Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit as x approaches 1 of the expression: 2 - (x^2 + 2x - 3) / |x - 1|.

Solution

The expression you have provided involves evaluating the limit:

limx1(2x2+2x3x1)\lim_{{x \to 1}} \left( 2 - \frac{x^2 + 2x - 3}{|x - 1|} \right)

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Factor the quadratic expression in the numerator: The expression in the numerator is x2+2x3x^2 + 2x - 3. We factor it: x2+2x3=(x1)(x+3)x^2 + 2x - 3 = (x - 1)(x + 3)

  2. Rewrite the limit: Substituting the factored form of the numerator: limx1(2(x1)(x+3)x1)\lim_{{x \to 1}} \left( 2 - \frac{(x - 1)(x + 3)}{|x - 1|} \right)

  3. Simplify the absolute value expression: Now, we consider the behavior of x1|x - 1| as x1x \to 1. The absolute value x1|x - 1| behaves differently depending on whether xx approaches 1 from the left (x1x \to 1^-) or from the right (x1+x \to 1^+):

    • As x1x \to 1^- (from the left), x1<0x - 1 < 0, so x1=(x1)|x - 1| = -(x - 1).
    • As x1+x \to 1^+ (from the right), x1>0x - 1 > 0, so x1=x1|x - 1| = x - 1.
  4. Evaluate left-hand and right-hand limits:

    • For x1+x \to 1^+: When approaching from the right, we replace x1|x - 1| with (x1)(x - 1): limx1+(2(x1)(x+3)x1)=limx1+(2(x+3))\lim_{{x \to 1^+}} \left( 2 - \frac{(x - 1)(x + 3)}{x - 1} \right) = \lim_{{x \to 1^+}} \left( 2 - (x + 3) \right) Simplifying: =limx1+(2x3)=213=2= \lim_{{x \to 1^+}} (2 - x - 3) = 2 - 1 - 3 = -2

    • For x1x \to 1^-: When approaching from the left, we replace x1|x - 1| with (x1)-(x - 1): limx1(2(x1)(x+3)(x1))=limx1(2+(x+3))\lim_{{x \to 1^-}} \left( 2 - \frac{(x - 1)(x + 3)}{-(x - 1)} \right) = \lim_{{x \to 1^-}} \left( 2 + (x + 3) \right) Simplifying: =limx1(2+x+3)=2+1+3=6= \lim_{{x \to 1^-}} (2 + x + 3) = 2 + 1 + 3 = 6

  5. Conclusion: Since the left-hand limit (66) and the right-hand limit (2-2) are not equal, the limit does not exist.

Final Answer:

The limit does not exist.


Would you like further details or have any other questions?

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. What is the difference between left-hand and right-hand limits?
  2. How does the absolute value function affect limit calculations?
  3. How do we handle piecewise functions in limits?
  4. What happens if the left-hand and right-hand limits are equal?
  5. Can you give an example of a function where the limit exists but includes absolute values?

Tip: When working with limits involving absolute values, always consider the behavior of the function from both sides of the point where the absolute value changes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Absolute Value
Quadratic Expressions

Formulas

\lim_{{x \to 1}} \left( 2 - \frac{x^2 + 2x - 3}{|x - 1|} \right)
Quadratic factoring: x^2 + 2x - 3 = (x - 1)(x + 3)

Theorems

Limit Definition
Behavior of Absolute Values
Piecewise Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College Level