Chapter 3: Problem 6
\(1-38=\) Find the limit. Use l'Hospital's Rule where appropriate. If there is a more elementary method, consider using it. If l'Hospital's Rule doesn't apply, explain why. $$\lim _{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{x^{2}}{1-\cos x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Limit
The given limit is \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x^2}{1 - \cos x} \). As \(x \to 0\), the numerator \(x^2 \to 0\) and the expression \(1 - \cos x \to 0\) because \(\cos 0 = 1\). So, the limit is in the indeterminate form \(\frac{0}{0}\), which suggests that l'Hôpital's Rule can be applied.
02
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule
Since the limit is in the indeterminate form \(\frac{0}{0}\), we differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately. The derivative of \(x^2\) is \(2x\), and the derivative of \(1 - \cos x\) is \(\sin x\). Thus, the limit becomes: \[\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{2x}{\sin x}\]
03
Simplify and Re-evaluate the Limit
Next, we simplify and re-evaluate the limit \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{2x}{\sin x} \). We know that \( \frac{\sin x}{x} \to 1 \) as \( x \to 0 \). Therefore, by rewriting the expression, we have:\[\lim_{x \to 0} 2 \cdot \frac{x}{\sin x} = 2 \cdot \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x}{\sin x} = 2 \cdot \frac{1}{1} = 2\]
04
Conclusion of the Limit Evaluation
Based on our calculation, the limit \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x^2}{1 - \cos x} \) evaluates to 2, using l'Hôpital's Rule and the behavior of \( \frac{\sin x}{x}\) as \(x\) approaches 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Indeterminate Form
In calculus, the concept of an **indeterminate form** is crucial when evaluating limits. These forms usually result from direct substitution in a limit expression that yields undefined or ambiguous values. Common indeterminate forms include \(\frac{0}{0}\), \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\), \(0 \cdot \infty\), and others.
- The limit in this problem initially presents the form \(\frac{0}{0}\) as both the numerator \(x^2\) and the denominator \(1 - \cos x\) tend towards 0 as \(x\) approaches 0.
- This signals us to use other methods, like l'Hôpital's Rule, to evaluate the limit.
Limit Evaluation
Evaluating limits involves determining the behavior of a function as the variable approaches a particular value. For this exercise, we aim to find the limit of \( \frac{x^2}{1 - \cos x} \) as \( x \to 0 \).When a direct substitution into a limit expression leads to an indeterminate form, other techniques such as:
- l'Hôpital's Rule
- Algebraic manipulation
- Substitution
- Trigonometric identities
Differentiation
Differentiation plays a crucial role in evaluating limits that yield indeterminate forms. In our problem, knowing how to differentiate the functions in the numerator and denominator is essential. To apply **l'Hôpital's Rule**, we differentiate the numerator \(x^2\) and the denominator \(1 - \cos x\):
- The derivative of \(x^2\) is \(2x\).
- The derivative of \(1 - \cos x\) is \(\sin x\).
Trigonometric Limits
Trigonometric functions often appear in calculus problems, and there are well-known limits associated with them. A key **trigonometric limit** to know is \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1\). This limit is a cornerstone when dealing with limits involving sine and cosine, especially within l'Hôpital's framework. In our problem:
- We redefine \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{2x}{\sin x} \) using \(\frac{x}{\sin x} \to 1\).
- This simplifies to \( 2 \cdot 1 = 2 \), giving the final limit result.