Understanding L'Hopital's Rule and Limits at Infinity

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In summary, the given limit is of the form infinity/infinity, which can be evaluated using L'Hopital's rule. After multiple applications, the limit becomes 0 because exponentials grow much faster than polynomials. Therefore, the answer is zero.
  • #1
ada0713
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Homework Statement



Lim[x to infinity] (X^1000+10)/(e^x+1)

It seems like the answer is zero but I'm not exactly sure why it is.
if you use lhopital's rule you get both numerator and demoniator huge numbers
(or is it right that if you take the derivative for both of them you get a constant
on the top and infinity at the bottom?)

Please help me!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
from what I'm seeing

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{x^{1000}+1}{e^{x}+1}[/tex]

correct?

so we have infinity/infinity and thus we can apply L'Hopital's method. well from what you said, it's true, we will get huge numbers on the numerator but if we do this 1000 times, we'll eventually get

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{1000!}{e^{x}}[/tex]

our limit is 0 b/c the derivative of e is simply itself.
 
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  • #3
l'hopital's rule is if the numerator and denominator both go to infinity or 0 then if you take the limit of there ration it's equal to the limit of the ratio of there derivatives. In this case both numerator and denominator go to infinity so you can use this rule.
 
  • #4
Thanks:)
 
  • #5
Exponentials grow much faster than any finite polynomial. It's not so easy to actually calculate when the denominator becomes larger than the numerator (You need to use the Lambert W function), but as long as we know exponentials grow faster than polynomials, as x --> infinity the quotient goes to 0.
 

FAQ: Understanding L'Hopital's Rule and Limits at Infinity

What is L'Hopital's Rule and when is it used?

L'Hopital's Rule is a mathematical technique used to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms, where both the numerator and denominator of a fraction approach 0 or infinity. It is often used in calculus to simplify complex limits and determine their values.

How does L'Hopital's Rule work?

L'Hopital's Rule states that if the limit of a fraction is indeterminate, then the limit of the derivative of both the numerator and denominator will have the same value. This means that by taking the derivative of both the numerator and denominator, the limit can be simplified and evaluated.

Can L'Hopital's Rule be used for all indeterminate forms?

No, L'Hopital's Rule can only be used for indeterminate forms of 0/0 or infinity/infinity. It cannot be applied to other indeterminate forms such as 0*infinity or infinity - infinity.

Are there any limitations to using L'Hopital's Rule?

Yes, L'Hopital's Rule can only be used when the limit in question is a one-sided limit, meaning it approaches a specific value from either the left or right side. It also cannot be used if the limit involves trigonometric or exponential functions.

Can L'Hopital's Rule always give the correct result?

No, L'Hopital's Rule is a useful technique, but it does not guarantee the correct result every time. It is important to check the limit using other methods if possible, and to be aware of any limitations or exceptions that may apply.

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