Proving Limit of x^(1/n) is 1 for x>0

In summary: Therefore, as n goes to infinity, the limit of x^{1/n} is 1. This can be shown by using the definition of a limit and finding a suitable N for any given epsilon. This can be done separately for x>1 and x<1, using the properties of the logarithm function. In summary, the limit of x^{1/n} is 1 for all positive real numbers x.
  • #1
the_kid
116
0

Homework Statement



Rigorously show that for all x>0, the limit of {x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex]} is 1.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



|x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex]-1|[itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\epsilon[/itex]

I'm not sure where to go from here...just looking for a little guidance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You might want to prove it seperately for x<1 and x>1.
What you need to do is to find and N for every epsilon so that your statement holds for all n>N.
You might want to get rid of the absolute signs first.
 
  • #3
Ok, for the case x>0, we have:

x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex]-1[itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\epsilon[/itex]

[itex]\Rightarrow[/itex]N=[itex]\frac{log(x)}{log(1+\epsilon)}[/itex]

How does this look?
 
  • #4
You mean x>1
Other than that, it looks fine to me. Depending of your prof (or whomever this is for), you should argue with mononicity that you're doing the right thing.
Now only thing left is x<1
 
  • #5
Right, I meant x>1.

For x<1, we have:

x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex]-1[itex]\geq[/itex]-[itex]\epsilon[/itex]

[itex]\Rightarrow[/itex]N=[itex]\frac{log(x)}{log(1-\epsilon)}[/itex]

Is this all I need to show? Also, what did you mena that I should argue with monotonicity?

Thanks!
 
  • #6
Well done! What I mean is that you should let the reader know what's going on and what you are doing. You need to present a reason, why the inequality holds for all n>N.
Therefore, you should carry out your calculation step by step. Also, keep in mind that you can only apply statements to an inequality if they are monotoneous. The logarithm, for example, is such a statement, because x>y means log x > log y. Of course, multiplication with a negative number is not.
And don't forget the x=1 case.
 
  • #7
the_kid said:

Homework Statement



Rigorously show that for all x>0, the limit of {x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex]} is 1.

Don't there need to be values assigned to [itex]n ?[/itex]


Don't you need for all real numbers x > 0 and all positive integers n,

as n --> oo, the limit of x[itex]^{1/n}[/itex] is 1?



Or, don't you need for all positive integers n, as n --> oo,

the limit of n[itex]^{1/n}[/itex] is 1?


Otherwise, it appears that the fraction 1/n is just sitting
there and not being given a value.


------------------------------------------------------------


Or, have for all real numbers x, as x --> oo, that the limit of

[itex]x^{1/x}[/itex] = 1?
 
  • #8
Otherwise, it appears that the fraction 1/n is just sitting
there and not being given a value.
Here n is the variable going to infinity, while x is a positive (constant) real number.
 

1. What is the limit of x^(1/n) as n approaches infinity for x>0?

The limit of x^(1/n) as n approaches infinity for x>0 is 1.

2. How do you prove that the limit of x^(1/n) is 1 for x>0?

To prove that the limit of x^(1/n) is 1 for x>0, we can use the definition of a limit and apply the laws of exponents. We can also use the squeeze theorem or the binomial theorem for rational exponents.

3. Why is it important to prove the limit of x^(1/n) is 1 for x>0?

It is important to prove the limit of x^(1/n) is 1 for x>0 because it is a fundamental result in calculus and is used in many other mathematical concepts and applications. It also helps us understand the behavior of functions with rational exponents.

4. Can we use this limit to solve other mathematical problems?

Yes, we can use this limit to solve other mathematical problems, such as finding the limit of other functions with rational exponents or evaluating infinite sums and integrals.

5. Are there any exceptions to this limit for x>0?

No, there are no exceptions to this limit for x>0. It holds true for all positive real numbers and is a fundamental property of exponential functions.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
255
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
306
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
661
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
711
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
781
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
338
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
713
Back
Top