Ask your own question, for FREE!
Calculus1 19 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Determine lim x approaches 1 f(x) if f(x)=3-x, x doesn't equal to 1 and 1, x=1.

OpenStudy (kinggeorge):

A good way to see this, is to graph it. |dw:1353365544506:dw|

OpenStudy (kinggeorge):

So for every but at the point x=1, you have the function y=3-x. If you look at that graph, tell me what you think the limit will be.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

So the answer would be it doesn't exist, right?

OpenStudy (kinggeorge):

Not quite. To find the limit, we need to find the one sided limits first. The limit \[\lim_{x\to1^-} 3-x\]is 2. You should be able to convince yourself of this by looking at a graph of y=3-x. Next, the limit\[\lim_{x\to1^+}3-x\]is also 2.

OpenStudy (kinggeorge):

Now, since both one-sided limits equal 2, we have that \[\lim_{x\to1} f(x)=2.\]This is despite the fact that \(f(1)\neq 2\).

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Thanks.

OpenStudy (kinggeorge):

Did that all make sense to you?

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!