Limit of function with rational

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the limit of the function f(x) = (√(1+2x) - 3) / (√x - 2) as x approaches 4. The initial approach involved multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugate, but the user struggled to simplify further. Suggestions included rationalizing the numerator first, which ultimately led to a successful simplification through factoring. The conversation highlights the importance of methodical algebraic manipulation in solving limits. The exchange concludes positively, emphasizing the effectiveness of the suggested approach.
iloveannaw
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Homework Statement


the title says it all

x \rightarrow 4

for f\left(x\right) = \frac{\sqrt{1+2x}-3}{\sqrt{x}-2}

I have multiplied both top and bottom by conjugate, \sqrt{x}+2:

f\left(x\right) = \frac{\sqrt{x(1+2x)}+2\sqrt{1+2x} -3\sqrt(x)-6}{x-4}but don't know how to take this further. Dividing both numerator and denominator by x doesn't help.
 
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iloveannaw said:

Homework Statement


the title says it all

x \rightarrow 4

for f\left(x\right) = \frac{\sqrt{1+2x}-3}{\sqrt{x}-2}

I have multiplied both top and bottom by conjugate, \sqrt{x}+2:

f\left(x\right) = \frac{\sqrt{x(1+2x)}+2\sqrt{1+2x} -3\sqrt(x)-6}{x-4}


but don't know how to take this further. Dividing both numerator and denominator by x doesn't help.

Try rationalizing the numerator first, then the denominator. That's what I would do.
 
thankyou!
 
No problem. Incidentally, since I didn't carry it all the way out myself, did it work?
 
yes, that's why I'm so pleased - it just needed a bit of factoring after doing it your way. cheers
 
Awesome!

Have a great day.
 
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