Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: \( \lim_{t \to 0} \frac{3^t - 2^t}{t} \)

Solution

To solve the limit:

limt03t2tt\lim_{t \to 0} \frac{3^t - 2^t}{t}

we can use the fact that for small values of tt approaching zero, the expressions ata^t (where aa is a constant) can be approximated using the natural logarithm, particularly using the property that

limt0at1t=ln(a)\lim_{t \to 0} \frac{a^t - 1}{t} = \ln(a)

Thus, we can break down the expression:

limt03t2tt=limt03t1+12tt\lim_{t \to 0} \frac{3^t - 2^t}{t} = \lim_{t \to 0} \frac{3^t - 1 + 1 - 2^t}{t}

Separating the terms:

=limt0(3t1t2t1t)= \lim_{t \to 0} \left( \frac{3^t - 1}{t} - \frac{2^t - 1}{t} \right)

Now applying the limit property we noted above:

=ln(3)ln(2)= \ln(3) - \ln(2)

Therefore, the solution is:

ln(3)ln(2)\ln(3) - \ln(2)

This can also be simplified to:

ln(32)\ln\left(\frac{3}{2}\right)

Would you like further details on this solution or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does the property limt0at1t=ln(a)\lim_{t \to 0} \frac{a^t - 1}{t} = \ln(a) derive from the definition of the derivative?
  2. What are some applications of limits in exponential functions in real-world contexts?
  3. How would the solution change if the base numbers were different, such as 44 and 55?
  4. Can this limit be solved using L'Hôpital's Rule? Why or why not?
  5. What is the intuition behind using logarithmic properties to solve exponential limits?

Tip: When handling exponential limits approaching zero, logarithmic approximations are often useful to simplify expressions.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Properties

Formulas

\( \lim_{t \to 0} \frac{a^t - 1}{t} = \ln(a) \)

Theorems

Limit Definition of Natural Logarithm

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12