Limit of sin(x)/x: Converting to sin(1/x)

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to find the limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches infinity. The attempt at a solution involves using the Squeeze Theorem, but there is confusion about how to convert sin(x) to sin(1/x). The conversation concludes by discussing whether the same method can be applied to find the limit of cos(x)/x.
  • #1
azatkgz
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Homework Statement




Find the following Limit in terms of the number
[tex]\alpha=\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{sinx}{x}[/tex]

(i)[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}\frac{sinx}{x}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\alpha=\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}\frac{sin(1/x)}{1/x}[/tex]
But I don't know how to convert sin(x) to sin(1/x):confused:
[
 
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  • #2
Hurkyl?
 
  • #3
I'm not terribly sure how you got

[tex]\alpha=\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}\frac{sin(1/x)}{1/x}[/tex]

Note that you cannot simply divide through by x when dealing with trigonometric functions. In this case you'll want to use the Squeeze Theorem.

Note that [tex]|sin x| \leq 1[/tex]

This implies that [tex]\left| \frac{sin x}{x} \right| \leq \frac{1}{x}[/tex]

Now you can apply the Squeeze Theorem
 
  • #4
But from sqeeze theorem we get 0.
 
  • #5
azatkgz said:
But from sqeeze theorem we get 0.

Yeah, and what's the problem?
 
  • #6
Ok ,then.
 
  • #7
Can we in the similar manner say that [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}\frac{cosx}{x}=0[/tex]
 
  • #8
Is there any point in the argument which doesn't hold as a result of switching [tex]sin(x)[/tex] to [tex]cos(x)[/tex]?
 

1. What is the limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches 0?

The limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches 0 is equal to 1. This can be proven using the squeeze theorem and the fact that sin(x) is always between -1 and 1.

2. How do you find the limit of sin(x)/x?

To find the limit of sin(x)/x, you can use various techniques such as the squeeze theorem, L'Hopital's rule, or trigonometric identities. It is important to check for any restrictions on x and simplify the expression as much as possible before taking the limit.

3. Can the limit of sin(x)/x be evaluated at any other value besides 0?

No, the limit of sin(x)/x can only be evaluated at 0. This is because as x approaches any other value, the expression becomes undefined or results in a different limit.

4. What does the limit of sin(x)/x represent?

The limit of sin(x)/x represents the slope of the tangent line at the point (0, 1) on the unit circle. This is because the derivative of sin(x) is cos(x), and at x=0, the derivative is equal to 1, thus representing the slope of the tangent line.

5. How does the graph of sin(x)/x approach its limit?

The graph of sin(x)/x approaches its limit of 1 as x approaches 0 by getting closer and closer to the line y=1. This is known as a horizontal asymptote.

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