Stirling's approximation limit problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around evaluating two limits involving factorials, specifically [ (2n)! / (n!)^2 ]^1/n and [ ( n^n + 2^n ) / (n! + 3^n) ]^1/n. Participants suggest using Stirling's approximation to simplify the calculations, noting that it helps in determining the limits as n approaches infinity. The first limit approaches 4, while the second approaches e, with hints provided on how to ignore certain terms in the expressions. The conversation also touches on the possibility of solving these limits without relying on Stirling's approximation, although no alternative methods are fully explored. Overall, the use of Stirling's approximation is emphasized as a key technique for solving these limit problems.
nitai108
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Hi, I don't undestand this limits to infinity.



[ (2n)! / (n!)^2 ]^1/n

and

[ ( n^n + 2^n ) / (n! + 3^n) ]^1/n




I've absolutely no idea how the first one can be "4", and the seconda one "e". Assuming (1 + 1/n)^n = e I don't see how can I go from that form to this one. Any hint is appreciated.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi nitai108! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
nitai108 said:
[ (2n)! / (n!)^2 ]^1/n

Hint: what, approximately, is (2n)! / n! ?
[ ( n^n + 2^n ) / (n! + 3^n) ]^1/n

Hint: which bits of the top and the bottom can you ignore? :wink:
 


To evaluate the first limit I would use Stirling's approximation, namely that n! \approx n^{n}e^{-n} (and (2n)! \approx (2n)^{2n}e^{-2n}) for large n.
 
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For the second limit, do what tiny-tim suggested and then use Stirling's approximation.
 


Thanks tiny-tim, and thanks Random Variable, I did solve them pretty easily with the Stirling's approximation.

Is there any other way to solve them, without Stirling's approx.?
 
nitai108 said:
Is there any other way to solve them, without Stirling's approx.?

The first one, you could say (2n)! is approximately (2n)2(2n-2)2 … 22

(but you'd have to prove that rigorously)

… which makes it fairly easy :wink:
 


Ok, thanks a lot.
 

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