Chapter 10: Problem 17
Find the limit, if it exists. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow+x} x^{1 / x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Limit Setup
The problem asks us to find the limit \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} x^{1/x} \). This expression means we are assessing how the function \( x^{1/x} \) behaves as \( x \) becomes very large (approaches infinity).
02
Consider a Substitution
To better handle the expression \( x^{1/x} \), we perform a substitution by letting \( y = x^{1/x} \). Taking the natural logarithm of both sides gives \( \ln y = \frac{1}{x} \ln x \). Our goal is to find \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} y \), which is equivalent to finding \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} e^{rac{1}{x} \ln x} \).
03
Limit of the Logarithmic Expression
Evaluate \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} \). As \( x \) approaches infinity, \( \ln x \) grows slower than \( x \), suggesting the limit of this ratio approaches 0. Formally, this is expressed as \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = 0 \). This can also be verified using L'Hôpital's Rule by differentiating the numerator and the denominator.
04
Apply the Exponential Function
Since \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = 0 \), the limit of our original expression becomes \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} e^{\frac{\ln x}{x}} = e^0 = 1 \). Thus, the limit of \( x^{1/x} \) as \( x \) approaches infinity is 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm is a fundamental mathematical function denoted as \( \ln(x) \). It is the inverse of the exponential function with base \( e \), where \( e \approx 2.71828 \), known as Euler's number. The natural logarithm has the unique property that \( \ln(e^x) = x \) for any real number \( x \).
Using the natural logarithm can simplify problem-solving, especially in calculus. When faced with expressions like \( x^{1/x} \), taking their natural logarithm can transform them into a more manageable form, making it easier to analyze limits and perform differentiation and integration.
- Any logarithm function grows relatively slow compared to polynomial or exponential functions.- For large values of \( x \), \( \ln(x) \) increases, but its rate of increase diminishes, which is crucial when evaluating limits.- The properties of the natural logarithm help us solve limits like \( \lim_{x \rightarrow +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} \), which plays a role in exercises such as the one given.
Using the natural logarithm can simplify problem-solving, especially in calculus. When faced with expressions like \( x^{1/x} \), taking their natural logarithm can transform them into a more manageable form, making it easier to analyze limits and perform differentiation and integration.
- Any logarithm function grows relatively slow compared to polynomial or exponential functions.- For large values of \( x \), \( \ln(x) \) increases, but its rate of increase diminishes, which is crucial when evaluating limits.- The properties of the natural logarithm help us solve limits like \( \lim_{x \rightarrow +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} \), which plays a role in exercises such as the one given.
L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule is a powerful tool in calculus used to find limits that present an indeterminate form such as \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \). This rule allows us to differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately to simplify the limit calculation.
- It applies when the original function results in an indeterminate form. By differentiating, we often bypass the complexities of algebraic simplification.- For the limit \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} \), since both \( \ln x \) and \( x \) individually approach infinity, the expression \( \frac{\ln x}{x} \) falls into this category.- After differentiating, we get \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\frac{1}{x}}{1} = \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{1}{x} = 0 \), simplifying the limit expression significantly. This illustrates how L'Hôpital's Rule efficiently deals with seemingly complex limits.
- It applies when the original function results in an indeterminate form. By differentiating, we often bypass the complexities of algebraic simplification.- For the limit \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} \), since both \( \ln x \) and \( x \) individually approach infinity, the expression \( \frac{\ln x}{x} \) falls into this category.- After differentiating, we get \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\frac{1}{x}}{1} = \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{1}{x} = 0 \), simplifying the limit expression significantly. This illustrates how L'Hôpital's Rule efficiently deals with seemingly complex limits.
Exponential Function
The exponential function is represented by \( e^x \), where \( e \) is Euler's number. This function rapidly increases as \( x \) grows larger, showcasing exponential growth.
- In the original problem, we transformed the expression \( x^{1/x} \) into \( y = e^{\frac{1}{x} \ln x} \). This transformation is crucial as it connects the solution to the behavior of exponential functions.- Due to the limit \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = 0 \), we apply this result to the exponential function: \( e^0 = 1 \).- Such a simplification shows how the exponential function reacts to inputs, leading to the conclusion that \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} x^{1/x} = 1 \).- Understanding this connection highlights the exponential function's role in solving complex limits by turning products or quotients into easier-to-interpret expressions.
- In the original problem, we transformed the expression \( x^{1/x} \) into \( y = e^{\frac{1}{x} \ln x} \). This transformation is crucial as it connects the solution to the behavior of exponential functions.- Due to the limit \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln x}{x} = 0 \), we apply this result to the exponential function: \( e^0 = 1 \).- Such a simplification shows how the exponential function reacts to inputs, leading to the conclusion that \( \lim_{x \to +\infty} x^{1/x} = 1 \).- Understanding this connection highlights the exponential function's role in solving complex limits by turning products or quotients into easier-to-interpret expressions.