GRE Subject Test: Math : Defining Derivatives with Limits

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Defining Derivatives With Limits

Evaluate: 

Possible Answers:

Does Not Exist

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Step 1: Try plugging in  into the denominator of the function. We want to make sure that the bottom does not become ...

.. We got zero, and we cannot have zero in the denominator. So, we must try and factor the function (numerator and denominator):

Step 2: Factor:



Step 3: Reduce:



Step 4: Now that we got rid of the factor that made the denominator zero, we know that this function has a limit.

Step 5: Plug in  into the reduced factor form:

Simplify as much as possible...




The limit of this function as x approaches  is 

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