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Explain how to find the value of each limit d) \( \lim _{x \rightarrow-2^{-}} \frac{(x+5)^{3}(x-1)^{2}}{(x+2)^{3}(x-2)^{2}} \)

Ask by Watkins Dunn. in the United States
Feb 26,2025

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As x approaches –2 from the left, the limit of the expression \( \frac{(x+5)^3 (x-1)^2}{(x+2)^3 (x-2)^2} \) is negative infinity.

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We want to evaluate   lim₍ₓ → -2⁻₎ [(x + 5)³ (x – 1)²] / [(x + 2)³ (x – 2)²]. Since x is approaching –2 from the left (–2⁻), we analyze what happens to each factor when x is near –2. Step 1. Examine each factor at x = –2: • For the numerator:   – (x + 5) at x = –2: –2 + 5 = 3; since 3³ is positive,   – (x – 1) at x = –2: –2 – 1 = –3; note that (–3)² = 9 (a positive number). Thus, as x → –2, the numerator approaches 3³ · 9 = 27 · 9 = 243, a positive finite value. • For the denominator, we have two factors:   – (x + 2):    - Since x → –2 and we are approaching from the left (values less than –2), (x + 2) is a small negative number. Its cube, (x + 2)³, remains negative (a small negative number cubed is still negative, and its magnitude tends to zero).   – (x – 2):    - At x = –2, (–2 – 2) = –4. Thus, (–4)² = 16, which is positive. So, the denominator near x = –2 behaves like (a very small negative number) multiplied by a positive constant 16. Step 2. Analyze the limit: The fraction becomes:   (numerator) / (denom) ≈ 243 / [(a very small negative number) * 16]. Because the denominator’s (x + 2)³ tends to 0 (in magnitude) from the negative side, the fraction becomes very large in absolute value. However, since the denominator is negative, the quotient tends to negative infinity. Conclusion:   lim₍ₓ → -2⁻₎ [(x + 5)³ (x – 1)²] / [(x + 2)³ (x – 2)²] = –∞. Thus, the limit is –∞.

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To find the limit as \( x \) approaches \(-2\) from the left for the given expression, we need to analyze the behavior of both the numerator and the denominator. As \( x \) approaches \(-2\), the term \( (x+2)^3 \) in the denominator approaches zero and will dominate the denominator’s behavior, while the rest of the terms can be evaluated at \( x = -2 \). The numerator \( (x+5)^3(x-1)^2 \) does not approach zero as fast since both \( (x+5) \) and \( (x-1) \) are non-zero at \( x = -2\). Evaluating these components at \( x = -2 \): - The numerator becomes \( (3)^3(1)^2 = 27 \). - The denominator approaches \( 0 \) but is slightly negative due to \( \lim _{x \rightarrow -2^{-}} (x + 2)^3 \). So, as \( x \to -2^{-} \), the limit tends towards \(-\infty\) due to a positive numerator and a negative denominator. Thus, the limit is \[ \lim_{x \to -2^{-}} \frac{(x+5)^{3}(x-1)^{2}}{(x+2)^{3}(x-2)^{2}} = -\infty. \] Now, don’t you just love limits? They teach us to navigate the tricky waters where functions throw a curveball! They help us understand continuity and how shapes behave near critical points. Isn't math the ultimate puzzle? You can further your exploration into limits with classic calculus resources like "Thomas' Calculus" or "Calculus" by James Stewart. Each of these books delves into the inspiring world of analysis and offers insightful examples alongside a treasury of practice problems to sharpen those math skills. Happy calculating!

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