Chapter 2: Problem 15
Use the results of this section to evaluate the limit. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \ln \left(\frac{e^{x}-1}{x}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the form
Notice that as \( x \to 0 \), both the numerator \( e^x - 1 \) and the denominator \( x \) approach 0. Thus the limit is initially in the indeterminate form \( \frac{0}{0} \).
02
Expand the expression using series
Use the series expansion for \( e^x \), which is \( e^x = 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2} + \cdots \). Substituting, we get:\[\frac{e^x - 1}{x} = \frac{1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2} - 1}{x} = \frac{x + \frac{x^2}{2}}{x}.\]
03
Simplify the expression
Simplify the expression obtained from the expansion:\[\frac{x + \frac{x^2}{2}}{x} = 1 + \frac{x}{2}.\] Therefore, as \( x \to 0 \), \( \frac{e^x - 1}{x} \to 1.\)
04
Evaluate the natural log
The given limit requires finding \( \ln \left( \frac{e^x - 1}{x} \right) \). Substituting the limit found in step 3, as \( x \to 0 \):\[\ln \left( \frac{e^x - 1}{x} \right) \to \ln(1) = 0.\]
05
Conclusion
Conclude that the limit of the logarithm evaluates to 0 as \( x \) approaches 0. Therefore, \(\lim_{x \to 0} \ln \left( \frac{e^x - 1}{x} \right) = 0.\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
L'Hopital's Rule
When dealing with limits that result in indeterminate forms like \( \frac{0}{0} \), L'Hopital's Rule comes to the rescue. This rule is a tool in calculus that helps evaluate such limits by differentiating the numerator and the denominator. If after trying the substitution the limit still results in \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), L'Hopital's Rule can be applied again. Here’s how it works:
- First, ensure the limit results in an indeterminate form like \( \frac{0}{0} \).
- Differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately.
- Find the limit of the new fraction.
Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms occur in mathematics when substituting variables into a function results in an undefined form. In calculus, common indeterminate forms include \( \frac{0}{0} \), \( \infty - \infty \), \( 0 \times \infty \), and more. These forms are called indeterminate because they do not immediately provide enough information to determine the limit. Here’s why they matter:
- Indeterminate forms indicate uncertainty in the behavior of a function at a point.
- They require special techniques like L'Hopital's Rule or algebraic manipulation to resolve.
- Understanding these forms allows us to approach complex limits methodically.
Series Expansion
Series expansion is a mathematical tool used to represent functions as the sum of an infinite series of terms. One familiar form is the Taylor series, which provides a polynomial approximation of functions around a certain point. Here's how series expansions are used in calculus:
- The exponential function \( e^x \) can be expressed as \( 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots \).
- This expansion is particularly useful for approximations when \( x \) is near 0, simplifying limits and derivatives.
- Complex problems can be tackled by substituting the series into the function to simplify or investigate behavior.