Two young mathematicians consider a way to compute limits using derivatives.

Check out this dialogue between two calculus students (based on a true story):

Devyn
Yo Riley, guess what I did last night?
Riley
What?
Devyn
I was doing some calculus.
Riley
That. Is. Awesome.
Devyn
I know! Anyway, I noticed something kinda funny. I think you can sometimes take limits by taking the derivative of the numerator and the denominator.
Riley
That’s crazy.
Devyn
I know! But check it:
Riley
Woah. That. Is. Awes…weird. Hmmm, but it seems like cheating. Wait, it doesn’t always work, check this out:
but
Find five examples where this “trick” works, and five examples where it doesn’t work.
What is the pattern for when the “trick” works and when it does not work?
2025-01-06 20:05:06