Math Problem Statement

Find the limit: lim (x → 2) [ (sqrt(1 + 2x + 3) - 2) / (x - 2) ]

Solution

The mathematical expression in the image is:

limx21+2x+32x2\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} - 2}{x - 2}

This is a limit problem that can be solved using the technique of rationalizing the numerator. Let's go through the steps to solve it.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Rationalize the numerator: We multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the numerator.

    The conjugate of 1+2x+32\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} - 2 is 1+2x+3+2\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} + 2. So, multiply both the numerator and denominator by this conjugate:

    limx2(1+2x+32)(1+2x+3+2)(x2)(1+2x+3+2)\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{(\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} - 2)(\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} + 2)}{(x - 2)(\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} + 2)}

  2. Simplify the numerator: The numerator becomes a difference of squares:

    (1+2x+3)222=(1+2x+3)4=2x(\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3})^2 - 2^2 = (1 + 2x + 3) - 4 = 2x

    So now the expression is:

    limx22x(x2)(1+2x+3+2)\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{2x}{(x - 2)(\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} + 2)}

  3. Simplify the expression: Factor out x2x - 2 from the numerator.

    Since 2x=2(x2+2)2x = 2(x - 2 + 2), we have 2x=2((x2)+4)2x = 2((x - 2) + 4), allowing us to cancel out the x2x - 2 terms:

    After cancellation, we get:

    limx221+2x+3+2\lim_{{x \to 2}} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} + 2}

  4. Substitute x=2x = 2: Finally, substitute x=2x = 2 into the expression:

    21+2(2)+3+2=21+4+3+2=28+2=222+2\frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + 2(2) + 3} + 2} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + 4 + 3} + 2} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{8} + 2} = \frac{2}{2\sqrt{2} + 2}

  5. Simplify the final expression:

    Factor out the 2 in the denominator:

    22(2+1)=12+1\frac{2}{2(\sqrt{2} + 1)} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2} + 1}

    To further simplify, multiply both numerator and denominator by 21\sqrt{2} - 1 to rationalize the denominator:

    12+12121=21(2)212=2121=21\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} + 1} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2} - 1}{\sqrt{2} - 1} = \frac{\sqrt{2} - 1}{(\sqrt{2})^2 - 1^2} = \frac{\sqrt{2} - 1}{2 - 1} = \sqrt{2} - 1

Thus, the value of the limit is:

21\boxed{\sqrt{2} - 1}

Let me know if you need further details on this solution!


Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What happens if you try to solve this limit without rationalizing the numerator?
  2. How would you apply L'Hopital's Rule to this problem instead of rationalizing the numerator?
  3. Can you find the derivative of the function f(x)=1+2x+3f(x) = \sqrt{1 + 2x + 3} using first principles?
  4. What is the general approach to solving limits involving square roots?
  5. How do you rationalize the denominator if it contains a square root?

Tip: Rationalizing is a common technique in limits involving square roots. Always look for the conjugate to simplify the expression effectively!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Rationalization
Square Roots

Formulas

lim (x → a) f(x)/g(x)
Difference of squares formula
Rationalization of square roots

Theorems

Limit laws
Rationalization method
Conjugate multiplication

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12 (Pre-calculus)