LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS AS X APPROACHES INFINITY


The following problems require the algebraic computation of limits of functions as x approaches plus or minus infinity. Most problems are average. A few are somewhat challenging. All of the solutions are given WITHOUT the use of L'Hopital's Rule. If you are going to try these problems before looking at the solutions, you can avoid common mistakes by giving careful consideration to the forms tex2html_wrap_inline136 and tex2html_wrap_inline138 during the computations of these limits. Initially, many students INCORRECTLY conclude that tex2html_wrap_inline136 is equal to 1 , or that the limit does not exist, or is tex2html_wrap_inline144 or tex2html_wrap_inline146 . Many also conclude that tex2html_wrap_inline138 is equal to 0 . In fact, the forms tex2html_wrap_inline136 and tex2html_wrap_inline138 are examples of indeterminate forms. This simply means that you have not yet determined an answer. Usually, these indeterminate forms can be circumvented by using algebraic manipulation. Such tools as algebraic simplification and conjugates can easily be used to circumvent the forms tex2html_wrap_inline136 and tex2html_wrap_inline138 so that the limit can be calculated.

Click HERE to return to the original list of various types of calculus problems.


Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please e-mail any correspondence to Duane Kouba by clicking on the following address :

kouba@math.ucdavis.edu



Duane Kouba
Thu Sep 5 14:47:41 PDT 1996