Math Problem Statement

Find the limit of y as x tends to b/a for a = 7.2, b = 3.9, and k = 3.2 given that y = f(x) = k((a^2 * x^2 - b^2) / (ax - b)).

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to find the limit of y=f(x)=k(a2x2b2axb)y = f(x) = k \left( \frac{a^2 x^2 - b^2}{ax - b} \right) as xbax \to \frac{b}{a}, given the constants a=7.2a = 7.2, b=3.9b = 3.9, and k=3.2k = 3.2.

Step 1: Substitute x=bax = \frac{b}{a}

Substitute a=7.2a = 7.2 and b=3.9b = 3.9 to get x=ba=3.97.20.5417x = \frac{b}{a} = \frac{3.9}{7.2} \approx 0.5417.

Step 2: Simplify the Expression

Substitute x=bax = \frac{b}{a} into the expression for f(x)f(x): f(ba)=k(a2(ba)2b2a(ba)b).f\left(\frac{b}{a}\right) = k \left( \frac{a^2 \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^2 - b^2}{a \left(\frac{b}{a}\right) - b} \right).

Step 3: Simplify the Numerator and Denominator

  • Numerator: a2(ba)2=a2b2a2=b2a^2 \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^2 = \frac{a^2 b^2}{a^2} = b^2, so a2(ba)2b2=b2b2=0a^2 \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^2 - b^2 = b^2 - b^2 = 0.

  • Denominator: a(ba)b=bb=0a \left(\frac{b}{a}\right) - b = b - b = 0.

This leads to an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, so we need to use L'Hôpital's Rule.

Step 4: Apply L'Hôpital's Rule

To apply L'Hôpital's Rule, find the derivatives of the numerator and the denominator:

  • Derivative of the numerator a2x2b2a^2 x^2 - b^2 with respect to xx is 2a2x2a^2 x.

  • Derivative of the denominator axbax - b with respect to xx is aa.

So, applying L'Hôpital's Rule: limxbaf(x)=klimxba2a2xa=k2aba=k2b.\lim_{x \to \frac{b}{a}} f(x) = k \lim_{x \to \frac{b}{a}} \frac{2a^2 x}{a} = k \cdot 2a \cdot \frac{b}{a} = k \cdot 2b.

Step 5: Substitute the Values

Substitute k=3.2k = 3.2, b=3.9b = 3.9: f(ba)=3.223.9=3.27.8=24.96.f\left(\frac{b}{a}\right) = 3.2 \cdot 2 \cdot 3.9 = 3.2 \cdot 7.8 = 24.96.

Final Answer

The limit of yy as xbax \to \frac{b}{a} is 24.96024.960.

Would you like more details on this calculation or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is L'Hôpital's Rule, and when can it be used?
  2. How do you find the limit of a function as it approaches a specific value?
  3. What other methods can be used to resolve indeterminate forms besides L'Hôpital's Rule?
  4. Why does direct substitution lead to indeterminate forms?
  5. How would the answer change if kk had a different value?

Tip: Always check if direct substitution into a limit leads to a determinate value before applying L'Hôpital's Rule or other advanced techniques.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Algebra
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

Limit of a function as x approaches a value
L'Hôpital's Rule for indeterminate forms

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12