Math Problem Statement

Drag and drop your answer to correctly complete each limit: \[\lim_{{x \to 2^-}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = \] \[\lim_{{x \to 2^+}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = \] Vertical asymptote at \( x = \).

Solution

Let's solve each of these limit problems individually, as well as identify the location of the vertical asymptote.

  1. First limit: limx2(x+3)2(x2)3\lim_{{x \to 2^-}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3}

    As xx approaches 2 from the left, the expression (x2)(x-2) approaches 0 from the negative side, so (x2)3(x-2)^3 approaches 0 from the negative side as well. Since the numerator (x+3)2(x+3)^2 remains positive (it approaches 52=255^2 = 25), the entire fraction will approach -\infty as x2x \to 2^-.

    Therefore: limx2(x+3)2(x2)3=\lim_{{x \to 2^-}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = -\infty

  2. Second limit: limx2+(x+3)2(x2)3\lim_{{x \to 2^+}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3}

    Here, as xx approaches 2 from the right, (x2)(x-2) approaches 0 from the positive side, making (x2)3(x-2)^3 approach 0 from the positive side as well. Since (x+3)2(x+3)^2 remains positive (again approaching 25), the entire fraction will approach ++\infty as x2+x \to 2^+.

    Thus: limx2+(x+3)2(x2)3=+\lim_{{x \to 2^+}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = +\infty

  3. Vertical Asymptote: The expression (x+3)2(x2)3\frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} has a vertical asymptote at x=2x = 2, where the denominator (x2)3=0(x-2)^3 = 0.

    Therefore, the answers are:

    • limx2(x+3)2(x2)3=\lim_{{x \to 2^-}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = -\infty
    • limx2+(x+3)2(x2)3=+\lim_{{x \to 2^+}} \frac{(x+3)^2}{(x-2)^3} = +\infty
    • Vertical asymptote at x=2x = 2.

Would you like further details on any of these steps or have any questions?

Here are some follow-up questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What are left-hand and right-hand limits, and why do they matter in this problem?
  2. How would the limits change if the exponent of (x2)(x-2) in the denominator were even?
  3. What is the difference between a vertical asymptote and a hole in the graph of a function?
  4. Can limits approaching ++\infty or -\infty ever indicate a removable discontinuity?
  5. How do the signs of (x2)(x-2) influence the behavior of the fraction as x2x \to 2?

Tip: When evaluating limits involving powers of terms approaching zero, always consider the direction of approach to determine the sign of the resulting expression.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Asymptotes
Right-hand and Left-hand Limits

Formulas

\lim_{{x \to a^-}} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}
\lim_{{x \to a^+}} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}

Theorems

Limit Laws
Asymptote Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12