Math Problem Statement

What is the limit of (x-2)^2 - 4 as x approaches 0, divided by x?

Solution

The problem shown in the image involves solving a limit:

limx0(x2)24x\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{{(x - 2)^2 - 4}}{x}

Let's go step by step through the solution:

  1. Rewrite the numerator: (x2)24=(x24x+4)4(x - 2)^2 - 4 = (x^2 - 4x + 4) - 4 This simplifies to: x24xx^2 - 4x

  2. Substitute this into the limit expression: limx0x24xx\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{{x^2 - 4x}}{x}

  3. Factor the numerator: x(x4)x\frac{{x(x - 4)}}{x}

  4. Simplify by canceling the xx: x4x - 4

  5. Now, substitute x=0x = 0 into the simplified expression: 04=40 - 4 = -4

Therefore, the solution is:

limx0(x2)24x=4\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{{(x - 2)^2 - 4}}{x} = -4

Would you like more details on any of the steps? Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What happens if you don't factor the numerator?
  2. Why does canceling xx in the limit require careful attention?
  3. How would the solution change if the limit was x2x \to 2?
  4. What if the numerator was a cubic expression?
  5. How can you apply L'Hôpital's Rule to this limit?

Tip: Always simplify the expression as much as possible before substituting into a limit to avoid indeterminate forms like 00\frac{0}{0}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Factoring
Simplification

Formulas

Limit as x -> 0: (x - 2)^2 - 4 / x

Theorems

Limit theorem
Algebraic simplification

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12