L'hopital's case proof, infinite limit

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves limits and differentiation, specifically applying L'Hôpital's rule in the context of infinite limits. The original poster is tasked with showing that if the limits of two differentiable functions approach infinity as they approach a finite point, then the limit of their ratio also approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the continuity definition and the Mean Value Theorem (MVT) but expresses difficulty due to the infinite limit context. Some participants suggest integrating or manipulating inequalities, while others clarify constraints against using integrals or Riemann sums.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of inequalities and the MVT, but there is no consensus on a clear path forward, particularly due to imposed restrictions on methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted that the problem is strictly limited to differentiation, and the use of integrals or Riemann sums is not permitted. This constraint is influencing the direction of the discussion and the proposed methods.

Degeneration
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Homework Statement


a in R is finite, f,g are differentiable on R
[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow a}} f(x)=\infty[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow a}} g(x)=\infty[/tex]

[tex]g(x), g'(x)[/tex] not equal to zero

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow a}} f'(x)/g'(x)=\infty[/tex]

Show [tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow a}} f(x)/g(x)=\infty[/tex]

Homework Equations


I'm sure you need to use the MVT
f'(c)/g'(c) = (f(x) - f(a))/(g(x) - g(a))

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm starting out trying to use the continuity definition, but it seems to be going nowhere with a infinite limit.

For every number [tex]N[/tex] there is a [tex]\delta > 0[/tex] s.t. [tex]f'(x)/g'(x) > N[/tex] when [tex]0 < |x - a| < \delta[/tex]
Additionally, I can't just say lim x->a f'(x)/g'(x) = infinity = L and then use epsilon delta, since I don't know if it works for extended reals. Where can I go from here?
 
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You know for every N there is an 'a' such that f'(t)/g'(t)>N for all x>a. Write that as f'(t)>N*g'(t) and integrate both sides from a to x. Then divide by g(x) and think about the limit as x->infinity.
 
Right, sorry though I forgot to mention this is strictly differentiation. No Riemann sums or integrals are allowed. I understand how that would make it significantly easier though
 
Actually, I think I can use [tex]|f'(x)/g'(x)| > 1/ \epsilon[/tex], but that still doesn't seem too much more helpful
 
Last edited:
Degeneration said:
Right, sorry though I forgot to mention this is strictly differentiation. No Riemann sums or integrals are allowed. I understand how that would make it significantly easier though

Hmm. I guess I'm not really seeing how to do it then. The trouble with your MVT statement is that you know (f(x)-f(a))/(x-a)=f'(c) and (g(x)-g(a))/(x-a)=g'(d), for some values c and d in [a,x], but you don't know that c=d.
 
Oh man, okay. I will update if I get this
 

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