Infinite nested radical evaluation

CAT 2005 Slot 1 · Quantitative Ability · Medium · Algebra

Let x=4+4−4+4−… to infinityx = \sqrt{4 + \sqrt{4 - \sqrt{4 + \sqrt{4 - \dots \text{ to infinity}}}}}. Then xx equals

  1. A.

    3

  2. B.

    13−12\frac{\sqrt{13} - 1}{2}

  3. C.

    13+12\frac{\sqrt{13} + 1}{2}

  4. D.

    13\sqrt{13}

Answer

C

Explanation

Let y=4−xy = \sqrt{4 - x}. Then x=4+yx = \sqrt{4 + y}. Squaring both equations: x2=4+yx^2 = 4 + y and y2=4−xy^2 = 4 - x. Subtracting: x2−y2=x+y  ⟹  (x−y)(x+y)=x+yx^2 - y^2 = x + y \implies (x - y)(x + y) = x + y. Since x+y≠0x + y \ne 0, x−y=1  ⟹  y=x−1x - y = 1 \implies y = x - 1. Substitute into x2=4+y=4+x−1=3+xx^2 = 4 + y = 4 + x - 1 = 3 + x. x2−x−3=0x^2 - x - 3 = 0. By quadratic formula: x=1+1+122=13+12x = \frac{1 + \sqrt{1 + 12}}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{13} + 1}{2}.

Related Algebra questions

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace