Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: \(\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \left( \sqrt{x^2 - 6x} - x \right)\)

Solution

To solve the limit problem, let's go through the solution step-by-step.

The given problem is: limx(x26xx)\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \left( \sqrt{x^2 - 6x} - x \right)

Step 1: Simplify the Expression

To evaluate this limit, we can rationalize the expression by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate, x26x+x\sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x.

So, rewrite the expression as: limx(x26xx)(x26x+x)x26x+x\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{\left( \sqrt{x^2 - 6x} - x \right) \cdot \left( \sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x \right)}{\sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x}

Step 2: Expand the Numerator

Using the difference of squares, we get: limx(x26x)x2x26x+x\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{(x^2 - 6x) - x^2}{\sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x} Simplify the numerator: =limxx26xx2x26x+x=limx6xx26x+x= \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{x^2 - 6x - x^2}{\sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x} = \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-6x}{\sqrt{x^2 - 6x} + x}

Step 3: Factor Out xx in the Denominator

Now, we can factor xx out of the square root in the denominator: =limx6xx(16x+1)= \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-6x}{x \left( \sqrt{1 - \frac{6}{x}} + 1 \right)} Cancel xx in the numerator and denominator: =limx616x+1= \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-6}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{6}{x}} + 1}

Step 4: Take the Limit as xx \to \infty

As xx approaches infinity, 6x0\frac{6}{x} \to 0. So, we get: =610+1=61+1=62=3= \frac{-6}{\sqrt{1 - 0} + 1} = \frac{-6}{1 + 1} = \frac{-6}{2} = -3

Conclusion

The answer is: 3\boxed{-3}

Would you like a further breakdown or explanation of any step?

Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would you solve this limit if the expression inside the square root were different, such as x2+6xx^2 + 6x?
  2. What if xx approached negative infinity instead of positive infinity?
  3. Can you use L'Hôpital's Rule to evaluate this limit? If so, how would the steps differ?
  4. What happens if you don’t rationalize the expression? Can you still solve the limit?
  5. How would the solution change if the constant inside the square root was larger, e.g., x2100xx^2 - 100x?

Tip: Rationalizing expressions by multiplying with the conjugate is a useful strategy for limits that involve square roots.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Rationalization
Infinity in Limits
Square Roots

Formulas

\(\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{\text{coefficient of } x \text{ in } f(x)}{\text{coefficient of } x \text{ in } g(x)}\)
Difference of Squares: \((a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2\)

Theorems

Limit at Infinity
Properties of Limits

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12