Question

why is the lim x->2- |x-2|/x^2-4 = -1/4?

Answer 1

because x-> 2-
means x is very near to 2, but less than 2
so, |x-2| will be negative.

Answer 2

lim x->2- |x-2|/x^2-4 = lim x->2- { -(x-2)/x^2-4 }

Answer 3

ok, forgive my ignorance....How can the absolute value of something be negative?

Answer 4

the absolute value is never negative, u are correct
what i meant was |x-2| = -(x-2)
to make the answer positive.....

Answer 5

like if x=1.99
|x-2| = 0.01
also -(x-2) = -(-0.01) = 0.01

Answer 6

*chuckle and a sigh* Every time I think I understand math, I am humbled again and again. Thank

Answer 7

welcome ^_^