Math Problem Statement

lim(x -> 4^+) (x^2 - 16) / (4 - x)

Solution

The given expression involves a limit:

limx4+x2164x\lim_{x \to 4^+} \frac{x^2 - 16}{4 - x}

Step 1: Factor the numerator

We notice that the numerator x216x^2 - 16 is a difference of squares, which can be factored as:

x216=(x4)(x+4)x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

So the expression becomes:

limx4+(x4)(x+4)4x\lim_{x \to 4^+} \frac{(x - 4)(x + 4)}{4 - x}

Step 2: Simplify the expression

Notice that 4x4 - x can be rewritten as (x4)-(x - 4). This simplifies the fraction to:

limx4+(x4)(x+4)(x4)=limx4+(x+4)\lim_{x \to 4^+} \frac{(x - 4)(x + 4)}{-(x - 4)} = \lim_{x \to 4^+} -(x + 4)

Step 3: Cancel common terms

The terms (x4)(x - 4) in the numerator and denominator cancel out, so the expression reduces to:

limx4+(x+4)\lim_{x \to 4^+} -(x + 4)

Step 4: Evaluate the limit

Now, substitute x=4x = 4 into the simplified expression:

(4+4)=8-(4 + 4) = -8

Conclusion:

The value of the limit is 8-8.

Do you have any questions, or would you like further details?


Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. What happens to the limit if x4x \to 4^- instead of x4+x \to 4^+?
  2. How do you handle limits when there's no clear factorization?
  3. What is the limit of limx0+x211x\lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{x^2 - 1}{1 - x}?
  4. How does the limit change if the denominator is x4x - 4 instead of 4x4 - x?
  5. What are some common techniques to simplify limits involving indeterminate forms?

Tip: Always check for possible factorizations when dealing with polynomial limits, as this often simplifies the problem significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Algebraic Simplification
Difference of Squares

Formulas

Difference of squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)
Simplifying algebraic expressions

Theorems

Limit Theorems
Factorization

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12