Limit of a rational function with a constant c

In summary: I will take note of that.In summary, the conversation involves a discussion on the relationship between ##x## and ##t## as they approach zero and one respectively. The formula given is ##\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{c(t-1)}{t^3-1}## and it is shown that as ##x\to 0##, ##t\to 1##. However, the reasoning stated in the conversation is incorrect as it involves an incorrect distribution of the cube root and an incorrect use of the notation ##\propto##.
  • #1
member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this problem,
1676430951483.png

Did they get ## x## approaches one is equivalent to ##t## approaches zero because ##t ∝ (x)^{1/3} + 1##?

Many thanks!
 
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  • #2
" Notice that x ##\rightarrow##0 is equivalent to t ##\rightarrow## 1 ", it says. The given formula becomes
[tex]\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{c(t-1)}{t^3-1}[/tex]
 
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  • #3
anuttarasammyak said:
" Notice that x ##\rightarrow##0 is equivalent to t ##\rightarrow## 1 ", it says. The given formula becomes
[tex]\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{c(t-1)}{t^3-1}[/tex]
Thank you for your reply @anuttarasammyak !

Sorry, I have updated the question after I realized my mistake. Is my reasoning correct though?

Many thanks!
 
  • #4
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}t=\lim_{x\rightarrow 0} \sqrt[3]{1+cx}=1[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t\rightarrow 1}x=\lim_{t\rightarrow 1}\frac{t^3-1}{c}=0[/tex]
 
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  • #5
Callumnc1 said:
Homework Statement:: Please see below
Relevant Equations:: Please see below

For this problem,
View attachment 322282
Did they get ## x## approaches one is equivalent to ##t## approaches zero because ##t ∝ (x)^{1/3} + 1##?

Many thanks!
I would say it's more like:

As ##x\to 0##, it's clear that ##\displaystyle \root 3 \of{1+cx \,} \to 1##, so ##t\to 1## .
 
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  • #6
anuttarasammyak said:
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}t=\lim_{x\rightarrow 0} \sqrt[3]{1+cx}=1[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t\rightarrow 1}x=\lim_{t\rightarrow 1}\frac{t^3-1}{c}=0[/tex]
Thank you for your reply @anuttarasammyak !
 
  • #7
SammyS said:
I would say it's more like:

As ##x\to 0##, it's clear that ##\root 3 \of{1+cx \,} \to 1##, so ##t\to 1## .
Thank you @SammyS , I see now!
 
  • #8
Callumnc1 said:
Is my reasoning correct though?
It looks like you're thinking ##\sqrt[3]{1+cx} = \sqrt[3]{1} + \sqrt[3]{cx}##. That's clearly wrong. You can't distribute the root across the addition.

Also, as far as notation goes, ##\propto## means "proportional to", so saying that ##t \propto 1 + x^{1/3}## means that ##t = k(1+x^{1/3})## for some constant ##k##, which you probably didn't mean.
 
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  • #9
vela said:
It looks like you're thinking ##\sqrt[3]{1+cx} = \sqrt[3]{1} + \sqrt[3]{cx}##. That's clearly wrong. You can't distribute the root across the addition.

Also, as far as notation goes, ##\propto## means "proportional to", so saying that ##t \propto 1 + x^{1/3}## means that ##t = k(1+x^{1/3})## for some constant ##k##, which you probably didn't mean.
Thank you for your reply @vela!

That is good you mentioned the notation, I didn't realize I could not do that!
 

FAQ: Limit of a rational function with a constant c

What is a rational function?

A rational function is a function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, that is, a function of the form f(x) = P(x) / Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials and Q(x) is not equal to zero.

What does it mean to find the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c?

Finding the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c means determining the value that the function f(x) approaches as the variable x gets arbitrarily close to the constant c. This helps in understanding the behavior of the function near that particular point.

How do you find the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c?

To find the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c, you typically substitute the value of c into the function. If the function is defined at x = c and does not result in an indeterminate form like 0/0, then the limit is simply the value of the function at that point. If it does result in an indeterminate form, further algebraic manipulation or techniques like L'Hôpital's rule may be required.

What happens if the limit of a rational function as x approaches c results in an indeterminate form?

If substituting x = c into the rational function results in an indeterminate form such as 0/0 or ∞/∞, you need to simplify the expression. This can involve factoring, canceling common factors, or using L'Hôpital's rule, which involves differentiating the numerator and the denominator until the indeterminate form is resolved.

Can the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c be infinite?

Yes, the limit of a rational function as x approaches a constant c can be infinite. This occurs when the function grows without bound as x approaches c. For example, if the denominator approaches zero while the numerator approaches a non-zero value, the function may approach positive or negative infinity, depending on the signs of the numerator and denominator.

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