Math Problem Statement

Estimate the limit: lim(x -> 4) (x - 4) / (x^2 - 5x + 4) and complete the table based on function values near x = 4.

Solution

The given image presents a table and a limit problem. It seems the objective is to complete the table and estimate the limit of the function:

limx4x4x25x+4\lim_{x \to 4} \frac{x - 4}{x^2 - 5x + 4}

This limit can be rewritten as:

limx4x4(x4)(x1)=limx41x1\lim_{x \to 4} \frac{x - 4}{(x - 4)(x - 1)} = \lim_{x \to 4} \frac{1}{x - 1}

Now, let's compute the values at the different xx points provided in the table using this simplified form.

Expression for f(x)f(x):

f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x - 1}

Using this, we can complete the table by plugging in the values of xx:

  1. x=3.9x = 3.9: f(3.9)=13.91=12.90.3448f(3.9) = \frac{1}{3.9 - 1} = \frac{1}{2.9} \approx 0.3448
  2. x=3.99x = 3.99: f(3.99)=13.991=12.990.3345f(3.99) = \frac{1}{3.99 - 1} = \frac{1}{2.99} \approx 0.3345
  3. x=3.999x = 3.999: f(3.999)=13.9991=12.9990.3334f(3.999) = \frac{1}{3.999 - 1} = \frac{1}{2.999} \approx 0.3334
  4. x=4x = 4: f(4)f(4) is undefined, because f(x)f(x) involves division by zero when x=4x = 4.
  5. x=4.001x = 4.001: f(4.001)=14.0011=13.0010.3334f(4.001) = \frac{1}{4.001 - 1} = \frac{1}{3.001} \approx 0.3334
  6. x=4.01x = 4.01: f(4.01)=14.011=13.010.3345f(4.01) = \frac{1}{4.01 - 1} = \frac{1}{3.01} \approx 0.3345
  7. x=4.1x = 4.1: f(4.1)=14.11=13.10.3226f(4.1) = \frac{1}{4.1 - 1} = \frac{1}{3.1} \approx 0.3226

Conclusion:

The limit as x4x \to 4 for this function is: limx41x1=130.3333\lim_{x \to 4} \frac{1}{x - 1} = \frac{1}{3} \approx 0.3333

Thus, the correct answer is 0.33330.3333, not 13\frac{1}{3}, and the table has been mostly filled correctly except for the special case when x=4x = 4 where the function is undefined.


Would you like further details or have any specific questions on this?

Here are 5 relative questions that might help you understand the concept better:

  1. Why is the function undefined at x=4x = 4?
  2. What happens if you try to directly substitute x=4x = 4 into the original function?
  3. How does the table approach help in estimating the limit of a function?
  4. What are some common types of functions that result in limits involving indeterminate forms?
  5. Why is the limit result 13\frac{1}{3} important, and how does it relate to the behavior of the function near x=4x = 4?

Tip: Always remember to check if the function simplifies before computing limits, especially when encountering indeterminate forms like 00\frac{0}{0}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Indeterminate forms
Algebraic simplification
Rational functions

Formulas

f(x) = (x - 4) / (x^2 - 5x + 4)
Factorization: x^2 - 5x + 4 = (x - 4)(x - 1)

Theorems

Limits approaching indeterminate forms like 0/0 can often be solved by algebraic simplification
L'Hopital's Rule (if applicable)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (High School Calculus)