Simplifying Limit Problem - L'Hôpital and Algebra

In summary, the limit problem is $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{x^{\frac{5}{3}}}{e^{2x}}$$ and it can be reduced using L'Hôpital's rule twice to $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\frac{5}{3}\frac{2}{3}} 2e^{-2x}x^{-\;\frac{1}{3}}$$ which simplifies to 0, making it clear that the limit is 0.
  • #1
Lepros
3
0
I have the following limit problem: $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{x^{\frac{5}{3}}}{e^{2x}}$$

I have reduced it to the following using L'Hôpital's rule once and basic algebra: $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{5}{2e^{2x}3x^{\frac{-2}{3}}}$$

I can tell that the limit is 0, but I'm wondering if I could reduce this further to make that even more apparent, or approach it in another manner that simplifies it better?
 
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  • #2
Lepros said:
I have the following limit problem: $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{x^{\frac{5}{3}}}{e^{2x}}$$

I have reduced it to the following using L'Hôpital's rule once and basic algebra: $$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{5}{2e^{2x}3x^{\frac{-2}{3}}}$$

I can tell that the limit is 0, but I'm wondering if I could reduce this further to make that even more apparent, or approach it in another manner that simplifies it better?
You need use L'Hôpital's rule two times.

First:$$ \Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\frac{5}{3}x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{2e^{2x}} $$second:$$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\frac{5}{3}\frac{2}{3}x^{-\frac{1}{3}}}{2e^{2x}}$$$$\Large\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\frac{5}{3}\frac{2}{3}} 2e^{-2x}x^{-\;\frac{1}{3}}$$And now it's clear that the limit equals to $0$.
 
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  • #3
Lepros said:
I can tell that the limit is 0

No, you can't. Why did you put x^(2/3) in the denominator? Why not leave it in the numerator and apply the rule again?
 

FAQ: Simplifying Limit Problem - L'Hôpital and Algebra

What is the L'Hôpital's rule?

The L'Hôpital's rule is a mathematical theorem that provides a method for evaluating limit problems involving indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. It states that if the limit of the quotient of two functions is indeterminate, then the limit of the quotient of their derivatives will be the same.

When should I use L'Hôpital's rule?

L'Hôpital's rule should only be used when the limit of the quotient of two functions is indeterminate, and other methods like direct substitution or factoring do not work. It is also important to check if the conditions for applying the rule are met, such as both functions being differentiable and the limit being in the form of 0/0 or ∞/∞.

How do I apply L'Hôpital's rule?

To apply L'Hôpital's rule, take the derivative of both the numerator and denominator of the original limit expression, and then evaluate the limit using the new quotient. If the limit is still indeterminate, repeat the process until you get a definite value or determine that the limit does not exist.

Can L'Hôpital's rule be applied to all limit problems?

No, L'Hôpital's rule can only be applied to limit problems involving indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. It cannot be used for limits that do not take this form, as it may lead to incorrect results.

How can algebra be used to simplify limit problems?

Algebra can be used to simplify limit problems by factoring, rationalizing, or simplifying expressions. By manipulating the original expression, we can often rewrite it in a form where L'Hôpital's rule can be applied, or other methods like direct substitution can be used to evaluate the limit. Algebra can also help us identify any restrictions on the variables that may affect the limit value.

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