What is the limit of $\frac{n^2}{2^n}$ as $n$ approaches infinity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on evaluating the limit of the expression $\frac{n^2}{2^n}$ as $n$ approaches infinity. Participants explore various methods for determining this limit, including the use of logarithms and L'Hopital's rule, while also addressing the need to establish that $2^n$ grows faster than $n^2$ for large $n$.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests taking the natural logarithm of the limit to simplify the evaluation, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach.
  • Another participant argues that it is necessary to prove that $2^n > n^2$ for large $n$ to support the limit evaluation.
  • Some participants question the choice of taking logarithms, proposing instead to apply L'Hopital's rule to the original limit, with one participant detailing the application of L'Hopital's rule twice.
  • A later reply challenges the logarithmic transformation, stating that the logarithm of $\frac{n^2}{2^n}$ is not correctly represented as $\frac{2\ln(n)}{n\ln(2)}$ and instead should be expressed as $2\ln(n) - n\ln(2)$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the methods to evaluate the limit, with no consensus on the best approach. There is also disagreement regarding the correctness of the logarithmic transformation used in the limit evaluation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for a proof regarding the growth comparison between $2^n$ and $n^2$, indicating that this aspect is crucial for the limit evaluation but remains unaddressed in detail.

karush
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$\displaystyle
L_b=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{n^2}{2^n}\right\} \implies\frac{\infty}{\infty} \\
\text{take natural log of both sides} \\
\ln\left(L_b{}\right)=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{2\ln\left({n}\right)}{n\ln\left({2}\right)}\right\} \\
\text{not sure?? } $
 
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You need to prove that $2^n > n^2$ for large $n$.
 
Why take logs? Why not simply apply L'Hopital's rule to the original limit twice?
 
greg1313 said:
Why take logs? Why not simply apply L'Hopital's rule to the original limit twice?

$\text{thusly..}$
$$\displaystyle
L_b=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{n^2}{2^n}\right\} $$

$$\displaystyle
L'_b=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{2n}{2^{n}\ln\left({2}\right)}\right\} $$

$$\displaystyle
L''_b=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{2}{2^n\ln\left({2}\right)^2}\right\} $$
$x \to \infty$
$$L_b=0$$

- - - Updated - - -

ZaidAlyafey said:
You need to prove that $2^n > n^2$ for large $n$.

Prove?
 
Last edited:
You can use the mathematical induction.
 
whatever that is?
 
karush said:
$\displaystyle
L_b=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{n^2}{2^n}\right\} \implies\frac{\infty}{\infty} \\
\text{take natural log of both sides} \\
\ln\left(L_b{}\right)=\lim_{x \to \infty}
\left\{\frac{2\ln\left({n}\right)}{n\ln\left({2}\right)}\right\} \\
\text{not sure?? } $
The logarithm of \frac{n^2}{2^n} is not \frac{2ln(n)}{nln(2)}. It is 2ln(n)- n ln(2).
 

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