Calculus Volume 1

Chapter 2 | Limits

169

Figure 2.26 This graph shows a function f ( x ). a. Since f ( x ) =4 x −3 for all x in (−∞, 2), replace f ( x ) in the limit with 4 x −3 and apply the limit laws: lim x →2 − f ( x ) = lim x →2 − (4 x −3) =5. b. Since f ( x ) = ( x −3) 2 for all x in (2, +∞), replace f ( x ) in the limit with ( x −3) 2 and apply the limit laws: lim x →2 + f ( x ) = lim x →2 + ( x −3) 2 =1. c. Since lim x →2 − f ( x ) =5 and lim x →2 + f ( x ) =1, we conclude that lim x →2 f ( x ) does not exist.

⎧ ⎩ ⎨ − x −2 if x <−1 2 if x =−1 x 3 if x >−1

2.17

Graph f ( x ) =

f ( x ).

lim x →−1 −

and evaluate

We now turn our attention to evaluating a limit of the form lim x → a f ( x ) g ( x ) ,

f ( x ) = K , where K ≠0 and

where lim x → a

lim x → a g ( x ) =0. That is, f ( x )/ g ( x ) has the form K /0, K ≠0 at a . Example 2.23 Evaluating a Limit of the Form K /0, K ≠0 Using the Limit Laws

x −3 x 2 −2 x

Evaluate lim x →2 −

.

Solution Step1. After substituting in x =2, we see that this limit has the form −1/0. That is, as x approaches 2 from the

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online