Chapter 2: Problem 23
Exercise \(1-26:\) Find the limit, if it exists. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow 2^{3}} \cdot \frac{x^{2}}{4-9 x^{2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \( \frac{16}{-143} \).
Step by step solution
01
Substitute the Limit into the Function
First, we substitute the value of the limit into the function directly to see if it results in a determinate form. Here, we have:\[ \lim_{x \to 8} \frac{x^2}{4 - 9x^2} \]Substituting \( x = 8 \), the function becomes:\[ \frac{8^2}{4 - 9 \cdot 8^2} = \frac{64}{4 - 576} = \frac{64}{-572} \]
02
Simplify the Expression
In this step, we simplify the expression obtained from substituting the limit. The numerator is 64, and the denominator is -572, which can be simplified by dividing both by their greatest common divisor.\[ \frac{64}{-572} = \frac{16}{-143} \]
03
Verify the Result
Ensure that the substitution results in a determinate value and not an indeterminate form such as \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \). Since substituting directly gave us a valid fraction, this confirms that the limit exists and has been correctly calculated.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a straightforward approach to finding limits in calculus. It's about directly injecting the value the variable is approaching into the given function.
Often, this first attempt provides a clear answer. Here's how it works step-by-step:
Often, this first attempt provides a clear answer. Here's how it works step-by-step:
- Identify the value for which the limit is to be calculated. In our example, the limit as \( x \) approaches 8.
- Substitute this value directly into the function.
- Calculate the result. The goal is to see if it results in a determinate number, which means no indeterminate forms like \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \).
Fraction Simplification
Simplifying fractions is an essential skill in mathematics, and it's especially useful when dealing with limits. After substitution, you'll often end up with a fraction that can be simplified to make working with it easier.
Simplifying a fraction means expressing it in the smallest possible terms.
Simplifying a fraction means expressing it in the smallest possible terms.
- Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator.
- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by this GCD.
Determinate Form
In calculus, determinate and indeterminate forms are huge when it comes to limits. A determinate form means you’ve got a solid answer, not some undefined or problematic expression.
When you calculate a limit and substitute the variable, the result needs to be clean:
When you calculate a limit and substitute the variable, the result needs to be clean:
- You should avoid forms like \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), which are considered indeterminate because they don't give clear answers.
- If you reach a determinate form—just a plain fraction or a whole number—it's your goal!