Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit as n approaches infinity: ( (6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5) / (n^2 - 4n + 1) ) - 6n

Solution

We are asked to evaluate the following limit as nn \to \infty:

limn(6n3+n26n+5n24n+16n)\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5}{n^2 - 4n + 1} - 6n \right)

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Combine the terms under a common denominator:

    We first combine the expression into a single fraction:

    6n3+n26n+5n24n+16n=6n3+n26n+56n(n24n+1)n24n+1\frac{6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5}{n^2 - 4n + 1} - 6n = \frac{6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5 - 6n(n^2 - 4n + 1)}{n^2 - 4n + 1}

  2. Expand 6n(n24n+1)6n(n^2 - 4n + 1):

    Expand the term involving 6n6n:

    6n(n24n+1)=6n324n2+6n6n(n^2 - 4n + 1) = 6n^3 - 24n^2 + 6n

    Now substitute this into the expression:

    6n3+n26n+5(6n324n2+6n)n24n+1\frac{6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5 - (6n^3 - 24n^2 + 6n)}{n^2 - 4n + 1}

  3. Simplify the numerator:

    Combine like terms in the numerator:

    (6n36n3)+(n2+24n2)+(6n6n)+5=25n212n+5(6n^3 - 6n^3) + (n^2 + 24n^2) + (-6n - 6n) + 5 = 25n^2 - 12n + 5

    So the expression becomes:

    25n212n+5n24n+1\frac{25n^2 - 12n + 5}{n^2 - 4n + 1}

  4. Evaluate the limit as nn \to \infty:

    Now, divide both the numerator and denominator by n2n^2 (the highest power of nn):

    25n212n+5n24n+1=2512n+5n214n+1n2\frac{25n^2 - 12n + 5}{n^2 - 4n + 1} = \frac{25 - \frac{12}{n} + \frac{5}{n^2}}{1 - \frac{4}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}}

    As nn \to \infty, the terms with 1n\frac{1}{n} and 1n2\frac{1}{n^2} tend to 0. So the limit simplifies to:

    limn2512n+5n214n+1n2=251=25\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{25 - \frac{12}{n} + \frac{5}{n^2}}{1 - \frac{4}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}} = \frac{25}{1} = 25

Thus, the value of the limit is:

25\boxed{25}

Would you like any further details or explanations on this solution?

Here are some related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. What is the general technique for solving limits involving rational functions at infinity?
  2. How does polynomial long division help in solving limits like this?
  3. Can L'Hopital's Rule be used here, and why or why not?
  4. What role does the degree of the polynomials play in determining the limit?
  5. How do limits involving infinity relate to asymptotic behavior?

Tip: When dealing with limits of rational functions, simplifying by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the highest power of nn can make evaluating the limit much easier.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Polynomial Division
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

lim_{n \to \infty} ( (6n^3 + n^2 - 6n + 5) / (n^2 - 4n + 1) - 6n )
Simplification of rational expressions by dividing by the highest power of n

Theorems

Limit laws for rational functions
Degree of polynomials and their behavior at infinity

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus