Chapter 2: Problem 29
Evaluate the limit, if it exists. $$ \lim _{t \rightarrow 0}\left(\frac{1}{t \sqrt{1+t}}-\frac{1}{t}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the Expression
We start by investigating the given limit expression \[ \lim_{t \to 0} \left( \frac{1}{t\sqrt{1+t}} - \frac{1}{t} \right). \]This limit involves a subtraction of two fractions with the same denominator \(t\), which suggests simplifying by combining them under a common denominator.
02
Combine Fractions
Combine the two terms into a single fraction:\[ \frac{1}{t\sqrt{1+t}} - \frac{1}{t} = \frac{\sqrt{1+t} - 1}{t\sqrt{1+t}}. \]Now, the problem is reduced to finding the limit of this expression as \(t\) approaches 0.
03
Expand Using Binomial Approximation
To simplify \(\sqrt{1+t} - 1\), use the binomial approximation for small \(t\): \(\sqrt{1+t} \approx 1 + \frac{t}{2} - \frac{t^2}{8} + \ldots\). Hence,\[ \sqrt{1+t} - 1 \approx \frac{t}{2} \text{ for } t \to 0. \]
04
Simplify the Fraction
Substitute the approximation back into the expression:\[ \frac{\sqrt{1+t} - 1}{t\sqrt{1+t}} \approx \frac{\frac{t}{2}}{t\sqrt{1+t}} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1+t}}. \]
05
Evaluate the Limit
Evaluate \(\lim_{t \to 0} \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1+t}} \). As \(t\) approaches 0, \(\sqrt{1+t}\) approaches 1, hence\[ \lim_{t \to 0} \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1+t}} = \frac{1}{2\cdot 1} = \frac{1}{2}. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Binomial Approximation
In calculus, the binomial approximation is a useful tool for simplifying expressions that involve roots and small values. When working with expressions like \( \sqrt{1 + t} \), especially as \( t \) approaches zero, you can approximate it using a binomial expansion.To understand this, think of the binomial theorem, which allows you to expand powers of binomials \((a + b)^n\). For small values of \( t \), the first few terms of this expansion are often enough to provide an accurate approximation. For example, the square root \( \sqrt{1+t} \) can be approximated by:
- \(1 + \frac{t}{2}\)
- minus higher order terms like \(\frac{t^2}{8}\), since they become very small as \( t \) goes to 0.
Fraction Simplification
Simplifying fractions is a key step in evaluating complex expressions. In limit problems, you often encounter expressions involving subtraction or addition of fractions. For this exercise, you have:\[ \frac{1}{t\sqrt{1+t}} - \frac{1}{t} \] The goal is to combine these into a single fraction, which involves these steps:
- Identify the common denominator.
- Subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator.
Limit Evaluation
Evaluating limits is a central concept in calculus, particularly when dealing with functions that can lead to indeterminate forms like \( \frac{0}{0} \). The process involves determining the behavior of a function as a variable approaches a particular value.In the given problem, after simplification, the expression becomes:\[ \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1+t}} \]Here, as \( t \) approaches 0, \( \sqrt{1+t} \) approaches 1. Substituting this back into the expression gives:
- The limit becomes \( \frac{1}{2 \cdot 1} = \frac{1}{2} \)