Chapter 1: Problem 4
Find the limits. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 3} x^{3}-3 x^{2}+9 x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 27.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
The function given is a polynomial function: \( f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 9x \). We need to find the limit of this function as \( x \) approaches 3.
02
Apply the Limit Directly
For polynomial functions, the limit can be found by direct substitution, as polynomials are continuous everywhere. Substitute \( x = 3 \) into the function: \[ f(3) = 3^3 - 3(3)^2 + 9(3) \]
03
Calculate the Expression
Calculate the value \( f(3) \) using the substituted value: \[ 3^3 = 27 \] \[ 3(3)^2 = 3 \times 9 = 27 \] \[ 9 \times 3 = 27 \] So, \[ f(3) = 27 - 27 + 27 \]
04
Simplify the Result
Simplify the expression obtained in the previous step: \[ f(3) = 27 - 27 + 27 = 27 \]
05
Conclude the Limit
Thus, the limit \( \lim_{x \to 3} (x^3 - 3x^2 + 9x) \) is \( 27 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function consists of terms with variable powers that are non-negative integers, and each term is formed by multiplying a numerical coefficient by a variable to a power. The general form of a polynomial can be written as: \[ a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1 x + a_0 \]where \( a_n, a_{n-1}, \ldots, a_1, a_0 \) are constants and \( x \) is the variable.
- In our exercise, the polynomial is \( x^3 - 3x^2 + 9x \).
- Each part of the polynomial is a monomial, with the first term being cubic, the second quadratic, and the third linear.
Continuous Functions
A function is continuous at a point if there is no interruption in the graph of the function at that point. To be more specific, a function \( f(x) \) is continuous at \( x = a \) if the following three conditions are met:
- \( f(a) \) is defined.
- The limit \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \) exists.
- The limit \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a) \).
Direct Substitution Method
The direct substitution method is used to find the limit of a function by simply replacing the variable \( x \) with the value that \( x \) is approaching. This method is very handy for functions that are continuous at the point you are examining.
- For the given exercise, we apply this method because the function \( x^3 - 3x^2 + 9x \) is continuous at \( x = 3 \).
- By substituting \( x = 3 \) into the function, we directly compute \( 3^3 - 3 \times 3^2 + 9 \times 3 \).