Limit of Sequence: Find n^2(e^\frac{1}{n^2} - cos(\frac{1}{n}))

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SUMMARY

The limit of the expression n^2(e^(1/n^2) - cos(1/n)) is determined to be 3/2. Initial reasoning incorrectly applied asymptotic behavior, leading to the conclusion of 1. A more accurate approach involves substituting x = 1/n and expanding both terms in a Taylor series around zero, which clarifies the relationship between the exponential and cosine functions. This method discards higher-order terms and reveals the correct limit.

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Homework Statement



Find the limit of [itex]n^2(e^\frac{1}{n^2} - cos(\frac{1}{n}))[/itex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



since cos(1/n) is asymptotic to 1. [itex]n^2(e^\frac{1}{n^2} - cos(\frac{1}{n}))[/itex] ~ [itex]n^2(e^\frac{1}{n^2} - 1)[/itex] ~ [itex]n^2 \frac{1}{n^2})[/itex] = 1
The right answer is 3/2 though. I don't see what's wrong with my reasoning. Maybe i used asymptotic in an illegitimate way. What's the problem?
 
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You have to be a little more careful than that.
Try switching over to x = 1/n, then it will be the limit for x going to zero.
If you expand both terms inside the brackets in a series around 0, you can throw away terms of order x4 and you will arrive at the right answer.
 
Thanks, that way i solved it.
I also found what i did wrong with asymptotic. I though that when a sequence is asymptotic with another you could just substitute one with the other. But it's not true. in this case. [itex]cos(1/n)[/itex]~ [itex]1[/itex] but [itex]e^\frac{1}{n^2} - cos(\frac{1}{n})[/itex] ~[itex]\frac{3}{2} e^\frac{1}{n^2} - 1[/itex].

[itex]e^\frac{1}{n^2} - cos(\frac{1}{n})[/itex] ~[itex]e^\frac{1}{n^2} - 1[/itex] This is not true.
 

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