Solve L'Hopital's Rule for y(t) at Limit of t to Infinity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the limit of the function y(t) = v2t/√(v2t2+b2) as t approaches infinity, specifically using L'Hopital's Rule. Participants explore analytical methods and the implications of repeated applications of L'Hopital's Rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about applying L'Hopital's Rule multiple times and questions how to handle infinite divisions.
  • Another participant suggests taking vt out from under the square root to simplify the limit, noting that b/v2t2 approaches 0 as t approaches infinity.
  • A participant points out that the limit can be expressed as L = lim(v2) / lim(v2t/√(v2t2+b2)), leading to a recursive form L = L, indicating that L can be solved without repeated applications of L'Hopital's Rule.
  • There is a mention of integration by parts as a related technique, with one participant reflecting on their prior unfamiliarity with L'Hopital's Rule.
  • Another participant acknowledges the simplification of the limit to v, indicating a realization of a more straightforward approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of agreement on the approach to take with L'Hopital's Rule, with some suggesting it may not be necessary while others explore its application. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to analytically solve the limit.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential for confusion with infinite applications of L'Hopital's Rule and the implications of recursive forms in limits. There are also references to the simplification of terms under the limit, which may depend on the context of the variables involved.

dm164
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So I've come across this formula that I derived. y(t) =v2t/√(v2t2+b2)

I would like to solve the limit of t to infinity analytically. When I apply L'Hopital I get
y = lim v2 / lim v2t/√(v2t2+b2)

but as you can see I would have to apply L'Hopital rule an infinite amount of times, now I don't know if you say it becomes x/(x/(x/..))). with x= v2 whatever value that is.

By inspection of a grapher I would say it's v , it also looks like v*sin(arctan(v/b*t)), which at t-> arctan -> pi/2 then sin() -> 1 so the answer is v. But, how do I know arctan(t) t->inf it pi/2 besides geometrically it makes sense.

Any ideas about the infinite L'Hopital, or infinite divisions how something like that could be solved.
 
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You mean find ##L:## $$L=\lim_{t \rightarrow \infty}\frac{v^2t}{\sqrt{v^2 t^2 +b}}$$

I'd be inclined to take the vt out from under the square root. ##b/v^2t^2\rightarrow 0##.

Under L'Hopital, if you just keep repeating it, I suspect you'll and up finding L=f(L) ...and solve for L.
 
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dm164 said:
I would like to solve the limit of t to infinity analytically. When I apply L'Hopital I get
y = lim v2 / lim v2t/√(v2t2+b2)

You mean that you get
\lim_{t \to \infty} y = \frac{\lim_{t \to \infty} v^2}{ \lim_{t \to \infty} \left( \frac{v^2 t}{\sqrt{v^2 t^2 + b^2}} \right) }
(note I put the missing limit on the left hand side), i.e.
\lim_{t \to \infty} y = \frac{\lim_{t \to \infty} v^2}{\lim_{t \to \infty} y} ?

In Simon's notation, that would be
L = \frac{\ldots}{L}
except that you don't have to apply L'Hopital more than once.
 
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The same trick is often used in integration by parts.
Y'know, I'd never heard of L'Hopital before I started at this forum. It would have been handy. But in this case, do you really need it? Oh well, never mind.

Aside:
The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. The only stupid person is the one who pretends to know.
"Remember children: there are no stupid questions, only stupid people."
-- Mr Garrett (Southpark)​
 
Simon Bridge said:
I'd be inclined to take the vt out from under the square root. ##b/v^2t^2\rightarrow 0##.

Ah yeah, didn't see that way.

CompuChip said:
You mean that you get

\lim_{t \to \infty} y = \frac{\lim_{t \to \infty} v^2}{\lim_{t \to \infty} y} ?

In Simon's notation, that would be
∴L = \frac{\ldots}{L}
except that you don't have to apply L'Hopital more than once.

Oh sure, kind of seems silly now \lim_{t \to \infty} y =√(\lim_{t \to \infty} v^2)= v

Always good to know a fews ways to an answer.
 

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