Sullivan Osborne
03/16/2024 · Elementary School

4. \( \lim _{x \rightarrow a} \frac{(x-a)}{\left(x^{3}-a^{3}\right)} \)

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To evaluate the limit \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} \frac{(x-a)}{x^3 - a^3}, \] we first recognize that as \( x \) approaches \( a \), both the numerator and the denominator approach 0, resulting in an indeterminate form \( \frac{0}{0} \). To resolve this, we can factor the denominator. The expression \( x^3 - a^3 \) can be factored using the difference of cubes formula: \[ x^3 - a^3 = (x - a)(x^2 + ax + a^2). \] Substituting this factorization into our limit gives: \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} \frac{(x-a)}{(x-a)(x^2 + ax + a^2)}. \] We can cancel the \( (x-a) \) terms in the numerator and denominator (as long as \( x \neq a \)): \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} \frac{1}{x^2 + ax + a^2}. \] Now, we can directly substitute \( x = a \) into the remaining expression: \[ x^2 + ax + a^2 = a^2 + a \cdot a + a^2 = a^2 + a^2 + a^2 = 3a^2. \] Thus, the limit simplifies to: \[ \frac{1}{3a^2}. \] Therefore, the final result is: \[ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} \frac{(x-a)}{x^3 - a^3} = \frac{1}{3a^2}. \]

Quick Answer

The limit is \( \frac{1}{3a^2} \).
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