Math Problem Statement

Find derivative using l hospital rule

Find the limit: \( \lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x \cdot 3^x}{3^x - 1} \) using L'Hôpital's Rule.

Solution

The given problem is:

limx0x3x3x1\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x \cdot 3^x}{3^x - 1}

To apply L'Hôpital's Rule, we first need to check if the limit results in an indeterminate form like 00\frac{0}{0}. Let’s check that:

  1. As x0x \to 0, 3x13^x \to 1.
  2. The numerator x3x0x \cdot 3^x \to 0.
  3. The denominator 3x103^x - 1 \to 0.

Since we have the indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which involves taking the derivative of the numerator and denominator.

Step 1: Derivatives

  • Numerator: f(x)=x3xf(x) = x \cdot 3^x f(x)=ddx(x3x)=3x+x3xln(3)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(x \cdot 3^x) = 3^x + x \cdot 3^x \ln(3)
  • Denominator: g(x)=3x1g(x) = 3^x - 1 g(x)=3xln(3)g'(x) = 3^x \ln(3)

Step 2: Apply L'Hôpital's Rule

Now, we calculate the limit of the ratio of the derivatives:

limx03x+x3xln(3)3xln(3)\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{3^x + x \cdot 3^x \ln(3)}{3^x \ln(3)}

At x=0x = 0:

  • 3x=13^x = 1,
  • The numerator becomes 1+0=11 + 0 = 1,
  • The denominator becomes ln(3)\ln(3).

Thus, the limit becomes:

1ln(3)\frac{1}{\ln(3)}

Final Answer:

limx0x3x3x1=1ln(3)\lim_{{x \to 0}} \frac{x \cdot 3^x}{3^x - 1} = \frac{1}{\ln(3)}

Would you like a detailed breakdown of any step, or do you have any additional questions?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How does L'Hôpital's Rule work for other indeterminate forms, like /\infty / \infty?
  2. Can we solve this limit using a series expansion instead of L'Hôpital's Rule?
  3. How would the limit change if the base of the exponential function was different, like exe^x?
  4. What is the derivative of the function axa^x in general, where aa is any positive constant?
  5. Can you explain the conditions under which L'Hôpital's Rule is applicable?

Tip:

When applying L'Hôpital's Rule, make sure to check the indeterminate form before taking derivatives. Only certain forms like 0/00/0 and /\infty/\infty allow the use of this rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Limits
L'Hôpital's Rule
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: \( \lim_{{x \to a}} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{{x \to a}} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)} \) if \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \)
Exponential function derivative: \( \frac{d}{dx}(a^x) = a^x \ln(a) \)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

University Level (Calculus I)