Power Sums Limits: Evaluating $\lim_{n\to \infty}$

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In summary, power sums limits are mathematical expressions used to evaluate the limit of a sequence as the number of terms approaches infinity. To evaluate them, the general form of the sequence must be determined and algebraic techniques, such as factoring and using known limit rules, can be used to simplify the expression. The significance of evaluating power sums limits is to understand the behavior of a sequence and find the limit of a series. Some common techniques used to evaluate them include factoring, using known limit rules, and L'Hopital's rule. However, there are restrictions on when power sums limits can be evaluated, such as having a general form that can be simplified and the limit must exist. Some limits may also require more advanced techniques to be evaluated
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Euge
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If ##n## and ##k## are positive integers, let ##S_k(n)## be the sum of ##k##-th powers of the first ##n## natural numbers, i.e., $$S_k(n) = 1^k + 2^k + \cdots + n^k$$ Evaluate the limits $$\lim_{n\to \infty} \frac{S_k(n)}{n^k}$$ and $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left(\frac{S_k(n)}{n^k} - \frac{n}{k+1}\right)$$
 
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[tex]\frac{S_1(n)}{n}=\frac{n(n+1)}{2n} \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
[tex]\frac{S_2(n)}{n^2}=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6n^2} \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
[tex]\frac{S_3(n)}{n^3}=\frac{n^2(n+1)^2}{4n^3} \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
[tex]\frac{S_4(n)}{n^4}=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)(3n^2+3n-1)}{30n^4} \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
[tex]\frac{S_5(n)}{n^5}=\frac{n^2(n+1)^2(2n^2+2n-1)}{12n^5} \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
In general
[tex]\frac{S_k(n)}{n^k}=1+\frac{1}{k+1}\sum_{j=0}^k \ _{k+1}C_j B_j n^{1-j} =\frac{n}{k+1}+\frac{1}{2}+ o(1/n) \rightarrow +\infty [/tex]
where ##B_j## are Bernoulli numbers.
[tex]\frac{S_k(n)}{n^k}-\frac{n}{k+1} \rightarrow \frac{1}{2} [/tex]
 
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Easier is to recognise [itex]1^k + \dots + n^k[/itex] as the upper Darboux sum for [itex]\int_0^n x^k\,dx[/itex] with respect to the partition [itex]\{0, 1, \dots, n\}[/itex]. It follows that [tex]
1^k + \dots + n^k \geq \int_0^n x^k\,dx = \frac{n^{k+1}}{k+1}.[/tex] Hence [tex]
\frac{S_k(n)}{n^k} \geq \frac{n}{k+1} \to \infty.[/tex]
 
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Sorry, there was a term missing in the limit in the OP. I've made an edit to include the original limit.
 

1. What are power sums limits?

Power sums limits are mathematical expressions that involve taking the limit of a power function as the variable approaches infinity. They are used to evaluate the behavior of a function as its input becomes infinitely large.

2. How do you evaluate a power sums limit?

To evaluate a power sums limit, you can use various techniques such as L'Hopital's rule, the squeeze theorem, or algebraic manipulation. The specific method used depends on the form of the limit and the properties of the function involved.

3. What is the significance of evaluating a power sums limit?

Evaluating a power sums limit can provide important information about the behavior of a function as its input approaches infinity. It can also be used to find the asymptotes of a function and determine the convergence or divergence of a series.

4. Are there any special cases for power sums limits?

Yes, there are some special cases for power sums limits such as when the limit involves trigonometric or exponential functions. In these cases, special techniques or identities may be needed to evaluate the limit.

5. Can power sums limits be evaluated for all functions?

No, power sums limits can only be evaluated for functions that have a well-defined behavior as the input approaches infinity. Functions with oscillating or undefined behavior at infinity may not have a power sums limit.

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