Lim(x->inf) of ((x+a)/(x-a))^x = e

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the expression \(\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{x+a}{x-a}\right)^x\) and under what conditions this limit equals \(e\). Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in evaluating this limit, particularly focusing on the role of the parameter \(a\).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the limit problem and expresses difficulty in progressing after taking the natural logarithm of both sides, leading to the equation \(\lim_{x \to \infty} x \ln\left(\frac{x+a}{x-a}\right) = 1\).
  • Another participant challenges the initial interpretation, stating that the limit evaluates to \(e^{2a}\) instead of \(1\), suggesting a different approach to the problem.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies the derivation of \(e^{2a}\) through a series of transformations, indicating that the limit can be expressed as \(\lim_{y \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{2a}{y}\right)^y\), which approaches \(e^{2a}\).
  • A final post indicates that the original poster feels they have understood the problem after the exchanges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the evaluation of the limit, with one participant asserting it equals \(e^{2a}\) while the original poster initially sought to establish it as \(e\). The discussion remains unresolved as to the specific conditions under which the limit equals \(e\) or \(e^{2a}\).

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions regarding the values of \(a\) or the conditions under which the limit is taken, leaving open questions about the dependence on these factors.

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lim(x-->inf) of ((x+a)/(x-a))^x = e

I started this problem and quickly became stuck, the question asks for what value of "a" is the following true:

lim(x-->inf) of ((x+a)/(x-a))^x = e

I took the natural log of both sides to start and got this:

lim(x-->inf) of x*ln((x+a)/(x-a)) = 1

I've tried going on from here but nothing in the end makes sense and i don't know any other way to start the problem; any help is appriciated, thanks.
 
Last edited:
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The text is wrong:

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0}}f(x) = 1 , \forall a \in \mathbb{R}[/tex]

whereas

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow \infty}}f(x) = e^{2a}[/tex]

Ok?
 
Last edited:
ah, yes, i did mean for x to go to infinity; but how did you get e^2a?
 
[tex]\lim_{\substack{ x \rightarrow \infty}} {(\frac {x+a}{x-a})}^x = \lim_{\substack{ x \rightarrow \infty}} {(1+ \frac {2a}{x-a})}^x = \\<br /> \lim_{\substack{ y \rightarrow \infty}} {(1+ \frac {2a}{y})}^{y+a}=[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{\substack{y \rightarrow \infty}} {(1+ \frac {2a}{y})}^y {(1+ \frac {2a}{y})}^a = <br /> \\ \lim_{\substack{y\rightarrow \infty}}{(1+ \frac {2a}{y})}^y = e^{2a}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
thank you, i think i have it now
 

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