)


Would you like any further details on these solutions?

Here are some relative questions to explore:

  1. How do you determine when to apply L'Hôpital's Rule?
  2. What are other methods for solving limits that result in indeterminate forms?
  3. What are some common trigonometric limits used in calculus?
  4. How do one-sided limits differ from two-sided limits?
  5. What is the significance of factoring in solving limit problems?

Tip: When solving limits, always check if direct substitution leads to an indeterminate form, as this often indicates the need for factoring, simplification, or using L'Hôpital's Rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Indeterminate Forms
L'Hopital's Rule
Factoring
Trigonometric Limits

Formulas

lim (x -> 0) (sin x) / x = 1
L'Hopital's Rule: lim (x -> a) f(x)/g(x) = lim (x -> a) f'(x)/g'(x) if in indeterminate form
(a^x)' = ln(a) * a^x

Theorems

L'Hopital's Rule
Limit of Trigonometric Functions
Factoring for Rational Limits

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or Calculus 1