Calculus/calculus

Advertisement


Question
Find the limit: lim 1-sqrt(2x^2-1)/x-1
               x->0

Answer
The answer seems to be a complex number since when x approaches 0, the √(2x²-1 approaches the √-1.  This has no solution when real numbers are used.  If you are into complex numbers, the √-1 is referred to as i, so to evaluate the function you get (1-i)/(-1), which is -1+i.

A similar problem to this would be to evaluate the limit of (x²-1)/(x-1) as x approaches 1.  Note that the top is (x-1)(x+1), so what we have is the limit as x approaches 1 is x+1, or 2.

The problem given was not this difficult, but just to give you an idea of what you may get in the future ...

Calculus

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Scotto

Expertise

Any kind of calculus question you want. I also have answered some questions in Physics (mass, momentum, falling bodies), Chemistry (charge, reactions, symbols, molecules), and Biology.

Experience

Experience in the area: I have tutored students in all areas of mathematics for over 25 years. Education/Credentials: BSand MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where I completed sophomore course in Physics and Chemistry. I received both degrees with high honors. Awards and Honors: I have passed Actuarial tests 100, 110, and 135.

Publications
Maybe not a publication, but I have respond to well oveer 7,500 questions on the PC. Well over 2,000 of them have been in calculus.

Education/Credentials
I aquired well over 40 hours of upper division courses. This was well over the number that were required. I graduated with honors in both my BS and MS degree from Oregon State University. I was allowed to jump into a few junior level courses my sophomore year.

Awards and Honors
I have been nominated as the expert of the month several times. All of my scores right now are at least a 9.8 average (out of 10).

Past/Present Clients
My past clients have been students at OSU, students at the college in South Seattle, referals from a company, friends and aquantenances, people from my church, and people like you from all over the world.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.