Chapter 7: Problem 49
In Exercises 49 and \(50,\) use the series representation of the function \(f\) to find \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} f(x)\) (if it exists). $$ f(x)=\frac{1-\cos x}{x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} f(x)\) is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Express the function in terms of limits
The function is \(f(x) = \frac{1 - cos(x)}{x}\), which, as \(x \rightarrow 0\), takes the form \(0/0\). This indicates an indeterminate form, and hence, l'Hopital's rule can be applied. So, find the limit as \(x \rightarrow 0\) : \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{1 - cos(x)}{x}\)
02
Apply l'Hopital's rule
According to l'Hopital's rule, the limit of a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator approach zero can be found by taking the derivative of the numerator and the denominator separately. So, differentiating \(1 - cos(x)\) with respect to \(x\) gives \(sin(x)\) and differentiating \(x\) with respect to \(x\) gives \(1\). Now, put these values back into the limit: \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{sin(x)}{1}\)
03
Simplify the function and find the limit
With the new function \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} sin(x)\), which doesn't have an indeterminate form, you can directly substitute the value of \(x = 0\) into the function. \(sin(0) = 0\). Hence, \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} sin(x) = 0\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule is a very handy tool in calculus for tackling limits that result in an indeterminate form like \(0/0\) or \(\infty/\infty\). When you encounter these forms, applying L'Hôpital's Rule can simplify the process and help compute the limit. Here's how it works:
- You identify the indeterminate form. For example, \(f(x) = \frac{1 - \cos x}{x}\) as \(x \rightarrow 0\) becomes \(0/0\).
- Differentiation: Take the derivative of the numerator (\(1 - \cos(x)\)) and the derivative of the denominator (\(x\)). You get \(\sin(x)\) and \(1\), respectively.
- Replace the original function with the new fraction of derivatives: \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin(x)}{1}\).
- Evaluate the new limit. Here, \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \sin(x) = 0\), which wasn't an indeterminate form anymore.
Trigonometric Limits
Trigonometric limits often serve as gateways to understanding more complex functions at a deeper level. They frequently occur in calculus, especially when dealing with derivatives and integrals of trigonometric functions.
- Trigonometric identities and limits are useful. For example, the limit \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1\) is a fundamental result in calculus and is commonly used to derive other trigonometric limits.
- Understanding trigonometric limits helps solve limits involving combinations like \(\frac{1 - \cos(x)}{x}\), which initially presents as \(0/0\). We use derivative techniques to tackle these limits effectively.
- Visual representations of these functions, such as graphs, can aid in understanding how trigonometric limits behave as they approach particular points.
Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms arise when evaluating a limit and the result isn't immediately clear. The expression \(\frac{0}{0}\) is a classic example.
- Common indeterminate forms include \(0/0\), \(\infty/\infty\), \(0 \cdot \infty\), \(\infty - \infty\), \(1^\infty\), \(0^0\), and \(\infty^0\). Identifying these helps determine the technique needed to solve for limits.
- L'Hôpital's Rule can often resolve \(0/0\) and \(\infty/\infty\) forms by taking derivatives until a clear limit is reached. This was evident in the example \( \lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{1 - \cos x}{x} \), where applying the rule helped simplify to \(\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \sin(x)\).
- Comparative growth rates and algebraic manipulation are other techniques used to approach indeterminate forms. Rationalizing, factorization, and expansion are additional tools to tackle these scenarios.