Chapter 1: Problem 16
Evaluate the limits with either L'H么pital's rule or previously learned methods. $$ \lim _{x \rightarrow \pi} \frac{x-\pi}{\sin x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is -1.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Indeterminate Form
First, identify that when we substitute \(x = \pi\) into \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\), we get \(\frac{0}{0}\). This is an indeterminate form which allows us to apply L'H么pital's Rule.
02
Apply L'H么pital's Rule
According to L'H么pital's Rule, for limits of the form \(\frac{0}{0}\), we can take the derivative of the numerator and the denominator separately. The derivative of \(x-\pi\) is 1, and the derivative of \(\sin x\) is \(\cos x\).
03
Substitute and Evaluate the Limit
Replace \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\) with \(\frac{1}{\cos x}\) after differentiation. Now, evaluate the limit: \(\lim_{x \rightarrow \pi} \frac{1}{\cos x}\). Substitute \(x = \pi\) into \(\cos x\) which gives \(\cos \pi = -1\).
04
Simplify the Result
After substituting, the expression becomes \(\frac{1}{-1} = -1\). Therefore, the final result of the limit is -1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
L'H么pital's Rule
When dealing with limits, especially those that result in indeterminate forms, L'H么pital's Rule can be a lifesaver. This rule helps us simplify limits that initially appear as \(\frac{0}{0}\) or \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\), both classic examples of indeterminate forms.
Here's how L'H么pital's Rule works: If the limit of a function as \(x\) approaches a value results in one of these indeterminate forms, you can take the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator separately. Then, calculate the limit of the new fraction.
In our original exercise, when \(x\) approaches \(\pi\), \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\) becomes \(\frac{0}{0}\). With L'H么pital's Rule, we differentiate both parts to transform it into \(\frac{1}{\cos x}\). This allows us to easily find the limit without complicated algebraic manipulations.
Here's how L'H么pital's Rule works: If the limit of a function as \(x\) approaches a value results in one of these indeterminate forms, you can take the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator separately. Then, calculate the limit of the new fraction.
In our original exercise, when \(x\) approaches \(\pi\), \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\) becomes \(\frac{0}{0}\). With L'H么pital's Rule, we differentiate both parts to transform it into \(\frac{1}{\cos x}\). This allows us to easily find the limit without complicated algebraic manipulations.
Indeterminate Forms
In calculus, and particularly in the study of limits, indeterminate forms often arise. These are expressions where direct substitution leads to ambiguity, such as \(\frac{0}{0}\) or \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\) during limit evaluation.
Indeterminate forms signal that the limit cannot be determined without further manipulation or simplification. They are not defined because the value could actually approach different numbers, depending on the specific behavior of the function involved.
Importantly, not every fraction resembling an indeterminate form can be transformed with L'H么pital鈥檚 Rule. It鈥檚 crucial that we check if these conditions are met. Other manipulation methods include factoring, dividing, or multiplying by the conjugate. These alternative strategies still rely heavily on identifying \(\frac{0}{0}\)-type situations.
Indeterminate forms signal that the limit cannot be determined without further manipulation or simplification. They are not defined because the value could actually approach different numbers, depending on the specific behavior of the function involved.
Importantly, not every fraction resembling an indeterminate form can be transformed with L'H么pital鈥檚 Rule. It鈥檚 crucial that we check if these conditions are met. Other manipulation methods include factoring, dividing, or multiplying by the conjugate. These alternative strategies still rely heavily on identifying \(\frac{0}{0}\)-type situations.
Trigonometric Limits
Trigonometric functions, such as \(\sin(x)\) or \(\cos(x)\), frequently appear in limits equations, especially leading to indeterminate forms. Understanding their behavior around key angles (like \(0\), \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), \(\pi\)) is essential for evaluating such limits.
Some common strategies for handling limits involving trigonometric functions include using small-angle approximations or L'H么pital's Rule. For example, limits like \(\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1\) are classical results that aid in direct simplification of expressions.
In our problem, transforming \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\) to \(\frac{1}{\cos x}\) relied on knowledge of the derivative \(\cos x\), a concept often encountered when dealing with trigonometric functions in calculus limits.
Some common strategies for handling limits involving trigonometric functions include using small-angle approximations or L'H么pital's Rule. For example, limits like \(\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1\) are classical results that aid in direct simplification of expressions.
In our problem, transforming \(\frac{x-\pi}{\sin x}\) to \(\frac{1}{\cos x}\) relied on knowledge of the derivative \(\cos x\), a concept often encountered when dealing with trigonometric functions in calculus limits.