# Homework Help: Lim x->0 e^(-1/x^2)/x^3 (Don't Understand Why I Can't Do It!)

1. Nov 8, 2009

### EstimatedEyes

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

It is part of a larger problem, but the only hangup I have had is computing this limit.
lim x->0 e^(-1/x^2)/x^3.

It's to show that the function f(x) = e^(-1/x^2) (when x is not 0) and 0 (when x is 0) is not equal to its Maclurin Series. I know that if I can show that the derivatives of f(x) are equal to zero when x=0 (a) then I can prove what the problem is asking. Showing why the derivatives equal zero has been a problem thus far though...
2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I put it into Wolfram Alpha and know that it's equal to zero, but I don't know how to get it.
I know that L'Hopital's rule applies because it is 0/0
so:
((2/x^3)*e^(-1/x^2))/(3x^2) = 2e^(-1/x^2)/3x^5
Doesn't this pattern keep repeating giving one 0/0 no matter how many times one differentiated? It will always have e^(-1/x^2) on the top and some power of x which will continue to grow on the bottom. How can this limit be computed? Thanks!

2. Nov 8, 2009

### rock.freak667

As $x \rightarrow 0$ which goes to zero first? e-1/x2 or x3?

3. Nov 8, 2009

### EstimatedEyes

I don't quite understand what you're asking; Both go to zero and I don't understand how one can do so first...

4. Nov 8, 2009

### Billy Bob

$$\frac{e^{-1/x^2}}{x^3}=\frac{x^{-3}}{e^{1/x^2}}$$

Try l'Hopital twice on that instead, simplifying after each application.

5. Nov 8, 2009

### EstimatedEyes

Thanks! Is it possible to generalize that e^(-1/x^2)/x^n as n->0 (n>2 and an integer) also approaches 0?