Math Problem Statement

Apply L'Hôpital's Rule to evaluate the following limit: \(\lim_{x \to e} \frac{1 - \frac{x}{e}}{\frac{x}{e} - 1}\).

Solution

To solve the limit:

limxe1xexe1\lim_{x \to e} \frac{1 - \frac{x}{e}}{\frac{x}{e} - 1}

we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which is used when a limit initially results in an indeterminate form such as 00\frac{0}{0}. In this case, substituting x=ex = e gives:

1eeee1=1111=00\frac{1 - \frac{e}{e}}{\frac{e}{e} - 1} = \frac{1 - 1}{1 - 1} = \frac{0}{0}

Thus, we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule by differentiating the numerator and the denominator with respect to xx.

Step 1: Differentiate the Numerator and Denominator

  1. Numerator: The numerator is 1xe1 - \frac{x}{e}. Differentiating with respect to xx gives: 1e-\frac{1}{e}

  2. Denominator: The denominator is xe1\frac{x}{e} - 1. Differentiating with respect to xx gives: 1e\frac{1}{e}

Step 2: Apply L'Hôpital's Rule

Now, we substitute these derivatives back into the limit:

limxe1e1e=limxe1=1\lim_{x \to e} \frac{-\frac{1}{e}}{\frac{1}{e}} = \lim_{x \to e} -1 = -1

Final Answer

limxe1xexe1=1\lim_{x \to e} \frac{1 - \frac{x}{e}}{\frac{x}{e} - 1} = -1

Would you like further clarification on any steps?


Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does L'Hôpital's Rule work for other indeterminate forms like \frac{\infty}{\infty}?
  2. When should you avoid using L'Hôpital's Rule in evaluating limits?
  3. Can this problem be solved using algebraic manipulation instead of L'Hôpital's Rule?
  4. What are some common pitfalls in applying L'Hôpital's Rule?
  5. How do higher-order derivatives affect the application of L'Hôpital's Rule when the indeterminate form persists?

Tip: Always confirm that you have an indeterminate form (like 00\frac{0}{0} or \frac{\infty}{\infty}) before applying L'Hôpital's Rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Limits
L'Hôpital's Rule
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: \(\lim_{x \to c} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to c} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}\) if \(\frac{0}{0}\) or \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

College level calculus