Calculating a limit of a sequence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the limit of a sequence defined as an = (n² + 10) / (n² - 5n) raised to the power of (3n² + 2). Participants are exploring the behavior of this sequence as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limit of the sequence and express uncertainty about how to proceed after reaching the form 1^∞. Some suggest using logarithms to analyze the limit further. Others explore the implications of applying the product of limits rule and the binomial theorem to the expression.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, with some participants suggesting different approaches to analyze the limit. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of logarithms and the binomial theorem, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method or conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of dealing with the indeterminate form 1^∞ and question the validity of certain mathematical rules in this context. There is also mention of a specific solution being sought, which adds to the complexity of the discussion.

lazy.man
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Hi guys,

Homework Statement


I'm trying to calculate the limit of the following sequence:
an:= ([itex]\frac{n^{2}+10}{n^{2}-5n}[/itex])[itex]^{(3n^{2}+2)}[/itex]​

2. The attempt at a solution
Ok so I got this so far:

an = [itex]\left(\frac{\left(n^2\left(1+\frac{10}{n^2}\right)\right)}{\left(n^2\left(1-\frac{5}{n}\right)\right)}\right)^{n^{2}(3+\frac{2}{n})}[/itex]​

[itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] an = [itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] 1[itex]^{∞}[/itex]​

So this is what I got till now and I don't know really how to proceed or how can I approach this problem differently to find the correct solution which is ∞.

Any help, tips are welcome.
 
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lazy.man said:
Hi guys,

Homework Statement


I'm trying to calculate the limit of the following sequence:
an:= ([itex]\frac{n^{2}+10}{n^{2}-5n}[/itex])[itex]^{(3n^{2}+2)}[/itex]​

2. The attempt at a solution
Ok so I got this so far:

an = [itex]\left(\frac{\left(n^2\left(1+\frac{10}{n^2}\right)\right)}{\left(n^2\left(1-\frac{5}{n}\right)\right)}\right)^{n^{2}(3+\frac{2}{n})}[/itex]​

[itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] an = [itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] 1[itex]^{∞}[/itex]​

So this is what I got till now and I don't know really how to proceed or how can I approach this problem differently to find the correct solution which is ∞.

Any help, tips are welcome.
Without having worked the problem out, my first thought is to find the limit of the log of this.

If [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\ln(a_n)=L\,,\ \text{ then } \lim_{n\to\infty}a_n=e^L[/itex]
 
I don't know if this is allowed with products of limits rule but:

[tex]3n^2 \ln \left( \frac{n^2}{n-5n}\right) = 3n \ln \left[\left( 1 +\frac{5}{n} \right)^n \right] = 3n \cdot 5 = 15n \rightarrow \infty[/tex]
 
lazy.man said:
Hi guys,

Homework Statement


I'm trying to calculate the limit of the following sequence:
an:= ([itex]\frac{n^{2}+10}{n^{2}-5n}[/itex])[itex]^{(3n^{2}+2)}[/itex]​

2. The attempt at a solution
Ok so I got this so far:

an = [itex]\left(\frac{\left(n^2\left(1+\frac{10}{n^2}\right)\right)}{\left(n^2\left(1-\frac{5}{n}\right)\right)}\right)^{n^{2}(3+\frac{2}{n})}[/itex]​

[itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] an = [itex]\lim_{n\to \infty }[/itex] 1[itex]^{∞}[/itex]​

So this is what I got till now and I don't know really how to proceed or how can I approach this problem differently to find the correct solution which is ∞.

Any help, tips are welcome.

Binomial theorem.

[itex]{(\frac{n^{2}+10}{n^{2}-5n})}^{(3n^{2}+2)} = {(1 + \frac{5}{n} + \frac{35}{n(n-5)})}^{(3n^2 + 2)} > {(1 + \frac{5}{n})^{3n^2} = {[{(1+\frac{5}{n})}^n}]}^{3n}[/itex], the limit of which is [itex]e^{15n}[/itex], which is ∞.

This is a slight (more direct) variation of dirk_mec's idea.

EDIT: BTW, I messed up the sign, clearly it should be greater than ('>').
 
Last edited:
Thank you guys for your help and I'm posting my solution to the problem.

newline\newline\newline&space;\lim_{n&space;\to&space;\infty}&space;e^{15n}&space;=&space;\infty.gif
 

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