Limit Calculation with Multiplication Trick?

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The forum discussion centers on solving a limit problem using multiplication techniques. Participants suggest that while L'Hôpital's rule is a straightforward solution, an alternative method involves multiplying both the numerator and denominator by (sqrt(x) + sqrt(a)) or (x + a)(sqrt(x) + sqrt(a)). The discussion emphasizes that the two-sided limit does not exist when x < a, but the right-side limit can be evaluated effectively with the correct multiplication approach. Ultimately, the consensus is to avoid L'Hôpital's rule in favor of algebraic manipulation for clarity.

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Hello,

can someone please help me understand how to solve the following limit? I've tried multiplying by sqrt(x)+sqrt(a) but it doesn't seem to do the trick. How do i continue from there?

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3595/asdsadassssggg.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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L'Hôpital's rule does the job here, check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Hôpital's_rule , but as I'm not such a fan of L'Hôpital there is usually a way to work yourself around hopital but I don't see it at this moment. Again, use L'Hôpital for an easy way out here!
 
Last edited:
gipc said:
Hello,

can someone please help me understand how to solve the following limit? I've tried multiplying by sqrt(x)+sqrt(a) but it doesn't seem to do the trick. How do i continue from there?

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3595/asdsadassssggg.jpg
The[/URL] two-sided limit doesn't exist, because if x < a, then the denominator is not a real number. The right-side limit exists, though. If you assume that x > a, multiplying numerator and denominator by sqrt(x) + sqrt(a) will get you something that you can evaluate.
 
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Ah, took me a while but you should rather multiply nominator and denominator (x^{\frac{1}{2}}+a^{\frac{1}{2}})(x+a) so you can REALLY evaluate the limit with ease :)
 
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I repeat - the two-sided limit doesn't exist, so if you get a value for it, your work is wrong.
 
justsof said:
Ah, took me a while but you should rather multiply nominator and denominator x^{\frac{3}{2}}+a^{\frac{3}{2}} so you can REALLY evaluate the limit with ease :)
And how does that work? Are you saying that (x1/2 - a1/2)(x3/2 + a3/2) gives you something easy to work with? The middle terms do not drop out.
 
You are right, sorry, I meant multiplying by (x+a)(sqrt(x)+sqrt(a)) but didn't think it over.
 

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