How do I find the limits of rational functions?

1 Answer
Dec 9, 2015

"How do I find the limits of rational functions?"

Explanation:

There are several approaches to finding a limit (you will use in Precalculus)

You can first try direct substitution.

If that doesn't work, try the following methods:

  1. Numerical - which means creating a table, using values that are
    close to the #x#-value given
  2. Graphical - which allows you to see the limit approaching an #x#-value
  3. Algebraic - that is, by manipulation using algebra skills such as factoring, rationalizing the denominator; or rationalizing the numerator, etc.

You must read the instructions carefully to see which method they ask you to use.

  • I often use the algebraic method, because it's faster (in my opinion), but the method really also depends on the question.

I hope this helps.