Limit x->-infinity (x/(z^2+x^2)^0.5) = ?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Eus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Limit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The limit as x approaches negative infinity for the expression \(\frac{x}{\sqrt{z^2+x^2}}\) evaluates to -1, contrary to the initial calculation that suggested it equals 1. The correct approach involves simplifying the expression by factoring out x, leading to the limit \(\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{-1}{\sqrt{1+(\frac{z}{n})^2}} = -1\). This conclusion is supported by both analytical methods and graphical analysis using computer graphics tools.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with square root functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of asymptotic behavior of functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of limits approaching infinity in calculus
  • Learn about the properties of square roots and their simplifications
  • Explore graphical methods for evaluating limits using tools like Desmos or GeoGebra
  • Investigate common mistakes in limit calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, as well as anyone interested in understanding limits and their applications in various mathematical contexts.

Eus
Messages
93
Reaction score
0
Hi Ho! :smile:

Mmmm... I have a problem with this one:

[itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{x}{\sqrt{z^2+x^2}}[/itex]

Using a computer graphics tool, I found that the result should be -1 by looking at the generated graph.

But if I do it by hands, I find 1 as follows:

[itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{x}{\sqrt{z^2+x^2}} = \lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{x \frac{1}{x}}{\sqrt{z^2+x^2} \frac{1}{x}}[/itex]
[itex]= \lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{z^2+x^2}{x^2}}}[/itex]
[itex]= \lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+(\frac{z}{x})^2}}[/itex]
[itex]= \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+(\frac{z}{-\infty})^2}}[/itex]
[itex]= \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+0}}[/itex]
[itex]= \frac{1}{1}[/itex]
[itex]= 1[/itex]

Would you please correct my mistake?

Thank you very much! :biggrin:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
hello there

check this out

[itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow-\infty} \frac{x}{\sqrt{z^2+x^2}}[/itex]
[itex]=\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{-n}{\sqrt{k^2+n^2}}[/itex]
[itex]= \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{-n\frac{1}{n}}{\sqrt{k^2+n^2} \frac{1}{n}}[/itex]
[itex]= \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{-1}{\sqrt{\frac{k^2+n^2}{n^2}}}[/itex]
[itex]= \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{-1}{\sqrt{1+(\frac{k}{n})^2}}[/itex]
[itex]= \frac{-1}{\sqrt{1+0}}=-1[/itex]

always try to simplify it to something that looks simple

take care

steven
 
I hope you saw your mistake,you shouln't have sent "x" into its square when taking the limit to "-infinity".

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K