# Is this proof that $e$ is irrational correct?

I should mention that I still haven't taken Calculus or even Pre-Calculus, which is why I want to ask this. I've seen proofs $e$ is irrational, but not this one. Is this correct, and if it isn't, why not?

Prove $e$ is irrational:

One definition for $e$ is $$e = \lim\limits_{n\to \infty} (1+\frac{1}{n})^n$$

Let's assume $e$ is rational. Because of that, we can set: $$(1+\frac{1}{n})^n = \frac{a_n}{b_n}$$ $n$-root both sides: $$1+\frac{1}{n} = \sqrt[n]{\frac{a_n}{b_n}}$$ Distribute the $n$-root: $$1+\frac{1}{n} = \frac{\sqrt[n]{a_n}}{\sqrt[n]{b_n}}$$ Multiply by $\sqrt[n]{b_n}$ on both sides: $$\sqrt[n]{b_n}(1+\frac{1}{n}) = \sqrt[n]{a_n}$$ Distribute the $\sqrt[n]{b_n}$: $$\sqrt[n]{b_n}+\frac{\sqrt[n]{b_n}}{n} = \sqrt[n]{a_n}$$ Add the fractions: $$\frac{n\sqrt[n]{b_n}}{n}+\frac{\sqrt[n]{b_n}}{n} = \sqrt[n]{a_n}$$ $$\frac{n\sqrt[n]{b_n}+\sqrt[n]{b_n}}{n} = \sqrt[n]{a_n}$$ Factor out $\sqrt[n]{b_n}$: $$\frac{\sqrt[n]{b_n}(n+1)}{n} = \sqrt[n]{a_n}$$ Divide by $\sqrt[n]{b_n}$ on both sides: $$\frac{(n+1)}{n} = \frac{\sqrt[n]{a_n}}{\sqrt[n]{b_n}}$$ Factor the $n$-root: $$\frac{(n+1)}{n} = \sqrt[n]{\frac{a_n}{b_n}}$$ Raise both sides to the power $n$: $$(\frac{(n+1)}{n})^n = (\sqrt[n]{\frac{a_n}{b_n}})^n$$ Distribute the power $n$: $$\frac{(n+1)^n}{n^n} = \frac{a_n}{b_n}$$

So, by the transitive property of equality, we have:$$\frac{a_n}{b_n} = (1+\frac{1}{n})^n = \frac{(n+1)^n}{n^n}$$

Substituting that in, we have: $$e = \lim\limits_{n\to \infty} \frac{(n+1)^n}{n^n}$$ We can just put infinity into the equation: $$e = \frac{(\infty + 1)^\infty}{\infty^\infty}$$ $$e = \frac{\infty^\infty}{\infty^\infty}$$ $$e = \frac{\infty}{\infty}$$ Which is indeterminate. Because of this, out original assumption that $e$ is rational was wrong, therefore, $e$ is irrational.

• There's no need for all that juggling, $1+1/n=\frac {n+1}n$... This proves nothing. I recommend you learn a bit more about limits. – YoTengoUnLCD Jun 8 '16 at 17:13
• You could write $(1+\frac{1}{n})^n = \frac{(n+1)^n}{n^n}$ straight from the begining – Jennifer Jun 8 '16 at 17:13
• (1) Even if $e$ were rational, it could still be a limit of irrational numbers. (2) The work to go from $(1+1/n)^n$ to $(n+1)^n/n^n$ is not necessary. (3) "Just put infinity into the equation" isn't meaningful. – mjqxxxx Jun 8 '16 at 17:14
• You have not studied calculus. So you do not know that "put $\infty$ in the equation" is not a legitimate step. But keep studying! – GEdgar Jun 8 '16 at 17:18
• That being said, I admire the spirit. I just think you need to learn more about limits and real numbers to make more genuine progress. Using that definition of $e$ to proceed toward a proof of its irrationality is going to be pretty difficult, otherwise (and needlessly so, honestly). – Brian Tung Jun 8 '16 at 17:21

First note that (toward the end) $$\lim_{n\to \infty} \frac{(n+1)^n}{n^n} = \lim_{n\to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n$$ So you haven't really done anything.

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Also, you say that since $e$ is rational $$\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n$$ is rational ($n\in \mathbb{Z}\setminus \{0\}$). But that is true even is $e$ is not rational.

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Just cause $\lim_{x\to \infty} f(x) = \infty$ and $\lim_{x\to \infty} g(x) = \infty$, you can't say anything about $\lim_{x\to \infty} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}$.

For example:

$$\lim_{n\to \infty} \frac{n}{n} = 1$$ and $$\lim_{n\to \infty}\frac{n^2}{n} = \infty$$

No, this is not correct at all. In fact, you never use the assumption that $e$ is rational, since $1+\frac{1}{n} = \frac{n+1}{n}$ is perfectly true.

When you have an indeterminate form, it does not mean that someting is wrong, but simply that you must make further calculations to conclude.