- 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 Integrals3h 25m
0. Functions
Introduction to Functions
Problem 4.R.118b
Textbook Question
{Use of Tech} A family of superexponential functions Let ƒ(x) = (a + x)ˣ , where a > 0.
b. Describe the end behavior of f (near the left boundary of its domain and as x→∞).

1
Identify the function: We are given the function \( f(x) = (a + x)^x \), where \( a > 0 \). This is a superexponential function, meaning it grows very rapidly as \( x \) increases.
Determine the domain: The domain of \( f(x) \) is \( x > -a \) because the base \( a + x \) must be positive for the expression to be defined.
Analyze the left boundary behavior: As \( x \) approaches \(-a^+\) (from the right), the base \( a + x \) approaches zero. The function \( (a + x)^x \) will tend to zero because the base is approaching zero while the exponent \( x \) is still positive.
Examine the behavior as \( x \to \, \infty \): As \( x \) becomes very large, both the base \( a + x \) and the exponent \( x \) increase. The function \( (a + x)^x \) grows extremely rapidly, much faster than polynomial or exponential functions, due to the large exponent.
Summarize the end behavior: Near the left boundary of its domain, \( f(x) \) approaches zero. As \( x \to \, \infty \), \( f(x) \) increases without bound, growing superexponentially.
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