Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit lim (x -> 0) (x^4 / (9 + x^-1)).

Solution

The given mathematical expression is:

limx0x49+x1\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x^4}{9 + x^{-1}}

Let's evaluate this limit step by step.

Step 1: Analyze the expression as x0x \to 0

As x0x \to 0, we observe the behavior of both the numerator and denominator:

  • Numerator: x4x^4 tends to 0.
  • Denominator: The term x1=1xx^{-1} = \frac{1}{x} tends to infinity (specifically, positive infinity if x0+x \to 0^+ and negative infinity if x0x \to 0^-).

So the denominator becomes dominated by the x1x^{-1} term as x0x \to 0, which tends to infinity. Thus, the denominator behaves like a very large positive or negative value depending on the direction of the limit.

Step 2: Limit conclusion

  • The numerator x40x^4 \to 0.
  • The denominator 9+x19 + x^{-1} tends to \infty as x0+x \to 0^+ or -\infty as x0x \to 0^-.

Therefore, the overall limit is:

limx0x49+x1=0\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x^4}{9 + x^{-1}} = 0

Conclusion

The value of the limit is:

00


Would you like more details on the reasoning? Here are five questions that could expand your understanding:

  1. What happens if we approach the limit from the negative side (x0x \to 0^-)?
  2. Why does x1x^{-1} dominate the denominator as x0x \to 0?
  3. How can L'Hopital's Rule be used to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms?
  4. How would the limit change if we modified the exponent in x4x^4?
  5. What role does the constant 9 in the

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Behavior as x approaches 0
Infinity

Formulas

lim (x -> 0) f(x) = L

Theorems

Limit Theorem for approaching 0 and infinity

Suitable Grade Level

University Level (Calculus I)