Compute Limit w/ L'Hospital: Is This Right?

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In summary, the limit of (1 + 3x)^{3/x} as x approaches 0 can be rewritten as e^9 using the definition of the exponential function.
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Homework Statement


Compute the limit [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} (1 + 3x)^{3/x}[/tex].

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} (1 + 3x)^{3/x} = \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} e^{\frac{3}{x} \ln (1 + 3x)}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{3}{x} \ln (1 + 3x) = 3 \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{ln (1 + 3x)}{x}[/tex]
[tex]= 3 \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\frac{3}{1 + 3x}}{1}[/tex]
[tex]= 3 \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{3}{1 + 3x}[/tex]
[tex]=9[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} (1 + 3x)^{3/x} = e^9[/tex]

I just need to know if this is right.
 
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  • #2
It is just fine.
 
  • #3
The answer is right. Just plug in .01 or .001 into the limit using the calculator and compare it to the exact value.
 
  • #4
Or You could have manipulated the definition of the exponential: [tex]e^a=\lim_{x \rightarrow \inf} (1+\frac{a}{x})^x[/tex]

Rewrite [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} (1 + 3x)^{3/x}[/tex] as [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} (1 + \frac{3}{1/x})^{3(1/x)}[/tex]
The limit of 1/x as 0 approaches zero is the same as x appracohes infinity. So we can rewrite the limit as
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \inf} (1 + 3/x)^{3x} = \lim_{x \rightarrow \inf}( (1 + 3/x)^x )^3[/tex] which is the definiton of e^3, then cubed, getting out e^9 as required.
 
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1. What is the compute limit with L'Hospital's rule?

The compute limit with L'Hospital's rule is a mathematical method used to evaluate the limit of a function that is in an indeterminate form, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. It involves taking the derivative of the numerator and denominator and then evaluating the limit again.

2. When should I use L'Hospital's rule to compute a limit?

L'Hospital's rule should only be used when the limit of a function is in an indeterminate form. It is important to first check if the limit can be evaluated using simpler algebraic or trigonometric methods before resorting to L'Hospital's rule.

3. What are the conditions for using L'Hospital's rule?

The conditions for using L'Hospital's rule are that the limit must be in an indeterminate form, the limit must involve a quotient of two functions, and the limit must approach 0 or ∞. Additionally, the functions in the numerator and denominator must be differentiable at the point of evaluation.

4. Can L'Hospital's rule be used for any type of function?

No, L'Hospital's rule can only be used for functions that are differentiable. It cannot be used for functions with discontinuities, corners, or vertical asymptotes.

5. How do I know if my answer using L'Hospital's rule is correct?

To ensure the correctness of your answer using L'Hospital's rule, you can check the limit using other methods, such as graphing or plugging in values, or by checking the answer with a calculator. It is also important to double check your algebraic manipulations to avoid any errors.

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