Finding the limit without L'Hôpital's rule

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The limit of the expression \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 - \frac{1}{n^2})^{n})\) is proven to equal 1 without using L'Hôpital's rule. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of the limit \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n})\), which is bounded above by e, as a foundational concept. Participants suggest utilizing the generalized binomial theorem and the squeeze theorem to rigorously establish that all terms except the first approach zero as n approaches infinity. Understanding the limit that equals e is crucial for solving the original limit problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the generalized binomial theorem
  • Knowledge of the squeeze theorem
  • Concept of exponential limits, specifically \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) = e\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the generalized binomial theorem in detail
  • Explore the squeeze theorem and its applications in limit proofs
  • Review the derivation of \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} ((1 + \frac{1}{n})^{n}) = e\)
  • Practice solving limits without L'Hôpital's rule using alternative methods
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on limits and their proofs, as well as anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mathematical analysis techniques.

Unredeemed
Messages
120
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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..
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K