Use an appropriate limit definition to prove the following limits.


lim x→1 (5x−2) =3;

Key Concepts

Limit Definition

The limit definition in calculus refers to the formal approach to determining the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain point. Specifically, for a function f(x), the limit as x approaches a value 'a' is L if, for every ε > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that whenever 0 < |x - a| < δ, it follows that |f(x) - L| < ε. This definition is foundational for proving limits rigorously.

Direct Substitution

Direct substitution is a method used to evaluate limits by substituting the value that x approaches directly into the function. If the function is continuous at that point, the limit can be found simply by replacing x with the target value. In the case of the limit lim x→1 (5x−2), substituting x = 1 yields the result 3, confirming the limit without further manipulation.

Continuity of Functions

A function is continuous at a point if the limit of the function as it approaches that point equals the function's value at that point. For the limit lim x→1 (5x−2), the function is a polynomial, which is continuous everywhere. This property allows us to confidently use direct substitution to evaluate the limit, reinforcing the relationship between limits and continuity in calculus.