Problem 3 - Technical Mathematics with Calculus

Question

Evaluate each limit. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 2} \frac{x^{2}-x-1}{x+3}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The limit as x approaches 2 of \frac{x^{2}-x-1}{x+3} is \frac{3}{5}.

Step 1: Substitute the limit value into the function

Directly substitute the value that the variable x approaches (in this case 2) into the function.

Step 2: Simplify the expression

Once the value has been substituted, simplify the numerator and denominator (if possible) to find the limit.

Step 3: Calculate the numerical answer

After simplifying, compute the numerical value of the resulting expression to obtain the limit.

Key Concepts

Limits in Calculus

In calculus, limits are fundamental to the study of the subject, setting the foundation for concepts such as derivatives and integrals. A limit describes the value that a function approaches as the input, or independent variable, approaches some value. Limits are essential in defining continuity, slopes of curves, and the behavior of functions near points of interest.

For example, when we express \[\lim _{x \rightarrow a} f(x)\], we're asking: as 'x' gets closer and closer to 'a', what value does 'f(x)' get closer to? This might not always lead to a finite number; sometimes functions can tend towards infinity, or the limit may not exist at all. As with our exercise, by evaluating \[\lim _{x \rightarrow 2} \frac{x^{2}-x-1}{x+3}\], we're trying to discern what value the function 'f(x)' approaches as 'x' nears 2.

Direct Substitution Method

The direct substitution method is a technique used to evaluate limits in calculus. It is often the first approach to try when finding the limit of a function as its variable approaches a particular value. In this method, you simply replace the variable with the given number to which it is approaching, directly substituting 'a' into 'f(x)'.

If the function is continuous at that point, and you do not end up with an indeterminate form like 0/0 or ∞/∞, you can find the limit by direct calculation. For instance, in our exercise where we have the task to evaluate \[\lim _{x \rightarrow 2} \frac{x^{2}-x-1}{x+3}\], you would plug in x = 2. However, before rushing with substitution, always ensure that there are no indeterminate forms that need to be simplified first.

Simplifying Expressions

Before applying the direct substitution method, it's crucial to look into simplifying expressions. Simplification in calculus often involves factoring polynomials, canceling out terms, or rationalizing numerators and denominators to reveal a more 'substitution-friendly' version of the function.

This step is important especially if the initial direct substitution results in undefined expressions like division by zero. By rewriting the function into an equivalent form that avoids these hurdles, it can become clearer what the limit is as 'x' approaches a particular value. In the provided exercise, simplifying would mean ensuring the numerator and denominator can accept the value '2' without causing any mathematical error. Once simplified, direct substitution becomes a straightforward path to the solution.