Chapter 2: Problem 28
Find the limits. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 3^{-}} \frac{x}{x-3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \(-\infty\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We have the limit \( \lim_{x \to 3^-} \frac{x}{x-3} \) which means we need to evaluate the behavior of the function \( \frac{x}{x-3} \) as \( x \) approaches 3 from the left (indicated by the \( 3^- \) notation).
02
Analyze the Denominator
The denominator \( x - 3 \) becomes \( 0 \) as \( x \) approaches 3, which can cause the function to approach infinity or negative infinity, depending on the direction of approach and the sign of \( x - 3 \).
03
Evaluate the Sign from the Left
When approaching 3 from the left, \( x \) is slightly less than 3, meaning \( x - 3 \) is negative. Thus, as \( x \to 3^- \), the denominator \( x - 3 \to 0^- \).
04
Consider the Behavior of the Function
The numerator \( x \) is positive as \( x \to 3^- \), so \( \frac{x}{x-3} = \frac{+}{-} \) results in the function approaching negative infinity as the denominator goes to zero from the negative side.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
One-Sided Limits
One-sided limits refer to the behavior of a function as the variable approaches a specific value from one side only. In our example, we examine the limit as \( x \) approaches 3 from the left, denoted as \( 3^- \). This means we are only concerned about values of \( x \) that are slightly less than 3.
- When you approach from the left, it’s similar to watching a car traffic jam where you're only interested in the traffic coming from one side, not the other.
- This helps us understand how the function behaves when \( x \) gets really close to, but not equal to, a particular value.
Asymptotic Behavior
Asymptotic behavior in functions is how they behave as they get close to certain lines or points. Specifically, as a variable approaches a point where the function doesn’t actually reach a finite value, it can head towards infinity or zero. Consider our earlier example:
- As \( x \to 3^- \), the function \( \frac{x}{x-3} \) doesn’t settle at a particular number but instead zooms off towards negative infinity.
- This means there is an asymptote at \( x = 3 \) which is a vertical line where the graph of the function approaches but never actually touches or crosses.
Infinite Limits
Infinite limits are observed when a function grows arbitrarily large in magnitude as the input approaches a particular value. When we say the limit is infinite, we mean the function doesn’t approach a finite limit, rather it heads toward infinity or negative infinity.
- In our example, as \( x \to 3^- \), the function \( \frac{x}{x-3} \) tends to negative infinity. This is because as \( x \) nears 3 from the left, the denominator \( x-3 \) becomes a tiny negative number, causing the whole fraction to shoot downwards.
- Infinite limits are indicative of unbounded behavior in specific regions. They help us identify vertical asymptotes or points where the function goes off to infinity.