Problem to solve
Compute \[ \lim_{ x \to 4 } \frac{x^2-x-12}{x-4} \]
Solution
STEP 1
Find the following limit:
lim_(x->4) (x^2 - x - 12)/(x - 4)
STEP 2
Hint: | Factor the numerator and denominator.
(x^2 - x - 12)/(x - 4) = ((x - 4) (x + 3))/(x - 4):
lim_(x->4) ((x - 4) (x + 3))/(x - 4)
STEP 3
Hint: | Cancel terms.
((x - 4) (x + 3))/(x - 4) = x + 3:
lim_(x->4)(x + 3)
STEP 4
Hint: | The limit of a continuous function at a point is just its value there.
lim_(x->4)(x + 3) = 4 + 3 = 7:
Answer: | 
 | 7