Math Problem Statement

To find the limit of the given expression as x approaches 0, we can use direct substitution:

lim x->0 (x^2 + x) / √(x^4 + 2x^2)

Solution

To find the limit of the expression limx0x2+xx4+2x2\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{{x^2 + x}}{{\sqrt{x^4 + 2x^2}}}, let's break it down step by step.

Step 1: Direct Substitution

First, substitute x=0x = 0 directly into the expression:

02+004+2(02)=00+0=00\frac{{0^2 + 0}}{{\sqrt{0^4 + 2(0^2)}}} = \frac{0}{\sqrt{0 + 0}} = \frac{0}{0}

This results in an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, so direct substitution doesn't give us the limit.

Step 2: Simplification of the Expression

To resolve the indeterminate form, let's simplify the expression by factoring and analyzing its components.

  1. The numerator x2+xx^2 + x can be factored as: x(x+1)x(x + 1)

  2. The denominator x4+2x2\sqrt{x^4 + 2x^2} can be simplified by factoring out x2x^2 from under the square root: x4+2x2=x2(x2+2)=xx2+2\sqrt{x^4 + 2x^2} = \sqrt{x^2(x^2 + 2)} = |x|\sqrt{x^2 + 2}

So, the expression now becomes: x(x+1)xx2+2\frac{x(x + 1)}{|x|\sqrt{x^2 + 2}}

Step 3: Further Simplification

We can simplify the fraction by canceling out the xx term (but remember to treat the absolute value properly):

x(x+1)xx2+2=x+1sgn(x)x2+2\frac{x(x + 1)}{|x|\sqrt{x^2 + 2}} = \frac{x + 1}{\text{sgn}(x)\sqrt{x^2 + 2}}

Where sgn(x)\text{sgn}(x) denotes the sign function, which equals 1 when x>0x > 0 and -1 when x<0x < 0.

Step 4: Taking the Limit

Now, let's take the limit as xx approaches 0:

limx0x+1sgn(x)x2+2\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x + 1}{\text{sgn}(x)\sqrt{x^2 + 2}}

As x0x \to 0, x2+2\sqrt{x^2 + 2} approaches 2\sqrt{2}, and the expression simplifies to:

For x>0x > 0: limx0+0+112=12\lim_{{x \to 0^+}} \frac{0 + 1}{1\cdot\sqrt{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

For x<0x < 0: limx00+112=12=12\lim_{{x \to 0^-}} \frac{0 + 1}{-1\cdot\sqrt{2}} = \frac{1}{-\sqrt{2}} = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

Step 5: Conclusion

The left-hand limit and the right-hand limit are not equal. Therefore, the overall limit does not exist as xx approaches 0.

Would you like any further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the significance of the sign function in limits involving absolute values?
  2. How do you apply L'Hôpital's Rule to solve indeterminate forms like 00\frac{0}{0}?
  3. How can you determine the continuity of a function at a point where the limit does not exist?
  4. What are the conditions under which a limit might not exist?
  5. How do you evaluate limits that involve piecewise functions?

Tip: When dealing with indeterminate forms, always explore simplifying the expression or applying limit laws before jumping to advanced techniques like L'Hôpital's Rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Indeterminate Forms
Absolute Value
Square Roots

Formulas

Limit definition: lim x->a f(x)
Sign function (sgn(x))
Simplification of square roots

Theorems

Limit laws
Indeterminate form handling
Sign function behavior in limits

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (College Calculus I)