Lim n[tex]\rightarrow[/tex][tex]\infty[/tex] (1+(x/n))[tex]^{n}[/tex]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression (1+(x/n))^n as n approaches infinity, which is related to exponential functions and limits in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the limit problem. Some participants suggest taking the logarithm of the expression to facilitate the limit evaluation, noting it resembles a form suitable for L'Hopital's rule. Others question the manipulation of terms within the expression and the implications of expanding it.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to the limit problem, with some guidance offered regarding the use of logarithms and L'Hopital's rule. There is an ongoing examination of the expression's structure and the validity of certain algebraic manipulations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of treating n as a continuous variable for the application of L'Hopital's rule, and some participants are clarifying the placement of terms within the expression.

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lim n[tex]\rightarrow[/tex][tex]\infty[/tex] (1+(x/n))[tex]^{n}[/tex]

I have no idea where to start. Can anyone who knows what to do give me a hint or tell me the first step? Thanks
 
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That looks an awful lot like an exponential function to me. Take the logarithm of [itex](1+(x/n))^n[/itex] and you have a limit, as n goes to infinity, of the form [itex]0*\infty[/itex]. That can be rewritten as so that it is of the form "0/0" and, even though here n is an integer, you can use L'Hopital's rule.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
That looks an awful lot like an exponential function to me. Take the logarithm of [itex]1+(x/n))^n and you have a limit, as n goes to infinity, of the form [itex]0*\infty[/itex]. That can be rewritten as so that it is of the form "0/0" and, even though here n is an integer, you can use L'Hopital's rule.[/itex]
[itex] <br /> I'm pretty sure I can't pull the one out of the parenthesis like that. Like when you foil you always have a middle term? So with this we should have n+1 terms, but if we take the one out it chages the equation and we only have two terms if we expand it[/itex]
 
Maybe I'm wrong. If I can't come up with something better I will do that
 
The 1 was supposed to be in the parentheses! I have edited my previous post.

The logarithm of [itex](1+ (x/n))^n[/itex] is n log(1+ (x/n)) which, as I said, is of the form "[itex]0*\infty[/itex]". You can write that as log(1+ (x/n))/(1/n) so that it is now of the form "0/0". Apply L'Hopital's rule treating the n as a continuous variable.
 
alright. thanks so much!
 

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