Rankwise

limx→0 (1 + x)^(1/x) = e

The limit of (1 + x)^(1/x) as x tends to 0 is e.

Proof

  1. Let y = (1 + x)^(1/x). Then log y = log(1 + x)/x.
  2. That tends to 1 (the log limit), so log y → 1 and y → e¹ = e.
  3. This is the 1^∞ form; e is defined by it.

Standard limits

Questions students ask

What is the limit of (1 + x)^(1/x) as x tends to 0?

e.

How do you prove lim x→0 (1 + x)^(1/x) = e?

Let y = (1 + x)^(1/x). Then log y = log(1 + x)/x. That tends to 1 (the log limit), so log y → 1 and y → e¹ = e. This is the 1^∞ form; e is defined by it.

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