Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x} \).

Solution

The image shows the following mathematical limit:

limx0ex1x\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x}


Solution:

To evaluate the limit, observe the following:

  1. The expression involves exe^x, the exponential function, which is differentiable and continuous.
  2. At x=0x = 0, both the numerator ex1e^x - 1 and denominator xx approach 00. Hence, it is an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, so we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule.

Step 1: Differentiating the numerator and denominator

  • The derivative of the numerator ex1e^x - 1 is exe^x.
  • The derivative of the denominator xx is 11.

Step 2: Apply L'Hôpital's Rule

limx0ex1x=limx0ddx(ex1)ddx(x)=limx0ex1.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\frac{d}{dx}(e^x - 1)}{\frac{d}{dx}(x)} = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x}{1}.

Step 3: Evaluate the limit

Substitute x=0x = 0 into exe^x: limx0ex=e0=1.\lim_{x \to 0} e^x = e^0 = 1.


Final Answer:

limx0ex1x=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x} = 1

Let me know if you'd like a detailed explanation of L'Hôpital's Rule or the exponential function properties.


Related Questions:

  1. What is the Taylor series expansion of exe^x around x=0x = 0?
  2. Can L'Hôpital's Rule be used for higher-order indeterminate forms like 0/00/0 or /\infty/\infty?
  3. Evaluate limx0sinxx\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} and explain why it equals 1.
  4. Derive the limit of ln(1+x)x\frac{\ln(1+x)}{x} as x0x \to 0.
  5. How do you prove the derivative of exe^x using first principles?

Tip:

L'Hôpital's Rule is very useful for handling indeterminate forms 00\frac{0}{0} or \frac{\infty}{\infty}, but it applies only when the derivatives exist and the limit remains indeterminate after differentiation. Always check the form of the limit before applying the rule!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Exponential Functions
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 indeterminate form and derivatives exist)
Exponential Property: \( e^0 = 1 \)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule
Exponential Function Differentiation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12