Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: lim (x -> 0) [e^(arctan(x)/x) - e] / x.

Solution

The given mathematical expression is:

limx0earctan(x)/xex\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^{\arctan(x)/x} - e}{x}

To evaluate this limit, let us proceed step by step:


Step 1: Examine the exponential term

As x0x \to 0, the term arctan(x)x\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} behaves as follows:

  • For small values of xx, we know that arctan(x)x\arctan(x) \sim x (since the Maclaurin series for arctan(x)\arctan(x) starts as arctan(x)=xx33+O(x5)\arctan(x) = x - \frac{x^3}{3} + \mathcal{O}(x^5)).

Thus:

arctan(x)x1asx0.\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} \to 1 \quad \text{as} \quad x \to 0.

So, the exponential term earctan(x)xee^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} \to e.


Step 2: Write the numerator as a difference

To simplify the term earctan(x)xee^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e, we can factor out ee since both terms approach ee as x0x \to 0. Rewrite:

earctan(x)xe=e(earctan(x)x11).e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e = e \left( e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1} - 1 \right).


Step 3: Approximate eue^u near u=0u = 0

For small uu, the exponential function can be approximated as:

eu1+u(first-order Taylor series).e^u \approx 1 + u \quad \text{(first-order Taylor series)}.

Here u=arctan(x)x1u = \frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1. Since arctan(x)x1\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} \to 1, let us define:

u=arctan(x)x1.u = \frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1.

Therefore:

earctan(x)x11arctan(x)x1.e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1} - 1 \approx \frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1.


Step 4: Analyze arctan(x)x1\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1 near x=0x = 0

From the Taylor series of arctan(x)\arctan(x), we have:

arctan(x)=xx33+O(x5).\arctan(x) = x - \frac{x^3}{3} + \mathcal{O}(x^5).

Thus:

arctan(x)x=1x23+O(x4).\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} = 1 - \frac{x^2}{3} + \mathcal{O}(x^4).

Subtracting 1:

arctan(x)x1=x23+O(x4).\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1 = -\frac{x^2}{3} + \mathcal{O}(x^4).


Step 5: Substitute into the numerator

Now substitute arctan(x)x1\frac{\arctan(x)}{x} - 1 into the numerator:

earctan(x)xee(x23).e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e \approx e \left( -\frac{x^2}{3} \right).


Step 6: Divide by xx in the denominator

The original limit is:

limx0earctan(x)xex.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e}{x}.

Substitute the simplified numerator:

earctan(x)xexe(x23)x.\frac{e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e}{x} \approx \frac{e \left( -\frac{x^2}{3} \right)}{x}.

Simplify:

e(x23)x=e3x.\frac{e \left( -\frac{x^2}{3} \right)}{x} = -\frac{e}{3} x.


Step 7: Take the limit as x0x \to 0

As x0x \to 0, the term e3x0-\frac{e}{3} x \to 0. Therefore:

limx0earctan(x)xex=0.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^{\frac{\arctan(x)}{x}} - e}{x} = 0.


Final Answer:

0\boxed{0}


Do you want me to elaborate further on any steps or clarify any part of the solution? Let me know!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the limit of a similar exponential function involving x0x \to 0?
  2. What is the Taylor series of arctan(x)\arctan(x), and how is it used to approximate small values?
  3. How can we use L'Hôpital's Rule to evaluate similar indeterminate forms?
  4. Why does the exponential approximation eu1+ue^u \approx 1 + u hold for small uu?
  5. What happens to the limit if xx \to \infty instead of x0x \to 0?

Tip: When handling limits involving exponential functions, Taylor series expansions often simplify indeterminate forms. Always check the behavior near x=0x = 0 carefully!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Taylor Series Expansion
Exponential Approximation
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

Taylor series for arctan(x): arctan(x) ≈ x - x^3/3 + O(x^5)
Exponential approximation: e^u ≈ 1 + u for small u
Behavior of indeterminate forms like 0/0

Theorems

Taylor Series
Exponential Limit Theorem
Basic Limit Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics or Advanced High School Calculus