Proof
- 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.
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.