Math Problem Statement

Find the indicated limit: lim (x → 8) [(x - 8) / 8(x - 8)]

Solution

The given problem asks for the limit of the following expression as xx approaches 8:

limx8x88(x8)\lim_{{x \to 8}} \frac{{x - 8}}{{8(x - 8)}}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Simplify the expression: The numerator and denominator both contain the term (x8)(x - 8), which we can cancel out, provided that x8x \neq 8 to avoid division by zero.

    x88(x8)=18,forx8.\frac{{x - 8}}{{8(x - 8)}} = \frac{1}{8}, \quad \text{for} \, x \neq 8.

  2. Evaluate the limit: Since the expression simplifies to 18\frac{1}{8}, and this holds for all x8x \neq 8, the limit as x8x \to 8 is simply:

    limx818=18.\lim_{{x \to 8}} \frac{1}{8} = \frac{1}{8}.

Final Answer:

The limit is 18\frac{1}{8}.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions that can expand on this concept:

  1. What happens if the expression cannot be simplified (e.g., if cancellation isn't possible)?
  2. How do limits behave when approaching values where the denominator goes to zero?
  3. Can you explain what it means for a limit to "not exist"?
  4. How does L'Hopital's Rule help in cases like these where direct substitution leads to indeterminate forms?
  5. Can limits of more complicated functions also be simplified in this way?

Tip: Always check for indeterminate forms like 00\frac{0}{0} before canceling terms in a limit problem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Algebraic simplification

Formulas

Limit formula
Simplification of fractions

Theorems

Limit laws

Suitable Grade Level

High School, Calculus