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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How do I show that $\lim_{n \to \infty} (1 + \frac{1}{n+1})^{2n} = e^2$?

It's obvious that $\lim_{n \to \infty} (1 + \frac{1}{n})^{2n} = e^2$? And in the limit, intuitively I can see that the $n+1$ in the denominator of $(1 + \frac{1}{n+1})^{2n}$ shouldn't change the limit. Is there a more explicit method of showing this…
mathjacks
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Limit of something that does not depend on x at all?

A simple example would be $x/x$. Clearly the $x's$ just cancel out and we are left with $1$, so is the limit for $x \rightarrow whatever$ always 1? Or, more generally, is the limit of $f(z)$ as $x \rightarrow a$ just $f(z)$? Not sure what to do.
Daniel
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On the convergence of some sort of power tower.

Given a function of the form $f(x)=\frac{k^x}{x^x}, k>0$ it's easy for me to see convergence to $0$ as $x\to \infty$. But, what about $g(x)=\frac{k^x}{(x^c)^{(x^c)}}$. Unfortunately, I am an Economist by training and don't really know how to handle…
user180850
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Dividing the function by the largest power of x to rationalize(infinity minus infinity)

Calculating the limits of the above when x approaches infinity, why can't we just divide the function by the largest power of x and then say inside of the square root should be equal to "1" when x is at infinity level? This seems so right to me…
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How to simplify this log limit

How does $$ \frac{1}{\log(1+\frac{d}{a})} $$ simplify to $\frac{a}{d}$ in the limit that $d$ is tiny relative to $a$? I was wondering if a Taylor expansion would work though I am not sure how to work it.
user35687
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finding the $\lim_{x \rightarrow -2 }\frac{x+2}{x^3+8}$

How do you solve $\lim_{x \rightarrow -2} \frac{x+2}{x^3+8}$ to get 1/12? I tried factoring out the denominator into $(x+2)(x+2)(x+2)$ and cancelling it out with the top but when you plug in 0 for x the denominator is still 0.
Jessica
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Did I take this limit correctly?

I have the following limit: $$\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}\frac{a}{x\left[\log\left(1+\frac{b}{x^{0.5-\delta}}\right)\right]^2}$$ where $0
M.B.M.
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What is the smallest real number $M$ so that $x>M$ implies that $[1/x]<10^{-6}$

What is the smallest real number $M$ so that $x>M$ implies that $[1/x]<10^{-6}$ My Intuition: $$\begin{align}\frac{1}{x}<\frac{1}{10^6}\end{align}$$ $$\begin{align}10^6M$ , so it seems obvious to me the smallest…
Manahil
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Limit factorizing

I am having trouble with understanding limits. For example: $\displaystyle \lim_{x\rightarrow 3}\;\frac{(x-3)(x^2-x-2)}{(x-3)} = 4$ (sorry for this notation but I'm new here) I understand that we can cancel (x-3) in numerator and denominator,…
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Growth and limits of non-polynomial power functions

I'm analyzing the function $f(n) = n^{4.5} - (n-2)^{4.5} $. It has become apparent to me that $f(n) \in \Theta(n^{3.5})$ after experimenting several times on Wolfram Alpha. For more complex expressions of non-polynomial functions that have rational…
lemon
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Show that $\lim_{n\to\infty}S_n$ exists

Let $S_1 = 1$ and $S_{n+1} = (\frac{n}{n+1})S_n^2$ for $n \geq 1$ I am asked to show that $\lim_{n\to\infty}S_n$ exists I am wondering whether or not I solve for $S_n$ and then let $S_{n+2} \leq S_{n+1}$ by plugging in $n+2$ for $n$
Pasie15
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Does $\lim_{n\to\infty}S_n \leq S$ imply that $S_n < S$?

Does $\lim_{n\to\infty}S_n \leq S$ imply that $S_n < S$ ? Some something from proof I am working out bothering me.
Pasie15
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How to evaluate $\lim_{x\to 1^-} \, e^{\frac{3}{1-x}}$?

What steps are needed to evaluate the following? $\lim_{x\to 1^-} \, e^{\frac{3}{1-x}}$ I know that the answer is $\infty$ but I don't know how to get there. Thanks P.S. I want to learn how to fish and not be given the fish so any generalized tips…
WXB13
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Evaluating $\lim_{n \to \infty} \left ( \sqrt[n]{n} + \frac 1 n \right )^{\frac n {\ln n}}$

I have trouble evaluating this limit: $$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left ( \sqrt[n]{n} + \frac 1 n \right )^{\frac n {\ln n}}$$ I cannot use series expansion... I also tried to rewrite it as $\large e^{\ln (\cdots)}$, without getting anywhere. It's the…
rubik
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Limit of $\sin(3x)/x$ as $x$ goes to zero

I was asked to help a student with this limit as X goes to zero. $$\lim_{x \rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin \left(3x\right)}{x}$$ Note, I am able to solve it myself using L'Hopital's rule, just looking at a graph, or by the calculator method of sneaking up…