Limit of Radical Quotients: Is the Answer 3/4?

In summary, to evaluate the limit of the given indeterminate quotient, the first step is to factor out 4-x from both the numerator and denominator. Care must be taken to include all necessary parentheses.
  • #1
p.ella
41
0

Homework Statement



Evaluate the limit of each indeterminate quotient:

lim (x-->4) [2-(x^1/2)]/[3-(2x+1)^1/2]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The answer in the book is 3/4. This MAY be wrong though.

My attempt: I basically tried rationalizing the numerator AND denominator but got stuck here:

lim (x-->4) [12-3x+(4-x(2x+1)^1/2) ] / [16-4x+(8-2x(x)^1/2)]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
p.ella said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the limit of each indeterminate quotient:

lim (x-->4) [2-(x^1/2)]/[3-(2x+1)^1/2]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The answer in the book is 3/4. This MAY be wrong though.

My attempt: I basically tried rationalizing the numerator AND denominator but got stuck here:

lim (x-->4) [12-3x+(4-x(2x+1)^1/2) ] / [16-4x+(8-2x(x)^1/2)]

Next factor 4-x out of the numerator and denominator. And be careful. You are missing some parentheses there.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
Next factor 4-x out of the numerator and denominator. And be careful. You are missing some parentheses there.

Thank you! :)
 

What is the definition of a limit?

A limit is a mathematical concept that describes the behavior of a function as the input approaches a certain value. It is denoted by the symbol lim and is used to determine the value that a function approaches as the input gets closer and closer to a specific value.

How do you evaluate limits with radicals?

To evaluate limits with radicals, you need to first simplify the expression by rationalizing the denominator and then substitute the given value in place of the variable. If the expression is still indeterminate, you can use algebraic manipulation or L'Hopital's rule to solve the limit.

What are the common indeterminate forms when evaluating limits with radicals?

The common indeterminate forms when evaluating limits with radicals are 0/0 and ∞/∞. These forms indicate that the limit cannot be determined without further manipulation or using additional techniques.

Can you evaluate limits with radicals at points of discontinuity?

No, it is not possible to evaluate limits with radicals at points of discontinuity. This is because the function is not defined at these points, and the limit does not exist. To evaluate the limit at a point of discontinuity, you will need to use one-sided limits.

How can you use graphs to understand limits with radicals?

Graphs can help visualize the behavior of a function and provide an intuitive understanding of limits with radicals. By looking at the graph, you can see if the function approaches a specific value as the input gets closer to a certain value. You can also identify any points of discontinuity or vertical asymptotes that may affect the limit.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
316
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
420
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
960
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
722
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
531
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top