What is the solution to limx-->0 (1/tan x)2 - 1/x2?

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In summary, the conversation discusses solving a limits question, specifically the limit of (1/tanx)^2 - 1/x^2 as x approaches 0. The conversation mentions different approaches, such as finding a common denominator and using series expansions for cotx and cosx, to solve the problem. Ultimately, the conversation concludes that the limit is -2/3.
  • #1
Zargawee
[SOLVED] Limits Question

Hello ,
I need some help with this, I can't find a way to solve it :
limx-->0 (1/tan x)2 - 1/x2

from it's graph , the result seems to be -2/3 , but still don't know how , please help
 
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  • #2
Add the two fractions together (i.e. get a common denominator, etc)

Then the limit should be in a form you know how to handle.
 
  • #3
From the looks of the problem (I assume x is real), you have 2 squares (therefore each positive) and each becomes infinite. How did you get -2/3?
 
  • #4
Heh, I didn't even notice the typo; I presume the + is supposed to be a -.
 
  • #5
I'm sorry , change the + sign to - ...
and , I really draw it on NuCalc , it seems like -2/3
 
  • #6
Another neat way to do it would be convert (1/tanx)^2 to (cotx)^2. Then, square the series expansion of cotx. The only non-zero terms of the sqared expansion (as x->0) are 1/(x^2)-2/3. Subtracting 1/x^2 from this does indeed leave -2/3.

Njorl
 
  • #7
Question for Njorl:

(I hope Zargawee doesn't mind my adding this question to his thread.)
Using Hurkyl's approach it takes a lot of differentiating, but it works. -2/3 is clearly the limit. But Njorl's way is VERY intriguing. Unfortunately it completely eludes me. How do you get that expansion for cot(x)?

Using the Maclaurin series for Cos and Sin and dividing doesn't work because there's always 0 in the denominator. So I tried doing a Maclaurin series for Cot, but that seems impossible since f(0)=∞.

So I tried to do a Taylor expansion for Cot around Π/4, & if I didn't screw that up, it starts off with:
1 - 2(x-Π/4)/1! + 4(x-Π/4)2/2! ...

The next term, I think, is zero, & I didn't go any further because it didn't look promising. Just looking at what I had already, besides all of the x-terms, there's a 1 + Π/2 + Π2/8 + ... . I don't see any -2/3 there, so that's obviously not the series you're looking at.

What's your secret?
 
  • #8
Yes, expanding cot(x) x->0 will yield an undefined answer, but if you hold off sending x to 0, and leave it in its terms you get:

cot(x)=1/x-x/3-(x^3)/45-(higher powers of x)

Squaring the series above yields an interesting result. Since we know x will go to zero, we only need to keep terms in which x is raised to a power of zero or less. The first term multiplied by itself yields 1/(x^2). The first term times the second term yields -1/3, but, because it is a cross term, you have it twice, yielding -2/3. Any other terms multiplied together have x raised to a power greater than zero, so that when x->0 they disappear. The 1/(x^2) term would go to infinity, but in the problem at hand, we are subtracting exactly this term.

Njorl
 
  • #9
Very cool.

Thanks, Njorl.
 
  • #10
Thanks, This really solved my question.
 

What is a limit question?

A limit question is a mathematical concept that relates to the behavior of a function as the input approaches a certain value. It is used to determine the value that a function approaches as the input gets closer and closer to a specific value.

Why are limit questions important?

Limit questions are important because they help us understand the behavior and properties of functions. They also allow us to evaluate functions at points where they may not be defined, and can be used to solve various types of mathematical problems.

What is the notation used for limit questions?

The notation used for limit questions is "lim x->a f(x)", where "x->a" indicates that the input is approaching a specific value "a", and "f(x)" is the function being evaluated.

How do you solve a limit question?

To solve a limit question, you can use various techniques such as direct substitution, factoring, or rationalizing the numerator or denominator. You can also use the properties of limits, such as the limit laws, to simplify the expression and evaluate the limit.

What are the common types of limit questions?

The common types of limit questions include evaluating limits at a point, evaluating limits at infinity, and evaluating one-sided limits. Other types include limits involving trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and indeterminate forms such as 0/0 or infinity/infinity.

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