Rational expression limit problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the limits of rational expressions involving polynomials as x approaches infinity. Specifically, it establishes that the limit of a rational expression with two polynomials of the same degree and leading coefficients approaches 1, while the limit of a rational expression where the degree of the denominator exceeds that of the numerator approaches 0. The examples provided include the expressions 2x/x and 2(x+1)/x, illustrating that the limits depend on the leading coefficients of the polynomials involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rational expressions and polynomial functions
  • Knowledge of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with leading coefficients in polynomial expressions
  • Basic concepts of mathematical induction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of limits in calculus, focusing on polynomial behavior at infinity
  • Learn about mathematical induction and its applications in proofs
  • Explore the properties of leading coefficients in rational functions
  • Investigate examples of rational expressions with varying degrees to solidify understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students learning calculus, educators teaching limits and rational expressions, and anyone interested in mathematical proofs involving polynomial functions.

StonedPanda
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Sligtly more complex than the average one, I'd assume. How would I go about proving that the limit of of a rational expression consisting of two polynomials of the same degree goes to one and the limit of one where the degree of the bottom is greater than the degree of the top goes to zero. I'd imagine i'd have to use induction, but I've never learned it!

This step is actually a step in a more complicated problem, which I've got for the most part.
 
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Limit as x approaches infinity? Consider:

2x/x

this is a rational function of two polynomials of the same degree whose limit is never 1 for any x, it is always 2. Also consider:

2(x+1)/x

again, it has a limit of 2 as x approaches infinity, but it's limit isn't always 2, for example, it is 4 when x approaches 1. Perhaps you mean when both polynomials also have the same leading coefficient. In that case, the limit as x approaches infinity will be 1.
 
yes, sorry, i meant for the case when the polynomials has the same leading coefficient as the variable approaches infinity.
 
so can anyone help me prove this? I'm trying to teach myself induction...
 

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