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 question, evaluating the limit as x approaches 1 from the left involves analyzing the behavior of the function near that point.
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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 simplifies the process of finding limits when direct substitution is not possible.
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Natural Logarithm (ln)
The natural logarithm, denoted as ln, is the logarithm to the base e, where e is approximately 2.718. It is a crucial function in calculus, particularly in limits and derivatives. In this question, the presence of ln x in the limit expression indicates that understanding its behavior as x approaches 1 is vital for correctly applying l'Hôpital's Rule.
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Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function