So I have a pretty good understanding of limits with the exception of one thing. When solving algebraically, as you know the first thing to do is plug in using direct substitution. Well, when you get 0/0, you know you need to do more algebra before plugging in. When you get a number a/0, I get confused how to determine the left and right limit.
For example:
lim x--> -2 from the right: (x^2-5) / (x+2).
After solving and then plugging in, you get -1/0. How does this equate to the limit from the right being negative infinity? Could you also tell me how you'd find the left limit? I understand how limits work, but this a/0 case is throwing me off. Without looking at a graph, I am confused how you determine this. My instructor didn't explain it very clearly, and I thought I understood but after looking at it later I realized I was confused. I asked about this on yahoo answers, but I still did not understand this explanation. I don't think I should be having such a hard time with this.
Thanks for your help!