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
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 10b
Textbook Question
Evaluate lim_x→2 (x³ - 3x² + 2) / (x-2) using l’Hôpital’s Rule and then check your work by evaluating the limit using an appropriate Chapter 2 method.
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1
First, substitute x = 2 into the expression (x³ - 3x² + 2) / (x - 2) to check if it results in an indeterminate form. You will find that both the numerator and denominator equal zero, confirming the need for l'Hôpital's Rule.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if you have an indeterminate form of type 0/0, you can take the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator separately.
Differentiate the numerator: The derivative of x³ - 3x² + 2 is 3x² - 6x. Differentiate the denominator: The derivative of x - 2 is 1.
Now, rewrite the limit using the derivatives: lim_x→2 (3x² - 6x) / 1. Substitute x = 2 into this new expression to find the limit.
To check your work using an appropriate Chapter 2 method, factor the original numerator (x³ - 3x² + 2) if possible, and simplify the expression before substituting x = 2 again.
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