Where am i wrong in this limits question?

  • Thread starter vkash
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Limits
In summary, the purpose of analyzing where you are wrong in a limits question is to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills. You can determine where you are wrong by going through your solution step by step or seeking help from a teacher or tutor. Common mistakes in limits questions include not understanding the concept, using incorrect formulae, and making calculation errors. If you cannot find where you are wrong, seek help from others. To avoid making mistakes in the future, have a strong understanding, practice regularly, double-check your solutions, and identify patterns in your mistakes.
  • #1
vkash
318
1
question is
limx->0 (1+x+x^2-e^x)/x^2
How i did it.
=>limx->0 (1-e^x)/x^2+(x+x^2)/x^2
=>limx->0 ((1-e^x)/x)*1/x+1/x+1
using limx->0(e^x-1)/x=1
=>limx->0 (-1)*1/x+1/x+1
=>limx->0 1
=>Answer=1. (hope you understand my writing way. Where are list of tags for this forum)
I think i do nothing wrong but this is wrong answer. Applying L'Hospital rule it's answer will come out to be 1/2 which is correct answer. Tell me where i am wrong
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
=>limx->0 ((1-e^x)/x)*1/x+1/x+1
using limx->0(e^x-1)/x=1
=>limx->0 (-1)*1/x+1/x+1
Here you are wrong
 
  • #3
Uncle_John said:
=>limx->0 ((1-e^x)/x)*1/x+1/x+1
using limx->0(e^x-1)/x=1
=>limx->0 (-1)*1/x+1/x+1
Here you are wrong
dear here i change (1-e^x)/x by 1 which is an identity. I use this identity also that lim f(x).g(x)=lim f(x).lim g(x) and lim [f(x)+g(x)]=lim f(x)+lim g(x)
friend try to explain it in better way.
 
  • #4
vkash said:
question is
limx->0 (1+x+x^2-e^x)/x^2
How i did it.
=>limx->0 (1-e^x)/x^2+(x+x^2)/x^2
=>limx->0 ((1-e^x)/x)*1/x+1/x+1
using limx->0(e^x-1)/x=1
=>limx->0 (-1)*1/x+1/x+1
=>limx->0 1
=>Answer=1. (hope you understand my writing way. Where are list of tags for this forum)
I think i do nothing wrong but this is wrong answer. Applying L'Hospital rule it's answer will come out to be 1/2 which is correct answer. Tell me where i am wrong

Your problem is that you look only at the "first-order" terms in (1 - e^x), so as to conclude that lim{ [(1 - e^x)/x] *(1/x) + 1/x] } = 0 as x --> 0. This is false. When we look at (1-e^x) we need to keep also terms of second order in small x, because those will give the nonzero part of lim { [(1 - e^x)/x] *(1/x) + 1/x] }. In other words: if e^x = 1 + x + r(x), we have (1 - e^x)/x = (-x - r(x) )/x = -1 - r(x)/x, hence (1/x)[(1-e^x)/x] = -1/x - r(x)/x^2, so lim { [(1 - e^x)/x] *(1/x) + 1/x] } = - lim r(x)/x^2. This last limit is not zero.

RGV
 
  • #5
vkash said:
dear here i change (1-e^x)/x by 1 which is an identity. I use this identity also that lim f(x).g(x)=lim f(x).lim g(x) and lim [f(x)+g(x)]=lim f(x)+lim g(x)
friend try to explain it in better way.

(1-e^x)/x =1 is not an identity. an identity is an algebraic equation that is true for any x belonging to a certain domain. like (1+x)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1 which is valid for any x in real numbers. but (1-e^x)/x = 1 is only true when x approaches zero. It's not an identity. as Ray Vickson said, you need to consider more terms of the e^x series.
 

FAQ: Where am i wrong in this limits question?

What is the purpose of finding where I am wrong in this limits question?

The purpose of analyzing where you are wrong in a limits question is to identify any errors or misconceptions in your understanding of limits and how to solve them. This process can help you improve your problem-solving skills and strengthen your understanding of the concept.

How can I determine where I am wrong in this limits question?

One way to determine where you are wrong in a limits question is to go through your solution step by step and check for any errors or mistakes. You can also compare your solution with the correct answer or seek help from a teacher or tutor.

What are some common mistakes people make in limits questions?

Some common mistakes people make in limits questions include not understanding the concept of limits, using incorrect or incomplete formulae, making calculation errors, and not simplifying expressions before taking the limit.

What should I do if I cannot find where I am wrong in this limits question?

If you are unable to identify where you are wrong in a limits question, you can seek help from a teacher, tutor, or classmate. They may be able to point out any errors or misconceptions in your approach and guide you towards the correct solution.

How can I avoid making mistakes in limits questions in the future?

To avoid making mistakes in limits questions, it is important to have a strong understanding of the concept and practice regularly. You can also double-check your solutions and ask for feedback from others. Additionally, try to identify any patterns in your mistakes and work on improving those areas.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
989
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top