Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the following limits: 1. lim (x -> 3-) 2/(x - 3), 2. lim (x -> 3+) 2/(x - 3), 3. lim (x -> -7) 1/[x^2(x + 7)], 4. lim (x -> 5) 2/[(x - 5)^6]

Solution

I have opened the image and now can see the four limit problems. Let's solve them step by step:

Problem 1:

limx32x3\lim_{{x \to 3^-}} \frac{2}{{x - 3}}

As xx approaches 3 from the left (33^-), the denominator x3x - 3 becomes negative, and approaches zero from the negative side. Since the numerator is a positive constant (2), this results in a limit that approaches negative infinity: limx32x3=\lim_{{x \to 3^-}} \frac{2}{{x - 3}} = -\infty

Problem 2:

limx3+2x3\lim_{{x \to 3^+}} \frac{2}{{x - 3}}

Now, xx approaches 3 from the right (3+3^+), so x3x - 3 is positive and approaches zero from the positive side. The numerator remains positive, so the result tends towards positive infinity: limx3+2x3=\lim_{{x \to 3^+}} \frac{2}{{x - 3}} = \infty

Problem 3:

limx71x2(x+7)\lim_{{x \to -7}} \frac{1}{{x^2(x + 7)}}

As x7x \to -7, (x+7)0(x + 7) \to 0. In the denominator, x2x^2 approaches a positive value, but (x+7)(x + 7) approaches zero. So the denominator approaches zero from the negative side, while the numerator is a positive constant (1). Hence, the overall limit tends towards negative infinity: limx71x2(x+7)=\lim_{{x \to -7}} \frac{1}{{x^2(x + 7)}} = -\infty

Problem 4:

limx52(x5)6\lim_{{x \to 5}} \frac{2}{{(x - 5)^6}}

As x5x \to 5, the term (x5)6(x - 5)^6 approaches zero, and since it's raised to an even power (6), it remains positive. So, the limit approaches positive infinity: limx52(x5)6=\lim_{{x \to 5}} \frac{2}{{(x - 5)^6}} = \infty


Do you have any questions or would you like more details on any of the solutions?

Here are five related questions you might consider:

  1. How do limits behave when approaching from the left versus the right?
  2. What is the difference between one-sided and two-sided limits?
  3. How does the power of a term affect the behavior of a limit?
  4. What happens when a denominator approaches zero while the numerator is a constant?
  5. How do limits change when functions involve polynomials of higher degrees?

Tip: When solving limits that involve division by a term approaching zero, always check the sign of the term to determine if the limit tends toward positive or negative infinity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
One-Sided Limits
Polynomials
Infinity in Limits

Formulas

lim (x -> a) [f(x)/g(x)] when g(x) -> 0
One-sided limits (x -> a- and x -> a+)

Theorems

Limit Definition
Infinity in Limits

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus