Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the following limit: lim (x→∞) (-3x^4 + 4x^3 + 8x^2 - 8x) / (4x^3 - 7x^2 + 4x - 3)

Solution

The given limit is:

limx3x4+4x3+8x28x4x37x2+4x3\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-3x^4 + 4x^3 + 8x^2 - 8x}{4x^3 - 7x^2 + 4x - 3}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Identify the highest powers of xx:

    • In the numerator, the highest power of xx is x4x^4.
    • In the denominator, the highest power of xx is x3x^3.
  2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by x4x^4:

limx3x4+4x3+8x28x4x37x2+4x3=limx3x4x4+4x3x4+8x2x48xx44x3x47x2x4+4xx43x4\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-3x^4 + 4x^3 + 8x^2 - 8x}{4x^3 - 7x^2 + 4x - 3} = \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{\frac{-3x^4}{x^4} + \frac{4x^3}{x^4} + \frac{8x^2}{x^4} - \frac{8x}{x^4}}{\frac{4x^3}{x^4} - \frac{7x^2}{x^4} + \frac{4x}{x^4} - \frac{3}{x^4}}

  1. Simplify each term:

    • Numerator: 3x4x4+4x3x4+8x2x48xx4=3+4x+8x28x3\frac{-3x^4}{x^4} + \frac{4x^3}{x^4} + \frac{8x^2}{x^4} - \frac{8x}{x^4} = -3 + \frac{4}{x} + \frac{8}{x^2} - \frac{8}{x^3}
    • Denominator: 4x3x47x2x4+4xx43x4=4x7x2+4x33x4\frac{4x^3}{x^4} - \frac{7x^2}{x^4} + \frac{4x}{x^4} - \frac{3}{x^4} = \frac{4}{x} - \frac{7}{x^2} + \frac{4}{x^3} - \frac{3}{x^4}
  2. Take the limit as xx \to \infty:

    • As xx \to \infty, all terms involving 1xn\frac{1}{x^n} (for n1n \geq 1) approach 0.
    • So, the numerator approaches 3-3 and the denominator approaches 00.
  3. Conclusion: The numerator approaches a non-zero value 3-3, while the denominator approaches 0, which indicates that the limit tends to infinity (specifically negative infinity).

limx3x4+4x3+8x28x4x37x2+4x3=\lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{-3x^4 + 4x^3 + 8x^2 - 8x}{4x^3 - 7x^2 + 4x - 3} = -\infty

Would you like further explanation or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How does dividing by the highest power of xx help in solving limits?
  2. What is the significance of a rational function's degrees in determining the behavior at infinity?
  3. What happens if the highest powers in the numerator and denominator are equal?
  4. How does the limit change if the leading coefficient in the numerator was positive?
  5. Can L'Hopital's Rule be applied to this problem? Why or why not?

Tip: When evaluating limits involving rational functions as xx \to \infty, focusing on the highest degree terms simplifies the analysis.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Rational Functions
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

Divide by highest power of x
Limit as x approaches infinity

Theorems

Limits of Rational Functions
Asymptotic Behavior Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12