Celeb Glow
updates | April 11, 2026

Finding one-sided limits algebraically, without using a graph

$\begingroup$

How do you do a one sided limit without using a graph, and just doing it algebraically? Like in the example the limit $$ \lim_{x\to 1^+}\frac{x}{x^2-1} $$ how do you find that algebraically?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer

$\begingroup$

When the denominator approaches zero and the numerator approaches a constant you have a vertical asymptote. So you have the function f: $$f(x) = \frac{x}{x^2-1}=\frac{x}{(x-1)(x+1)}$$ Where there are vertical asymptotes at $x=1$ and $x = -1$. You just need to analyse whether the function is positive or negative close to these values to see if the function is approaching positive or negative infinity.

For the specific limit as $x$ approaches 1+, the numerator will be positive ($x>0$) and the demoniator will be positive ($x-1)(x+1) > 0$ for the range $x>1$, so this limit is positive infinity.

$\endgroup$ 1

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password

Post as a guest

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy