Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4} \right)^{-5x} \).

Solution

This problem requires finding the limit of the given expression as xx \to \infty. The expression is:

limx(3x+43x4)5x.\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4}\right)^{-5x}.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Simplify the fraction inside the limit

Divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction 3x+43x4\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4} by xx: 3x+43x4=3+4x34x.\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4} = \frac{3 + \frac{4}{x}}{3 - \frac{4}{x}}.

As xx \to \infty, the terms 4x\frac{4}{x} approach 00. Therefore: 3+4x34x3+030=1.\frac{3 + \frac{4}{x}}{3 - \frac{4}{x}} \to \frac{3 + 0}{3 - 0} = 1.

However, since the expression is raised to the power 5x-5x, we must carefully analyze its behavior for large xx.

Step 2: Approximate 3x+43x4\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4} for large xx

For large xx, use a first-order approximation: 3+4x34x1+4x+4x3=1+83x.\frac{3 + \frac{4}{x}}{3 - \frac{4}{x}} \approx 1 + \frac{\frac{4}{x} + \frac{4}{x}}{3} = 1 + \frac{8}{3x}.

Thus, for large xx, we can write: 3x+43x41+83x.\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4} \approx 1 + \frac{8}{3x}.

Step 3: Expand (1+u)v(1 + u)^v using logarithms

Let u=83xu = \frac{8}{3x}. The original limit becomes: limx(1+83x)5x.\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{8}{3x}\right)^{-5x}.

Using the exponential-logarithmic property, rewrite it as: (1+83x)5x=exp(5xln(1+83x)).\left(1 + \frac{8}{3x}\right)^{-5x} = \exp\left(-5x \ln\left(1 + \frac{8}{3x}\right)\right).

For small uu, ln(1+u)u\ln(1 + u) \approx u. Substituting ln(1+83x)83x\ln\left(1 + \frac{8}{3x}\right) \approx \frac{8}{3x}: 5xln(1+83x)5x83x=403.-5x \ln\left(1 + \frac{8}{3x}\right) \approx -5x \cdot \frac{8}{3x} = -\frac{40}{3}.

Thus, the expression simplifies to: exp(403).\exp\left(-\frac{40}{3}\right).

Final Answer:

limx(3x+43x4)5x=e403.\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{3x + 4}{3x - 4}\right)^{-5x} = e^{-\frac{40}{3}}.


Do you want a more detailed explanation of any step? Let me know!

Related Questions:

  1. What is the behavior of exponential functions as their power grows?
  2. How can logarithmic approximations help in solving limits?
  3. Why is ln(1+u)u\ln(1 + u) \approx u valid for small uu?
  4. What other cases involve limits with powers that grow large?
  5. How would the solution differ if the power was 5x5x instead of 5x-5x?

Tip:

Always check for approximations (like ln(1+u)u\ln(1 + u) \approx u) and validate their range of validity when solving limits involving exponential or logarithmic expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Logarithmic Approximations
Exponential Functions

Formulas

Logarithmic approximation: \( \ln(1 + u) \approx u \) for small \( u \)
Exponential property: \( a^{b} = \exp(b \ln a) \)

Theorems

Properties of Limits
Logarithmic Approximation Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus