Understanding the Difference of Squares in Limits: A Comprehensive Guide

[Monochrome]

I'm reviewing material for my exams and I came across this:

\lim _{x\rightarrow \infty }\sqrt {{x}^{2}+x+1}-\sqrt {{x}^{2}-3\,x}

The only explanation it gives is "By the difference of squares" the solution sheet then jumps to:

\lim _{x\rightarrow \infty }{\frac {4\,x+1}{\sqrt {{x}^{2}+x+1}+\sqrt <br /> {{x}^{2}-3\,x}}}

What the hell just happened there? I can solve from then on but I've no idea what's happening on this step. Also an idiot proof link would be appreciated.

 

[cristo]

Think of the first line as \lim _{x\rightarrow \infty }\frac{\sqrt {{x}^{2}+x+1}-\sqrt {{x}^{2}-3\,x}}{1}, then multiply top and bottom of the fraction by \sqrt {{x}^{2}+x+1}+\sqrt {{x}^{2}-3\,x}. Does this make the second line any clearer?

 

[Monochrome]

*Hits head on wall*
Yes, thanks.

 

[symbolipoint]

I just tried it myself; how does "2" seem?

 

[Hurkyl]

I just tried it myself; how does "2" seem?

2 sounds good, since the function looks like
\frac{4x}{\sqrt{x^2} + \sqrt{x^2}} = 2
when x is big.