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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around rigorously proving that the limit of \(x^{1/n}\) approaches 1 as \(n\) approaches infinity for all \(x > 0\). Participants explore different cases based on the value of \(x\) and the implications of the limit as \(n\) increases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest proving the limit separately for cases where \(x < 1\) and \(x > 1\). There are discussions about finding appropriate values for \(N\) in relation to \(\epsilon\) and the implications of monotonicity in the context of logarithmic functions. Questions arise regarding the necessity of defining \(n\) and clarifying the roles of \(x\) and \(n\) in the limit process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the proof. Some have offered specific calculations and considerations, while others are questioning the clarity of the definitions and assumptions involved in the limit process.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of needing to consider the case when \(x = 1\) and the implications of the logarithmic function's properties in the proof. Additionally, there is a focus on ensuring that the definitions of \(n\) and \(x\) are appropriately addressed in the context of the limit.

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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.
 
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You might want to prove it separately 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.
 
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?
 
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
 
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!
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 

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