What is the limit of a difficult combination?

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SUMMARY

The limit of the product of binomial coefficients as \( n \) approaches infinity is established as \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left[ \prod_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} \right]^{\frac{1}{n^2}} = e^{\frac{1}{2}} \). The discussion utilized Stirling's approximation, \( n! \sim \sqrt{2 \pi n} n^n e^{-n} \), to analyze the behavior of the binomial coefficients. By applying logarithmic transformations and approximating sums with integrals, participants effectively narrowed down the limit to the desired value. The final approach involved estimating the sum of \( k \log(k) \) using integral approximation techniques.

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Homework Statement


show that [tex]\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty} \left[ \left(\begin{matrix} n \\ 0 \end{matrix} \right) \left(\begin{matrix} n \\ 1\end {matrix} \right) ...\left(\begin{matrix} n \\ n \end{matrix} \right ) \right]^\frac{1}{n^2} = e^\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

Homework Equations



Stirling's approximation [tex]n! \sim \sqrt{2 \pi n} n^n e^{-n}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly I tried to use smallest term to the n-power because that is # of terms of these combinations. Then, [tex]\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty} ((n^n))^\frac{1}{n^2} =1[/tex]. Secondly I did the same with de largest term, taking into account that middle term of Pascal's triangle [tex]\displaystyle \sim \frac{n!}{(\frac{n}{2}!)(\frac{n}{2}!)}[/tex] which gave me 2, so now I know that the limit is between 2 and 1 but I haven't proved that the limit is [tex]e^\frac{1}{2}[/tex]. I also tried logs and play with these combinations from right to left and in reverse but it did not help much. If anybody knows any generating function or idea that I can apply, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
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You can write the product of the C(n,k) as (n!)^n/(0!*1!*...*n!)^2. Take the log and apply Stirling's approximation log(n!)~n*log(n)-n. To estimate the sum of k*log(k) from 1 to n, approximate it by the integral of x*log(x) (much the same way you derive a rough version of Stirling's approximation).
 
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thank you.

After your advice everything was really easy. I didn't look elegant, however, it was effective.
 

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