Does the Limit of x^4 * 0.99^x as x Approaches Infinity Equal Zero?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the limit of the expression x^4 * 0.99^x as x approaches infinity. Participants explore the behavior of this limit, referencing related mathematical concepts and examples.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the limit of F(x) = 0.5^x as x approaches infinity equals zero, using it as a basis for discussing the limit of x^4 * 0.99^x.
  • Another participant asserts that the limit of the sequence 1/2, 1/4, 1/8... approaches zero, suggesting that the limit of x^4 * 0.99^x is also zero.
  • A later reply clarifies that while 0.99^x approaches zero, it does not automatically imply that x^4 * 0.99^x approaches zero, as x^4 increases without bound.
  • There is a correction regarding the terminology used, with a participant noting that "infinite indice" is not a standard term and suggesting that "index" is more appropriate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the limit of x^4 * 0.99^x, with some asserting it approaches zero while others argue that this conclusion requires further justification. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the limit's behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the behavior of exponential functions and sequences, but there is uncertainty about the implications of these examples for the specific limit in question. The discussion also highlights potential misunderstandings in terminology.

JPC
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hey

if let's say : F(x) = 0.5^x , 0 < 0.5 < 1

is lim(+infinte) f = 0 ?

.............

this is for one of my math questions :

lim (+infinite) x^4 * 0.99^x = ?
 
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Impossible to say, since you haven't said what f is, only F.

And yes, we DO know that 0.5 lies between 0 and 1.

What is meant by infinite indice is beyond me.
 
WE have the sequence 1/2, 1/4, 1/8...,obviously the nth term gets as close to zero as we like, and so 0 is the least upper bound and since it is never less than zero, the limit is 0.
 
ok then

lim (+infinite) x^4 * 0.99^x = 0

thanks
i just had a little dougthBTW : arildno ;
- for the F and f problem
> i just made a caps mistake
- for the 0 < 0.5 < 1
> it was because the F(x) = 0.5^x was an example for any function F(x)= a^x, where a is a real number that respects (0 < a < 1)
- for "infinite indice"
> it was just to make short
 
robert Ihnot said:
WE have the sequence 1/2, 1/4, 1/8...,obviously the nth term gets as close to zero as we like, and so 0 is the least upper bound and since it is never less than zero, the limit is 0.

No, 0 is the greatest lower bound. 1/2 is the least upper bound.
 
JPC said:
ok then

lim (+infinite) x^4 * 0.99^x = 0

thanks
i just had a little dougth


BTW : arildno ;
- for the F and f problem
> i just made a caps mistake
- for the 0 < 0.5 < 1
> it was because the F(x) = 0.5^x was an example for any function F(x)= a^x, where a is a real number that respects (0 < a < 1)
- for "infinite indice"
> it was just to make short

If you mean [itex]\lim_{x\right arrow +\infnty} x^4 * 0.99^x[/itex] then it is true that 0.99x goes to 0 but it does NOT follow from that alone that the whole thing goes to 0 because x^4 goes to infinity.

It happens that the limit of x40.99x is 0 because 0.99x goes to 0 faster than x4 goes to infinity0- but that has to be shown.

If, as your use of "x" rather than "n" indicates, you intended this to be a continuous limit, then x is not an "index" at all. (There is no such word as "indice" in English. "Indices" is the plural of "index".
 

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