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\(5-64\) Find the limit. Use I'Hospital's Rule where appropriate. If there is a more elementary method, consider using it. If l'Hospital's Rule doesn't apply, explain why. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{e^{x}}{x^{3}}$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The limit is \( \infty \).

Step by step solution

01

Determine if the form is indeterminate

Evaluate the expression \( \frac{e^x}{x^3} \) as \( x \to \infty \). Exponential \( e^x \) grows much faster than polynomial \( x^3 \), but let's first confirm if it is in an indeterminate form such as \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \). As \( x \to \infty \), both \( e^x \to \infty \) and \( x^3 \to \infty \). Thus, this is an \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \) form.
02

Apply L'Hospital's Rule

Since the limit is of the form \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), we can use L'Hospital's Rule. Differentiate the numerator and denominator separately. The derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \), and the derivative of \( x^3 \) is \( 3x^2 \). Therefore, the limit becomes: \[ \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{x^3} = \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{3x^2}. \] Again, this is \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), so apply L'Hospital's Rule again.
03

Apply L'Hospital's Rule Again

Differentiate the numerator and denominator again. The derivative of \( e^x \) remains \( e^x \), and the derivative of \( 3x^2 \) is \( 6x \). Therefore, the limit becomes: \[ \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{3x^2} = \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{6x}. \] Still indeterminate \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), so apply L'Hospital's Rule once more.
04

Final Application of L'Hospital's Rule

Differentiating again, the derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \), and the derivative of \( 6x \) is \( 6 \). Thus, the limit becomes: \[ \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{6x} = \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{6}. \] Since the numerator \( e^x \to \infty \) while the denominator \( 6 \) is constant, the limit diverges to \( \infty \).
05

Conclusion

The limit \( \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{e^x}{x^3} \) evaluates to \( \infty \) since exponential growth outpaces polynomial growth.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Limits in Calculus
In calculus, limits help us understand the behavior of functions as they approach specific points or infinity. Limits are foundational in calculus, especially when evaluating how functions behave when approaching a boundary. In the problem, we are analyzing the limit as \( x \to \infty \) for the function \( \frac{e^x}{x^3} \). This expression shows behavior at infinity and allows us to apply L'Hospital's Rule, a powerful tool in calculus.

**When to Use L'Hospital's Rule:**
  • L'Hospital's Rule applies when the limit is of an indeterminate form such as \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \).
  • It involves differentiating the numerator and denominator until the indeterminate form is resolved.
Applying limits and L'Hospital's Rule can simplify complex expressions, making it easier to understand how functions behave under extreme conditions such as at infinity.
Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms occur in calculus when an expression does not have a clear arithmetic result. Common forms are \( \frac{\infty}{\infty}, \frac{0}{0}, \infty - \infty, 0 \times \infty, \text{and} \infty^0 \). Each represents a scenario where algebraic manipulation or calculus tools, like L'Hospital's Rule, are necessary.

**Characteristics of Indeterminate Forms:**
  • The two most common are \( \frac{0}{0} \) and \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \).
  • These forms signal that direct substitution or evaluation isn't possible.
In our exercise, the form \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \) arises when both \( e^x \) and \( x^3 \) grow towards infinity as \( x \to \infty \). L'Hospital's Rule can be repeatedly applied until an indeterminate form is resolved, allowing us to find the limit or conclude divergence.
Exponential Growth vs Polynomial Growth
Exponential and polynomial growth differ significantly, especially as \( x \to \infty \). Exponential growth functions like \( e^x \) increase far more rapidly than polynomial functions like \( x^3 \). Here's why:

**Comparison:**
  • Exponential functions have the form \( e^x \), where 'e' is Euler's number, and their growth is proportional to their size, leading to rapid increases.
  • Polynomial functions such as \( x^3 \) grow at a rate determined by their highest power.
  • At larger values of \( x \), exponentials will always eventually exceed polynomials in growth.
In the given exercise, \( e^x \) clearly outpaces \( x^3 \) as \( x \to \infty \). This understanding allows us to predict that the limit \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{e^x}{x^3} \) diverges to infinity because the exponential growth dominates.

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