What is the Limit of a Sequence of Exponents?

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In summary, the conversation is discussing how to evaluate the limit of the function \frac{ (n+1)^{\frac{1}{n+1}} }{n^{\frac{1}{n}}} and determining that the limit is 1. However, the argument provided for this conclusion is deemed invalid due to the fact that the exponent is not a fixed positive number, but rather approaching zero as n grows to infinity. The conversation also mentions that the limit of n^{1/n} exists and suggests focusing on proving this fact.
  • #1
Bipolarity
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Homework Statement



Evaluate [tex] lim_{n→∞} \frac{ (n+1)^{\frac{1}{n+1}} }{n^{\frac{1}{n}}} [/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


This is actually a part of a series problem I am trying to solve using the ratio test.I can't seem to figure out this limit and L'Hopital's doesn't work. Any hints?

BiP
 
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  • #2
Bipolarity said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate [tex] lim_{n→∞} \frac{ (n+1)^{\frac{1}{n+1}} }{n^{\frac{1}{n}}} [/tex]
Note that if [itex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} n^{1/n}[/itex] exists, let's call it [itex]L[/itex], then both the numerator and denominator converge to [itex]L[/itex], so the limit of the fraction is 1.

Indeed, [itex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} n^{1/n}[/itex] does exist, so focus on proving that fact.
 
  • #3
hey i think the limit is 1

1/(n+1) → 0
and
1/n → 0

if both powers will go → 0 then everything0 = 1


then you get 1/1 = 1
 
  • #4
Helpeme said:
hey i think the limit is 1

1/(n+1) → 0
and
1/n → 0

if both powers will go → 0 then everything0 = 1


then you get 1/1 = 1

The answer is right, but the argument is invalid. It's true that [itex]x^{1/n} \rightarrow 1[/itex] if [itex]x[/itex] is a fixed positive number, but here we have [itex]x[/itex] growing to infinity while the exponent shrinks to zero. It is not automatically true that the limit will be 1.

Consider for example
[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} (n^n)^{1/n}[/tex]
Surely this does not converge to 1, since [itex](n^n)^{1/n} = n[/itex].
 

Related to What is the Limit of a Sequence of Exponents?

1. What is a limit problem?

A limit problem is a mathematical concept that involves finding the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a specific value. In other words, it is the value that a function "approaches" but does not necessarily reach as the input gets closer and closer to a certain value.

2. How do I solve a limit problem?

To solve a limit problem, you can use different methods such as direct substitution, factoring, or using special limit rules. It is important to identify the type of limit problem you have and use the appropriate method to solve it.

3. What are the types of limit problems?

There are three types of limit problems: finite limits, infinite limits, and limits at infinity. Finite limits have a specific value that the function approaches, while infinite limits have either a positive or negative infinity as the limit. Limits at infinity refer to the behavior of a function as the input approaches either positive or negative infinity.

4. Can a limit problem have more than one solution?

Yes, a limit problem can have multiple solutions. This can happen if the function has different values for the left and right limits at a specific point, or if it has a discontinuity at the point in question.

5. Why are limit problems important in calculus?

Limit problems are important in calculus because they help us understand the behavior of functions and their values at specific points. They also allow us to determine the continuity of a function and to find the derivatives and integrals of functions.

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