Does lim x→0 (sin[x])/x Exist?

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In summary, the limit of (sin[x])/x as x approaches 0 does not exist. The limit is -∞ for x < 0 and 0 for x > 0. This is because the greatest integer function, [x], is not continuous at x = 0.
  • #1
phymatter
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does lim x->0 (sin[x])/x exist ? if yes then what is it , iguess 0 , but cannot figure out the reason .. pl. help...
note: [x] is greatest integer less than or equal to x
 
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  • #2
hi phymatter! :smile:
phymatter said:
does lim x->0 (sin[x])/x exist ? if yes then what is it , iguess 0

yes :smile:

(just choose your delta to be 0.9, whatever your epsilon :wink:)
 
  • #3


If-1 < x < 0, [x] = -1, if 0 < x < 1, [x] = 0. As a result , for x < 0, the limit is -∞ while for x > 0, the limit is 0.
 
  • #4


phymatter said:
note: [x] is greatest integer less than or equal to x
It's usually called the "floor" function.

I don't think it would exist. lim(x->0+) sin(floor(x))/x = 0 and lim(x->0-) sin(floor(x))/x = ∞. For there to be a limit, lim(x->0+) sin(floor(x))/x and lim(x->0-) sin(floor(x))/x must be equal, they're not.
 

Related to Does lim x→0 (sin[x])/x Exist?

1. What does the limit represent?

The limit represents the value that a function approaches as the independent variable approaches a specific value. In this case, the limit represents the value that the function (sin[x])/x approaches as x gets closer and closer to 0.

2. How is the limit of (sin[x])/x evaluated?

The limit can be evaluated using various techniques, such as substitution, factoring, or L'Hopital's rule. In this case, we can use the fact that sin(0) = 0 and the definition of the derivative to evaluate the limit as 1.

3. Is the limit of (sin[x])/x always defined?

No, the limit may not always be defined. In this case, the limit is only defined when x approaches 0 from both sides, as sin(0) is undefined. If x approaches 0 from only one side, the limit will not exist.

4. Can we take the limit of a function at a point where it is not defined?

No, the limit can only be taken at points where the function is defined. In this case, the limit of (sin[x])/x can only be taken at x = 0, as this is the only point where the function is defined.

5. Why is the limit of (sin[x])/x important?

The limit of (sin[x])/x is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to calculate derivatives and integrals of trigonometric functions. It also has applications in physics and engineering, such as in the study of motion and waves.

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