Math Problem Statement

Evaluate \( \lim_{{x \to 3}} \frac{2x - 6}{7x - 21} \) and determine the value.

Solution

We are given the limit expression:

limx32x67x21\lim_{{x \to 3}} \frac{2x - 6}{7x - 21}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Evaluate the expression by substituting x=3x = 3:

    Numerator: 2(3)6=66=0\text{Numerator: } 2(3) - 6 = 6 - 6 = 0 Denominator: 7(3)21=2121=0\text{Denominator: } 7(3) - 21 = 21 - 21 = 0

    Since substituting x=3x = 3 yields a 00\frac{0}{0} form, we must simplify the expression further.

  2. Factor the numerator and denominator:

    Numerator: 2x6=2(x3)\text{Numerator: } 2x - 6 = 2(x - 3) Denominator: 7x21=7(x3)\text{Denominator: } 7x - 21 = 7(x - 3)

    Thus, the limit expression becomes:

    limx32(x3)7(x3)\lim_{{x \to 3}} \frac{2(x - 3)}{7(x - 3)}

  3. Cancel the common factor (x3)(x - 3):

    limx327=27\lim_{{x \to 3}} \frac{2}{7} = \frac{2}{7}

Final Answer:

limx32x67x21=27\lim_{{x \to 3}} \frac{2x - 6}{7x - 21} = \frac{2}{7}

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any other questions?


Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What happens if we directly substitute x=3x = 3 into the unsimplified expression?
  2. How do you identify whether a limit results in an indeterminate form?
  3. Can all indeterminate forms be solved by factoring?
  4. What alternative methods can be used to resolve 00\frac{0}{0} forms?
  5. How do we handle cases when both numerator and denominator cannot be factored directly?

Tip: Always check if substituting directly into a limit yields a well-defined number. If it results in 00\frac{0}{0}, explore simplification options such as factoring or rationalizing.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Indeterminate Forms
Factoring

Formulas

Limit of a function as x approaches a value

Theorems

Factoring for simplifying limits

Suitable Grade Level

High School (Grades 10-12)