Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$












0














I'm trying to evaluate the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$




Since there is a square root of a product namely $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ I
think it's useful to use $text{GM}letext{AM}$ for $(x-a)$ & $(x-b)$:
$sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}tag*{}$



To see whether the function $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is increasing
or decreasing,



begin{align}f'(x)&=1-dfrac{2x-(a+b)}{2sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{dfrac{x-(a+b)}2}{sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{text{AM}}{GM}\&le0
becausetext{ GM}letext{AM}end{align}



hence $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is decreasing. Then in order for the
existence of the limit, $f(x)$ must be bounded below.



Here I again use the same inequality:



begin{align}\&sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}\&implies
f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}gedfrac{a+b}{2}end{align}



If I'm right, then the limit exists and
$displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=dfrac{a+b}2$




Another query is that in the inequality $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}$ the equality holds iff $x-a=x-b$- how to solve it for $x$? I want to know where $f(x)$ takes its minimum.










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  • 1




    It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago












  • @ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
    – Arjun Banerjee
    2 days ago










  • I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago
















0














I'm trying to evaluate the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$




Since there is a square root of a product namely $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ I
think it's useful to use $text{GM}letext{AM}$ for $(x-a)$ & $(x-b)$:
$sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}tag*{}$



To see whether the function $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is increasing
or decreasing,



begin{align}f'(x)&=1-dfrac{2x-(a+b)}{2sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{dfrac{x-(a+b)}2}{sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{text{AM}}{GM}\&le0
becausetext{ GM}letext{AM}end{align}



hence $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is decreasing. Then in order for the
existence of the limit, $f(x)$ must be bounded below.



Here I again use the same inequality:



begin{align}\&sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}\&implies
f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}gedfrac{a+b}{2}end{align}



If I'm right, then the limit exists and
$displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=dfrac{a+b}2$




Another query is that in the inequality $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}$ the equality holds iff $x-a=x-b$- how to solve it for $x$? I want to know where $f(x)$ takes its minimum.










share|cite|improve this question




















  • 1




    It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago












  • @ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
    – Arjun Banerjee
    2 days ago










  • I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago














0












0








0


2





I'm trying to evaluate the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$




Since there is a square root of a product namely $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ I
think it's useful to use $text{GM}letext{AM}$ for $(x-a)$ & $(x-b)$:
$sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}tag*{}$



To see whether the function $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is increasing
or decreasing,



begin{align}f'(x)&=1-dfrac{2x-(a+b)}{2sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{dfrac{x-(a+b)}2}{sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{text{AM}}{GM}\&le0
becausetext{ GM}letext{AM}end{align}



hence $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is decreasing. Then in order for the
existence of the limit, $f(x)$ must be bounded below.



Here I again use the same inequality:



begin{align}\&sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}\&implies
f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}gedfrac{a+b}{2}end{align}



If I'm right, then the limit exists and
$displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=dfrac{a+b}2$




Another query is that in the inequality $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}$ the equality holds iff $x-a=x-b$- how to solve it for $x$? I want to know where $f(x)$ takes its minimum.










share|cite|improve this question















I'm trying to evaluate the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$




Since there is a square root of a product namely $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ I
think it's useful to use $text{GM}letext{AM}$ for $(x-a)$ & $(x-b)$:
$sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}tag*{}$



To see whether the function $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is increasing
or decreasing,



begin{align}f'(x)&=1-dfrac{2x-(a+b)}{2sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{dfrac{x-(a+b)}2}{sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}\&=1-dfrac{text{AM}}{GM}\&le0
becausetext{ GM}letext{AM}end{align}



hence $f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$ is decreasing. Then in order for the
existence of the limit, $f(x)$ must be bounded below.



Here I again use the same inequality:



begin{align}\&sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}=x-dfrac{a+b}{2}\&implies
f(x)=x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}gedfrac{a+b}{2}end{align}



If I'm right, then the limit exists and
$displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=dfrac{a+b}2$




Another query is that in the inequality $sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}ledfrac{(x-a)+(x-b)}{2}$ the equality holds iff $x-a=x-b$- how to solve it for $x$? I want to know where $f(x)$ takes its minimum.







real-analysis calculus limits proof-verification






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edited 2 days ago







Arjun Banerjee

















asked 2 days ago









Arjun BanerjeeArjun Banerjee

48010




48010








  • 1




    It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago












  • @ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
    – Arjun Banerjee
    2 days ago










  • I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago














  • 1




    It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago












  • @ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
    – Arjun Banerjee
    2 days ago










  • I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
    – Barry Cipra
    2 days ago








1




1




It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
– Barry Cipra
2 days ago






It's worth noting that your AM/GM argument, while very nice and well presented, only proves that the limit exists and is greater than or equal to $(a+b)/2$. Something more is required to show that it's actually equal to $(a+b)/2$.
– Barry Cipra
2 days ago














@ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
– Arjun Banerjee
2 days ago




@ Barry Cipra can you please suggest edits to my answer?
– Arjun Banerjee
2 days ago












I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
– Barry Cipra
2 days ago




I was just about to add that I'd actually like to see your argument completed, because nothing obvious comes to (my) mind that doesn't effectively replace the entire proof with the approach given in Robert Z's answer. It's worth thinking about!
– Barry Cipra
2 days ago










3 Answers
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4














You are correct, but the limit is easier to evaluate if you consider
$$x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=frac{x^2-(x-a)(x-b)}{x+sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}=
frac{(a+b)-ab/x}{1+sqrt{(1-a/x)(1-b/x)}}$$

for $x> max(a,b,0)$.






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    1














    Alternatively, do the change of variable $x = 1/t$
    $$lim_{xto+infty}x - sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)} = lim_{tto 0^+}frac{1 - sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2}}t$$
    and apply Taylor:
    $$sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2} = 1 - frac{a + b}2 t + cdots$$






    share|cite|improve this answer





























      0














      Hint:



      Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$,



      Rationalizing the numerator,
      $$lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}t=lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}tcdotlim_{tto0^+}dfrac1{1+sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}$$



      As $tto0,tne0,dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}t=(a+b)-abt$






      share|cite|improve this answer





















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        3 Answers
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        3 Answers
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        You are correct, but the limit is easier to evaluate if you consider
        $$x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=frac{x^2-(x-a)(x-b)}{x+sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}=
        frac{(a+b)-ab/x}{1+sqrt{(1-a/x)(1-b/x)}}$$

        for $x> max(a,b,0)$.






        share|cite|improve this answer


























          4














          You are correct, but the limit is easier to evaluate if you consider
          $$x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=frac{x^2-(x-a)(x-b)}{x+sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}=
          frac{(a+b)-ab/x}{1+sqrt{(1-a/x)(1-b/x)}}$$

          for $x> max(a,b,0)$.






          share|cite|improve this answer
























            4












            4








            4






            You are correct, but the limit is easier to evaluate if you consider
            $$x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=frac{x^2-(x-a)(x-b)}{x+sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}=
            frac{(a+b)-ab/x}{1+sqrt{(1-a/x)(1-b/x)}}$$

            for $x> max(a,b,0)$.






            share|cite|improve this answer












            You are correct, but the limit is easier to evaluate if you consider
            $$x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}=frac{x^2-(x-a)(x-b)}{x+sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}}=
            frac{(a+b)-ab/x}{1+sqrt{(1-a/x)(1-b/x)}}$$

            for $x> max(a,b,0)$.







            share|cite|improve this answer












            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer










            answered 2 days ago









            Robert ZRobert Z

            93.8k1061132




            93.8k1061132























                1














                Alternatively, do the change of variable $x = 1/t$
                $$lim_{xto+infty}x - sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)} = lim_{tto 0^+}frac{1 - sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2}}t$$
                and apply Taylor:
                $$sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2} = 1 - frac{a + b}2 t + cdots$$






                share|cite|improve this answer


























                  1














                  Alternatively, do the change of variable $x = 1/t$
                  $$lim_{xto+infty}x - sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)} = lim_{tto 0^+}frac{1 - sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2}}t$$
                  and apply Taylor:
                  $$sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2} = 1 - frac{a + b}2 t + cdots$$






                  share|cite|improve this answer
























                    1












                    1








                    1






                    Alternatively, do the change of variable $x = 1/t$
                    $$lim_{xto+infty}x - sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)} = lim_{tto 0^+}frac{1 - sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2}}t$$
                    and apply Taylor:
                    $$sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2} = 1 - frac{a + b}2 t + cdots$$






                    share|cite|improve this answer












                    Alternatively, do the change of variable $x = 1/t$
                    $$lim_{xto+infty}x - sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)} = lim_{tto 0^+}frac{1 - sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2}}t$$
                    and apply Taylor:
                    $$sqrt{1 - (a + b)t + abt^2} = 1 - frac{a + b}2 t + cdots$$







                    share|cite|improve this answer












                    share|cite|improve this answer



                    share|cite|improve this answer










                    answered 2 days ago









                    Martín-Blas Pérez PinillaMartín-Blas Pérez Pinilla

                    34.1k42771




                    34.1k42771























                        0














                        Hint:



                        Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$,



                        Rationalizing the numerator,
                        $$lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}t=lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}tcdotlim_{tto0^+}dfrac1{1+sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}$$



                        As $tto0,tne0,dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}t=(a+b)-abt$






                        share|cite|improve this answer


























                          0














                          Hint:



                          Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$,



                          Rationalizing the numerator,
                          $$lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}t=lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}tcdotlim_{tto0^+}dfrac1{1+sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}$$



                          As $tto0,tne0,dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}t=(a+b)-abt$






                          share|cite|improve this answer
























                            0












                            0








                            0






                            Hint:



                            Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$,



                            Rationalizing the numerator,
                            $$lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}t=lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}tcdotlim_{tto0^+}dfrac1{1+sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}$$



                            As $tto0,tne0,dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}t=(a+b)-abt$






                            share|cite|improve this answer












                            Hint:



                            Evaluation of the limit $displaystylelim_{xtoinfty}x-sqrt{(x-a)(x-b)}$,



                            Rationalizing the numerator,
                            $$lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}t=lim_{tto0^+}dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}tcdotlim_{tto0^+}dfrac1{1+sqrt{1-(a+b)t+abt^2}}$$



                            As $tto0,tne0,dfrac{1-(1-(a+b)t+abt^2)}t=(a+b)-abt$







                            share|cite|improve this answer












                            share|cite|improve this answer



                            share|cite|improve this answer










                            answered 2 days ago









                            lab bhattacharjeelab bhattacharjee

                            223k15156274




                            223k15156274






























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