Chapter 1: Problem 21
Find the limit. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow-4}(x+3)^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit of the function as \(x\) approaches -4 is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the value \(x\) is approaching
According to the question, we need to evaluate \(\lim _{x \rightarrow -4}(x+3)^{2}\), which means \(x\) is approaching -4.
02
Substitute the value of \(x\) into the function (Direct substitution as it is a continuous function)
We substitute \(x = -4\) into the function expression giving us \((-4+3)^{2}\). This simplifies to \((-1)^{2}\).
03
Evaluate the expression
Now simplify \((-1)^{2}\) to find the limit which gives us a result of 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limits
The concept of a limit is fundamental in calculus. It allows us to understand what value a function is approaching as the input approaches a certain point. In our exercise, we are interested in finding \( \lim \_{x \rightarrow -4}(x+3)^{2} \), which means we want to know what \( (x+3)^{2} \) becomes as \( x \) gets very close to -4.
To think about limits:
To think about limits:
- Consider the behavior of the function's output as the input approaches a particular value.
- If the outputs are getting closer and closer to a specific number, that number is the limit.
Continuous Functions
A function is termed continuous if it is smooth at every point within its domain, meaning there are no gaps, jumps, or breaks.
The function \( f(x) = (x+3)^{2} \) in the exercise is a continuous function. This property is important because:
The function \( f(x) = (x+3)^{2} \) in the exercise is a continuous function. This property is important because:
- It means that you can apply the operation of taking limits by direct substitution, making calculations much simpler.
- As \( x \) approaches -4, you only need to focus on plugging in the value to determine the output.
Direct Substitution
Direct substitution is a method used to find the limit of a function at a given point, especially when the function is continuous. It involves:
This gives us \( (-4+3)^{2} \). Each step breaks down further by simplifying to \( (-1)^{2} \), which results in \( 1 \).
Direct substitution is a powerful tool in calculus since it simplifies the process of finding limits for continuous functions.
- Directly substituting the value of \( x \) into the function.
- No additional manipulation is required if the function is continuous at that point.
This gives us \( (-4+3)^{2} \). Each step breaks down further by simplifying to \( (-1)^{2} \), which results in \( 1 \).
Direct substitution is a powerful tool in calculus since it simplifies the process of finding limits for continuous functions.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation refers to the process of determining the output of a function for a particular input. It is often one of the final steps when solving limit problems involving continuous functions.To evaluate a function:
Simplifying further gives \( (-1)^{2} = 1 \), showing the limit as \( x \to -4 \) is indeed \( 1 \). This process solidifies how direct substitution within continuous functions leads directly to function evaluation, making complex problems simpler.
- Take the function expression and replace the variable \( x \) with the given value.
- Perform any arithmetic operations necessary to simplify the expression.
Simplifying further gives \( (-1)^{2} = 1 \), showing the limit as \( x \to -4 \) is indeed \( 1 \). This process solidifies how direct substitution within continuous functions leads directly to function evaluation, making complex problems simpler.