# Math Help - Limit of a natural logarithm

1. ## Limit of a natural logarithm

I've some trouble understanding how to work with the natural logarithm when trying to calculate a limit. I just can't seem to fit what I know together:

- I know that if $x \to 1$, then $\ln x \approx x - 1$, because $\ln(1) = 0$, as $e^0 = 1$. $\ln x, 0 < x < 1$ is a negative, so is $x - 1, x < 1$, so their quotient is a positive.

- I know the given standard limits: $\lim_{x \to 1}\frac{\ln x}{x -1} = 1$ (following from the above: $\frac{a}{a} = 1$) and $\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{\ln (1 + x)}{x } = 1$

But, I just can't seem to fit it together when I'm asked to solve an exercise like this: $\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{\ln (1 + x^2)}{x } = x$
How does this all fit together so I actually get to x? I need this explained in baby steps, it just won't ring a bell at the moment

2. ## Re: Limit of a natural logarithm

Okay, here it is. You can do it in any of these ways :-
1:- $\lim (x->0) \frac{ln(1+x^2)}{x} * \frac{x}{x}$
So we have multiplied and divided by x
now using this
$\lim (f(x)->0) \frac{ln(1+f(x)}{f(x)} = 1$
(You can try this yourself. Just apply L'hospital and you will get it)
we get the limit as 1*x as x->0
(Where f(x) = x^2)
so it becomes 0

2:- Just Apply L'hospital as both the numerator and denominator are tending to zero.
You will get
$\frac{2x}{1+x^2}$
which tends to 0 as x-> 0

Spare me for my poor Latex. I am trying to learn.
cheers !

3. ## Re: Limit of a natural logarithm

Made a mistake, brb Thanks so far

I'm actually not quite sure what's happening here, why do you introduce $\frac{x}{x}$?

How does this apply to:

$lim_{x \to 0}\frac{ln(1 + 2x)}{x}$?

I'm confused to say the least

4. ## Re: Limit of a natural logarithm

See the thing inside the log guy is
$\frac {log(1+x^2)}{x}$
and to use the result we need $x^2$ in the denominator as well
so we make it $x^2$, But we need to compensate for that extra x . So we multiply it again.

Its the same thing that you do in rationalizing ....multiply divide by conjugate. Its a jugglery, that's all.

$lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1+2x}{x} = Infinity$
You can see the numerator goes to 1 as denominator goes to 0 so it becomes infinitely huge as you approach 0.

5. ## Re: Limit of a natural logarithm

Sorry i meant ln(1 + 2x), thanks again tho!

6. ## Re: Limit of a natural logarithm

ya so multiply divide by 2 so that denominator becomes 2x and the limit becomes 2 .
Also you can just apply L'Hospital and get the limit as 2 .