Chapter 2: Problem 42
Find the limits in Exercises \(37-48\) $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow-5^{-}} \frac{3 x}{2 x+10} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \(+\infty\) as \( x \to -5^{-} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to find the limit of the function \( f(x) = \frac{3x}{2x + 10} \) as \( x \) approaches \(-5^{-}\). This means we are approaching -5 from the left side.
02
Substitute Directly and Simplify
Begin by substituting \( x = -5 \) directly into the expression to check for any indeterminate forms.\[ f(-5) = \frac{3(-5)}{2(-5) + 10} = \frac{-15}{-10 + 10} = \frac{-15}{0} \]The function gives us \( \frac{-15}{0} \), which is undefined, indicating a potential vertical asymptote at \( x = -5 \).
03
Analyze the Behavior as x Approaches from the Left
As \( x \) approaches \(-5\) from the left (\( x \to -5^{-} \)), the denominator \( 2x + 10 \) approaches 0 from the negative side since \( 2x + 10 = -10 + 10 \). This means as we approach \(-5\) from the left, \( 2x + 10 \) approaches 0 from the negative direction, resulting in a large negative value for the denominator.
04
Determine the Sign of the Limit
Since the numerator \( 3x \) equals \(-15\) as \( x \to -5 \), which is negative, and the denominator approaches a small negative number, the overall expression \( \frac{3x}{2x + 10} \) results in a positive value. As such, the limit approaches positive infinity as \( x \to -5^{-} \).
05
Conclusion of the Limit Calculation
Based on the preceding analyses, the limit is determined as follows:\[ \lim_{x \to -5^{-}} \frac{3x}{2x + 10} = +\infty \]
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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 are a crucial concept in calculus. They help us understand the behavior of functions as inputs approach a certain value from one side, either the left or right. In the expression \( \lim _{x \rightarrow-5^{-}} \frac{3 x}{2 x+10} \), the notation \(-5^{-}\) indicates that we are approaching -5 from the left. This is different from a two-sided limit, where we would approach the value from both sides.
- One-sided limits are particularly useful when dealing with functions that have gaps or jumps at particular points.
- They help us determine the behavior of a function near discontinuities.
Vertical Asymptotes
A vertical asymptote occurs at a point where a function's value becomes infinitely large or small as the input approaches some finite value. In the example \( \lim _{x \rightarrow-5^{-}} \frac{3 x}{2 x+10} \), substituting \( x = -5 \) makes the denominator zero, resulting in an undefined expression.
- This is a tell-tale sign of a vertical asymptote.
- Vertical asymptotes are represented visually as lines that a graph will approach but never touch.
Undefined Expressions
Undefined expressions occur when substituting a particular value results in an undefined mathematical form, like division by zero. In our exercise, substituting \( x = -5 \) into \( \frac{3x}{2x+10} \) leads to \( \frac{-15}{0} \), which is undefined.
- Approaching such values often requires more advanced analysis, such as limits, to understand the function's behavior near these points.
- Undefined expressions can indicate vertical asymptotes or removable discontinuities based on the context.
Approaching from the Left
"Approaching from the left" is a term used to denote considering values of \( x \) that are slightly less than a given value. In the given expression \( \lim _{x \rightarrow-5^{-}} \frac{3 x}{2 x+10} \), \(-5^{-}\) indicates we are considering values of \( x \) that come from the left side of -5.
- This situation often arises in functions with discontinuities or asymptotic behavior.
- By understanding how the function behaves as it approaches from the left, we can determine the sign and value of the limit, even if the function is undefined at that point.