This is a classic
infinite nested radical problem. Let me walk you through it step by step.
Key Insight: Because the pattern repeats forever, the expression inside the first square root is the SAME as the whole expression itself.We're told x = sqrt(
6 + sqrt(
6 + sqrt(
6 + ...)))
Look at what's inside the first square root: it's
6 + sqrt(
6 + sqrt(
6 + ...)). But that inner part sqrt(
6 + sqrt(
6 + ...)) is exactly the same infinite expression as x itself!
So we can write: x = sqrt(6 + x)Now we just solve this equation:
Step 1: Square both sides.
x2 =
6 + x
Step 2: Rearrange into standard
quadratic form.
x2 - x -
6 =
0Step 3: Factor.
(x -
3)(x +
2) =
0This gives us x =
3 or x =
-2.
Step 4: Since the problem says the expression converges to a positive number k, we discard
-2.
Therefore, k =
3.
Answer: BYou can verify this makes sense: if k =
3, then sqrt(
6 +
3) = sqrt(
9) =
3. It checks out!
General principle: Whenever you see an infinitely repeating nested expression (radicals, fractions, etc.), use the self-similarity trick — the whole expression appears inside itself. Replace that inner copy with the same variable, and you'll get a solvable equation.