Chapter 6: Problem 9
Evaluate each limit (or state that it does not exist). $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow-\infty} \frac{1}{x^{3}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function
We have the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x^3} \). As \( x \) approaches \(-\infty\), the term \( x^3 \) becomes very large in magnitude and negative in value.
02
Analyzing the Dominant Term
Since \( x^3 \) dominates in the denominator and grows without bound as \( x \rightarrow -\infty \), the fraction \( \frac{1}{x^3} \) approaches zero.
03
Concluding the Limit
No terms in the numerator change this behavior, so as \( x \rightarrow -\infty \), \( \frac{1}{x^3}
ightarrow 0 \). Thus, the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \(-\infty\) is 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Evaluating Limits
In calculus, evaluating limits is about understanding the behavior of a function as the input approaches a specific value. For instance, in the expression \( \lim_{x \rightarrow -\infty} \frac{1}{x^3} \), we are interested in finding out what happens to \( \frac{1}{x^3} \) when \( x \) becomes infinitely large in the negative direction.
To evaluate such limits, follow these steps:
To evaluate such limits, follow these steps:
- Identify the direction in which \( x \) is approaching. In this case, it is approaching \(-\infty\).
- Consider the overall form of the function. Here, \( \frac{1}{x^3} \) is a rational function with the variable \( x \) in the denominator.
- Analyze how each part of the function changes as \( x \) moves towards the target direction. For our specific function, \( x^3 \) in the denominator increases in magnitude, dominating the behavior as \( x \) approaches \(-\infty\).
Dominant Term Analysis
Dominant term analysis simplifies the process of evaluating limits by focusing on the most influential part of a function. This is particularly useful when one term of the function grows much quicker than the others, as it will dictate the function's behavior.
In our example \( \frac{1}{x^3} \), the term \( x^3 \) in the denominator becomes the dominant term as \( x \rightarrow -\infty \). Here's why:
In our example \( \frac{1}{x^3} \), the term \( x^3 \) in the denominator becomes the dominant term as \( x \rightarrow -\infty \). Here's why:
- As \( x \) takes on large negative values, \( x^3 \) becomes very large negatively, overwhelming any effects from other terms, especially if the numerator is constant or lower order.
- Due to the rapidly increasing size of \( x^3 \), the value of \( \frac{1}{x^3} \) shrinks towards zero, since dividing by a huge number (in magnitude) yields a very small number.
Limits at Infinity
Limits at infinity explore what happens to a function as the input either grows forever in the positive or negative direction. It provides insights into the end behavior of functions.
Consider the limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow -\infty} \frac{1}{x^3} \). As \( x \) becomes more and more negative, we look to see what happens to \( \frac{1}{x^3} \). With limits at infinity:
Consider the limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow -\infty} \frac{1}{x^3} \). As \( x \) becomes more and more negative, we look to see what happens to \( \frac{1}{x^3} \). With limits at infinity:
- The behavior of the dominant term (in this case, \( x^3 \)) as \( x \rightarrow -\infty \) is key to understanding the function's behavior.
- The function \( \frac{1}{x^3} \), which has a denominator growing very large in magnitude but negative, approaches zero. This is due to the magnitude of \( x^3 \) becoming overwhelming compared to the numerator.
- Such limits can help determine horizontal asymptotes or the overall end behavior of functions.