Chapter 5: Problem 38
Show that one of the limits \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0+} f(x)\) and \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0-} f(x)\) of the function $$ f(x)=e^{1 / x} $$ at 0 is infinite and one is finite. What can you say about the limits $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} f(x) \text { and } \lim _{x \rightarrow-\infty} f(x) ? $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Analyze the behavior as x approaches 0 from the right
Conclude the limit from the right
Analyze the behavior as x approaches 0 from the left
Conclude the limit from the left
Consider the limit as x approaches infinity
Determine the limit at infinity
Consider the limit as x approaches negative infinity
Determine the limit at negative infinity
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
One-Sided Limits
- From the right (\(x \to 0^+\)): As \(x\) is a small positive number, \(1/x\) becomes very large. This makes \(e^{1/x}\) increase rapidly. Therefore, the limit \(\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) = \infty\), indicating an infinite limit on this side.
- From the left (\(x \to 0^-\)): As \(x\) is a small negative number, \(1/x\) becomes a large negative value. In this case, \(e^{1/x}\) diminishes to zero. Therefore, \(\lim_{x \to 0^-} f(x) = 0\), reflecting a finite limit on this side.
Infinite Limits
With \(f(x) = e^{1/x}\), the limit \(\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) = \infty\) is a typical case of an infinite limit as \(x\) approaches 0 from the right. This infinite behavior emerges from the exponential function, \(e^{1/x}\), where \(1/x\) turns into an extensive positive value.
Such behavior is crucial in understanding asymmetrical properties in functions and how they diverge towards infinity on approaching certain values.
Behavior of Exponential Functions
- If the exponent is positive, \(e^x\) grows quickly.
- If the exponent is negative, \(e^x\) rapidly approaches zero.
For \(f(x) = e^{1/x}\),
- When \(x\) is positive, \(1/x\) is positive, leading \(e^{1/x}\) to grow.
- When \(x\) is negative, \(1/x\) is negative, causing \(e^{1/x}\) to shrink towards zero.
Limits at Infinity
- As \(x \rightarrow \infty\), \(1/x\) approaches zero from the positive side. Hence, \(f(x)\) simplifies to \(e^0 = 1\). This provides \(\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 1\).
- As \(x\rightarrow -\infty\), \(1/x\) also trends towards zero, though from the negative side. Still, \(f(x)\) evaluates to \(e^0 = 1\). This means \(\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 1\).