A limit positive integer and real number

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of a complex expression involving exponential functions and polynomials as a variable approaches a specific value. The subject area includes calculus, specifically limits and indeterminate forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods to evaluate the limit, including the use of l'Hospital's rule and changes of variables. There is a focus on the challenges posed by the indeterminate form and the behavior of the expression as the variable approaches the limit.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested alternative approaches, such as changing variables to simplify the limit. There is acknowledgment of errors in calculations, and one participant expresses gratitude for assistance, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the limit presents a 0/0 indeterminate form and that direct application of l'Hospital's rule does not yield a straightforward resolution. There is also mention of specific values leading to undefined results in computational tools.

quasar987
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[SOLVED] A limit

Homework Statement


How do you show that

\lim_{x\rightarrow a}\frac{e^{-a^2/(a^2-x^2)}}{(a^2-x^2)^{2m}(x-a)}=0

for 'm' a positive integer and 'a' a real number >0??This is a type 0/0 indeterminate form but l'Hospital's rule is not helpful because when you differentiate the denominator, you make the degree 4m+1 polynomial of the denominator drop 1 degree, but you make a (-2xa²)/(a²-x²)² appear in the numerator.

And Mapple says "undefined" when I plug a=3
 
Last edited:
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Try a change of variables.
 
Last edited:
It seems I tried every change of variable possible but none help... :/
 
How about taking your new variable to be what's in the exponential. You'll be left with something like:

\lim_{u \rightarrow \infty} e^{-u} p(u) f(u)

where p(u) is a polynomial, and f(u) is something that looks like a polynomial for large u. It shouldn't be too hard from here.
 
Got it. I had made an error in calculating.

Thanks StatusX.
 

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