Limit of tan(x)/x as x approaching zero

In summary: However, if you are just trying to evaluate the limit itself, then you can use L'Hopital's rule to show that the limit is indeed equal to 1. In summary, we are trying to find the limit of (tan(x) / x) as x approaches 0, and we can use the tangent and cosine identities to simplify the expression and apply L'Hopital's rule to solve for the limit, which is equal to 1.
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  • #2
Hints: [itex]tan(x)=\frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)} [/itex] and cos(0) = 1.
 
  • #3
Furthermore use sqeeze theorem to calculate [tex]\lim_{x\to 0}{\frac{\sin{x}}{x}}[/tex]
L'Hospital rule will not work in that limit
 
  • #4
Mariuszek said:
L'Hospital rule will not work in that limit
Why not?
 
  • #5
Svein said:
Hints: [itex]tan(x)=\frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)} [/itex] and cos(0) = 1.

I know that I can make it lim x->0 tan(x) / x = lim x->0 1/cos(x) * sin(x)/x = 1 * 1 = 1

But, the hint in http://math.stackexchange.com/quest...-lim-limits-x-to0-frac-tan-xx-1#answer-448210 says

lim x->0 tan(x)/x = lim x->0 tan(x)-tan(0)/ x-0
If I plug x=0, the denominator will be zero.
Then, how to solve it using that hint ?
What trigonometric identity should be used ?
 
  • #6
terryds said:
What trigonometric identity should be used ?
Well, using l'Hôpital directly, you get...
 
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Likes terryds
  • #7
Mariuszek said:
Furthermore use sqeeze theorem to calculate [tex]\lim_{x\to 0}{\frac{\sin{x}}{x}}[/tex]
L'Hospital rule will not work in that limit
Sure it will.
##\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{sin(x)}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0}\frac{cos(x)}{1} = 1##
 
  • #8
Mark44 said:
Sure it will.
##\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{sin(x)}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0}\frac{cos(x)}{1} = 1##

L'Hopital's rule does indeed work here, with the caveat that the argument is circular if you are trying to prove that [itex]\sin'(0) = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}x[/itex] exists and is equal to 1.
 

What is the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero?

The limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero is equal to 1. This can be proven using the squeeze theorem and the fact that the limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches zero is also equal to 1.

Why is the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero important?

The limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero is important because it helps us understand the behavior of the tangent function as x approaches zero. It also has many applications in calculus, physics, and engineering.

Can the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero be evaluated using L'Hopital's rule?

Yes, the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero can be evaluated using L'Hopital's rule. However, it is not the most efficient method and the use of L'Hopital's rule should be avoided if possible.

How can we prove that the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero is equal to 1?

There are several ways to prove that the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero is equal to 1. One way is to use the squeeze theorem and the fact that the limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches zero is equal to 1. Another way is to use the Maclaurin series expansion of tan(x) and evaluate its limit as x approaches zero.

What is the graphical interpretation of the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero?

The graphical interpretation of the limit of tan(x)/x as x approaches zero is that as x gets closer and closer to zero, the graph of tan(x)/x approaches a horizontal line at y = 1. This means that the tangent function is getting closer to a straight line as x approaches zero.

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