Math Problem Statement

Solve this

lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} - \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x} \right)

Solution

The problem presented is the limit:

limx(4x2+2x4x22x)\lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} - \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x} \right)

Solution:

First, observe that both square roots have terms involving x2x^2, which grow faster than the linear terms involving xx. As xx \to \infty, the expression becomes difficult to evaluate directly, so we apply an algebraic trick called multiplying by the conjugate to simplify the limit.

We multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the expression:

(4x2+2x4x22x)×4x2+2x+4x22x4x2+2x+4x22x\left( \sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} - \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x} \right) \times \frac{\sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} + \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x}}{\sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} + \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x}}

This simplifies the numerator using the difference of squares formula:

=(4x2+2x)(4x22x)4x2+2x+4x22x= \frac{(4x^2 + 2x) - (4x^2 - 2x)}{\sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} + \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x}}

Simplifying the numerator:

(4x2+2x)(4x22x)=4x(4x^2 + 2x) - (4x^2 - 2x) = 4x

So the expression becomes:

4x4x2+2x+4x22x\frac{4x}{\sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} + \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x}}

Now, let's analyze the denominator as xx \to \infty:

In both square roots, the 4x24x^2 term dominates, so we factor x2x^2 out of each square root:

4x2+2x=x4+2x,4x22x=x42x\sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} = x\sqrt{4 + \frac{2}{x}}, \quad \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x} = x\sqrt{4 - \frac{2}{x}}

As xx \to \infty, the terms involving 2x\frac{2}{x} become negligible, so:

4+2x2,42x2\sqrt{4 + \frac{2}{x}} \to 2, \quad \sqrt{4 - \frac{2}{x}} \to 2

Thus, the denominator becomes approximately:

x(2+2)=4xx(2 + 2) = 4x

Simplifying the entire expression:

4x4x=1\frac{4x}{4x} = 1

Therefore, the limit is:

limx(4x2+2x4x22x)=1\lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{4x^2 + 2x} - \sqrt{4x^2 - 2x} \right) = 1

Final Answer:

1\boxed{1}

Let me know if you need further details or have any questions!


Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the importance of the conjugate in simplifying limits involving square roots?
  2. How does the growth rate of polynomial terms affect limits at infinity?
  3. Can we apply L'Hopital's Rule to this limit, and would it give the same result?
  4. How would the result change if the limit was taken as xx \to -\infty?
  5. What other techniques are commonly used to solve limits involving square roots?

Tip: When simplifying limits involving square roots at infinity, always check if multiplying by the conjugate can help simplify the expression!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Square Roots
Conjugate Method
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

Difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2
Limit at infinity: \lim_{x \to \infty}

Theorems

Limit Laws
Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Level Calculus or Advanced High School Calculus