Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the given limits using the graph of the function f(x) = 3 / (e^x + 1) and determine the following limits: a) lim_{x -> -∞} f(x), b) lim_{x -> +∞} f(x), c) lim_{x -> -1^-} f(x), d) lim_{x -> -1^+} f(x), e) lim_{x -> 0} f(x).

Solution

The problem requires evaluating several limits based on the given graph of the function f(x)=3ex+1f(x) = \frac{3}{e^x + 1}. Let's go through each limit carefully.

Given:

The function is f(x)=3ex+1f(x) = \frac{3}{e^x + 1}.

Observations from the graph:

  • As xx \to -\infty, the graph approaches a horizontal asymptote at y=3y = 3.
  • As x+x \to +\infty, the graph approaches a horizontal asymptote at y=0y = 0.
  • At x=0x = 0, f(x)=1.5f(x) = 1.5.

Now let's address the limits:

(a) limxf(x)\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x)
As xx \to -\infty, from the graph, the function value approaches 3.
So, limxf(x)=3\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 3.

(b) limx+f(x)\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x)
As x+x \to +\infty, from the graph, the function approaches 0.
So, limx+f(x)=0\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x) = 0.

(c) limx1f(x)\lim_{x \to -1^-} f(x)
From the graph, as x1x \to -1 from the left, the function value approaches approximately 2.
So, limx1f(x)2\lim_{x \to -1^-} f(x) \approx 2.

(d) limx1+f(x)\lim_{x \to -1^+} f(x)
As x1x \to -1 from the right, the function also approaches approximately 2.
So, limx1+f(x)2\lim_{x \to -1^+} f(x) \approx 2.

(e) limx0f(x)\lim_{x \to 0} f(x)
At x=0x = 0, the graph shows that the function equals 1.5.
So, limx0f(x)=1.5\lim_{x \to 0} f(x) = 1.5.

Final answers:

  • (a) limxf(x)=3\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 3
  • (b) limx+f(x)=0\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x) = 0
  • (c) limx1f(x)=2\lim_{x \to -1^-} f(x) = 2
  • (d) limx1+f(x)=2\lim_{x \to -1^+} f(x) = 2
  • (e) limx0f(x)=1.5\lim_{x \to 0} f(x) = 1.5

Would you like any further details or clarification?

Related questions:

  1. What are horizontal asymptotes, and how do they relate to limits?
  2. How do you determine one-sided limits graphically?
  3. How do limits behave for rational functions compared to exponential functions?
  4. What happens if the limit of a function as xx \to -\infty or x+x \to +\infty doesn't exist?
  5. How do you handle discontinuities when finding one-sided limits?

Tip:

When determining limits from graphs, focus on the behavior of the function as it approaches key values (infinity, 0, or discontinuities). This helps you visualize the trend of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Asymptotes
Exponential Functions
One-Sided Limits

Formulas

f(x) = 3 / (e^x + 1)
lim_{x -> -∞} f(x)
lim_{x -> +∞} f(x)
lim_{x -> c^-} f(x)
lim_{x -> c^+} f(x)

Theorems

Limit Laws
Horizontal Asymptote Theorem
Continuity and One-Sided Limits

Suitable Grade Level

College-level Calculus (First-year or AP Calculus)