Proving equation involving limits without derivatives

In summary, the problem is asking if the limit of the ratio of two expressions can be proven to be equal to the logarithm of the base without using derivatives. The attempt at a solution involves using the squeeze theorem and the idea of making both sides an exponent of the base, but the concept of a^h may not be well-defined without using derivatives.
  • #1
V0ODO0CH1LD
278
0

Homework Statement



This is not really a homework or a coursework question. But I got a warning that I should submit my post in this section of the website.. I'm just saying this because I don't know if the answer to my question is at all achievable. And if it is how I should go about trying to solve it. Anyway.. Here is my question:

Can I prove that:
[tex] \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{(\frac{a^h-1}{h})}{(\frac{b^h-1}{h})} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1} = log_ba [/tex]
without using derivatives?

Of course the first equality is trivial But I thought it might be important, that's why it is there.

Homework Equations



Honestly don't know..

Maybe the squeeze theorem?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried making both sides an exponent of b. Which would looks like:
[tex] b^{log_ba} = b^{\frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1}} [/tex]
which means:
[tex] a = b^{\frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1}} [/tex]
I don't even know if that is the right path though..
 
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  • #2
V0ODO0CH1LD said:

Homework Statement



This is not really a homework or a coursework question. But I got a warning that I should submit my post in this section of the website.. I'm just saying this because I don't know if the answer to my question is at all achievable. And if it is how I should go about trying to solve it. Anyway.. Here is my question:

Can I prove that:
[tex] \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{(\frac{a^h-1}{h})}{(\frac{b^h-1}{h})} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1} = log_ba [/tex]
without using derivatives?

Of course the first equality is trivial But I thought it might be important, that's why it is there.

Homework Equations



Honestly don't know..

Maybe the squeeze theorem?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried making both sides an exponent of b. Which would looks like:
[tex] b^{log_ba} = b^{\frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1}} [/tex]
which means:
[tex] a = b^{\frac{a^h-1}{b^h-1}} [/tex]
I don't even know if that is the right path though..

You could use the taylor series of a^h=exp(log(a)*h) and similarly for b. But, of course, the taylor series involves derivatives. I'm not really sure you can even define what a^h even means without using derivatives in some way. I'm not sure you should bother trying.
 
  • #3
Derivatives are inherent to that, though they could be hidden.


$$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{a^h-1}{h}=\log(a)$$

can be derived a number of ways and is analogous to

$$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} (1+a h)^h=e^a$$
 

FAQ: Proving equation involving limits without derivatives

What are limits in mathematics and why are they important in proving equations?

Limits are a fundamental concept in calculus that describe the behavior of a function as the input approaches a specific value. They are important in proving equations because they allow us to analyze the behavior of complicated functions and determine their values at specific points.

Can equations involving limits be proven without using derivatives?

Yes, equations involving limits can be proven without using derivatives. While derivatives are often used to prove equations involving limits, there are alternative methods such as the epsilon-delta method or the squeeze theorem that can also be used.

What is the epsilon-delta method and how is it used to prove equations involving limits?

The epsilon-delta method is a technique for proving equations involving limits by defining a range of values, or epsilon, around the limit and then finding a corresponding range of values, or delta, around the input that ensures the resulting output falls within the epsilon range. This method is based on the definition of a limit and is commonly used in introductory calculus courses.

What is the squeeze theorem and how is it used to prove equations involving limits?

The squeeze theorem, also known as the sandwich theorem, is a method for proving equations involving limits by using two other functions that "squeeze" the original function between them. If the two functions have the same limit at a specific point, then the original function must also have that limit at that point. This method is particularly useful for proving more complicated equations that involve trigonometric or exponential functions.

Can you provide an example of an equation involving limits that can be proven without using derivatives?

Yes, an example of an equation that can be proven without using derivatives is the limit of (x^2 + 2) as x approaches 3. Using the epsilon-delta method, we can show that the limit is equal to 11 by defining an epsilon range of 0.1 around the limit of 11 and finding a corresponding delta range of 1 around the input of 3. Therefore, for any input that falls within the delta range, the resulting output will fall within the epsilon range, proving the limit to be 11.

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