/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 18 In Exercises \(15-36,\) find the... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

In Exercises \(15-36,\) find the limit. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow \infty}\left(4+\frac{3}{x}\right) $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The limit as \(x\) approaches infinity for the function \(4 + \frac{3}{x}\) is 4.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Limit Calculation

As \(x\) approaches infinity, the fraction \(\frac{3}{x}\) will decrease progressively, getting closer and closer to zero. In mathematical terms, the limit of a fraction \(\frac{a}{x}\) as \(x\) approaches infinity is zero, because the denominator grows much larger than the numerator.
02

Applying the Limit Rule

Using the limit rule for the addition of two functions, note that the limit of a sum of functions is the sum of their limits. We can apply this to our function by considering it as the sum of two separate functions: \(4\) and \(\frac{3}{x}\). So, we find the limits of these two components separately.
03

Calculating the Limit of the Constant Part

The constant term here is 4. The limit of a constant as \(x\) approaches any value (including infinity) is always that same constant. Therefore, \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} 4 = 4\).
04

Calculating the Limit of the Fraction Part

We learned in Step 1 that \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{3}{x} = 0\). Because the denominator, \(x\), grows infinitely larger, the overall fraction \(\frac{3}{x}\) becomes negligible and tends toward zero.
05

Summing Up the Limits

Finally, based on Step 2, we need to add the limits of the two functions. Adding up \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} 4\) and \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{3}{x}\), we get \(4 + 0 = 4\). so the overall \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \left(4+\frac{3}{x}\right) = 4\)

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.

Limits in Calculus
Understanding limits is a fundamental component of calculus. A limit describes the behavior of a function as its argument approaches a certain value. In other words, it tells us what the function's output is tending toward without necessarily reaching that value.

For instance, when calculating the limit \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(4+\frac{3}{x})\), we're interested in knowing what happens to the expression as \(x\) gets larger and larger. The key principle here is that as \(x\) approaches an infinite value, the impact of any terms that include \(x\) in the denominator diminishes until they contribute essentially nothing to the overall value of the function. This leads to the intuitive idea that the limit of a function as \(x\) approaches infinity is dominated by the terms that do not vanish—typically constants or terms with highest powers of \(x\) in the numerator.

In our particular problem, the constant term is 4, which remains unaffected by the increase of \(x\), while \(\frac{3}{x}\) approaches zero. The cornerstone of calculus limits is this very ability to discern what happens to functions as they approach specific points, whether at the brink of infinity or a certain real number.
Asymptotic Behavior
The concept of asymptotic behavior examines how a function behaves as it moves toward a specific direction or value, such as infinity. In the realms of calculus, we use it to describe the orientation of a function on a graph as it stretches towards or away from a line or a curve which is called an 'asymptote'.

An asymptote itself isn't necessarily part of the function; it's more like a boundary that the function will endlessly approach but never actually touch or cross. In the example \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(4+\frac{3}{x})\), the function becomes closer and closer to the horizontal line \(y=4\) as \(x\) increases without end. This line, \(y=4\), is a horizontal asymptote of the function \(4+\frac{3}{x}\).

When dealing with asymptotic behavior, particularly towards infinity, constants retain their value, while terms that involve variables escalating to infinity will generally trend towards zero, making them asymptotically insignificant. Understanding this behavior is critical in graphing functions and anticipating their tendencies at extreme values of \(x\).
Constant Function Limit
In the landscape of limits, a constant function presents a straightforward scenario. The limit of a constant function, such as \(f(x) = c\) for any constant \(c\), is always the constant itself, irrespective of the direction in which \(x\) is heading. This holds true even as \(x\) approaches infinity.

Given the exercise \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(4+\frac{3}{x})\), the term '4' is a constant function. As such, its limit is instantly recognizable — \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}4 = 4\). This trait is universal across all constant functions, making them predictable and reliable components within more complex limit calculations. It is this straightforwardness of constant functions that aids in simplifying limits by breaking down complex expressions into manageable terms, allowing for easier determination of their limits as in our step-by-step solution. The important takeaway is that the constant stands firm amidst the variable's journey towards any boundary, finite or infinite.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In Exercises \(75-86\), use a computer algebra system to analyze the graph of the function. Label any extrema and/or asymptotes that exist. $$ f(x)=\frac{x+1}{x^{2}+x+1} $$

Engine Efficiency The efficiency of an internal combustion engine is Efficiency \((\%)=100\left[1-\frac{1}{\left(v_{1} / v_{2}\right)^{c}}\right]\) where \(v_{1} / v_{2}\) is the ratio of the uncompressed gas to the compressed gas and \(c\) is a positive constant dependent on the engine design. Find the limit of the efficiency as the compression ratio approaches infinity.

In Exercises 61 and 62, use a graphing utility to graph the function. Then graph the linear and quadratic approximations \(P_{1}(x)=f(a)+f^{\prime}(a)(x-a)\) and \(P_{2}(x)=f(a)+f^{\prime}(a)(x-a)+\frac{1}{2} f^{\prime \prime}(a)(x-a)^{2}\) in the same viewing window. Compare the values of \(f, P_{1},\) and \(P_{2}\) and their first derivatives at \(x=a .\) How do the approximations change as you move farther away from \(x=a\) ? \(\begin{array}{ll}\text { Function } & \frac{\text { Value of } a}{a} \\\ f(x)=2(\sin x+\cos x) & a=\frac{\pi}{4}\end{array}\)

Average Cost A business has a cost of \(C=0.5 x+500\) for producing \(x\) units. The average cost per unit is \(\bar{C}=\frac{C}{x},\) Find the limit of \(\bar{C}\) as \(x\) approaches infinity.

A light source is located over the center of a circular table of diameter 4 feet (see figure). Find the height \(h\) of the light source such that the illumination \(I\) at the perimeter of the table is maximum if \(I=k(\sin \alpha) / s^{2},\) where \(s\) is the slant height, \(\alpha\) is the angle at which the light strikes the table, and \(k\) is a constant.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.