How Does the Limit Process Simplify the Expression x^2-36?

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Homework Statement


[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}[/tex]


Homework Equations



Answer is 1/6.

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{(x+3-9)(x+6)}{(x^2-36)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}[/tex]
 
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fermio said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}[/tex]


Homework Equations



Answer is 1/6.

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{(x+3-9)(x+6)}{(x^2-36)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}[/tex]

Look more carefully at your attempt at a solution. You actually have it.
 
Do not bother with expanding with (x+6) as well:
[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{(x-6)}=\frac{x+3-9}{(x-6)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}=\frac{(x-6)}{(x-6)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}[/tex]
 
"Look more carefully at your attempt at a solution. You actually have it."
I don't see.
[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{(x+3-9)(x+6)}{(x^2-36)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{x^2+6x-6x-36}{x^2\sqrt{x+3}+3x^2-36\sqrt{x+3}-108}[/tex]

I get it.
[tex]\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{\sqrt{x+3}-3}{x-6}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{x+3-9}{(x-6)(\sqrt{x+3}+3)}=\lim_{x\to 6}\frac{1}{\sqrt{x+3}+3}=\frac{1}{6}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
How can you write [itex]x^2-36[/itex]?