Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{(\ln x)^2}{\sqrt[3]{x}} \).

Solution

The given limit is:

limx(lnx)2x3.\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{(\ln x)^2}{\sqrt[3]{x}}.

We want to determine the behavior of this expression as xx \to \infty.


Solution

  1. Examine the Growth Rates:

    • The numerator, (lnx)2(\ln x)^2, grows very slowly compared to xx (polynomial or exponential functions).
    • The denominator, x3=x1/3\sqrt[3]{x} = x^{1/3}, grows unboundedly but slower than xx itself.

    This suggests that the denominator dominates the numerator as xx \to \infty, and the entire fraction might approach 00.


  1. Formal Calculation Using L'Hôpital's Rule:
    Since this is an indeterminate form \frac{\infty}{\infty}, we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule.

    • Differentiate the numerator (lnx)2(\ln x)^2 with respect to xx: ddx[(lnx)2]=2lnx1x=2lnxx.\frac{d}{dx} \left[ (\ln x)^2 \right] = 2 \ln x \cdot \frac{1}{x} = \frac{2 \ln x}{x}.

    • Differentiate the denominator x3=x1/3\sqrt[3]{x} = x^{1/3} with respect to xx: ddx[x1/3]=13x2/3.\frac{d}{dx} \left[ x^{1/3} \right] = \frac{1}{3} x^{-2/3}.

    Apply L'Hôpital's Rule: limx(lnx)2x3=limx2lnxx13x2/3.\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{(\ln x)^2}{\sqrt[3]{x}} = \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{\frac{2 \ln x}{x}}{\frac{1}{3} x^{-2/3}}.

  2. Simplify the Result:
    Combine terms: 2lnxx13x2/3=2lnxx3x2/3=6lnxx1+2/3=6lnxx1/3.\frac{\frac{2 \ln x}{x}}{\frac{1}{3} x^{-2/3}} = \frac{2 \ln x}{x} \cdot \frac{3}{x^{-2/3}} = 6 \ln x \cdot x^{-1 + 2/3} = 6 \ln x \cdot x^{-1/3}.

    As xx \to \infty:

    • lnx\ln x \to \infty, but it grows much slower than any power of xx.
    • x1/30x^{-1/3} \to 0.

    Therefore: 6lnxx1/30.6 \ln x \cdot x^{-1/3} \to 0.


Final Answer:

limx(lnx)2x3=0.\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{(\ln x)^2}{\sqrt[3]{x}} = 0.


Let me know if you want further clarifications or steps!

Related Questions:

  1. What happens if (lnx)3(\ln x)^3 replaces (lnx)2(\ln x)^2 in the numerator?
  2. How does the limit change if the denominator is x1/2x^{1/2} instead of x1/3x^{1/3}?
  3. Can you explain L'Hôpital's Rule in general?
  4. How does the behavior of lnx\ln x compare to xax^a for small powers aa?
  5. What if the numerator were lnx\ln x instead of (lnx)2(\ln x)^2?

Tip:

For indeterminate forms like \frac{\infty}{\infty}, L'Hôpital's Rule is often a powerful tool.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Logarithmic Functions
Growth Rates
L'Hôpital's Rule

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: \( \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)} \) if indeterminate
Derivative of \( (\ln x)^2 \): \( \frac{d}{dx} [ (\ln x)^2 ] = \frac{2 \ln x}{x} \)
Derivative of \( \sqrt[3]{x} \): \( \frac{d}{dx} [ x^{1/3} ] = \frac{1}{3} x^{-2/3} \)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule
Properties of Logarithmic Growth

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus