The expression $$\mathop {Lim}\limits_{a \to 0} \,{{{x^a} - 1} \over a}\,\,$$ is equal to

What is the value of the definite integral? $$\,\,\int\limits_0^a {{{\sqrt x } \over {\sqrt x + \sqrt {a - x} }}dx\,\,} $$?

A parabolic cable is held between two supports at the same level. The horizontal span between the supports is $$L.$$ The sag at the mid-span is $$h.$$ The equation of the parabola is $$y = 4h{{{x^2}} \over {{L^2}}},\,\,$$ where $$x$$ is the horizontal coordinate and $$y$$ is the vertical coordinate with the origin at the centre of the cable. The expanssion for the total length of the cable is

Given a function $$f\left( {x,y} \right) = 4{x^2} + 6{y^2} - 8x - 4y + 8,$$ the optimal values of $$f(x,y)$$ is