Math Problem Statement

Find the limit lim(h→0) ((√(25 + h) - 5) / h).

Solution

The given problem is to find the limit:

limh025+h5h\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{\sqrt{25 + h} - 5}{h}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Substitute h=0h = 0 directly to see if we get an indeterminate form: 25+050=2550=550=00\frac{\sqrt{25 + 0} - 5}{0} = \frac{\sqrt{25} - 5}{0} = \frac{5 - 5}{0} = \frac{0}{0} This is an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, so we must simplify the expression.

  2. Rationalizing the numerator: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the numerator, which is 25+h+5\sqrt{25 + h} + 5: 25+h5h25+h+525+h+5=(25+h)252h(25+h+5)\frac{\sqrt{25 + h} - 5}{h} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{25 + h} + 5}{\sqrt{25 + h} + 5} = \frac{(\sqrt{25 + h})^2 - 5^2}{h(\sqrt{25 + h} + 5)} This simplifies the numerator using the difference of squares: =25+h25h(25+h+5)=hh(25+h+5)= \frac{25 + h - 25}{h(\sqrt{25 + h} + 5)} = \frac{h}{h(\sqrt{25 + h} + 5)}

  3. Cancel the hh terms: =125+h+5= \frac{1}{\sqrt{25 + h} + 5}

  4. Take the limit as h0h \to 0: limh0125+h+5=125+5=15+5=110\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{1}{\sqrt{25 + h} + 5} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{25} + 5} = \frac{1}{5 + 5} = \frac{1}{10}

Thus, the solution is:

limh025+h5h=110\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{\sqrt{25 + h} - 5}{h} = \frac{1}{10}

Would you like further explanation or any additional questions? Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What happens if you don't rationalize the numerator in a limit problem?
  2. How can you apply this method to similar limit problems involving radicals?
  3. What is the difference of squares formula, and why is it useful in this context?
  4. How does this problem relate to the definition of a derivative?
  5. What other methods can be used to evaluate limits that result in indeterminate forms?

Tip: Always check if the direct substitution gives an indeterminate form before applying algebraic techniques to simplify.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Indeterminate Forms
Algebra
Rationalization

Formulas

Difference of squares
Limit definition
Indeterminate form 0/0

Theorems

Limit Theorem
Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

High School or Early College (Calculus)