Chapter 2: Problem 75
In Exercises \(74-80\), evaluate the one-sided limits. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow 3^{-}} \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The one-sided limit is -1.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding One-Sided Limits
The problem is asking us to evaluate the limit of the given function as the variable \( x \) approaches 3 from the left, denoted \( x \to 3^- \). One-sided limits are useful for determining the behavior of a function as it approaches a specific value from one particular direction only.
02
Simplifying Given Function
The function is defined as \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \). When \( x < 3 \), the expression \( x-3 \) is negative, making \( |x-3| = -(x-3) = 3-x \). Thus, the function becomes \( \frac{x-3}{3-x} \). Simplifying this gives \( -1 \) since \( \frac{x-3}{3-x} = -1 \).
03
Evaluating the Limit Expression
To evaluate the limit as \( x \) approaches 3 from the left, note the simplified expression \(-1\) we derived is constant for all \( x < 3 \). Therefore, the limit of a constant function is just that constant value.
04
Finalizing the Solution
Since the simplified expression for \( x < 3 \) is \(-1\), this means the one-sided limit as \( x \) approaches 3 from the negative side is \(-1\).
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.
Evaluating Limits
Evaluating limits, especially one-sided limits, is a fundamental concept in calculus. A limit describes the behavior of a function as the input approaches a particular value. The one-sided limit specifically focuses on the function's behavior as the input approaches the limit from only one side — either from the left (denoted by a superscript minus) or the right (denoted by a superscript plus).
In the given exercise, we are dealing with a one-sided limit approaching from the left:
In the given exercise, we are dealing with a one-sided limit approaching from the left:
- This means we observe how the function behaves as the value of the input gets closer and closer to 3, but never actually reaches it.
- Since we are considering the limit as \( x \to 3^- \), all values of \( x \) are less than 3.
- The expression \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \) becomes particularly interesting because of its dependence on the absolute value function.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function is quite pivotal in this problem. Defined generally as \( |a| = a \) if \( a \, \geq \, 0 \) and \( |a| = -a \) if \( a \, < \, 0 \), it essentially measures how far a number is from zero, ignoring any direction (positive or negative).
For the function \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \), understanding the absolute value becomes essential as we determine how \( |x-3| \) behaves based on the value of \( x \):
For the function \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \), understanding the absolute value becomes essential as we determine how \( |x-3| \) behaves based on the value of \( x \):
- Since we are examining the limit as \( x \to 3^- \), any value of \( x \) we consider will be less than 3.
- This implies \( x-3 < 0 \), making \( |x-3| = -(x-3) = 3-x \).
Piecewise Functions
Piecewise functions can often arise when evaluating limits involving absolute values. They describe functions defined by different expressions over different intervals.
In the scenario of \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \) approaching from values less than 3:
In the scenario of \( \frac{x-3}{|x-3|} \) approaching from values less than 3:
- It embodies a piecewise nature since the expression of \( |x-3| \) changes based on whether \( x < 3 \) or \( x > 3 \).
- When \( x < 3 \), we derived \( |x-3| = 3-x \).