Please explain how you attacked these questions step by step. 1) 1 is not O(1/x). 2) e^x is not O(x^5)

Luz Stokes

Luz Stokes

Answered question

2022-07-18

I'm studying for my discrete math class and I don't fully understand how to proof how a function is not a big O for certain questions. I understand that you have to assume that it is big O and proof by contradiction.
Please explain how you attacked these questions step by step.
1) 1 is not O ( 1 x )
2) e x is not O ( x 5 )

Answer & Explanation

frisiao

frisiao

Beginner2022-07-19Added 13 answers

Step 1
1) Suppose 1 = O ( 1 / x ). Then there exists a constant C such that for all large x, we have 1 C / x. However, for all x > C we have C / x < 1, a contradiction.
Step 2
2) Suppose e x = O ( x 5 ). Then there exists a constant C such that for all large x we have e x C x 5 . However, e x x 5 as x , a contradiction. [As Peter suggests, use L'Hopital's rule multiple times, or expand the Taylor series for e x .]

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