Limit of an unknown constant expression

In summary, the problem is to find the limit of x as it approaches infinity for the expression sqrt(x^2+ax)-sqrt(x^2+bx), where a and b are not given. The attempt at a solution involved simplifying the expression and pulling out x from the square roots to cancel out the x's in the numerator. However, since a and b are not given, the problem cannot be solved.
  • #1
chaslltt
15
0

Homework Statement


find limit of x as it approaches infinite sqrt(x^2+ax)-sqrt(x^2+bx)
a and b are not given

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Looking at this equation I first eliminated the square roots. After simplifying i ended up with ax-bx/sqrt(x^2+ax)+sqrt(x^2+bx) I think that this problem cannot be solved b/c a and b are not given. Is this right or is there another way of solving this?
 
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  • #2
You can't have ax-bx because that basically turns out to be ∞-∞. So you need to pull out x from the square roots so you can cancel out the x's in the numerator.

[tex]\frac{ax - bx}{\sqrt{x^2 + ax} + \sqrt{x^2 + bx}} = \frac{ax - bx}{\sqrt{x^2(1 + \frac{ax}{x^2})} + \sqrt{x^2(1 + \frac{bx}{x^2})}} = \frac{ax - bx}{x\sqrt{1 + \frac{a}{x}} + x\sqrt{1 + \frac{b}{x}}}[/tex]

See where you can go from there.
 
  • #3
thank you
 

1. What is a limit with unknown constants?

A limit with unknown constants is a mathematical concept used to describe the behavior of a function as the input approaches a certain value. The limit will often involve one or more variables, also known as constants, that do not have specific values assigned to them.

2. How do you solve a limit with unknown constants?

To solve a limit with unknown constants, you can use algebraic manipulation techniques such as factoring, rationalizing the denominator, or using the conjugate to eliminate any indeterminate forms. You can also use graphing or numerical methods to estimate the limit.

3. What are some common indeterminate forms in limits with unknown constants?

Some common indeterminate forms in limits with unknown constants include 0/0, ∞/∞, 0·∞, and ∞-∞. These forms indicate that the limit cannot be determined by simply plugging in the value and further analysis is needed.

4. How can limits with unknown constants be useful in real life?

Limits with unknown constants are used in various fields of science, such as physics, chemistry, and economics, to model and predict real-life phenomena. For example, they can be used to describe the speed of a moving object or the rate of change in a chemical reaction.

5. What is the difference between a limit with unknown constants and a limit with known constants?

The main difference between a limit with unknown constants and a limit with known constants is that the former involves variables that do not have specific values, while the latter only involves fixed values. In addition, solving a limit with unknown constants often requires additional techniques and cannot be evaluated by simply plugging in the value.

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