Chapter 1: Problem 26
Algebraically determine the limits. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow 0.5}\left(10 x^{2}+8 x+6\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 12.5.
Step by step solution
01
Understand The Problem
We are given a limit problem where we need to find the limit of a polynomial function as \( x \) approaches a specific value, 0.5. Our function is \( f(x) = 10x^2 + 8x + 6 \).
02
Identify The Function's Limit
Since the function \( f(x) \) is a polynomial, it is continuous everywhere. Therefore, the limit of the polynomial as \( x \) approaches any point \( c \) is simply the value of the polynomial evaluated at \( x = c \).
03
Substitute And Solve
To find the limit as \( x \rightarrow 0.5 \), substitute \( x = 0.5 \) into the function:\[\lim_{x \to 0.5} (10x^2 + 8x + 6) = 10(0.5)^2 + 8(0.5) + 6\]Calculate each term:1. \( 10(0.5)^2 = 10 \times 0.25 = 2.5 \)2. \( 8(0.5) = 4 \)3. \( 6 = 6 \)Add these values together:\[2.5 + 4 + 6 = 12.5\]
04
Conclude The Solution
Since the function \( f(x) = 10x^2 + 8x + 6 \) is continuous and we have evaluated it at \( x = 0.5 \), we conclude that the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \rightarrow 0.5 \) is 12.5.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are expressions involving variables raised to whole-number exponents, typically written in the form \[a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0\], where each \(a\) represents coefficients and \(n\) is a non-negative integer. Here are some key characteristics of polynomial functions:
- The degree of the polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression.
- Each term in the polynomial is a monomial, such as \(10x^2\), \(8x\), or \(6\) in our example.
- Polynomial functions are smooth and continuous, meaning there are no breaks, holes, or jumps in their graphs.
Limits
Limits help us understand the behavior of functions as they approach a specific point. In calculus, the limit is a fundamental concept that describes how a function behaves as the input approaches a given value.For the exercise provided, we found the limit of the polynomial function \(f(x) = 10x^2 + 8x + 6\) as \(x\) approaches 0.5.To determine the limit of a polynomial function as \(x\) approaches a specific point:
- Identify the value to which \(x\) is approaching, in this case, 0.5.
- Substitute this value into the polynomial, replacing \(x\). "Evaluating at a point" is a straightforward process with polynomial functions due to their continuity.
- Calculate the resulting expression to get the limit value.
Continuity
Continuity in a function means that the graph of the function is an unbroken line or curve. A continuous function has no jumps, breaks, or holes. This seamless nature is why polynomial functions are considered continuous everywhere.To check for continuity at a point:
- The function must be defined at the point.
- The limit of the function as it approaches the given point must exist.
- The value of the function at the point must equal the limit as \(x\) approaches that point.