Rate of lim exp(x) ~? rate of lim exp(-x)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rates of convergence of the functions exp(x) and exp(-x) as x approaches infinity. Participants explore the mathematical implications of these rates, particularly in the context of comparing the behavior of these functions and their derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the limit of exp(x) approaching infinity as x approaches infinity is at the same rate as exp(-x) approaching zero.
  • Another participant provides a derivative-based analysis, suggesting that the absolute rates of change of exp(x) and exp(-x) are the same, though one is positive and the other negative.
  • A subsequent participant introduces a modified function f(x) = e^x + cot(y) and seeks to understand how to express a corresponding g(x) that approaches zero at the same rate as this new f(x) approaches infinity.
  • Further discussion raises the complexity of defining "the rate at which something approaches infinity" and questions how to compare this with the rate at which another function approaches zero.
  • A later reply reflects on a prior statement, indicating a realization of a mistake and shifts focus to a new limit involving arccot and exp(x) as x approaches infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to define and compare the rates of convergence of the functions discussed. There is no consensus on the definitions or implications of these rates, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the problem, with some expressing uncertainty about the definitions and implications of rates of convergence. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the behavior of functions as they approach their limits.

BCox
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Hello:
The actual functional analysis for my rate of convergence is a bit more complicated. But essentially the problem I have is knowing if the following is true:

lim exp(x) -> infinity as x->infinity
is at the same rate as
lim exp(-x) -> 0 as x-> infinity

? Would really appreciate the actual answer. Thank you!
 
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Rate as in slope of a function?

if
f(x) = e^x
g(x) = e^-x

then
f'(x) = e^x
g'(x) = -e^-x

so
f'(x) / g'(x) = -1

So in absolute value, the rate is the same. Although one is positive and the other negative. Does this answer your question?
 
Yes, it does.

What if my f(x) = e^x + cot y ... where my y is another variable for which cot y may diverge to positive infinity? I am still only interested in the rate for when x -> infinity.

What would g(x) look like for the rate at which the new f(x) approaches infinity at the same rate that g(x) approaches zero?
 
ImAnEngineer said:
f'(x) = e^x
g'(x) = -e^-x

so
f'(x) / g'(x) = -1
Um, no.
BCox said:
What would g(x) look like for the rate at which the new f(x) approaches infinity at the same rate that g(x) approaches zero?
What is "the rate at which <something> approaches infinity"? I mean, I know what it is for one function to approach infinity faster than another, but what is it for one function to approach infinity faster than another function approaches zero?
 
Preno said:
Um, no.
What is "the rate at which <something> approaches infinity"? I mean, I know what it is for one function to approach infinity faster than another, but what is it for one function to approach infinity faster than another function approaches zero?

Yes, I looked at that more closely and realized that is wrong. The question behind the question is, what is the rate of the following at which the function below approaches zero:


lim (1/y) arccot [ -exp(x)/sin(y) - cot(y) ] ->0 as x->infinity

where y is (-pi,0)
 
what a nonsense i wrote, sorry
 

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