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Prerequisite: Limits Using L'hôpital's Rule: Introduction: Indeterminate Forms
Prerequisite: Limits Using L'hôpital's Rule: Introduction: Indeterminate Forms
Some useful limits. Before we look at any further examples and techniques for
computing limits, here are some very handy limits that you should know. All of
these limits come from looking at the graphs of the particular log or exponential
function.
THEOREM 0.1 (The End Behavior of the Natural Log and Exponential Functions). The end behavior
and
lim e x = 0
and
lim ln x =
and
x
x 0+
0.1
lim e x = 0
lim e x = +
lim ln x = +
0
form: If we let x = 2 in
0
lim
x 2
we obtain a meaningless
2.
x2 4
,
x2
0
expression.
0
form: If we let x in
2x2 4
,
x 3x2 + 9
lim
expression.
lim xe x ,
lim
xa
xa
f 0 (x)
f (x)
= lim 0
,
xa g ( x)
g( x )
provided the limit on the right side exists or is . This also applies to one-sided limits
and to limits as x or x
EXAMPLE 0.1. We could evaluate the following indeterminate limit by factoring:
0
( x 2)( x + 2)
x 2 4%
= lim
= lim x + 2 = 4.
x2
x 2
x 2
x 2 x 2&0
lim
which is pretty easy. Just remember to take the derivatives of the numerator and
denominator separately.
2
2x2 4%
4x
= .
= lim
x 3x2 + 9&
x 6x
3
lim
EXAMPLE 0.2. This technique can be applied to problems where our old techniques
failed. Here are a few more.
1 x%
x 1 ln x&0
lHo
= lim
1. lim
x 1 1
x
4 x 2 x 2%
x 1&0
x 1
2. lim
1 cos 3x %
2
x 0
2x&
0
3. lim
= lim x = 1
x 1
lHo
= lim
x 1
4x ln 4 2x ln 2
= 4 ln 4 2 ln 2
1
0
lHo
3 sin 3x %
9
9 cos 3x
=
= lim
4x&0
4
4
x 0
x 0
= lim
x2 + x % lHo
2
2x + 1
= =2
= lim
ex
1
x 0 e x 1&0
x 0
4. lim
x2 + x %
= 0. Here lHpitals rule does not apply. The limit can be evaluated
x
e&
x 0
1
since the denominator is not approaching 0.
5. lim
6. lim
x 3+
x 3%
lHo
= lim+
ln(2x 5)&0
x 3
7. lim
x 5
10 + 3x 5%
x 5&0
1
2
2x 5
lHo
= lim
= lim+
x 3
3
2 10+3x
x 5
1
2x 5
= .
2
2
3
.
10
interval I containing a with g0 ( a) 6= 0. Assume that lim f ( x ) and lim f ( x ) both equal 0.
xa
Then
lim
xa
f 0 ( a)
f (x)
= 0 .
g( x )
g ( a)
xa
xa
f (x)
xa
g( x )
xa
f (x)
= lim
xa
g( x )
f ( x )0
xa
x a g( x )0
xa
f ( x ) f ( a)
xa
x a g( x ) g( a)
xa
= lim
= lim
f 0 ( a)
.
g0 ( a)
0.4
More specifi-
THEOREM 0.4 (lHpitals Rule /). Let f and g be differentiable on an open interval I
f (x)
= lim
xa
xa g( x )
lim
xa
f 0 (x)
,
g0 ( x )
provided the limit on the right side exists or is . This also applies to one-sided limits
and to limits as x or x
EXAMPLE 0.3. We could evaluate the following indeterminate limit by using highest
powers:
2x2 + 4%
2x2
2
= lim
= .
2
x + 3x + x&
x + 3x2
3
+
lim
2x2 + 4%
4x %+ lHo
2
4
lHo
= lim
= .
= lim
2
x + 3x + x&
x + 6x + 1&+
x + 6
3
+
lim
A more interesting example that we could not have done earlier would be
lim
x 0+
ln x %
1
x &+
1
x
lHo
= lim+
x 0
x12
= lim+
x 0
x
= 0.
1
Repeated use of lHpitalsRule is often required. Make sure to check that it applies at
each step.
+
z}|{
+ x lHo
+ 1 lHo
2e x
lim 2
= lim
= lim
= +.
x x + 7x + 1
x 2x + 7
x 2
|{z}
| {z }
|
{z
}
2e x
2e x
3x2 + 7x
x 5x2 + 11
(a) lim
(b) lim
x2
ex
(c) lim
ln x
ex
(d) lim
ln x
x
3
5
(b) 0
(c) 0
(d) 0
SOLUTION. Notice that the limit has the indeterminate form 0 . Rewriting it we
can apply lHpitals rule. We want to get it into either of the standard indeterminate
forms 00 or
. We do this by changing multiplication into division by the reciprocal.
For example, multiplying ln x by x is the same as dividing ln x by 1x . In other words,
lim x ln x3 = lim 3x ln x = lim
x 0+
x 0+
x 0+
3 ln x %
lHo
1
x &+
= lim+
x 0
3
x
x12
= lim+
x 0
3x
= 0.
1
sin( 1x )%
1
x &0
x12 cos( 1x )
lHo
= lim
x12
= lim
cos( 1x )
= cos 0 = 1.
1
YOU TRY IT 0.2. Try these. First check whether the limit has the indeterminate form 0.
If so, determine which term makes sense to put in the denominator so that lHpitalsrule
can be applied. Then solve.
(a) lim x2 e x
x
(c) lim x2 ln x
x 0+
EXAMPLE 0.6. Of course we can use lHpitals rule in the context of other sorts of
x
problems. Graph y = f ( x ) = 2xe+x e . Include both vertical and horizontal asymptotes.
(a) 0
(b) 1
(c) 0
SOLUTION. Horizontal asymptotes (HA) and End Behavior: Use lHpitals rule:
2x + e x lHo
2 + e x lHo
ex
= lim
= lim x = 1
x
x
x +
x +
x + e
e
e
So HA at y = 1. Also as x notice that we do not have an indeterminate form:
Rather
(2x + e x )%
=
lim
x
e x & 0+
lim
Next, use the first and second derivatives to get information about the shape of the
graph.
f 0 (x) =
f 00 ( x ) =
(2 + e x ) (2x + e x )
2 2x
(2 + e x )e x (2x + x )e x
=
=
= 0 at x = 1.
ex
ex
( e x )2
2e x (2 2x )e x
2 (2 2x )
4 + 2x
=
=
= 0 at x = 2.
ex
ex
( e x )2
e2
Evaluate f at key points. f (1) = 2+e e 1.736 and f (2) = 4+
1.541.
e2
R Max
Inf
......................................................
.........
...................
......................
......
................................
.....
..........
....
.
.
....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .............................................................................................
.
...
.
..
.
...
...
...
..
.
...
...
...
..
.
...
...
...
....
.
..
..
..
..
...
..
...
...
....
..
...
...
....
f0
+ + ++
Inc
f 00
Down
R Max
0
1
Dec
Inf
0 +++
2
UP
0.6
Some of the most interesting limits in elementary calculus have the indeterminate
forms 1 , 00 , or 00 . All of these indeterminate limit forms arise from functions that
have both a variable base and a variable exponent (power). For example, consider
lim x x
1 x
lim 1 +
x
x
Form: 00
x 0+
Form: 1
lim x1/x )
Form: 0
We will use logs and lHpitals rule to simplify some of these limit calculations.
General Form
simplify these limits we use the natural log to undo the power. If the eventual limit
is y (which is unknown to usits what we are trying to find, then
y = lim [ f ( x )] g( x) .
xa
As long as f ( x ) and g( x ) are continuous, we can switch the order of the log and
the limit and use log properties
ln y = lim ln([ f ( x )] g( x) )
xa
ln y = lim g( x ) ln( f ( x ))
xa
At this stage we typically use lHpitals rule to find the limit, call it L. Then ln y =
L so we must have y = e L . Lets look at some examples.
EXAMPLE 0.7. Determine lim (2x ) x . Notice that this is a 00 form.
x 0+
SOLUTION. Let y = lim (2x ) x . We want to find y. Using the log process above,
x 0+
ln y = lim ln(2x ) x
x 0+
ln y = lim x ln 2x
x 0+
ln y = lim
ln 2x
1
x
x 0+
lHo
ln y = lim
x 0+
2
2x
x12
ln y = lim x
x 0+
ln y = 0.
But ln y = 0 implies y = e0 = 1. So lim (2x ) x = y = 1. Wow!
x 0+
EXAMPLE 0.8 (Critical Example). Determine lim
form.
1+
1
x
x
1+
1
x
x
. We want to find y. Using the log process,
1 x
ln y = ln lim 1 +
x
x
1 x
ln y = lim ln 1 +
x
x
1
ln y = lim x ln 1 +
x
x
1
ln 1 + x
ln y = lim
1
x
1
1+ 1x
lHo
ln y = lim
x12
x12
1
ln y = lim
1
x
1+
ln y = 1.
1 x
= y = e. Double Wow!! In fact, in
x
x
some courses you will see that e is defined this way.
1+
EXAMPLE 0.9 (Critical Example). Determine lim x1/x . Notice that this is a 0 form.
x
SOLUTION. Let y = lim x1/x . We want to find y. Using the log process,
x
ln y = ln lim x1/x
x
ln y = lim ln x1/x
x
1
ln x
x
ln x
ln y = lim
x x
ln y = lim
1
x
lHo
ln y = lim
0
ln y = = 0.
1
But ln y = 0 implies y = e0 = 1. So lim x1/x = y = 1. Neat!
x
2/x
2/x
, so
ln y = ln lim (e + x )2/x
x
ln y = lim ln (e x + x )2/x
x
2
ln(e x + x )
x
2 ln(e x + x )
ln y = lim
x
x
ln y = lim
lHo
ln y = lim 2
x
e x +1
ex +x
1
ex + 1
ln y = lim 2 x
x e + x
ex
lHo
ln y = lim 2 x
x e + 1
ex
lHo
ln y = lim 2 x
x e
ln y = 2.
EXAMPLE 0.11. Determine lim [5( x 2)] x 2 . Notice that this is a 00 form.
x 2+
SOLUTION. Let y = lim [5( x 2)] x 2 . We want to find y. Using the log process
x 2+
above,
ln y = ln( lim [5( x 2)] x2
x 2+
ln y = lim
[5( x 2)]
x 2+
lHo
ln y = lim
x 2+
1
x 2
5
x 2
( x12)2
ln y = lim 5( x 2)
x 2+
ln y = 0.
But ln y = 0 implies y = e0 = 1. So lim [5( x 2)] x2 = y = 1. This is becoming
x 2+
routine.
YOU TRY IT 0.3. Heres a great problem to see if you have mastered these ideas. Determine
Determine lim [sin( x )] x .
x 0+
x1
x2 1
+
x 1 since the denominators in each are going to 0+ .
x 1+
SOLUTION. For this first one we begin by using a common denominator and then use
x 1+
4
2
4 2( x + 1) lHo
2
2
= lim+
= lim+
=
= 1.
x1
2
x2 1
x2 1
x 1
x 1 2x
+ as x .
SOLUTION. For this first one we begin by using a common log property then switch
the limit and the log (continuity) and then use lHpitals rule. (Check that lHpitals
rule applies at the appropriate time.)
6x + 1
6x + 1 lHo
6
lim ln(6x + 1) ln(2x + 7) = lim ln
= ln lim
= ln lim
x
x
x 2x + 7
x 2
2x + 7
= ln 3.
Not bad.
4
4
x 1+
SOLUTION. For this first one we begin by using a common denominator and then use
lHpitals rule. (Check lHpitals rule applies when used.)
lim
x 1+
4 4x
4
4
4( x 1) 4 ln x lHo
= lim+
= lim+
ln x
x1
( x 1) ln x
x 1 ln x + x 1
x 1
x
= lim+
x 1
4x 4
x
x ln x + x 1
x
4x 4
x
ln
x+x1
x 1
4
lHo
= lim+
x
x 1 ln x + x + 1
4
=
0+1+1
= 2.
= lim+
1
x2
EXAMPLE 0.15. Determine lim 2
2
. Notice both terms are going to +
x 9
x 3+ x 9
+
as x 3 since the denominators in each are going to 0+ .
SOLUTION. The common denominator this time is obvious. Eventually use lHpitals
rule. (Check lHpitals rule applies when used.)
lim
x 3+
21x2
12
1
x2
1 x 2 lHo
1
=
lim
=
lim
=
= .
2
2
2
+
+
2x
6
12
x 9
x 9
x 9
x 3
x 3
EXAMPLE 0.16. Determine lim 2 ln( x + 1) ln(2x2 + 7). Notice both terms are going
to + as x .
SOLUTION. For this first one we begin by using two log properties then switch the
limit and the log (continuity) and then use lHpitals rule. (Check that lHpitals
rule applies at the appropriate time.)
lim 2 ln( x + 1) ln(2x2 + 7) = lim ln( x + 1)2 ln(2x2 + 7)
0.8
Problems
6,
cos 4x cos 2x
x 0
x2
ex 1 x
x 0
x2
cos x
(e) lim
x 0+ x 2
(b) lim
(c) lim 2x ln x
arctan 4x
(j) lim
x 0 sin 2x
x2
(m) lim 1x
sin 4x
(k) lim
x 0 3 sec x
(a) lim
(d) lim x2 e x
x
x 0+
x 0+
x 0+
x 0+
(l) lim
x 1+
x2 + 1
1x
0.9 Solutions
1. Make sure to check those stages at which lHpitals rule applies.
16 cos 4x + 4 cos 2x
cos 4x cos 2x lHo
4 sin 4x + 2 sin 2x lHo
= lim
(a) lim
=
= lim
2x
2
x 0
x 0
x 0
x2
16 + 4
= 6.
2
e x 1 lHo
ex
1
e x 1 x lHo
= lim
= lim
= .
(b) lim
2
2
x 0 2x
x 0 2
x 0
x
(c) lim 2x ln x = lim
x 0+
x 0+
2 ln x
1
x
lHo
= lim+
x 0
2
x
= lim+
x12
x 0
2x2
= lim+ 2x = 0.
x
x 0
2x lHo
2
x2 lHo
= lim x = lim x = 0 (i.e.,
x e
x e
ex
2
)
1
cos x
+ : +. lHpitals rule does not apply.
0
x2
4
4x + 9
4x + 9 lHo
= ln lim
(f ) lim ln(4x + 9) ln( x + 7) = lim ln
= ln lim
x 1
x
x
x x + 7
x+7
= ln 4.
(e) lim
x 0+
(g) Let y = lim (3x ) x . We want to find y. Using the log process,
x 0+
ln y = lim ln(3x ) x
x 0+
ln y = lim x ln 3x
x 0+
ln y = lim
ln 3x
1
x
x 0+
lHo
ln y = lim
x 0+
3
3x
x12
ln y = lim x
x 0+
ln y = 0.
But ln y = 0 implies y = e0 = 1. So lim (3x ) x = y = 1.
x 0+
ln y = ln lim (1 + 2x )1/x
+
x 0
ln y = lim ln (1 + 2x )1/x
x 0+
1
ln(1 + 2x )
x
ln(1 + 2x )
ln y = lim
x
x 0+
ln y = lim
x 0+
lHo
ln y = lim
x 0+
2
1+2x
2
ln y =
1
ln y = 2.
But ln y = 2 implies y = e2 . So lim (1 + 2x )1/x = e2 .
+
x 0
(i)
"1 ":
Let y = lim (1 + kx )
+
x 0
1/x
, so
10
ln y = ln lim (1 + kx )1/x
+
x 0
ln y = lim ln (1 + kx )1/x
x 0+
1
ln(1 + kx )
x
ln(1 + kx )
ln y = lim
x
x 0+
ln y = lim
x 0+
k
1+kx
lHo
ln y = lim
x 0+
k
ln y =
1
ln y = k.
But ln y = k implies y = ek . So lim (1 + kx )1/x = ek .
+
x 0
4
1+16x2
4
arctan 4x lHo
= lim
= 1 = 2.
2
x 0 sin 2x
x 0 2 cos 2x
0
sin 4x
= = 0. lHpitals rule does not apply.
(k) lim
3
x 0 3 sec x
x2 + 1
2
(l) lim
: . lHpitals rule does not apply.
0
x 1+ 1 x
x2
, so
(m) "0 ": Let y = lim 1x
(j) lim
x 0+
x2
1
x
ln y = ln lim
x 0+
ln y = lim ln
x2
1
x
x 0+
ln y = lim x2 ln( 1x )
x 0+
ln y = lim
ln x
1
x2
x 0+
lHo
ln y = lim
x 0+
1x
x23
ln y = lim
x3
2x
ln y = lim
x2
2
x 0+
x 0+
ln y = 0.
But ln y = 0 implies y = 1. So y = lim
x 0+
x2
1
x
= 1.
11