Limits to Infinity: Solving for $\frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}$

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The limit to evaluate is \(\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}\). The initial approach simplifies the expression correctly to \(\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{2}{x}} + \sqrt{1}}\), leading to a limit of 1. However, the discussion reveals that there is a misunderstanding regarding the manipulation of the denominator, specifically the need to divide by \(x^2\) instead of \(x\) to maintain accuracy in the limit process. The correct evaluation shows that the limit approaches 1 as \(x\) approaches infinity.
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Homework Statement


\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}\\\\\\


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{\frac{2x}{x}}{\sqrt{\frac{x}{x}+\frac{2}{x}} + \sqrt{\frac{x}{x}}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{2}{x}} + \sqrt{1}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1} + \sqrt{1}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{1 + 1} = \frac{2}{2} = 1\\\\\\

But this is incorrect. Where have I done my work incorrectly?
 
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PhizKid said:

Homework Statement


\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}\\\\\\

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x+2} + \sqrt{x}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{\frac{2x}{x}}{\sqrt{\frac{x}{x}+\frac{2}{x}} + \sqrt{\frac{x}{x}}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{2}{x}} + \sqrt{1}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{\sqrt{1} + \sqrt{1}}\\\\\\ \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2}{1 + 1} = \frac{2}{2} = 1\\\\\\

But this is incorrect. Where have I done my work incorrectly?

The denominator in the second step is wrong.

\frac{\sqrt{f(x)}}{x} = \sqrt{\frac{f(x)}{x^2}}

(for positive x, of course).
 
I don't understand why you have to divide by x^2 and not just x.
 
Its because SQRT(x^2) = x if x >= 0.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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