Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 4.7.83
Textbook Question
17–83. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when it is convenient and applicable.
lim_x→0 (x + cos x)¹/ˣ

1
First, recognize that the limit \( \lim_{x \to 0} (x + \cos x)^{1/x} \) is of the indeterminate form \( 1^{\infty} \). This suggests that we can use the natural logarithm to simplify the expression.
Take the natural logarithm of the expression: \( \ln L = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\ln(x + \cos x)}{x} \). This transforms the problem into a form where l'Hôpital's Rule can be applied.
Check the new limit \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\ln(x + \cos x)}{x} \). As \( x \to 0 \), both the numerator and the denominator approach 0, creating a \( \frac{0}{0} \) indeterminate form, which is suitable for l'Hôpital's Rule.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule by differentiating the numerator and the denominator: Differentiate \( \ln(x + \cos x) \) with respect to \( x \) to get \( \frac{1}{x + \cos x} (1 - \sin x) \), and differentiate \( x \) to get 1.
Evaluate the new limit: \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1 - \sin x}{x + \cos x} \). After finding this limit, exponentiate the result to find the original limit \( L \), since \( L = e^{\ln L} \).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
Limits are fundamental in calculus, representing the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain point. They are essential for understanding continuity, derivatives, and integrals. In this problem, evaluating the limit as x approaches 0 is crucial for determining the behavior of the function (x + cos x)^(1/x).
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L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule is a method for evaluating limits that result in indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. It states that if these forms occur, the limit of the ratio of two functions can be found by taking the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator. This rule is particularly useful in simplifying complex limits, like the one presented in the question.
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Power Rules
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions, such as e^x, are functions where a constant base is raised to a variable exponent. In the context of limits, they often arise when evaluating expressions of the form (1 + f(x))^(g(x)) as x approaches a limit. Understanding how to manipulate these functions is key to solving the limit problem, especially when applying logarithmic transformations to simplify the expression.
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