[Math] Squeeze/Sandwich Theorem Involving $n^{th}$ root: $\lim _{ n\rightarrow \infty }{\left(3^n+1\right)}^{\frac 1n}$

calculuslimitssequences-and-series

Find $\lim _{ n\rightarrow \infty }{ { \left( { 3 }^{ n }+1 \right) }^{ \frac { 1 }{ n } } } $ using the squeeze theorem

I have come across ways to do this but none mention the squeeze (or sandwich) theorem. I know I need to find $2$ functions which squeeze the given function but can only think of using $(3^n)^{1/n}$ i.e. $3$ as the $\le $ function

Best Answer

As you pointed out in the question, $(3^n+1)^{\frac{1}{n}}\geq 3$, and on the other hand $$ (3^n+1)^{\frac{1}{n}}\leq (3^n+3^n)^{\frac{1}{n}}=3\cdot 2^{\frac{1}{n}}$$ Since $\lim_{n\to\infty}2^{\frac{1}{n}}=1$, it follows that $\lim_{n\to\infty}(3^n+1)^{\frac{1}{n}}=3$ by the squeeze theorem.