Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit lim (x → 0) of (sqrt(1+x) - sqrt(1-x)) / x.

Solution

The given problem is to evaluate the following limit:

limx01+x1xx.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{1+x} - \sqrt{1-x}}{x}.

Solution:

  1. Multiply by the conjugate:
    To simplify the expression, multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the numerator:

    1+x1xx×1+x+1x1+x+1x=(1+x1x)(1+x+1x)x(1+x+1x).\frac{\sqrt{1+x} - \sqrt{1-x}}{x} \times \frac{\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}}{\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}} = \frac{\left(\sqrt{1+x} - \sqrt{1-x}\right)\left(\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}\right)}{x \left(\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}\right)}.

  2. Simplify the numerator:
    Applying the difference of squares formula (ab)(a+b)=a2b2(a-b)(a+b) = a^2 - b^2, the numerator simplifies as follows:

    (1+x)2(1x)2=(1+x)(1x)=1+x1+x=2x.(\sqrt{1+x})^2 - (\sqrt{1-x})^2 = (1+x) - (1-x) = 1 + x - 1 + x = 2x.

    Thus, the expression becomes:

    2xx(1+x+1x).\frac{2x}{x \left(\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}\right)}.

  3. Cancel out xx:
    The xx in the numerator and denominator cancels out:

    21+x+1x.\frac{2}{\sqrt{1+x} + \sqrt{1-x}}.

  4. Evaluate the limit as x0x \to 0:
    Now substitute x=0x = 0 into the simplified expression:

    21+0+10=21+1=21+1=22=1.\frac{2}{\sqrt{1+0} + \sqrt{1-0}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1} + \sqrt{1}} = \frac{2}{1+1} = \frac{2}{2} = 1.

Thus, the value of the limit is:

1.\boxed{1}.


Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How does multiplying by the conjugate help in simplifying this limit?
  2. What is the difference of squares formula and how is it applied here?
  3. Why does the term xx cancel out in the simplified expression?
  4. What are some other examples of limits where multiplying by the conjugate is useful?
  5. How would the solution change if the limit involved x1x \to 1 instead of x0x \to 0?

Tip: When dealing with limits involving square roots, multiplying by the conjugate is a common technique to eliminate radicals.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Radicals
Algebraic Manipulation

Formulas

Difference of squares formula: (a-b)(a+b) = a^2 - b^2

Theorems

Limit theorem
Difference of squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12