Understanding Limit: N=1 +/- sqrt(Ae^(2rt))/sqrt(1-Ae^(2rt))

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The discussion centers on evaluating the limit of the expression N=1 ± sqrt(Ae^(2rt))/sqrt(1-Ae^(2rt)) as t approaches infinity, given that r>0 and A<0. It is established that the behavior of the limit depends on the magnitude of A: if |A| < 1, the limit approaches 1, while if |A| ≥ 1, it trends towards negative infinity. The challenge arises in the latter case, where the terms involve square roots of negative values, leading to complex results. The participants debate the implications of these complex numbers on the limit, questioning whether the final result should include imaginary components. The conversation highlights the complexities of limits involving exponential functions and negative constants.
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Trying to understand this limit:
limbio.png

where ##r>0##

Homework Equations


[/B]
I think it's best to proceed by writing this as:

## N=1 \pm \frac{\sqrt{Ae^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
since ##r>0 ## the exponential term ##\to ## ##\infty## and then since ##A<0## I get two results for ## lim_{t \to \infty} Ae^{2rt} ## depending on ## |A| ##.

a) If ##|A| < 1 ## it goes to zero.
if b) ## |A| \geq 1 ## it goes to ##-\infty##

and where the magnitude of A is not specified in the question.

If it was however for case a) the limit is of an determinate form: ##1 \pm \frac{0}{1} = 1 ##

however for b) i get ## 1 \pm \frac{\sqrt{-\infty}}{\sqrt{1+\infty}}## , and I can't see L'Hopitals rule being much use here due to the square root and exponential terms.

Many thanks in advance.
 

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binbagsss said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Trying to understand this limit:
View attachment 217254
where ##r>0##

Homework Equations


[/B]
I think it's best to proceed by writing this as:

## N=1 \pm \frac{\sqrt{Ae^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
since ##r>0 ## the exponential term ##\to ## ##\infty## and then since ##A<0## I get two results for ## lim_{t \to \infty} Ae^{2rt} ## depending on ## |A| ##.

a) If ##|A| < 1 ## it goes to zero.
if b) ## |A| \geq 1 ## it goes to ##-\infty##

and where the magnitude of A is not specified in the question.

If it was however for case a) the limit is of an determinate form: ##1 \pm \frac{0}{1} = 1 ##

however for b) i get ## 1 \pm \frac{\sqrt{-\infty}}{\sqrt{1+\infty}}## , and I can't see L'Hopitals rule being much use here due to the square root and exponential terms.

Many thanks in advance.

$$f(t) = \frac{\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}}
= \frac{e^{-rt}}{e^{-rt}} \frac{\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}}
= \frac{\sqrt{A}}{\sqrt{e^{-2rt} - A} } \to \frac{\sqrt{A}}{\sqrt{-A}}$$
 
Ray Vickson said:
$$f(t) = \frac{\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}}
= \frac{e^{-rt}}{e^{-rt}} \frac{\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}}{\sqrt{1-Ae^{2rt}}}
= \frac{\sqrt{A}}{\sqrt{e^{-2rt} - A} } \to \frac{\sqrt{A}}{\sqrt{-A}}$$
but A<0, so the numerator is not real?
 
binbagsss said:
but A<0, so the numerator is not real?

Right, but no less real than the original form ##\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}##.
 
Last edited:
Ray Vickson said:
Right, but no less real than the original form ##\sqrt{A e^{2rt}}##.

so then do we not get ## 1 \pm i ## rather than ## 1 \pm 1 ## as in the solution above?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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