Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: lim (x → +∞) (1 - 1/x³)^x.

Solution

The problem involves evaluating the following limit:

limx+(11x3)x\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right)^x

Let's break it down step by step:


Step 1: Take the natural logarithm

Rewrite the expression using the logarithm property to make the power xx easier to handle: y=(11x3)x    lny=xln(11x3)y = \left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right)^x \quad \implies \quad \ln y = x \ln\left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right)


Step 2: Expand ln(11x3)\ln\left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right) using a Taylor approximation

For large xx, ln(1u)u\ln(1 - u) \approx -u, where u=1x3u = \frac{1}{x^3}. Thus: ln(11x3)1x3.\ln\left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right) \approx -\frac{1}{x^3}.

So: lnyx(1x3)=1x2.\ln y \approx x \cdot \left(-\frac{1}{x^3}\right) = -\frac{1}{x^2}.


Step 3: Exponentiate the result

Exponentiating both sides gives: ye1x2.y \approx e^{-\frac{1}{x^2}}.

For x+x \to +\infty, 1x20-\frac{1}{x^2} \to 0, so: ye0=1.y \to e^0 = 1.


Final Answer:

limx+(11x3)x=1.\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left(1 - \frac{1}{x^3}\right)^x = 1.


Would you like me to expand further on any step? Let me know! Here are some related questions:


Related Questions:

  1. What is the general formula for Taylor series expansion of ln(1u)\ln(1-u)?
  2. How does the approximation (1u)nenu(1-u)^n \approx e^{-nu} for small uu work?
  3. What are other ways to solve limits involving exponential growth or decay?
  4. How would this problem change if the exponent xx were replaced by x2x^2?
  5. Can you derive the result graphically or numerically?

Tip:

Always check the growth of the base and exponent separately when solving limits of exponential forms!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Approximation
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

ln(1 - u) ≈ -u for small u
(1 - u)^n ≈ e^(-nu) for small u
e^ln(a) = a

Theorems

Taylor Series Expansion
Properties of Logarithms
Asymptotic Analysis of Exponential Growth

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12