Find all the different limits in + infinity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limits of the function f(x) = √(ax² + 1) - x as x approaches positive infinity, with varying values of the parameter a. Participants explore how different values of a affect the behavior of the function at infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of different values of a, including cases where a is less than, equal to, or greater than zero. Questions arise regarding the reasoning behind certain limits and the transition between expressions in the limit calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning assumptions about the function's behavior for negative values of a and exploring the limits for positive values of a. Some participants provide insights into the mathematical reasoning, while others seek clarification on specific steps taken in the limit evaluation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of constraints related to the function's definition in real numbers versus complex numbers, particularly when a is negative. Participants also express uncertainty about terminology and the correctness of their methods.

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Homework Statement



f(x) = sqroot(ax^2 + 1 ) - x

find all the different limits in + infinity that f can have with all the different "a" values

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i don't know if i did something wrong here :

- if a = 0 then f = 1 - x, limit : - infinty

- if a < 0 then no f value in + infinite
, (except if a = ' - 1 / +infnte', limit : - infinte)

- if a > 0 then

lim infinite ( f(x) ) = lim +infinite ( root (ax^2 . (1 + 1 / ax^2) ) - x )
= lim +infinte ( root(a) . x - x)
= lim +infinte ( (root(a) - 1) x)

so if a = 1, limit is 0
if a > 1 , limit is + infinity
if 0 < a < 1, limit is - infinity


PS ; if badly wrote, ect, I am sorry , but i was on a pc with a weird keyboard that really thrustrated me
 
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Can you explain "if a < 0 then no f value in + infinite"?

How do you go from "lim +infinite ( root (ax^2 . (1 + 1 / ax^2) ) - x )" to "lim +infinte ( root(a) . x - x)"?
 
hum

- considering the equation g(x) = ax² + 1
if a < 0, the, when x reaches +infinite, g(x) reaches -infinite
and since we only want to study f(x) in R , and not in complex numbers, we don't consider to be a value of f(x) when x reaches +infinite

(im not sure if you say 'reach' in english , but in french we call it 'tend vers')

- now if a > 0 :

lim + infinite ( f(x) )
= lim +infinite ( sqroot (ax^2 . (1 + 1 / ax^2) ) - x )

and

lim + infinite (1 + 1 / ax^2) = 1 + 0 = 1

so

lim +infinite ( sqroot (ax^2 . (1 + 1 / ax^2) ) - x )
= lim +infinite ( sqroot (ax^2 ) - x )
= lim +infinite ( sqroot(a)* x - x )
= lim +infinite ( (sqroot(a) -1 ) * x )

so if
(sqroot(a) -1 ) > 0
then
lim + infinite ( f(x) ) = +infinite

and if
(sqroot(a) -1 ) < 0
then
lim + infinite ( f(x) ) = -infinite

finding (sqroot(a) -1 ) = 0
sqroot(a) = 1
a = 1

so if
a>1
then
(sqroot(a) -1 ) > 0
lim + infinite ( f(x) ) = +infinite

and if
0<a<1
then
(sqroot(a) -1 ) < 0
lim + infinite ( f(x) ) = -infinite
 
and also :

its not in my program yet (will be in a few months) but is this true for a < 0 : ?

since
lim +oo(f(x)) = lim +infinite ( (sqroot(a) -1 ) * x )

a = -b , a<0

sqroot(-b) - 1 = i * sqroot(b) - 1

so lim +infinite ( (i* sqroot(b) -1 ) * x )

so lim +oo(f(x)) = (h, +oo)

- Now let's find that angle h :

r² = (-1)² + (root(b))² = b+1
r = root(b+1)
h = z + pi/2

by looking at the rectangular triangle of sides : 1, root(b), root(b+1) :

sin(z) = 1 / root(b+1)

z = sin^-1(1 / root(b+1))

so h = pi/2 + sin^-1(1 / root(b+1))

So when x-> +oo, and a<0 :
lim lim+oo (f(x) ) = (pi/2 + sin^-1(1 / root(b+1)) , +oo)


ok, i haven't worked at all with complex numbers atm, i just found that with the basic knowledge and understanding i have of complex numbers ( i = root(-1), i² = - 1, and the graphical represantation of complex numbers)

So , if i did anything wrong here, could you tell me please
 
im not sure if you say 'reach' in english , but in french we call it 'tend vers'
Approaches, tends toward (formal) or goes to (informal).
 
yes, but did i do any mistake in what i did ?

i mean did i use a wrong method , and just got lucky to get the right answer ? (i checked the limits with my calculator)
Because , what counts more in french schools is the way you find the answer rather than the answer itself
 

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