Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: \( \lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{1 - \frac{1}{x}}{\frac{2}{x} - 1} \)

Solution

To evaluate the given limit, let's analyze the expression:

limx211x2x1\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{1 - \frac{1}{x}}{\frac{2}{x} - 1}

Let's proceed step-by-step:

Step 1: Substitute x=2x = 2

Substitute x=2x = 2 directly into the expression to check if we get a determinate form:

112221=10.511=0.50=10\frac{1 - \frac{1}{2}}{\frac{2}{2} - 1} = \frac{1 - 0.5}{1 - 1} = \frac{0.5}{0} = \frac{1}{0}

Since this results in an indeterminate form (division by zero), we will need to simplify further.

Step 2: Simplify the Expression

Rewrite each part of the numerator and the denominator:

The numerator: 11x=x1x1 - \frac{1}{x} = \frac{x - 1}{x}

The denominator: 2x1=2xx\frac{2}{x} - 1 = \frac{2 - x}{x}

Now, the expression becomes:

limx2x1x2xx\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{\frac{x - 1}{x}}{\frac{2 - x}{x}}

Step 3: Simplify the Complex Fraction

Combine the terms:

=limx2x1xx2x= \lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{x - 1}{x} \cdot \frac{x}{2 - x}

This simplifies to:

=limx2x12x= \lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{x - 1}{2 - x}

Step 4: Simplify Further by Rewriting

Notice that 2x2 - x is the negative of x2x - 2, so:

x12x=x1x2\frac{x - 1}{2 - x} = -\frac{x - 1}{x - 2}

Now the limit is:

limx2x1x2\lim_{{x \to 2}} -\frac{x - 1}{x - 2}

Now, we can apply limit analysis to this form. Would you like the limit evaluated further, or do you have any specific questions on these simplification steps?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you evaluate a limit that results in an indeterminate form?
  2. What are the common techniques for simplifying complex fractions in limits?
  3. How do you handle limits involving infinity or asymptotic behavior?
  4. What is the L'Hôpital's Rule and when is it applied?
  5. How can factoring help in evaluating limits?

Tip: In limit problems, always start by direct substitution to check for determinate or indeterminate forms.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Algebraic Simplification
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

Direct substitution in limits
Complex fraction simplification

Theorems

Limit theorem for indeterminate forms

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12 (Advanced High School Calculus)