Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Vertical Asymptotes
Vertical asymptotes occur in the graph of a function where the function approaches infinity or negative infinity as the input approaches a certain value. In this case, the function f has vertical asymptotes at x=1 and x=2, indicating that as x approaches these values, f(x) does not settle at a finite value but instead diverges.
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Limits
A limit describes the behavior of a function as the input approaches a particular point. The notation lim x→1^− f(x) specifically refers to the limit of f(x) as x approaches 1 from the left side. Understanding limits is crucial for analyzing the behavior of functions near points of discontinuity, such as vertical asymptotes.
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One-Sided Limits
One-sided limits evaluate the behavior of a function as the input approaches a specific point from one direction only. The notation lim x→1^− f(x) indicates that we are interested in the limit as x approaches 1 from values less than 1. This concept is essential for understanding how functions behave near points of discontinuity, particularly when vertical asymptotes are present.
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