Question

If f of x equals the quotient of the quantity x squared minus 36 and the quantity x plus 6 is continuous at x = -6, find f(-6).

Answer 1

f(-6) = -12

Explanation:

If you immediately plug in x=-6 and solve it (x^2-36)/x+6, you will not get the right answer.

You need to first expand the perfect square on the numerator (x^2-36) into (x-6)(x+6).

With the perfect square expanded, notice how you have the term (x+6) on both the numerator and denominator. You can cancel out both terms, and you will be left with (x-6).

Now you can plug in x=-6, which will give you -12.