Questions tagged [limits]

Questions on the evaluation and properties of limits in the sense of analysis and related fields. For limits in the sense of category theory, use the tag “limits-colimits” instead.

In mathematics, a limit is the value that a function or sequence "approaches" as the input or index approaches some value. Limits are essential to (and mathematical analysis in general) and are used to define continuity, derivatives, and integrals.

The formal $\varepsilon$-$\delta$ definition of a finite limit at a point $a\in \mathbb{R}$ is:

$$\Big(\lim_{x\rightarrow a} f(x) = L \Big)\iff \Big(\forall \varepsilon >0\, \exists \delta > 0: \forall x\in D\quad 0<\vert x-a\vert <\delta \implies \vert f(x)-L\vert <\varepsilon \Big).$$

The concept of a limit of a sequence is further generalized to the concept of a limit of a topological net, and is closely related to the concepts of limit and direct limit in category theory.

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Why does $x^{(1/\ln(x))} = e$?

Why does $x^{(1/\ln(x))} = e$, espacially for a limit as it reaches infinity. I figured it would just be $0$ since $\frac{1}{\ln(\infty)}$ should equal $0$. I don't get the concept.
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derive limit to make a function continuous

Here's the problem: Choose the value of k that makes the following function continuous at $x = 1$: $f(x)=\begin{cases} \frac{-8x^2 + 48x - 40}{x - 1} & x < 1\\ -2x + k &x \geq 1 \end{cases}$ My steps: $\lim_{x\uparrow 1} f(x) = \lim_{x\downarrow 1}…
redthumb
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Getting the correct answer for a limit with a cube in the denominator

Given: $$ \lim_{x \to 1} f(x) = \frac3{1-x^3} - \frac1{1-x} $$ I first used the difference of cubes to get $$ \lim_{x \to 1} f(x) = \frac3{(1-x)(1+x+x^2)} - \frac1{1-x} $$ Then multiplied each term by $(1-x)$, cancelling $(1-x)$ in the first term,…
antgel
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Tough limit to evaluate

I am trying to solve this limit problem $$\lim_{x\to 1} {(1-x)(1-x^2)....(1-x^{2n})\over[(1-x)(1-x^2)....(1-x^n)]^2}$$ I am not able to figure how to to convert it to a compact form. Any tips?
user34304
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Infinite limit terms under root

Suggest me a hint to solve:$$\psi=\lim_{x\to0}{\frac{\sqrt{1-\cos x+\sqrt{1-\cos x+\sqrt{1-\cos x+\cdots}}}-1}{x^2}}$$ My try,
RE60K
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I need help solving these limits

I've been struggling to solve the following limits for about an hour. I've tried using conjugates as well as common factors, but it gets me nowhere. Wolfram Alpha does not provide steps for these limits. I could really use some help. (x greater…
Ben
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Calculation of the limit $\lim_{n \to +\infty} n^2x(1-x)^n, x \in [0,1]$ and the supremum

How can I find this limit: $$\lim_{n \to +\infty} n^2x(1-x)^n, x \in [0,1]$$ Do I have to use the L'Hospital rule? If so, do I have to differentiate with respect to $n$ or to $x$ ? EDIT: I also tried to find the supremum of $n^2x(1-x)^n$..I found…
evinda
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one-sided limit $\lim_{x \rightarrow 0^+} f(x)$ where wolfram alpha does not help

The function $f$ is defined as follows: $$f(x):=\sum_{j=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^j}{j!} e^{-x}$$ It's easy to see that $f(0)=0$. But I am interested in the value $$\lim_{x \rightarrow 0^+} f(x).$$ Even Wolfram Alpha does not help here. I tried to plot…
user136457
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Does the limit $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left(x^n-1\right)^{1/n}$ exist?

For $x$ given, what do you think about the following limit? $$ \lim_{n\to\infty}\left(x^n-1\right)^{1/n}. $$ What I tried and what are the problems that I am facing: Let $f(x, n)=\left(x^n-1\right)^{1/n}$. We have: $$ \log f(x,…
npisinp
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Applying the squeeze theorem to a non-trigonometric function

In a practice problem, I am supposed find the limit of the following using the squeeze theorem: $$\lim_{x\to2} \frac{\sqrt{6-x}-2}{\sqrt{3-x}-1}$$ I understand how to apply the squeeze theorem with trigonometric expressions, but I am not sure what…
elimirks
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How do I resrict delta here?

Prove that $\lim_{x\to 1}(x^2-1)=0$ $|(x^2 -1) -0| < \epsilon$ \* $|x^2 - 1| < \epsilon$ \* $|(x+1)(x-1)| < \epsilon$ \* $|x+1||x-1| < \epsilon$ I know I need to restrict delta now but how do I do that?
user45417
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Finding the slope of the tangent line to $\frac{8}{\sqrt{4+3x}}$ at $(4,2)$

In order to find the slope of the tangent line at the point $(4,2)$ belong to the function $\frac{8}{\sqrt{4+3x}}$, I choose the derivative at a given point formula. $\begin{align*} \lim_{x \to 4} \frac{f(x)-f(4)}{x-4} &= \lim_{x \mapsto 4}…
Pedro
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$\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac1n \sum_{r=1}^n r^{\frac1r}$

How to evaluate $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac1n \sum_{r=1}^n r^{\frac1r}$? I've tried finding it, and I know that without the $\frac1n$ factor, the sequence has the limit $n$. What about the series? Will it be 1, then? How to show?
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Proof of $e^x - 1 \geq x$ for ${x: -1 \leq x < 0}$

Is this valid, and how can i prove that it holds. Proof of $$e^x - 1 \geq x \text{ for } {x:-1 \leq x < 0}$$
maress
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Solving $\lim_{x\to0} x * \ln x$

I needed to solve $$\lim_{x \to 0} x * \ln x.$$ and I wasn't sure how I would do it so I looked up the answer. They used L'Hoptial to solve this and I don't understand why this works. $\lim_{x\to0} x * \ln x = \lim_{x\to0} \frac{\ln x}{1/x} $ but…