Limits of a Trigonometric Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around evaluating the limit of a trigonometric function as x approaches 0, specifically the expression (tanx - sinx) / (sinx)^2. Participants are exploring the behavior of the limit and the challenges associated with it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify the expression but encounters an indeterminate form (0/0) at a certain step. Some participants question the need for additional approaches or techniques to resolve the limit.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing thoughts and references to similar problems. A suggestion involving a trigonometric identity has been offered, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a previous thread that may relate to this problem, indicating that similar issues have been discussed in the past. The original poster's approach appears to be constrained by the indeterminate form encountered.

dekoi
Question:

lim(x->0) for (tanx - sinx) / (sinx)^2

This is what I got:

= (sinx-sinxcosx) / (cosx)(sinx)^2
= (sinx)(1-cosx) / (sinx)(sinx)(cosx)
= (1 - cosx) / (sinx)(cosx)

However, I can't figure out what to do from this step, as the limit still equals 0/0 at this stage.
 
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You might see if you can use this handy trig fact:

[tex](1 + \cos(x))(1-\cos(x)) = 1-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x)[/tex]

Carl
 

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