Limits of Sin/Exp as x Approaches 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the quotient of the sine function and the exponential function as x approaches 0. Participants explore the mathematical reasoning behind the limit, including continuity and the application of the sandwich theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the limit of \(\frac{\sin(x)}{\exp(x)}\) as \(x\) approaches 0 is simply 0.
  • One participant questions the reasoning behind the limit being 0, expressing uncertainty after attempting to solve it for a period of time.
  • A later reply provides justification for the limit, stating that the limit of the sine function as \(x\) approaches 0 is 0, and the limit of the exponential function as \(x\) approaches 0 is 1, leading to the conclusion that the limit of the quotient is 0.
  • Another participant introduces a proof using the sandwich theorem, indicating that since \(|\sin(x)|\) is bounded by \(|x|\), the limit of \(|\sin(x)|\) as \(x\) approaches 0 is also 0, thus supporting the conclusion that \(\sin(x)\) approaches 0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of confidence regarding the limit, with some asserting it is 0 based on continuity and the sandwich theorem, while others show uncertainty and seek clarification on the reasoning.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical justifications and proofs, but there is no consensus on the reasoning behind the limit, as some participants remain uncertain about the steps involved.

SomeRandomGuy
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[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow\zero} \frac{\sin(x)}{\exp(x)}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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Why wouldn't that be simply 0 ?
 
quasar987 said:
Why wouldn't that be simply 0 ?

That's what I'm wondering. I have been trying to solve this limit for about 20 minutes now. BTW, that is the limit as x goes to 0... I don't know how to get that into the latext graphic :/
 
As you know, in Latex, the \ "operator" is only used to input a special comand.. so you don't need one before writing 0 because zero is just a number. So it's simply

lim_{x \rightarrow 0} :smile:

As for the justification of the limit, we have that the limit of a quotient is the quotient of the limit if the limit exists and if the function at the denominator is never zero at least past a certain aribitrarily large x.

the limit of sinx is sin0 = 0 since sin x is continuous over all real.

the limit of exp(x) is e^0 =1 also because e^x is continuous on all real.

Therefor the limit of the quotient is 0/1 = 0.
 
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A cool proof for the limit of sinx makes use of the identity [itex]0 \leq |sinx| \leq |x|[/itex] [itex]\forall x \in \mathbb{R}[/itex] because you then have that

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} 0 = 0[/tex]

and

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} |x| = 0[/tex].

such that, by the sandwich theorem,

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} |sinx| = 0[/tex]

And also using the "theorem" according to which

[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} f(x) = 0 \Leftrightarrow \lim_{x \rightarrow x_0} |f(x)| = 0[/tex]

(as you can very easily prove using the epsilon-delta definition of limit), we find the answer:

[tex]|sinx| \rightarrow 0 \Rightarrow sinx \rightarrow 0[/tex]
 

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