Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
1. Limits and Continuity
Finding Limits Algebraically
4:03 minutes
Problem 39
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionFind the following limits or state that they do not exist. Assume a, b , c, and k are fixed real numbers.
lim x→−1 (2x − 1)^2 − 9 / x + 1
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It helps in understanding how functions behave near points of interest, including points where they may not be defined. Evaluating limits is crucial for determining continuity, derivatives, and integrals.
Recommended video:
05:50
One-Sided Limits
Factoring and Simplifying Expressions
Factoring involves rewriting an expression as a product of its factors, which can simplify the evaluation of limits, especially when direct substitution leads to indeterminate forms like 0/0. In the given limit, factoring the numerator allows for cancellation with the denominator, making it easier to compute the limit as x approaches -1.
Recommended video:
6:36
Simplifying Trig Expressions
Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms occur when direct substitution in a limit leads to expressions like 0/0 or ∞/∞, which do not provide clear information about the limit's value. Recognizing these forms is essential, as they often require additional techniques, such as factoring, rationalizing, or applying L'Hôpital's Rule, to resolve and find the actual limit.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:56
Slope-Intercept Form
Watch next
Master Finding Limits by Direct Substitution with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice