# Problem finding limit - which function is asymptotically larger

I have a homework question, so please don't answer fully but I would appreciate a push in the right direction.

Basically we need to figure out if $n^{n+\frac{1}{2}}e^{-n}$ is larger,smaller, or equal to $n!$ as $n$ goes to infinity.

I checked the answer, and it turns out they are equal. when $n$ goes to infinity, one divided by the other does not yield $0$. But how do I show it?

• Are you familiar with the Laplace method? – Antonio Vargas Dec 16 '13 at 15:25
• No. I've never heard or was taught the Laplace method. – Oria Gruber Dec 16 '13 at 15:26
• And you haven't been shown Stirling's formula either? – Antonio Vargas Dec 16 '13 at 15:27
• this may be useful: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling's_approximation – mojambo Dec 16 '13 at 15:28
• We have. Is stirling approximation the way to solve this? – Oria Gruber Dec 16 '13 at 15:28

My suggestion is to take logs of both sides, and for $n!$ consider the integral of $\log x.$