Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit \(\lim_{b \to 6} \frac{\frac{1}{b} - \frac{1}{6}}{b - 6}\).

Solution

The given limit is:

limb61b16b6\lim_{b \to 6} \frac{\frac{1}{b} - \frac{1}{6}}{b - 6}

This expression is an indeterminate form of type 00\frac{0}{0}, so we can apply L'Hopital's Rule. This rule states that if a limit results in an indeterminate form, we can differentiate the numerator and denominator separately and then take the limit.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Differentiate the numerator 1b16\frac{1}{b} - \frac{1}{6} with respect to bb:

    • The derivative of 1b\frac{1}{b} is 1b2-\frac{1}{b^2}.
    • The derivative of 16\frac{1}{6} is 00 because it is a constant.

    So, the derivative of the numerator is 1b2-\frac{1}{b^2}.

  2. Differentiate the denominator b6b - 6 with respect to bb:

    • The derivative of b6b - 6 is 11.

    Therefore, the limit becomes:

    = \lim_{b \to 6} -\frac{1}{b^2}$$
  3. Substitute b=6b = 6 into the expression: 162=136-\frac{1}{6^2} = -\frac{1}{36}

Thus, the value of the limit is: 136\boxed{-\frac{1}{36}}

Would you like further clarification or additional details on this method?

Here are five related questions for you to explore:

  1. How does L'Hopital's Rule work for indeterminate forms other than 00\frac{0}{0}?
  2. What other methods can be used to evaluate limits without using L'Hopital's Rule?
  3. How would you solve this limit using algebraic simplification rather than calculus?
  4. Can L'Hopital's Rule be applied multiple times to solve a limit?
  5. What is the significance of indeterminate forms in the study of limits?

Tip: Always check if a limit results in an indeterminate form before applying L'Hopital's Rule. Not all limits need this method for simplification!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Limits
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

L'Hopital's Rule: \(\lim_{x \to c} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to c} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}\) if the limit results in \(\frac{0}{0}\) or \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\)

Theorems

L'Hopital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College