What is lim x→2 (x² - 4)/(x - 2)?
Direct substitution gives 0/0, so factor the numerator: x² - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2). For x ≠ 2, the expression simplifies to x + 2. Therefore, as x approaches 2, the limit is 2 + 2 = 4. Option 2 is only the approaching value of x, not the value of the limit. Exam tip: when direct substitution gives 0/0, factorise and cancel the common factor first.
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