Lim as X approaches 2 (rationalizing wrong)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit as x approaches 2 for the expression (X-2)/(sqrt(7+x)) - (x+1). Participants are exploring the implications of rationalizing the denominator and clarifying the notation used in the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to rationalize the denominator and express confusion regarding the distribution of terms. There is also a question about whether 'X' and 'x' are distinct variables. Some participants suggest that the expression could be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to further clarification needs.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into notation and rationalization techniques. Some guidance has been offered regarding the structure of the expression and the process of rationalization, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the use of distinct variables 'X' and 'x', and participants express uncertainty about how to handle distribution in expressions with and without parentheses. Additionally, there is a reference to the indeterminate form arising in a similar limit problem.

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Homework Statement



The limit as x approaches 2 for (X-2)/(sqrt7+x)-(x+1)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know i have to rationalize the denominator but it seems like I'm doing something very wrong with my distrubution...please help!
 
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r6mikey said:

Homework Statement



The limit as x approaches 2 for (X-2)/(sqrt7+x)-(x+1)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know i have to rationalize the denominator but it seems like I'm doing something very wrong with my distrubution...please help!

are X and x supposed to be distinct?

When writing things like this out, it's worth being a bit clearer, since what you've written could be:
\frac{X-2}{\sqrt{7}+x}-(x+1)
or
\frac{X-2}{(\sqrt{7}+x)-(x+1)}

Regardless, I don't see why you would need to rationalize the denominator.
 
lim as x approaches 2 for X-2/\sqrt{7+X}-(x+1)

this was the problem..I solved it to be -6/5...I just have a question...i have another similar problem, which also becomes in the indeterminate form.

lim as t approaches 3 for 1-t+\sqrt{1+t}/t-3

where do i find more information on how to distribute here? I know i have to rationalize I am just lost in how distribution works with a problem with no parentheses and one with parentheses?

I have 4 different books here, 2 algebra, 2 calculus...and not sure what or where to review this
 
In latex the construct for fractions is:
\frac{$numerator}{$denominator}
(You can click on the graphical version to see the code:
\frac{1}{4}
It will make things a bit more legible.

You seem to be using Xand x as if they were the same - they're not.

To rationalize:
\frac{x-2}{\sqrt{7+x}-(x+1)}
Multiply by:
\frac{\sqrt{7+x}+(x+1)}{\sqrt{7+x}+(x+1)}

Generally, if you have:
\sqrt{a} + b
you'll want to multiply by
\sqrt{a} - b
since this creates a difference of two squares:
(\sqrt{a} + b)\times(\sqrt{a} - b )=a-b^2
 

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