# A problem with a limit

#### Yankel

##### Active member
Hello,

I have a problem with the attached limit. The problem is, that according to my calculations when x -> infinity, the limit is 1, which is fine, but what happens when x --> - infinity... ?

x is squared, so I think it should not matter, and the limit should remain 1, however, the correct answer is -1, and I just don't understand why or what I did wrong in my solution. An assistance will be appreciated !

#### Jameson

Staff member
Interesting question This isn't a rigorous argument but I think it should be sufficient.

I think it has to do with moving a variable in and out of the square root. $x \ne \sqrt{x^2}$ if $x<0$.

Take a look at $$\displaystyle \sqrt{x^2+1}$$. Another way to manipulate this algebraically is to simply factor out an $x^2$ term like so:

$$\displaystyle \sqrt{x^2 \left(1+ \frac{1}{x^2} \right)}=\sqrt{x^2} \sqrt{\left(1+ \frac{1}{x^2} \right)}$$.

When simplifying $\sqrt{x^2}$ it's best to be careful and write it as $|x|$, which is what I think is appropriate now.

As before the limit of the $$\displaystyle 1+\frac{1}{x^2}$$ part tends to 1, so what's remaining is $$\displaystyle \frac{x}{|x|}$$. Since x is on the negative side of the number line in order to drop the absolute value bars we add a negative sign. That leaves us with $$\displaystyle \frac{x}{|x|}=\frac{x}{-x}=-1$$, where $x<0$.

#### Deveno

##### Well-known member
MHB Math Scholar
beware the square (it's not a 1-1 operation)!

not just being silly....

at one point you square x, and put it under the radical.

well, squaring a negative number ALWAYS gives you a positive number, so you've just changed the sign of your expression without realizing it.

what is wrong with the following proof:

a = -b
a/b = -1
(a/b)2 = 1
a/b = √1 = 1
a = b ?

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#### Yankel

##### Active member
Now I understand my mistake...thanks !!