What is the limit of the given expression as ( x ) approaches 2?
Answer:
To solve the given limit problem, we have:
Step 1: Simplify the Denominator
The denominator ( x^2 - 4 ) can be factored as a difference of squares:
Step 2: Examine the Numerator
The numerator is ( (\sqrt[3]{x+6} + 1)(2 - \sqrt{2x}) ). To better understand how to simplify it or apply limits, let’s examine both parts separately:
- As ( x \to 2 ), ( \sqrt[3]{x+6} \to \sqrt[3]{8} = 2 ).
- As ( x \to 2 ), ( \sqrt{2x} \to \sqrt{4} = 2 ).
Both these substitutions result initially in:
- ( \sqrt[3]{x+6} + 1 \to 3 )
- ( 2 - \sqrt{2x} \to 0 )
Therefore, the numerator tends to ( 3 \cdot 0 = 0 ).
Step 3: Factor and Simplify Factors
The numerator, resulting in an initial ( 0 \cdot 3 = 0 ), suggests potential factorization or cancellation with the denominator is needed.
Now, let’s substitute ( x = 2 + h ) where ( h \to 0 ):
- ( \sqrt[3]{2+h+6} = \sqrt[3]{8 + h} \approx 2 + \frac{1}{12}h ) (using binomial expansion)
- ( \sqrt{2(2+h)} = \sqrt{4 + 2h} \approx 2 + \frac{1}{2}h)
Substitute these into the expansion:
Resulting in:
Step 4: Evaluate the Limit
Now divide this expanded numerator part by the factorized denominator ((x-2)(x+2) = h(4 + h)).
Thus,
Now cancel (h):
Final Answer:
Hence, the limit is
$$-\frac{3}{8}$$