How do you use a graphing calculator to find the limit of #x^2-5x# as x approaches -1?

Question

Ezra Adams · Accepted Answer

# lim_(x rarr -1) x^2-5x =6#

Use the calculator to plot the function and look at what happens near and at #x=-1#. In this case as the function is a polynomial, it is "well behaved", and the limit is found by substituting #x=-1# to give: # lim_(x rarr -1) x^2-5x = 1+5 = 6# As can be confirmed by the graph: graph{x^2-5x [-2, 6, -4, 8]}

Emily Ammerman · Answer

undefined To find the limit of x^2-5x as x approaches -1 using a graphing calculator, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the graphing calculator and enter the function: x^2-5x.
2. Go to the graphing mode or function plotter on the calculator.
3. Set the viewing window to include the value of -1 as x approaches.
4. Graph the function on the calculator.
5. Look for the behavior of the graph as x approaches -1 from both sides.
6. If the graph approaches a specific y-value as x approaches -1 from both sides, that y-value is the limit of the function at x=-1.

Note: Make sure to check the calculator's manual or guide for specific instructions on how to set the viewing window and graph functions.