Math Problem Statement

For the function f graphed in Figure 13, find the indicated limit or function value, or state that it does not exist: (a) f(-3) (b) f(3) (c) lim x→-3+ f(x) (d) lim x→-3- f(x) (e) lim x→-3 f(x) (f) lim x→3 f(x).

Solution

Let's solve the problem based on the information provided:

The problem involves evaluating certain values and limits from the graph of f(x)f(x) shown in Figure 13.

  1. f(3)f(-3):

    • From the graph, at x=3x = -3, there is a filled dot at y=2y = -2.
    • Therefore, f(3)=2f(-3) = -2.
  2. f(3)f(3):

    • At x=3x = 3, there is an open circle at y=1y = 1, meaning f(3)f(3) does not exist since there’s no defined value at that point.
    • So, f(3)f(3) does not exist.
  3. limx3+f(x)\lim_{x \to -3^+} f(x):

    • As xx approaches 3-3 from the right, the function value approaches y=1y = 1.
    • Thus, limx3+f(x)=1\lim_{x \to -3^+} f(x) = 1.
  4. limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to -3^-} f(x):

    • As xx approaches 3-3 from the left, the function value approaches y=2y = -2.
    • Therefore, limx3f(x)=2\lim_{x \to -3^-} f(x) = -2.
  5. limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to -3} f(x):

    • Since limx3+f(x)limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to -3^+} f(x) \neq \lim_{x \to -3^-} f(x), the two-sided limit limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to -3} f(x) does not exist.
  6. limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to 3} f(x):

    • As xx approaches 33 from both the left and the right, f(x)f(x) approaches y=1y = 1.
    • Thus, limx3f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 3} f(x) = 1.

Summary of Results:

  • (a) f(3)=2f(-3) = -2
  • (b) f(3)f(3) does not exist
  • (c) limx3+f(x)=1\lim_{x \to -3^+} f(x) = 1
  • (d) limx3f(x)=2\lim_{x \to -3^-} f(x) = -2
  • (e) limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to -3} f(x) does not exist
  • (f) limx3f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 3} f(x) = 1

Would you like a more detailed explanation of any of these answers?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How does the existence of open or closed circles at certain points affect the limits and function values?
  2. Why does the limit at x=3x = -3 not exist if the left- and right-hand limits differ?
  3. How do you determine one-sided limits by looking at a graph?
  4. What is the significance of a function value not existing at a certain point, as in f(3)f(3)?
  5. How would the answer change if there were a closed dot at x=3x = 3 on the graph?

Tip: When evaluating limits graphically, always check both the left-hand and right-hand behavior as xx approaches the point of interest.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Function Values
Left-hand and Right-hand Limits
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

One-sided limits
Two-sided limits

Theorems

Existence of Limits Theorem (two-sided limit exists if left-hand limit equals right-hand limit)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12