Q.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Since the denominator does not approach zero at , we can evaluate the limit of this rational function by direct substitution. The value is .
Why Direct Substitution Works Here
When you see a limit of a rational function (a polynomial divided by a polynomial), your first instinct should be to check what happens to the denominator at the target point. The key idea is simple: a rational function is continuous wherever its denominator is non-zero. Continuity means the limit equals the function value — just plug in the number.
The classic pitfall students fall into is assuming every limit requires factoring or cancellation. That's only needed when the denominator also goes to zero, creating a form. Here, at , the denominator equals , which is perfectly fine. So we can skip all the algebraic gymnastics.
Do not try to factor or simplify unless you first check if the denominator is zero at the limit point. Unnecessary manipulation wastes time and can introduce errors.
Step-by-Step Solution
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Check the denominator.
At , the denominator is . This tells us the function is continuous at , so the limit is simply the function value.
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Substitute directly. …
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