Skip to main content
Ch. 7 - Transcendental Functions
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 7.8.4g

4. Which of the following functions grow faster than x² as x→∞? Which grow at the same rate as x²? Which grow slower?
g. (1.1)^x

Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that to compare the growth rates of functions as \(x \to \infty\), we analyze their behavior by considering limits or known growth hierarchies: polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, etc.
The function given is \(g(x) = (1.1)^x\), which is an exponential function with base greater than 1.
Since \(x^2\) is a polynomial function and \((1.1)^x\) is an exponential function, exponential functions grow faster than any polynomial function as \(x \to \infty\).
Therefore, \(g(x) = (1.1)^x\) grows faster than \(x^2\) as \(x \to \infty\).
To summarize: \((1.1)^x\) grows faster than \(x^2\), so it does not grow at the same rate or slower.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Growth Rates of Functions

Growth rates describe how functions behave as the input becomes very large. Comparing growth rates helps determine which functions increase faster, slower, or at the same pace. For example, polynomial functions like x² grow slower than exponential functions like (1.1)^x as x approaches infinity.
Recommended video:
04:16
Intro To Related Rates

Polynomial vs. Exponential Functions

Polynomial functions are expressions involving powers of x, such as x², and grow at a rate proportional to a power of x. Exponential functions, like (1.1)^x, grow by repeatedly multiplying by a constant base, leading to much faster growth than any polynomial as x becomes large.
Recommended video:
6:13
Exponential Functions

Limits and Asymptotic Behavior

Limits describe the behavior of functions as the input approaches infinity. Analyzing limits helps compare growth by examining the ratio of two functions as x→∞. If the limit of their ratio is zero, one grows slower; if infinite, it grows faster; if finite and nonzero, they grow at the same rate.
Recommended video:
5:50
Asymptotes of Hyperbolas