Chapter 3: Problem 68
Evaluate each limit by first converting each to a derivative at a particular \(x\) -value. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow-1} \frac{x^{2 / 9}-1}{x+1}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit evaluates to \(-\frac{2}{9}\).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Limit as a Derivative
The given limit resembles the definition of the derivative of a function at a point. Recall that the derivative of a function \( f(x) \) at a point \( a \) is given by \( f'(a) = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \).
02
Identify the Function and the Point
Identify the function \( f(x) = x^{2/9} \) and recognize that we need \( f(-1) \) for the derivative. Substitute \( x = -1 \) into the function: \( f(-1) = (-1)^{2/9} = 1 \).
03
Apply Derivative Definition
Rewrite the original limit using the definition of the derivative for \( f(x) = x^{2/9} \) at \( x = -1 \): \[ \lim_{x \to -1} \frac{x^{2/9} - 1}{x + 1} = f'(-1). \]
04
Differentiate the Function
Differentiate \( f(x) = x^{2/9} \) using the power rule \( f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(x^{2/9}) = \frac{2}{9}x^{-7/9} \).
05
Evaluate the Derivative at the Particular X-Value
Substitute \( x = -1 \) into the derivative found in Step 4: \( f'(-1) = \frac{2}{9}(-1)^{-7/9} = \frac{2}{9} \). Since \((-1)^{-7/9} = -1\), the final result is \( f'(-1) = \frac{2}{9}( -1) = -\frac{2}{9} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limit
The concept of a limit is foundational in calculus, acting as a bridge to understanding derivatives and integrals. Imagine you have a function, and you want to know what happens to its values as the input approaches a specific number. This is exactly what the limit seeks to explain.
- Approaching a Value: When we say "the limit of a function as x approaches -1," we observe what happens to the function’s output as x gets closer and closer to -1, but not necessarily when x is exactly -1.
- Simplifying Calculation: Limits help simplify situations where direct substitution of a value into a function might initially seem problematic, such as division by zero.
Derivative Definition
Understanding the definition of a derivative is crucial when working with calculus problems. The derivative fundamentally represents how a function changes at any given point, or more formally, the rate of change.
- Basic Formula: The derivative of a function \( f(x) \) at a certain point \( a \) is given by the formula: \[ f'(a) = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \]
- Use of Limit: As you can see, the derivative itself is defined using a limit. This means we're looking at the average rate of change of the function around a point, as the interval between values approaches zero.
Power Rule
One of the most powerful tools in differentiating functions is the Power Rule. Specifically, it provides a quick and easy method to find the derivative of a function where the variable is raised to a constant power.
- Power Rule Explained: If you have a function like \( f(x) = x^n \), the derivative is found using the formula:\[ f'(x) = nx^{n-1} \]
- Applying the Rule: In our exercise, the function \( f(x) = x^{2/9} \) means applying the Power Rule results in:\[ f'(x) = \frac{2}{9}x^{-7/9} \]
Function Evaluation
Evaluating a function refers to finding the function's output value for a given input. This might seem straightforward, but it plays a vital role in derivative calculations.
- Substitute Values: In our exercise, we substitute \( x = -1 \) into both the function and its derivative for direct evaluation.
- Result of Evaluation: For \( f(x) = x^{2/9} \), substituting gives us \( f(-1) = 1 \), and evaluating its derivative yields \( f'(-1) = -\frac{2}{9} \).