Proving lim sqrt(n) alpha^n is 0

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter OhMyMarkov
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that $\lim \sqrt{n} \alpha^n = 0$ for $0 < \alpha < 1$. The proof presented involves rewriting $\alpha$ as $\alpha = 1/x$ where $x > 1$, leading to the conclusion that $\sqrt{n} \alpha^n$ approaches 0 as $n$ approaches infinity. A correction was suggested, indicating that $\alpha$ should be expressed as $\alpha = 1/(1+x)$ with $x > 0$ to maintain accuracy in the proof.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with exponential functions
  • Knowledge of inequalities and their applications
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of limits involving exponential decay
  • Learn about the behavior of sequences and series in calculus
  • Explore advanced topics in asymptotic analysis
  • Review proofs involving inequalities and their implications in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced calculus concepts, particularly those focusing on limits and exponential functions.

OhMyMarkov
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone!

I want to prove that $\lim \sqrt(n) \alpha ^n \rightarrow 0$ whenever $0 <\alpha < 1$. I got the following proof:

(1) Write $\alpha$ as $\alpha = 1/x$ where $x > 1$.
(2) $\sqrt{n} \alpha ^n = \displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{n}}{(1+x)^n}\leq\frac{\sqrt{n}}{1+nx}=\frac{1}{\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}+x\sqrt{n}}\leq\frac{1}{x\sqrt{n}}\rightarrow 0$ as $n\rightarrow \infty$.

Is the proof I provided correct?

Thanks! :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: Proving $\lim \sqrt(n) \alpha ^n \rightarrow 0$

OhMyMarkov said:
Hello everyone!

I want to prove that $\lim \sqrt(n) \alpha ^n \rightarrow 0$ whenever $0 <\alpha < 1$. I got the following proof:

(1) Write $\alpha$ as $\alpha = 1/x$ where $x > 1$.
(2) $\sqrt{n} \alpha ^n = \displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{n}}{(1+x)^n}\leq\frac{\sqrt{n}}{1+nx}=\frac{1}{\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}+x\sqrt{n}}\leq\frac{1}{x\sqrt{n}}\rightarrow 0$ as $n\rightarrow \infty$.

Is the proof I provided correct?

Thanks! :)
The idea seems correct, but in line (1) you should have written $\alpha = 1/(1+x)$ where $x > 0$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K