Chapter 11: Problem 41
The value of \(\lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{3^{x+1}-5^{x+1}}{3^{x}-5^{x}}\) is (A) 5 (B) \(\frac{1}{5}\) (C) \(-5\) (D) None of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
(A) 5
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the Expression
Consider the expression \(\frac{3^{x+1} - 5^{x+1}}{3^x - 5^x}\). The terms \(3^{x+1}\) and \(5^{x+1}\) can be rewritten using the property of exponents. Hence, \(3^{x+1} = 3 \cdot 3^x\) and \(5^{x+1} = 5 \cdot 5^x\). Substituting these back into the expression, we have \(\frac{3 \cdot 3^x - 5 \cdot 5^x}{3^x - 5^x}\).
02
Factor Out the Dominant Term
As \(x\) approaches infinity, the term \(5^x\) dominates because it grows faster than \(3^x\). Therefore, we should factor \(5^x\) out from both the numerator and the denominator. The expression becomes \(\frac{5^x(3 \cdot \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x - 5)}{5^x(\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x - 1)}\). Cancel \(5^x\) from the numerator and the denominator.
03
Evaluate the New Expression as \(x\) Approaches Infinity
The expression simplifies to \(\frac{3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x - 5}{\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x - 1}\). As \(x\) approaches infinity, \(\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x\) approaches 0 because \(\frac{3}{5} < 1\). Substitute 0 for \(\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x\), resulting in \(\frac{3 \cdot 0 - 5}{0 - 1}\).
04
Simplify the Result
The expression simplifies to \(\frac{0 - 5}{0 - 1} = \frac{-5}{-1} = 5\). Thus, the value of the limit is 5.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Dominant Term
In calculus, especially when dealing with limits as a variable approaches infinity, one term in an expression can often have a significantly larger impact than others. This is what we refer to as the "dominant term."
- For example, if you have an expression that involves powers of a number, the term with the largest base raised to a power often dominates the others as the variable grows.
- In the given problem, we compare two terms:
- \(3^x\) and \(5^x\).
Exponential Growth
Exponential growth describes situations where quantities increase rapidly based on their size. In mathematical terms, an exponential function is characterized by a constant ratio of growth against another term or function.
- The term \(3^x\) represents exponential growth, but with a base of 3.
- The term \(5^x\) also exhibits exponential growth but with a base of 5.
- A higher base in an exponential function means faster growth as the exponent increases.
Infinity in Calculus
Infinity in calculus is a concept that deals with what happens to functions and expressions as variables grow larger and larger, beyond any finite limits.
- When you evaluate a limit as \(x\) approaches infinity, you essentially examine the behavior of the expression for very large values of \(x\).
- This often involves simplifying expressions to determine what term dictates the overall behavior.
- Because \(\frac{3}{5} < 1\), this term approaches zero as \(x\) approaches infinity.