How do evaluate this limit because i will get 2.6667 and divide by -144

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a limit related to the derivative of the function \( f(x) = \frac{4}{\sqrt{x}} \). Participants explore different approaches to calculating this limit, including the application of the definition of the derivative and substitution methods. The context includes both theoretical and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about obtaining a limit value of 2.6667 and dividing by -144, acknowledging that the result is incorrect.
  • Another participant suggests substituting \( x = \frac{1}{9} \) into the limit expression, leading to a calculation that results in -54.
  • Several participants discuss the definition of the derivative and its application to the limit, indicating that both the traditional limit definition and an alternative notation yield the same result.
  • There is a mention of different notations for the derivative, with participants clarifying that they are equivalent despite the differences in presentation.
  • One participant questions whether using \( f(a+h) - f(a) \) instead of \( f(x+h) - f(x) \) would yield different results, prompting further clarification from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equivalence of different definitions of the derivative, but there remains uncertainty regarding the correct evaluation of the limit and the initial calculations presented. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the limit.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the limit evaluation, particularly concerning the substitution and the form of the denominator. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the problem and the definitions used.

Teh
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My Work:

View attachment 6111

How do evaluate this limit because i will get 2.6667 and divide by -144 it will get me 55.38446...
I know that the answer is WRONG but I can't figure it out.
Then after that i have to plug in into tangent line y-f(a) = Mtan(x-a)

what i am doing wrong.

The Problem:
View attachment 6110
 

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Last edited:
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the said:
How do evaluate this limit because i will get 2.6667 and divide by -144 it will get me 55.38446...
I know that the answer is WRONG but I can't figure it out.
Then after that i have to plug in into tangent line y-f(a) = Mtan(x-a)

what i am doing wrong.
The problem:

Do we have at the denominator $\boldsymbol + 4+12 \sqrt{x}$ ? If so then by substitung at $x$ the value $\frac{1}{9}$ and since $\sqrt{9}=3$, the limit is equal to $\frac{-144}{\frac{1}{3}\left( 4+\frac{12}{3}\right)}=\frac{-144 \cdot 3}{\left( 4+\frac{12}{3}\right)}=\frac{-144 \cdot 3}{\frac{24}{3}}=\frac{-144 \cdot 9}{24}=-6 \cdot 9=-54$.

Also it holds that $\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\right)'=-\frac{1}{2 x^{\frac{3}{2}}}$.
 
Because you speak of limits, I am assuming you are to use the definition:

$$f'(x)\equiv\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}$$

where:

$$f(x)=\frac{4}{\sqrt{x}}$$

So, let's look at what we'll be taking the limit of:

$$\frac{\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{x+h}}-\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{x}}}{h}=4\frac{\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{x+h}}{h\sqrt{x(x+h)}}=-\frac{4}{\sqrt{(x(x+h))}\left(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{x+h}\right)}$$

So, we now have a determinate form, and we can state:

$$f'(x)=-4\lim_{h\to0}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x(x+h))}\left(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{x+h}\right)}$$

Can you proceed to determine the limit now?
 
What the..HOW lol dang it ahhhh... -.- let me see what you did

- - - Updated - - -

MarkFL said:
Because you speak of limits, I am assuming you are to use the definition:

$$f'(x)\equiv\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}$$

where:

$$f(x)=\frac{4}{\sqrt{x}}$$

So, let's look at what we'll be taking the limit of:

$$\frac{\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{x+h}}-\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{x}}}{h}=4\frac{\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{x+h}}{h\sqrt{x(x+h)}}=-\frac{4}{\sqrt{(x(x+h))}\left(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{x+h}\right)}$$

So, we now have a determinate form, and we can state:

$$f'(x)=-4\lim_{h\to0}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x(x+h))}\left(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{x+h}\right)}$$

Can you proceed to determine the limit now?

for my problem i won't be using f(a+h) - f(h) instead Ill be using this...View attachment 6112but is there any different?
 

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These are two different definitions. Both give the same result.
 
evinda said:
These are two different definitions. Both give the same result.

ahh...okay thank you very much
 
What I gave and the example you have been given use different notation, but they are equivalent. They are using:

$$a=x+h$$

So, as $h\to0$ we have $a\to x$. They are telling you to use:

$$f'(x)\equiv\lim_{x\to a}\frac{f(x)-f(a)}{x-a}$$

So, using the given definition of $f$, what we are taking the limit of is:

$$\frac{\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{x}}-\dfrac{4}{\sqrt{a}}}{x-a}=\frac{4\left(\sqrt{a}-\sqrt{x}\right)}{(x-a)\sqrt{ax}}=-\frac{4}{\sqrt{ax}(\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{x})}$$

And so you now have the determinate form:

$$f'(x)=-4\lim_{x\to a}\frac{1}{\sqrt{ax}(\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{x})}$$
 

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