Math Problem Statement

simplify (x+h) - (x) over h x = square root of x and h is not equal to 0

Solution

To simplify the expression x+hxh\frac{\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x}}{h}, let's proceed step by step:

  1. Start with the given expression:

    x+hxh\frac{\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x}}{h}

  2. Rationalize the numerator:

    To simplify the expression, multiply both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the numerator. The conjugate of x+hx\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x} is x+h+x\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}.

    x+hxhx+h+xx+h+x=(x+hx)(x+h+x)h(x+h+x)\frac{\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x}}{h} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}} = \frac{(\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x})(\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x})}{h(\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x})}

  3. Simplify the numerator using the difference of squares formula:

    The numerator becomes:

    (x+h)2(x)2=(x+h)x=h(\sqrt{x+h})^2 - (\sqrt{x})^2 = (x+h) - x = h

    So the expression now simplifies to:

    hh(x+h+x)\frac{h}{h(\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x})}

  4. Cancel out the hh terms:

    Since hh is not equal to 0, you can cancel hh from the numerator and the denominator:

    1x+h+x\frac{1}{\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}}

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is:

1x+h+x\frac{1}{\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}}

Would you like further details or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you rationalize the denominator in an expression?
  2. What is the difference of squares, and how is it applied in simplifications?
  3. How can you apply this simplification to a specific value of xx and hh?
  4. What are common techniques for simplifying radical expressions?
  5. How does the limit of this expression behave as hh approaches 0?

Tip: When simplifying expressions involving radicals, rationalizing the numerator or denominator often makes the process easier and more straightforward.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Radical Expressions
Limit Theory

Formulas

Difference of squares

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12