What is the largest exponent $\alpha$ such that the ratio between $ n^{\alpha}$ and $ (\sqrt{n} / \log{ \sqrt n}) $ still remains asymptotically bounded (can assume $n$ positive integer) ?
Simple question about asymptotics of a ratio
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functions
asymptotics
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0Thank you. I am convinced of that: $n$ grows much faster than $log n$ clearly. But does that also answer my question ? – 2012-12-17
2 Answers
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There is no "largest." Any $\alpha< \dfrac{1}{2}$ is fine, but $\alpha=\dfrac{1}{2}$ is not.
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0Than$k$s a lot Andre. I get it now. Probably this was also what Austin intended in his reply. Thanks to both of you. Very helpful. – 2012-12-17
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The ratio in question can be simplified to $\frac{n^\alpha}{\sqrt n / \log\sqrt n} = n^{\alpha-\frac12} \log\sqrt n.$ So, when is this asymptotically bounded? Clearly if $\alpha \geq \frac12$ then the first term is strictly positive and nondecreasing, and the second term is increasing without bound, so the entire thing is unbounded. If $\alpha < \frac12$ then the first term will decrease faster than the second term increases (for the reason Austin Mohr notes), so the product will be bounded.