Thursday, April 30, 2009

More Limit Examples


 Today in class we went over more examples of limits. We focused mainly on how to approach the problem if  you get the fraction (0/0) when you first "plug in" the limit number.  If you do get (0/0) then you have to factor in order to cancel out like terms.  The "secret" that we learned today, was that you solve derivatives the same way you solve these limit problems. 

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

When a limit does not exist; Algebra and Limits; Direct Substitution


Today we learned that 3 reasons that a limit does not exist: the limit does not exist because of oscillating behavior; the limit does not exist because of unbounded behavior; the limit does not exist because of different left/right behavior.  We learned that algebra and limits is "nice" because it makes sense to us.  Direct substitution involves plugging the limit number into the equation.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Evaluating Limits


So today we started limits. We use limits as "mathematical microscopes" to describe y-values near a given x-value. We evaluate the limits of given functions by (for now) using the calculator: Enter the function in Y1 and use the table feature to enter certain x-values. Use the y-values to determine the limit of the function. Remember to use radians when evaluating limits that involve trig. Also, keep in mind that some limits do not exist or may be deemed "indeterminate." See notes for further details.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Binomial Theorem



Today we learned about the binomial theorem. We learned the real formula on how to expand (x+y)^n. We learned the combination function and reviewed Pascal's Triangle, as both can be used to expand (x+y)^n. You can use Pascal's Triangle to find the coefficients of term. 

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sum Equations


Today in class we learned equations to find the sums of certain types of sequences.