Chapter 10: Problem 1
Find the limit, if it exists. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{2 x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \( \frac{1}{2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Limit Expression
We are asked to find the limit of the expression \( \lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{2x} \). This expression has a trigonometric function in the numerator and a linear term \(2x\) in the denominator.
02
Use the Squeeze Theorem
The limit of \( \frac{\sin x}{x} \) as \( x \rightarrow 0 \) is a well-known limit and is equal to 1. The original expression \( \frac{\sin x}{2x} \) can be rewritten using this known limit. Hence, we have: \( \frac{\sin x}{2x} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sin x}{x} \).
03
Apply the Known Limit
Since \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1 \), substituting it into our expression gives: \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{2x} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{2} \).
04
Conclusion
The limit we are looking for is \( \frac{1}{2} \). This solution uses the standard limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1 \) in deriving the result.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Squeeze Theorem
The **Squeeze Theorem** is a helpful technique in calculus used to find the limit of a function. It works by identifying two other functions that "squeeze" the function of interest. In simpler terms, if you have a function that is difficult to assess directly, the squeeze theorem lets you compare it to two easier functions that have the same limit.
Here's an intuitive idea:
Here's an intuitive idea:
- Imagine function \( f(x) \) is squeezed between two functions, say \( g(x) \) and \( h(x) \), for all \( x \) in some interval except possibly at the point of interest.
- If both \( g(x) \) and \( h(x) \) tend to the same limit as \( x \) approaches a specific value, then \( f(x) \) must also tend to that limit.
Standard Limits
**Standard Limits** are well-known limits in calculus that serve as benchmarks or reference points. Most often encountered in basic calculus, these limits simplify the evaluation of more complex limit problems.
A good example is the limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1 \). This standard limit is foundational in problems involving trigonometry. It means as \( x \) approaches 0, the ratio of \( \sin x \) to \( x \) gets closer to 1.
A good example is the limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1 \). This standard limit is foundational in problems involving trigonometry. It means as \( x \) approaches 0, the ratio of \( \sin x \) to \( x \) gets closer to 1.
- Standard limits help in deducing the behavior of functions near specific points.
- They are used in conjunction with other calculus techniques to solve surprising problems.
Limit of Sine Function
The **limit of the sine function** is central to many calculus problems involving trigonometric limits. Generally speaking, the function \( \sin x \) is well-behaved as \( x \) approaches 0. As described in the standard limit \( \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1 \), this property is also significant for its relation to circular functions.
Why does this limit equal 1? It comes down to the geometric understanding of the unit circle:
Why does this limit equal 1? It comes down to the geometric understanding of the unit circle:
- The sine of a small angle is approximately equal to the angle when measured in radians.
- This results in the limit value being exactly 1 as the angle approaches zero.