Horizontal Asymptote: lnx^2/x^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the horizontal asymptote of the function y=(lnx^2)/(x^2) as x approaches infinity. Participants explore the behavior of logarithmic and algebraic functions in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of L'Hopital's Rule to evaluate the limit, questioning the nature of the indeterminate form encountered. There is also a consideration of the comparative growth rates of logarithmic versus algebraic functions.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the limit, with some participants suggesting L'Hopital's Rule as a method for evaluation. Others reflect on the implications of the limit leading to a horizontal asymptote at y=0, though this is not universally agreed upon.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of limits involving logarithmic functions and are considering the implications of their findings for both positive and negative infinity.

gillgill
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is there a horizontal asymptote for
y=(lnx^2)/(x^2)

i know u take the lim to find h.a
but what is ln infinity/infinity?
 
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I could be wrong, but I think l'hospital's Rule could work here.
 
what is L'Hopitals Rule ?
 
Because your limit produces an indeterminate form (that infinity/infinity), you can differentiate separately the numerator and denominator with respect to [itex]x[/itex], thus applying L'Hopital's Rule :biggrin:. You see :shy:,

[tex]\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } \frac{{\ln x^2 }}{{x^2 }} = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } \frac{{\frac{d}{{dx}}\left( {\ln x^2 } \right)}}{{\frac{d}{{dx}}\left( {x^2 } \right)}} = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } \frac{1}{{x^2 }} = 0[/tex]

Hope this helps :smile:
 
o..icic...thats the same for -infinity right?
so the horizontal asymptote is y=0 ?
 
Correct .
 
Last edited:
i see...thanks a lot
 
Another, quicker way to do this would be to recognize the functions you are dealing with. An algebraic function will "dominate" a logarithmic function for large values of x. Knowing this means that the denominator will go to infinity quicker than the numerator, thus going to zero.
 

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