Calc I: Limits at Infinity: Solving r Irrational

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    Infinity Limits
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of limits at infinity, specifically focusing on the case where the exponent \( r \) is irrational. Participants are examining the implications of the limit statement provided by an external source regarding rational and irrational values of \( r \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references an external source stating that if \( c \) is a real number and \( r \) is a positive rational number, then \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{c}{x^r} = 0 \), questioning why this does not extend to irrational \( r \).
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the limit expression to analyze the behavior as \( x \) approaches infinity, indicating that the limit could still approach zero for irrational \( r \).
  • Some participants argue that the statement regarding rational \( r \) does not exclude the possibility of it being true for irrational \( r \), leaving the situation ambiguous.
  • There is a call for clarification on the conditions under which the limit may not hold for irrational \( r \), indicating uncertainty in the implications of the original statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the limit behavior for irrational \( r \) can be inferred from the statement about rational \( r \). There is no consensus on the implications for irrational values of \( r \,.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for further exploration of the definitions and conditions under which the limit statements hold, particularly regarding the treatment of irrational exponents.

PFuser1232
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http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityI.aspx

According to the author, if ##c## is a real number and ##r## is a positive rational number then:
$$\lim_{x →\infty} \frac{c}{x^r} = 0$$
If ##x^r## is defined for ##x < 0## then:
$$\lim_{x →- \infty} \frac{c}{x^r} = 0$$
I understand why ##r## can't be irrational in case two. ##x^r## would not be defined.
However, I can't see why ##r## can't be irrational in case one.
 
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MohammedRady97 said:
However, I can't see why rr can't be irrational in case one.
Well, it can. Rewrite: [itex]\frac{c}{x^{r}}=\frac{c}{e^{r\ln(x)}}[/itex]. Then [itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow \infty} \frac{c}{x^{r}}= \lim_{x\rightarrow \infty} \frac{c}{e^{r\ln(x)}}= \lim_{x\rightarrow \infty} e^{\ln (c)-r\ln(x)}[/itex].
 
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Saying "for r rational" does NOT say it is not also true for r irrational. It may or may not be in that case.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Saying "for r rational" does NOT say it is not also true for r irrational. It may or may not be in that case.

When is it not true for irrational ##r##?
 
You still do not understand. I am not saying statement is or is not true for any irrational r. I am simply pointing out that the initial statement "According to the author, if c c is a real number and r r is a positive rational number then:
[itex]\lim_{x\to\infty} \frac{c}{x^r}= 0[/itex] does NOT say anything about what happens if r is irrational!
 
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