Do's question at Yahoo Answers regarding the evaluation of a limit

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In summary, we use properties of limits to rewrite the given limit and then apply the fact that the limit of a function divided by a polynomial is equal to the leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator. The final answer is -\frac{1568}{121}.
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MarkFL
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Here is the question:

How do you find ths prob lim(x to(-)infty)frac(14-13 x)(10+x)+\frac(5 x^2 +14)((11 x-12)^2)?

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
 
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Hello do,

We are given to evaluate:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{x\to-\infty}\left(\frac{14-13x}{10+x}+\frac{5x^2+14}{(11x-12)^2} \right)\)

A property of limits that we can use here is:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{x\to c}\left(f(x)\pm g(x) \right)=\lim_{x\to c}(f(x))\pm\lim_{x\to c}(g(x))\)

And so we may rewrite the limit as:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{x\to-\infty}\left(\frac{5x^2+14}{(11x-12)^2} \right)-\lim_{x\to-\infty}\left(\frac{13x-14}{x+10} \right)\)

Next, consider a function of the form:

\(\displaystyle f(x)=\frac{a_nx^n+a_{n-1}x^{n-1}+\cdots+a_0}{b_nx^n+b_{n-1}x^{n-1}+\cdots+b_0}\)

Now, if we divide each term in the numerator and denominator by $x^n$, we have:

\(\displaystyle f(x)=\frac{a_n+a_{n-1}x^{-1}+\cdots+a_0x^{-n}}{b_n+b_{n-1}x^{-1}+\cdots+b_0x^{-n}}\)

And so, we see:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\pm\infty}(f(x))=\frac{a_n+0+\cdots+0}{b_n+0+\cdots+0}=\frac{a_n}{b_n}\)

Applying this to the limit at hand, we find:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{x\to-\infty}\left(\frac{5x^2+14}{(11x-12)^2} \right)-\lim_{x\to-\infty}\left(\frac{13x-14}{x+10} \right)=\frac{5}{121}-\frac{13}{1}=-\frac{1568}{121}\)
 

FAQ: Do's question at Yahoo Answers regarding the evaluation of a limit

What is a limit in mathematics?

A limit in mathematics is a fundamental concept that represents the value that a function approaches as its input approaches a certain value or "approaches infinity". It is denoted by the symbol "lim" and is used to describe the behavior of a function near a specific input.

How do you evaluate a limit algebraically?

To evaluate a limit algebraically, you can use various techniques such as substitution, factoring, and rationalizing the denominator. You can also use L'Hôpital's rule or apply limit laws to simplify the expression and find the limit value.

What is the difference between a one-sided limit and a two-sided limit?

A one-sided limit is when the function is approaching the given value from only one direction, either from the left or the right. A two-sided limit, also known as a two-sided limit, is when the function is approaching the given value from both directions.

Can a limit exist if the function is not defined at that point?

Yes, a limit can still exist even if the function is not defined at that point. This is because a limit describes the behavior of a function as it approaches a specific input, not necessarily the value of the function at that input.

What are some real-life applications of limits?

Limits have various applications in real-life, such as in physics to describe the motion of an object, in economics to analyze the behavior of a market, and in engineering to design structures and systems. They are also used in calculus to find derivatives and integrals of functions.

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