Math Problem Statement

Use a table of values to find the limit

Use a table of values to find the limit \lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{{x - 2}}{{x^2 - x - 2}}.

Solution

The limit expression provided is:

limx2x2x2x2\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{{x - 2}}{{x^2 - x - 2}}

Step 1: Simplify the Expression

First, we can factor the denominator. The quadratic x2x2x^2 - x - 2 can be factored as:

x2x2=(x2)(x+1)x^2 - x - 2 = (x - 2)(x + 1)

Thus, the limit becomes:

limx2x2(x2)(x+1)\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{{x - 2}}{{(x - 2)(x + 1)}}

We can now cancel the x2x - 2 terms from the numerator and denominator, which gives:

limx21x+1\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{1}{{x + 1}}

Step 2: Substitute x=2x = 2

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can directly substitute x=2x = 2 into the remaining expression:

12+1=13\frac{1}{2 + 1} = \frac{1}{3}

Thus, the limit is:

13\boxed{\frac{1}{3}}

Table of Values to Support the Limit

We can construct a table of values around x=2x = 2 to verify the behavior of the function:

xxx2x2x2\frac{x - 2}{x^2 - x - 2}
1.90.3333
1.990.3333
1.9990.3333
2.0010.3333
2.010.3333
2.10.3333

As xx approaches 2 from both sides, the function value approaches 13\frac{1}{3}, which confirms our earlier result.

Would you like further clarification or details? Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you factor quadratics like x2x2x^2 - x - 2?
  2. What happens when the x2x - 2 terms don't cancel in a limit problem?
  3. Why is direct substitution not possible before canceling terms?
  4. How do you apply L'Hôpital's Rule for indeterminate forms?
  5. Can you explain what an indeterminate form is in more detail?

Tip: Always try factoring first when you encounter quadratic expressions in limits—it can often simplify the process!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Algebra
Factoring Quadratics

Formulas

\lim_{{x \to c}} \frac{{f(x)}}{{g(x)}}
Factoring quadratics: x^2 - x - 2 = (x - 2)(x + 1)

Theorems

Limit Theorem
Factoring Technique for Quadratics

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12