Chapter 2: Problem 43
Prove that \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \ln x=-\infty\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
As \(x\) approaches 0 from the positive side, \(\ln x\) goes to \(-\infty\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Definition of the Limit
To show that the limit is \(-\infty\), we are essentially proving that as \(x \rightarrow 0^{+}\), the natural logarithm \(\ln x\) decreases without bound. This involves showing that for every large negative number \(L\), there exists a \(\delta > 0\) such that whenever \(0 < x < \delta\), \(\ln x < L\).
02
Choose a Large Negative Number
Let \(L\) be any large negative number. Our goal is to find a \(\delta > 0\) such that whenever \(0 < x < \delta\), the inequality \(\ln x < L\) holds. This essentially means we need to determine the condition on \(x\) for which the natural log becomes smaller than our chosen \(L\).
03
Solving the Inequality ln(x) < L
Start by solving the inequality \(\ln x < L\). Exponentiate both sides to eliminate the logarithm: \((e^{\ln x}=e^L)\), giving us \(x < e^L\). For \(L < 0\), \(e^L\) is a positive number less than 1. This implies that if we choose \(\delta = e^L\), for any \(0 < x < \delta\), \(\ln x < L\) holds true.
04
Conclusion of the Limit
Since for any large negative number \(L\), we can always choose \(\delta = e^L\) such that the inequality \(\ln x < L\) is satisfied whenever \(0 < x < \delta\), we have shown that as \(x\) approaches 0 from the positive side, \(\ln x\) decreases without bound. Thus, \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \ln x=-\infty\).
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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, often denoted as \( \ln x \), is a special logarithmic function with base \( e \), where \( e \approx 2.71828 \). It's called "natural" because it appears frequently in mathematics and natural sciences.
The natural logarithm has unique properties:
In the context of limits, understanding how \( \ln x \) behaves as \( x \) approaches zero from the right (\( x \rightarrow 0^{+} \)) is crucial. Here, the logarithmic function decreases rapidly towards negative infinity, as shown in the provided step-by-step solution.
The natural logarithm has unique properties:
- It is undefined for negative numbers and zero.
- \( \ln 1 = 0 \) because \( e^0 = 1 \).
- As \( x \) increases, \( \ln x \) also increases.
- The domain of \( \ln x \) is \( x > 0 \).
In the context of limits, understanding how \( \ln x \) behaves as \( x \) approaches zero from the right (\( x \rightarrow 0^{+} \)) is crucial. Here, the logarithmic function decreases rapidly towards negative infinity, as shown in the provided step-by-step solution.
Limit at a Point
The concept of a "limit at a point" is fundamental in calculus. It describes the behavior of a function as the input approaches a particular value. This involves examining the function values as they get arbitrarily close to a target point.
- If as \( x \to c \), \( f(x) \) approaches a specific number \( L \), we say the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( c \) is \( L \).
- Notation: \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = L \).
- Limits can exist even if \( f(x) \) is not defined at \( c \).
Exponential Function
The exponential function is a mathematical function represented by \( e^x \), where \( e \) is Euler's number, approximately 2.71828.
It provides the inverse function to the natural logarithm. In other words, if \( y = e^x \), then the natural logarithm gives \( \ln y = x \).
It provides the inverse function to the natural logarithm. In other words, if \( y = e^x \), then the natural logarithm gives \( \ln y = x \).
- Rapid growth: As \( x \) increases, \( e^x \) grows exponentially.
- Always positive: Regardless of \( x \), \( e^x > 0 \).
- The derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \) itself, showing its self-replicating rate of change.