Finding the limit without L'Hôpital's rule

AI Thread Summary
The limit to prove is that as n approaches infinity, (1 - 1/n^2)^n converges to 1. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of the limit of (1 + 1/n)^n, which is bounded above by e, as a foundational concept. Participants suggest using the generalized binomial theorem and the squeeze theorem to show that all terms except the first vanish in the limit. Understanding why (1 + 1/n)^n equals e is deemed crucial for solving the problem at hand. Ultimately, these insights guide the approach to proving the desired limit without L'Hôpital's rule.
Unredeemed
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Homework Statement



Required to prove that
<br /> \displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 - \frac{1}{n^2})^{n}) = 1<br />

Homework Equations



\displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) is bounded above by e. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but it was the first part of the question, so I'd assume so?

Also, we haven't proved L'Hopital's rule yet, so I can't use that.

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking to maybe try and write it in a similar way to the first part.

So: <br /> \displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} (((1 + \frac{1}{-(n^2)})^{-(n^2)})^{\frac{-1}{n}})<br />

But, as n tends to infinity -n^2 tends to negative infinity?
 
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Unredeemed said:

Homework Statement



Required to prove that
<br /> \displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 - \frac{1}{n^2})^{n}) = 1<br />

Homework Equations



\displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) is bounded above by e. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but it was the first part of the question, so I'd assume so?

Also, we haven't proved L'Hopital's rule yet, so I can't use that.

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking to maybe try and write it in a similar way to the first part.

So: <br /> \displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} (((1 + \frac{1}{-(n^2)})^{-(n^2)})^{\frac{-1}{n}})<br />

But, as n tends to infinity -n^2 tends to negative infinity?

Try the generalised binomial theorem. If you want to prove rigorously that all the terms except the first go to zero at the limit, use the squeeze theorem.
 
Unredeemed said:
\displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) is bounded above by e. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but it was the first part of the question, so I'd assume so?

yes, it is relevant...firstly, u should understand why \displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) = e then u can solve this question easily..
 

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