Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the following limits: (a) lim (x → +∞) 4 / (e^x - 3), (b) lim (x → -∞) 4 / (e^x - 3).

Solution

Let's evaluate both limits presented in the image.

(a) limx+4ex3\lim_{{x \to +\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3}

  1. As x+x \to +\infty, the exponential term exe^x grows extremely large, far outpacing the constant 3-3. So we approximate:

    ex3exfor very large x.e^x - 3 \approx e^x \quad \text{for very large } x.

  2. Therefore, the expression simplifies to:

    limx+4ex3limx+4ex.\lim_{{x \to +\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3} \approx \lim_{{x \to +\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x}.

  3. Since ex+e^x \to +\infty as x+x \to +\infty, the fraction approaches:

    4ex0.\frac{4}{e^x} \to 0.

Thus, the limit for part (a) is:

limx+4ex3=0.\lim_{{x \to +\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3} = 0.


(b) limx4ex3\lim_{{x \to -\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3}

  1. As xx \to -\infty, the exponential ex0e^x \to 0, because exe^x decays to 0 for negative values of xx. So we have:

    ex33for very negative x.e^x - 3 \approx -3 \quad \text{for very negative } x.

  2. Therefore, the limit becomes:

    limx4ex3limx43.\lim_{{x \to -\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3} \approx \lim_{{x \to -\infty}} \frac{4}{-3}.

  3. Simplifying:

    43=43.\frac{4}{-3} = -\frac{4}{3}.

Thus, the limit for part (b) is:

limx4ex3=43.\lim_{{x \to -\infty}} \frac{4}{e^x - 3} = -\frac{4}{3}.


If you have any questions or would like further explanation, feel free to ask!

Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the general behavior of exponential functions as x+x \to +\infty and xx \to -\infty?
  2. How does adding or subtracting constants affect the behavior of limits involving exponentials?
  3. Can you apply L'Hôpital's Rule to evaluate limits involving exponentials? Why or why not in this case?
  4. What other common functions behave similarly to exponentials at infinity?
  5. How would the limit change if the exponent were negative, i.e., exe^{-x}?

Tip: Exponential functions grow faster than polynomials and constant terms as x+x \to +\infty, which is helpful for evaluating limits.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Exponential Functions
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

lim (x → +∞) 1/e^x = 0
lim (x → -∞) e^x = 0

Theorems

Limit Theorem for Exponentials

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12, Early College