L'Hospital's Rule -X to the power of X

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression \(x^x\) as \(x\) approaches \(0^{+}\). Participants are exploring the application of L'Hospital's Rule and the properties of logarithms in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the natural logarithm of the expression and applying L'Hospital's Rule to evaluate the limit. There are questions about the steps taken and whether the final conversion back to the original form was properly executed.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the necessary steps to return to the original equation after applying logarithms. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the limit and its evaluation, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of logarithmic properties and the final steps in the limit evaluation process. Participants are also considering the continuity of the logarithmic function in their reasoning.

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Homework Statement


[itex]Lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}X^{x}[/itex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]ln(x^{x})=xln(x)=\frac{ln(x)}{x^{-1}}[/itex]

Take the derivative of the top and bottom -

[itex]\frac{x^{-1}}{-x^{-2}}=\frac{-x^{2}}{x}[/itex]

So, we're left with: [itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}-x[/itex]

So, the answer would be 0, right? Where di I mess up? My book says the answer should be 1.
 
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Since you used the ln to both sides, I think you forgot the last step to go back to the original equation and plug in the limit answer zero and hence e^0 = 1
 
Astrum said:

Homework Statement


[itex]Lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}X^{x}[/itex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]ln(x^{x})=xln(x)=\frac{ln(x)}{x^{-1}}[/itex]

Take the derivative of the top and bottom -

[itex]\frac{x^{-1}}{-x^{-2}}=\frac{-x^{2}}{x}[/itex]

So, we're left with: [itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}-x[/itex]

So, the answer would be 0, right? Where di I mess up? My book says the answer should be 1.

You forgot to do something. You took the ln, now to balance it out you have to raise something ;)
 
Ah, so, we take e to the power of - [itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}-x[/itex]

So you cancel out the ln?
 
Astrum said:
Ah, so, we take e to the power of - [itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0^{+}}-x[/itex]

So you cancel out the ln?

No, you started with x^x and then converted it to e^xlnx and then you evaluated the limit of xlnx using lhospitals rule

so that limit was zero hence you have e^0 which is 1 hence x^x as x approaches 0 is 1.
 
jedishrfu said:
No, you started with x^x and then converted it to e^xlnx and then you evaluated the limit of xlnx using lhospitals rule

so that limit was zero hence you have e^0 which is 1 hence x^x as x approaches 0 is 1.

Understood. Thanks.
 
Another way of saying this is that you started with xx but then changed to y= ln(xx)= x ln(x). So what you found was that y[/b[ goes to 0. Because ln(x) is a continuous function that is the same as saying that ln(L)= 0 where "L" is the limit you are actually seeking. And, of course, ln(1)= 0 so L= 1.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Another way of saying this is that you started with xx but then changed to y= ln(xx)= x ln(x). So what you found was that y[/b[ goes to 0. Because ln(x) is a continuous function that is the same as saying that ln(L)= 0 where "L" is the limit you are actually seeking. And, of course, ln(1)= 0 so L= 1.


Well, I thought of it like this: [itex]x=e^{ln(x)}[/itex]

This is ok, right?
 
Astrum said:
Well, I thought of it like this: [itex]x=e^{ln(x)}[/itex]

This is ok, right?

Yes, x = e ^ lnx andtherefore x^x = e ^xlnx
 

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