How to Solve a Limit Problem with a Denominator of Zero?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a limit problem that involves a denominator approaching zero. Participants explore the algebraic manipulation needed to simplify the expression and address the challenges of evaluating the limit as \( h \) approaches zero.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in removing \( h \) from the denominator in the limit expression.
  • Another participant questions whether the first poster is attempting to find the derivative of \( 1/x^2 \) using the definition of the derivative.
  • A correction is made regarding the variable, suggesting that \( a \) should replace \( x \) in the context of the problem.
  • A later reply proposes a rearrangement of the numerator, indicating that \( a^2 - (a+h)^2 \) can be expressed as \( -h(2a+h) \), which may help eliminate \( h \) from the denominator.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the algebraic steps taken, and there is uncertainty about the initial manipulations leading to the divide by zero issue.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps in the manipulation of the limit expression, and the discussion reflects varying levels of confidence in the algebraic approach taken by participants.

Flamingo
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I'm having trouble with this one. How do I get h out of the denominator?

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{\frac{1}{(a+h)^{2}}-\frac{1}{x^{2}}}{h}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{1}{h(a+h)^2}-\frac{1}{hx^{2}}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{hx^2-h(a+h)^2}{h^2x^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{x^2-(a+h)^2}{hx^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

I keep getting a divide by zero. Am I wrong?
 
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Flamingo said:
I'm having trouble with this one. How do I get h out of the denominator?

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{\frac{1}{(a+h)^{2}}-\frac{1}{x^{2}}}{h}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{1}{h(a+h)^2}-\frac{1}{hx^{2}}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{hx^2-h(a+h)^2}{h^2x^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{x^2-(a+h)^2}{hx^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

I keep getting a divide by zero. Am I wrong?

Are you trying to find the derivative of 1/x^2 using the def. of the derivative??
 
that should be an 'a' where it is an 'x', sorry.
 
lol, a=x.
 
and, yes, I am suppose to solve it using algebra.
 
Flamingo said:
I'm having trouble with this one. How do I get h out of the denominator?

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{\frac{1}{(a+h)^{2}}-\frac{1}{x^{2}}}{h}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{1}{h(a+h)^2}-\frac{1}{hx^{2}}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{hx^2-h(a+h)^2}{h^2x^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\left(\frac{x^2-(a+h)^2}{hx^2(a+h)^2}\right)[/tex]

I keep getting a divide by zero. Am I wrong?
i do not know whether u did the algebra good up to the last part, i won't be checking that. here at the last part you can rearrange the numerator like this

: a^2-(a+h)^2=(a-a-h)(a+a+h)=-h(2a+h)
so you will get rid of the h on the denominator.
 
very clever, thanks
 

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