Math Problem Statement

Suppose that A is a constant and f(x) is a function of x such that A*x / (x - 2) < f(x) < x - 512 for all x near 32 but not equal to 32. We are interested in finding the limit of f(x) as x approaches 32 by means of the Squeeze Theorem. (a) For the Squeeze Theorem to be applicable in this case, the constant A must be equal to a specific number. Find this number.

Solution

Let's analyze the mathematical content from the image. We have the following inequality for f(x)f(x), a function of xx:

Axx2<f(x)<x512\frac{Ax}{x - 2} < f(x) < x - 512

The goal is to find the constant AA so that the Squeeze Theorem can be applied to find the limit of f(x)f(x) as xx approaches 32.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Apply the Squeeze Theorem: According to the Squeeze Theorem, if we have a function g(x)f(x)h(x)g(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x) and both g(x)g(x) and h(x)h(x) approach the same limit LL as xx approaches some value, then limxcf(x)=L\lim_{x \to c} f(x) = L.

  2. Lower and Upper Bound Functions: The lower bound is Axx2\frac{Ax}{x - 2}, and the upper bound is x512x - 512. We need to compute the limits of both bounding functions as x32x \to 32.

  3. Limit of the Upper Bound: limx32(x512)=32512=480\lim_{x \to 32} (x - 512) = 32 - 512 = -480

  4. Limit of the Lower Bound: limx32Axx2\lim_{x \to 32} \frac{Ax}{x - 2} Plugging x=32x = 32 into the expression: Axx2=A32322=32A30\frac{Ax}{x - 2} = \frac{A \cdot 32}{32 - 2} = \frac{32A}{30} For the Squeeze Theorem to hold, this limit must also equal 480-480 (the same as the upper bound).

  5. Solve for AA: Set the lower bound equal to 480-480 and solve for AA: 32A30=480\frac{32A}{30} = -480 Multiply both sides by 30: 32A=480×30=1440032A = -480 \times 30 = -14400 Divide by 32: A=1440032=450A = \frac{-14400}{32} = -450

Thus, the correct value of AA is 450-450, not 30 as indicated in the image.

Would you like more details or explanations about this solution?

Here are some related questions for further practice:

  1. How does the Squeeze Theorem work when one of the bounds tends to infinity?
  2. What happens if the limits of the bounding functions don't match?
  3. Can the Squeeze Theorem be applied if one of the bounding functions has a discontinuity?
  4. How does changing the value of AA affect the behavior of f(x)f(x)?
  5. What other methods can be used to find the limit of f(x)f(x) as x32x \to 32 besides the Squeeze Theorem?

Tip: When applying the Squeeze Theorem, always verify that both bounds approach the same limit before concluding the behavior of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Squeeze Theorem
Algebra

Formulas

Limit of (Ax / (x - 2)) as x approaches 32
Limit of (x - 512) as x approaches 32

Theorems

Squeeze Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

College Level Calculus