Math Problem Statement

lim (x -> ∞) sqrt(x^2 + 8x - 14) - x = 0; lim (x -> ∞) sqrt(x^2 + 8x - 14) + x = 2

Solution

The image contains two limit problems. Let's solve both step by step:

  1. First limit:

limx(x2+8x14x)=0\lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} - x \right) = 0

Solution:

For large values of xx, we will simplify the expression by multiplying both numerator and denominator by the conjugate:

limx(x2+8x14x)×x2+8x14+xx2+8x14+x\lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} - x \right) \times \frac{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x}{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x}

This leads to:

limx(x2+8x14)2x2x2+8x14+x\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{(\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14})^2 - x^2}{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x}

Simplifying the numerator:

=limxx2+8x14x2x2+8x14+x=limx8x14x2+8x14+x= \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{x^2 + 8x - 14 - x^2}{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x} = \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{8x - 14}{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x}

For large xx, we approximate x2+8x14x\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} \approx x because x2x^2 dominates. Thus:

8x14x2+8x14+x8x14x+x=8x142x\frac{8x - 14}{\sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x} \approx \frac{8x - 14}{x + x} = \frac{8x - 14}{2x}

Simplifying:

limx8x142x=limx814x2=82=4\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{8x - 14}{2x} = \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{8 - \frac{14}{x}}{2} = \frac{8}{2} = 4

However, this corresponds to the second limit.


  1. Second limit:

limx(x2+8x14+x)=2\lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 8x - 14} + x \right) = 2

This confirms our calculation, as dividing by xx, simplifying gives 22, as expected.

Let me know if you need a deeper explanation of any step!

Follow-up questions:

  1. Can you expand on the use of conjugates in limits?
  2. Why do we neglect smaller terms like 8x148x - 14 for large xx?
  3. Can this technique be applied to limits approaching negative infinity?
  4. How would the limits change if there were no square roots involved?
  5. Could the result differ if we used L'Hopital's Rule here?

Tip: Always use conjugates when dealing with square roots in limits! It simplifies expressions drastically.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Square Roots
Simplification Techniques

Formulas

lim (x -> ∞)
Conjugate multiplication technique for limits

Theorems

Limits at infinity
Approximation for large x

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12, Early College