Math Problem Statement

Take the limit using lhopitals and logarithms

Take the limit using L'Hôpital's Rule and logarithms for lim (x -> ∞) (x/(x+1))^x.

Solution

To solve the limit

limx(xx+1)x\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right)^x

using logarithmic and L'Hôpital's Rule, let's break it down into steps.

  1. Rewrite the Expression Using Logarithms: We set y=(xx+1)xy = \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right)^x and take the natural logarithm of both sides to simplify the power:

    lny=xln(xx+1)\ln y = x \ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right)

    Now, we need to evaluate

    limxlny=limxxln(xx+1)\lim_{x \to \infty} \ln y = \lim_{x \to \infty} x \ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right)

  2. Simplify the Logarithmic Term: Rewrite ln(xx+1)\ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right):

    ln(xx+1)=lnxln(x+1)=ln(11x+1)\ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right) = \ln x - \ln(x+1) = \ln \left(1 - \frac{1}{x+1}\right)

    As xx \to \infty, ln(xx+1)\ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right) approaches ln(10)=ln(1)=0\ln(1 - 0) = \ln(1) = 0. However, we need to handle the expression in a way that allows us to evaluate the limit correctly.

  3. Rewrite as a Product Suitable for L'Hôpital's Rule: We have:

    limxxln(xx+1)=limxxln(11x+1)\lim_{x \to \infty} x \ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right) = \lim_{x \to \infty} x \ln \left(1 - \frac{1}{x+1}\right)

    Using the approximation ln(1u)u\ln(1 - u) \approx -u when uu is small, we get:

    ln(11x+1)1x+1\ln \left(1 - \frac{1}{x+1}\right) \approx -\frac{1}{x+1}

    Thus,

    limxxln(xx+1)limxxx+1=1\lim_{x \to \infty} x \ln \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right) \approx \lim_{x \to \infty} -\frac{x}{x+1} = -1

  4. Interpret the Result: Since limxlny=1\lim_{x \to \infty} \ln y = -1, we have:

    lny=1    y=e1=1e\ln y = -1 \implies y = e^{-1} = \frac{1}{e}

Therefore,

limx(xx+1)x=1e\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{x}{x+1}\right)^x = \frac{1}{e}

The final answer is:

1e\frac{1}{e}

Would you like further clarification on any of the steps?


Here are some additional questions to expand on this problem:

  1. What happens if the exponent grows faster or slower than xx?
  2. How can we apply similar techniques to limits with logarithmic or exponential expressions?
  3. What is the significance of the approximation ln(1u)u\ln(1 - u) \approx -u in calculus?
  4. How does this technique apply to expressions involving fractions raised to powers in different contexts?
  5. Can we derive alternative solutions using other forms of L'Hôpital’s Rule?

Tip: Using logarithmic transformations in limit problems involving exponentiation simplifies handling indeterminate forms.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Exponential Functions
Logarithms
L'Hôpital's Rule

Formulas

lim (x -> ∞) (x/(x+1))^x
ln(y) = x * ln(x/(x+1))
ln(1 - u) ≈ -u when u is small

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or college level