What is the Limit of a Radical Expression with a Variable in the Denominator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of a radical expression with a variable in the denominator, specifically focusing on the limit as h approaches 0 for the function f(x) = 3√x + 2 at x₀ = 9.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the process of finding the limit by substituting values and manipulating the expression. There is an attempt to rationalize the numerator and simplify the expression, with questions about how to handle the radical in the numerator and the implications of distributing terms.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to proceed with the limit evaluation, including suggestions for rationalizing the numerator and correcting errors in the algebraic manipulation. There is a recognition of the challenges faced in simplifying the expression, and some participants express appreciation for the assistance received.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, focusing on limit laws and factoring without providing complete solutions. There is an emphasis on understanding the steps involved in the limit evaluation process.

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Homework Statement



lim as h->0 of (f(x(sub 0)+h)-f(x(sub 0))/h

f(x)=3[tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex]+2
x(sub 0)=9

Homework Equations



limit laws and factoring (my first post, not sure what I need to write here)


The Attempt at a Solution



=lim as h->0 of (f(9+h)-f(9)0/h
=lim as h->0 of (3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+2-(3[tex]\sqrt{9}[/tex]+2)/h
=lim as h->0 of (3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+2-3[tex]\sqrt{9}[/tex]-2)/h
=lim as h->0 of (3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]-9)/h

I am stuck here. I know I need to somehow move h out of the denominator(most likely by factoring) but am stuck on how to deal with the radical in the numerator.
 
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Rationalize the numerator by multiplying both the top and bottom by [tex]3\sqrt{9+h}+9[/tex].
 
Ok, so I multiplied the numerator and denominator by 3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9 and am still having problems, here's what I got:

=lim as h->0 of (3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]-9)/h * (3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9)/(3[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9)

=lim as h->0 of (9(9+h)+27[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]-27[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]-81)/(3h[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9h)

=lim as h->0 of (81+h-81)/(3h[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9h)

=lim as h->0 of h/(3h[tex]\sqrt{9+h}[/tex]+9h)

ok, I am stuck here again and don't see what I did wrong or what I still need to do
 
You didn't distribute the 9 in the second line of your work; that will give you 9h in the numerator. Also, don't distribute the h in the denominator.
This is what you should have now without distributing it:

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{9h}{h(3\sqrt{9 + h} + 9)}[/tex]

The h's cancel and then you can let h=0 in the expression.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help vela, you got me on the right track, and thanks Bohrok, you caught my mistake. I started over and worked it out and got the right answer.
 

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