Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It helps in understanding how functions behave near points of interest, including points where they may not be defined. In this question, evaluating the limit as x approaches 3 is crucial for determining the function's value at that point.
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Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms occur in calculus when direct substitution in a limit leads to expressions like 0/0 or ∞/∞, which do not provide clear information about the limit's value. Recognizing these forms is essential for applying techniques such as L'Hôpital's Rule or algebraic manipulation to resolve the limit. In this case, the expression may lead to an indeterminate form, necessitating further analysis.
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Rational Functions
Rational functions are ratios of polynomials, and their limits can often be evaluated by simplifying the expression. Understanding how to manipulate these functions, including factoring and canceling common terms, is vital for finding limits. In the given limit problem, recognizing the structure of the rational function will aid in simplifying the expression before evaluating the limit.
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Intro to Rational Functions