Chapter 3: Problem 12
Evaluate the limits in problems. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow-\infty} \frac{2 x+x^{2}}{3 x+1} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \(-\infty\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Highest Power of x
In the given expression \( \frac{2x + x^2}{3x + 1} \), identify the highest power of \( x \) in both the numerator and the denominator. Here, the highest power in the numerator is \( x^2 \), and in the denominator, it is \( x \).
02
Divide Every Term by the Highest Power in the Denominator
Divide each term in the numerator and denominator by \( x \), the highest power found in the denominator. The expression becomes \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{\frac{2x}{x} + \frac{x^2}{x}}{\frac{3x}{x} + \frac{1}{x}} \).
03
Simplify the Expression
Simplifying, we have: \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{2 + x}{3 + \frac{1}{x}} \). Now, consider the behavior of each term as \( x \to -\infty \). The term \( \frac{1}{x} \) approaches 0.
04
Evaluate the Limit
Substituting the values as \( x \to -\infty \), in the simplified limit, the expression becomes \( \frac{2 + (-\infty)}{3} = \frac{-\infty}{3} \). This evaluates to \( -\infty \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Highest Power of x
In problems involving limits, especially with rational functions, identifying the highest power of \( x \) is crucial. Let’s look at the example of \( \frac{2x + x^2}{3x + 1} \). In this expression, we must recognize which terms dominate the behavior of the function as \( x \) becomes very large or very small. Here’s the key idea:
- The highest power of \( x \) in the numerator is \( x^2 \).
- The highest power of \( x \) in the denominator is \( x \).
Rational Functions and Their Limits
Rational functions consist of a polynomial in the numerator and another in the denominator. Understanding their limit behavior is about simplifying these functions intelligently.
To identify a rational function's limit as \( x \) approaches a very large number (positive or negative infinity), we follow these steps:
To identify a rational function's limit as \( x \) approaches a very large number (positive or negative infinity), we follow these steps:
- Determine the highest power of \( x \) in both the numerator and denominator.
- Divide every term by the highest power found in the denominator.
Behavior as x Approaches Infinity
Exploring the behavior as \( x \) approaches infinity or negative infinity is all about knowing which terms affect the limit’s value. In our expression \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{2 + x}{3 + \frac{1}{x}} \), each term's behavior matters:
- The term \( x \) in the numerator becomes dominant as it trends towards \(-\infty\), overpowering the constant \( 2 \).
- In the denominator, the term \( \frac{1}{x} \) approaches \(0\), making it negligent.