Chapter 2: Problem 43
Prove that $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \ln x=-\infty$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
As \( x \rightarrow 0^{+} \), \( \ln x \) decreases indefinitely, thus \( \lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \ln x = -\infty \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Limit Expression
The expression \( \lim _{x \rightarrow 0^{+}} \ln x = -\infty \) means we need to show that as \( x \) approaches 0 from the positive side, the value of \( \ln x \) decreases without bound (becomes infinitely negative). This involves evaluating how \( \ln x \) behaves as \( x \) gets closer to 0.
02
Analyze the Behavior of the Natural Logarithm Function
The natural logarithm function \( \ln x \) is only defined for positive values of \( x \). As \( x \) approaches positive values closer to 0, \( \ln x \) drops sharply. Observationally, we can note that \( \ln x \) becomes more and more negative as \( x \) decreases towards 0.
03
Argue using the Properties of Natural Logarithm
For \( 0 < x < 1 \), the value of \( \ln x \) is negative because the natural log of numbers between 0 and 1 is negative. More formally, notice that \( \ln(x) \) is the inverse of the exponential function; therefore as \( x \rightarrow 0^{+} \), \( e^{\ln x} \rightarrow 0 \). Both \( \ln(1) = 0 \) and as \( x \) moves closer to 0, the slope of \( \ln x \) causes it to drop infinitely negatively.
04
Apply a Formal Limit Approach
Consider any large negative number \( N \). We need to show that there exists a positive \( \delta \) such that for all \( 0 < x < \delta \), \( \ln x < N \). Take \( \delta = e^N \). For any \( 0 < x < \delta \), we have \( 0 < x < e^N \) implying \( \ln x < N \), since \( \ln(e^N) = N \). This confirms that \( \ln x \rightarrow -\infty \) as \( x \rightarrow 0^{+} \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm, represented as \( \ln x \), is a fundamental mathematical function widely used in calculus and many fields of science and engineering. Let's break this down further to understand its special characteristics:
- Definition and Domain: The natural logarithm is only defined for positive values of \( x \). This means \( \ln x \) can be used only when \( x > 0 \).
- Inverse Property: The natural logarithm is the inverse of the exponential function (i.e., \( e^{y} = x \) implies \( y = \ln x \)). This relationship is key to understanding the behavior of logarithmic functions.
- Slope and Growth: For values of \( x \) between 0 and 1, \( \ln x \) is negative, and as \( x \) decreases towards zero, \( \ln x \) decreases rapidly. This results in a steep negative slope as you move leftward towards zero.
Limits at Infinity
Calculus often deals with limits, which describe the behavior of a function as \( x \) approaches a certain value or infinity. Let's dive into what limits at infinity entail:
- Concept: The notation \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \) or \( \lim_{x \to 0^{+}} \) indicates we are interested in the behavior of a function as \( x \) becomes very large, or very close to zero, respectively.
- Natural Logarithm and Infinity: For the natural logarithm \( \ln x \), as \( x \to \infty \), \( \ln x \to \infty \). Conversely, as \( x \to 0^{+} \), \( \ln x \) goes to \(-\infty\).
Behavior as x Approaches Zero
Understanding how functions behave as \( x \) approaches zero is essential in calculus. It gives insight into the limiting behavior and helps solve many mathematical problems.
- Approaching Zero from Positive Side: When we examine the limit \( \lim_{x \to 0^{+}} \ln x \), we focus on \( x \) reducing towards 0 from the positive side.
- Function Behavior: As \( x \) approaches zero, \( \ln x \) drops sharply towards negative infinity since the natural log of numbers less than one is negative.
- Mathematical Proof: By picking any large negative number \( N \) and setting \( \delta = e^N \), we prove that for any \( x < \delta \), \( \ln x \) becomes smaller than \( N \). Hence, it drops beyond any bound as \( x \to 0^{+} \).