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Virtual Math Learning Center Texas A&M University Virtual Math Learning Center

Evaluating a Limit Numerically

Author: ShaNisaa RaSun

The following problem is solved in this video. It is recommended that you try to solve the problem before watching the video. You can click "Answer" to reveal the answer to the problem.

Problem: Estimate \(\displaystyle {\lim_{x\to 1} \dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x}-1}{x-1}}\) numerically, if it exists.

To find the limit numerically, you need to construct a table similar to the following.
\(x    \rightarrow 1^-\) \({f(x) =\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x}-1}{x-1}}\) \(x    \rightarrow 1^+\) \({f(x) =\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x}-1}{x-1}}\)
0.9 -1.1111 1.1 -0.9091
0.99 -1.0101 1.01 -0.9901
0.999 -1.0010 1.001 -0.9990
0.9999 -1.0001 1.0001 -0.9999

From the table, it looks like the \(y\)-values are approaching \(-1\) as \(x\) approaches 1 from the left and from the right, so that's the solution to the limit.

\(\displaystyle {\lim_{x\to 1^-} \dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x}-1}{x-1}} = -1\)

 

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