Limit of trigometric function with x-sqrt/x-sqrt

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the limit of a trigonometric function as x approaches infinity, specifically the expression [x-sqrt(x^2+5x+2)] / [x-sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)].

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss multiplying by the conjugate to simplify the expression and explore dividing by x to analyze the limit. Some express confusion over obtaining an indeterminate form and question the correctness of their simplifications.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting various algebraic manipulations. Some have suggested multiplying by the conjugate, while others are questioning their steps and results, indicating a productive exploration of the limit evaluation process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of an expected answer of 10, but participants are encountering discrepancies in their calculations, leading to further questioning of their methods and assumptions.

mesasi
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Homework Statement



Find the value of lim x→∞

[x-sqrt(x^2+5x+2)] / [x-sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)]

Answer is 10.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to multiply by the conjugate and got

[5x+2] / [x-sqrt(x^2+5x+2)] * [x+sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)]

but then I'm still stuck because I still get ∞ as the answer.

I also tried to divide both the top and bottom by x. Then I get [1-sqrt(1+(5/x)-(2/x^2))]/[1-sqrt(1+(x^3/2)+(1/x^2)) = 0/0 which is incorrect
 
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mesasi said:

Homework Statement



Find the value of lim x→∞

[x-sqrt(x^2+5x+2)] / [x-sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)]

Answer is 10.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to multiply by the conjugate and got

[5x+2] / [x-sqrt(x^2+5x+2)] * [x+sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)]

but then I'm still stuck because I still get ∞ as the answer.

I also tried to divide both the top and bottom by x. Then I get [1-sqrt(1+(5/x)-(2/x^2))]/[1-sqrt(1+(x^3/2)+(1/x^2)) = 0/0 which is incorrect
Hello mesasi. Welcome to PF !

Also multiply the numerator & denominator by the conjugate of [x-sqrt(x^2+(x/2)+1)]
 
After I do and divide by x on both sides I get





[itex]\frac{(-5x-2)(1+\sqrt{1+(1/2x)+(1/x^2)}}{((-x/2)-1)(1+\sqrt{1+(5/x)+(2/x^2)}}[/itex]


then I get [itex]\frac{-5x}{(-x/2)}[/itex]+2

which simplifies to 12 which is still not 10? What am I doing wrong?
 
mesasi said:
After I do and divide by x on both sides I get

[itex]\frac{(-5x-2)(1+\sqrt{1+(1/2x)+(1/x^2)}}{((-x/2)-1)(1+\sqrt{1+(5/x)+(2/x^2)}}[/itex]

then I get [itex]\frac{-5x}{(-x/2)}[/itex]+2

which simplifies to 12 which is still not 10? What am I doing wrong?
[itex]\displaystyle \frac{-5x-2}{1+(1/2x}\ne\frac{-5x}{(-x/2)}+2[/itex]
 
(5x+2)/((x/2)+1) * (2/2) = 10

Thank you!
 

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