Chapter 13: Problem 22
Determine each limit, if it exists. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{x^{2}+2 x}{x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the expression
The given expression is \( \frac{x^2 + 2x}{x} \). We can simplify this expression by dividing the numerator by \( x \), assuming \( x eq 0 \). This gives \( \frac{x(x + 2)}{x} \). The \( x \) in the numerator and denominator cancel out, resulting in \( x + 2 \).
02
Evaluate the limit of the simplified expression
Now, substitute \( x = 0 \) into the simplified expression obtained in Step 1, which is \( x + 2 \). By substituting \( x = 0 \), we get \( 0 + 2 = 2 \).
03
Confirm the existence of the limit
Since we were able to substitute \( x = 0 \) directly after simplifying and found a finite value, the limit exists. The limit is independent of the direction from which \( x \to 0 \) is approached, confirming the existence of the limit.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is a crucial step when working with limits, especially when you need to handle a function that seems more complicated than it needs to be. In this exercise, the original expression was \( \frac{x^2 + 2x}{x} \). The key to simplifying it was recognizing the common factor of \( x \) in the numerator.
- Factor the numerator: Start by rewriting \( x^2 + 2x \) as \( x(x + 2) \).
- Cancel common factors: By dividing both the numerator and the denominator by \( x \), you cancel out the \( x \), given that \( x eq 0 \). This leads you to the simplified form: \( x + 2 \).
Evaluating Limits
Once you've simplified the expression, evaluating the limit becomes much more straightforward. In the given problem, after simplification, the expression was reduced to \( x + 2 \). Evaluating the limit involves substituting the value that \( x \) is approaching, and observing the behavior of the expression.
- Substitute directly: If the simplified expression isn’t undefined or indeterminate when you plug in the limit, you can substitute directly. For this problem, substitute \( x = 0 \) into \( x + 2 \).
- Calculate: The substitution yields \( 0 + 2 \), resulting in \( 2 \).
Existence of Limits
It’s not enough to simply calculate a value for a limit; you must also examine whether the limit exists. A limit exists if the function approaches a specific value from both directions, as \( x \) approaches the point of interest. Here, after simplifying, you get \( x + 2 \), which is a continuous function at \( x = 0 \).
- Continuity check: Since \( x + 2 \) doesn’t have any discontinuities at \( x = 0 \), the substitution confirms the function approaches \( 2 \) from both directions.
- Direction independence: The limit consistent regardless of approaching from the left or the right of \( x = 0 \), further confirming the limit’s existence.