Chapter 2: Problem 26
Find the limits in Exercises 21–36. $$ \lim _{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{2 t}{\tan t} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Indeterminate Form
As \( t \rightarrow 0 \), both the numerator \(2t\) and the denominator \( \tan t \) approach 0. This creates an indeterminate form of type \( \frac{0}{0} \), indicating that L'Hôpital's Rule might be suitable to solve the limit.
02
Apply L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule can be used when \( \lim_{t \rightarrow a} \frac{f(t)}{g(t)} = \frac{0}{0} \). The rule states that \( \lim_{t \rightarrow a} \frac{f(t)}{g(t)} = \lim_{t \rightarrow a} \frac{f'(t)}{g'(t)} \), assuming the limit on the right exists. For our function, differentiate the numerator and denominator: - Numerator: \( (2t)' = 2 \)- Denominator: \( (\tan t)' = \sec^2 t \)
03
Compute the New Limit
Using L'Hôpital's Rule, we find\[\lim _{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{2 t}{\tan t} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{2}{\sec^2 t} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} 2 \cos^2 t\]
04
Evaluate the Limit
Since \( \cos 0 = 1 \), we have \[\lim_{t \rightarrow 0} 2 \cos^2 t = 2 \cdot 1^2 = 2.\]Thus, the limit is \(2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Limits
Limits are a fundamental concept in calculus used to understand the behavior of functions as they approach a certain point. In simpler terms, when we talk about the limit of a function as it approaches a particular value, we're interested in what value the function itself is getting closer to.
When you see a notation like \( \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \), it translates to, "What value does the function get closer to as \( t \) gets nearer to 0?" This understanding allows us to analyze functions that are not necessarily defined at certain points.
When you see a notation like \( \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \), it translates to, "What value does the function get closer to as \( t \) gets nearer to 0?" This understanding allows us to analyze functions that are not necessarily defined at certain points.
- Why Limits Matter: They help in understanding the continuity and behavior of functions.
- How to Evaluate: Sometimes direct substitution works. If not, techniques like factoring, rationalizing, or L'Hôpital's Rule are used.
Exploring Indeterminate Forms
Indeterminate forms are expressions that do not lead to a clear answer when you substitute a value directly into them. These forms typically occur in calculus when limits are being evaluated.
The expression \( \frac{0}{0} \) is one of the most common indeterminate forms. It is 'indeterminate' because it can potentially be any number, requiring additional work to find an actual limit.
The expression \( \frac{0}{0} \) is one of the most common indeterminate forms. It is 'indeterminate' because it can potentially be any number, requiring additional work to find an actual limit.
- Common Types: \( \frac{0}{0} \), \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), \( 0 \cdot \infty \), \( \infty - \infty \).
- Resolving Indeterminate Forms: L'Hôpital's Rule is a popular tool. It allows us to differentiate the numerator and denominator separately to find a clearer limit.
Simplifying Trigonometric Limits with L'Hôpital's Rule
Trigonometric limits often include functions like \( \sin t \), \( \cos t \), and \( \tan t \). These limits can be challenging when they result in indeterminate forms. To solve these limits, L'Hôpital's Rule can be extremely useful.
L'Hôpital's Rule states that if a limit results in an indeterminate form like \( \frac{0}{0} \), it can be re-evaluated using the derivatives of the numerator and denominator.
L'Hôpital's Rule states that if a limit results in an indeterminate form like \( \frac{0}{0} \), it can be re-evaluated using the derivatives of the numerator and denominator.
- Application in Trigonometric Limits: Differentiating \( 2t \) gives \( 2 \) and differentiating \( \tan t \) gives \( \sec^2 t \).
- Evaluating: Replace the original limit with \( \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{2}{\sec^2 t} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} 2 \cos^2 t \).
- Conclusion: Since \( \cos 0 = 1 \), the limit evaluates to \( 2 \).