Chapter 1: Problem 33
Find the limits. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow-\infty} \frac{1-e^{x}}{1+e^{x}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Substitute a Limit Approach Direction
To solve the limit \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{1 - e^x}{1 + e^x} \), we need to understand the behavior of the expression as \( x \) approaches \( -\infty \). This means substituting values that make \( x \) very negative and observe the behavior.
02
Analyze Exponential Behavior
As \( x \to -\infty \), the exponential function \( e^x \) approaches 0 because \( e^x \) grows rapidly towards zero for very negative values of \( x \). Therefore, \( e^x \approx 0 \).
03
Simplify the Expression
Replace \( e^x \) with 0 in the limit expression to approximate the behavior:\[\frac{1 - e^x}{1 + e^x} \approx \frac{1 - 0}{1 + 0} = \frac{1}{1}\]This simplifies to 1.
04
Conclude the Limit
Since as \( x \to -\infty \), \( e^x \to 0 \), the limit simplifies directly:\[\lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{1 - e^x}{1 + e^x} = 1\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form \( f(x) = a \, e^{bx} \), where \( e \) is approximately equal to 2.71828, and it is known as Euler's number. The values \( a \) and \( b \) are constants that control the function's base and growth rate, respectively. A key characteristic of exponential functions is their rapid growth.
- If \( b > 0 \), the function grows exponentially as \( x \) increases, meaning it gets larger very quickly.
- If \( b < 0 \), as in our problem where \( e^x \) is considered with \( x \to -\infty \), the function decreases rapidly approaching zero.
Limits at Infinity
When considering a function's behavior as \( x \) approaches infinity (or negative infinity), we are analyzing its limit at infinity. It involves observing how the function behaves for extremely large positive or negative values of \( x \).
- The limit informs us about the end behavior of a function, describing what the values of the function approach as \( x \) heads towards infinity or negative infinity.
- Mathematically, for the expression \( \lim_{x \rightarrow -\infty} \frac{1 - e^{x}}{1 + e^{x}} \), the challenge is to find out what happens to the entire expression as \( x \) keeps decreasing.
Behavior of Exponential Functions
The behavior of exponential functions is generally characterized by their base \( e \) and the exponent’s influence. As noted, exponential functions like \( e^x \) increase or decrease based on the sign of the exponent. Here are key aspects:
- Positive Exponents: They result in a rapid increase, where the function grows significantly larger as \( x \) becomes larger.
- Negative Exponents: They lead to a sharp decrease, causing the function to approach zero, as observed in \( e^x \) when \( x \to -\infty \).