Chapter 2: Problem 19
Find the limits in Exercises \(17-22\). $$ \begin{array}{ll}{\lim \left(\frac{x^{2}}{2}-\frac{1}{x}\right) \text { as }} \\\ {\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. } x \rightarrow 0^{+}} & {\text { b. } x \rightarrow 0^{-}} \\ {\text { c. } x \rightarrow \sqrt[3]{2}} & {\text { d. } x \rightarrow-1}\end{array}}\end{array} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Limit as x approaches 0 from the positive side
Limit as x approaches 0 from the negative side
Limit as x approaches cube root of 2
Limit as x approaches -1
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
One-Sided Limits
- Right-hand limit: As \(x\rightarrow 0^+\), the expression \(\frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{1}{x}\) shows that \(\frac{x^2}{2}\) approaches zero, while \(-\frac{1}{x}\) becomes negatively infinite. Hence, the limit is \(-\infty\).
- Left-hand limit: In contrast, when \(x \rightarrow 0^-\), \(\frac{x^2}{2}\) still approaches zero, but now \(-\frac{1}{x}\) approaches positive infinity as the division of a negative value becomes positive. Thus, the limit is \(+\infty\).
Infinite Limits
When discussing \(\lim_{{x \to 0^+}} ( \frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{1}{x})\), the term \(-\frac{1}{x}\) becomes infinitely negative. This yields \(-\infty\) as the limit since the negative division approaches infinity. Meanwhile, for \(\lim_{{x \to 0^-}}\), \(-\frac{1}{x} \) transitions from negative to positive infinity and gives a result of \(+\infty\).
- A function reaching a value of \(\pm \infty\) implies an asymptote might be present at that point.
- Recognizing whether the function approaches infinity (positive or negative) is vital for understanding its extended behavior near those values.
Finite Limits
For \(\lim_{{x \to \sqrt[3]{2}}} ( \frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{1}{x})\), substituting \(x = \sqrt[3]{2}\), the expression simplifies to \( \frac{\sqrt[3]{4}}{2} - \sqrt[3]{\frac{1}{2}}\). Here, both components are real numbers, rendering a calculable and finite outcome.
Another example is when \(x\rightarrow-1\), yielding \(\lim_{{x \to -1}} ( \frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{1}{x}) = \frac{3}{2}\). The finite limit exists since both the squared division and linear terms result in finite numbers.
- Finite limits indicate that a function stabilizes around specific values.
- They help in identifying smoother behavior as a function approaches the point.
Limit Evaluation Techniques
- Direct Substitution: This technique involves plugging in the values directly. If the function is continuous, like as \(x\rightarrow -1\), solves easily this way.
- Simplification: Simplify equations whenever values can't be directly substituted. For instance, when dealing with cube roots and fractions.
- Understanding Infinity Behavior: Look at the growth of expressions as they head toward infinite sizes, such as observing \( \frac{1}{x} \).