Bonus Question Attempt from Calculus Final

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    Calculus Final
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the value of k that ensures the continuity of the function f(x) defined as f(x) = (1/x)∫0x((1-tan(2t))1/t)dt for x≠0 and k for x=0. The solution involves applying L'Hopital's Rule to resolve the indeterminate form encountered when evaluating the limit as x approaches 0. The final result is k = e-2, confirming the continuity of the function at x=0. The integral's contribution is negligible near zero, simplifying the limit evaluation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of L'Hopital's Rule
  • Knowledge of the definition of continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with limits and indeterminate forms
  • Basic integration techniques
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  • Study advanced applications of L'Hopital's Rule in calculus
  • Explore the properties of continuous functions and their implications
  • Learn about the behavior of integrals near points of discontinuity
  • Investigate the concept of limits involving logarithmic functions
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Students in calculus courses, particularly those preparing for final exams, and educators looking for examples of continuity and limit evaluation techniques.

RadicalAlchmy
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This was the final bonus question on my first university and I made a serious attempt at it. I know this isn't technically a homework question, so I will understand if it goes unanswered, by founding out if I did this correctly would go a long way to alleviating some of my final exam anxieties.

Homework Statement



f(x)= (1/x)∫0x((1-tan(2t))1/t)dt when x≠0 and k when x=0

Find the value of k that makes f(x) continuous

Homework Equations



L'Hopital's Rule, definition of continuity

The Attempt at a Solution



limx -> 0 (1/x)∫0x((1-tan(2t))1/t)dt = k

limx -> 0 (∫0x((1-tan(2t))1/t)dt)/x = k

By direct substitution, limx -> 0 (∫0x((1-tan(2t))1/t)dt)/x = 0/0

Since this is an indeterminant form, apply L'Hopital's Rule.

limx -> 0 ((1-tan(2x))1/x)/1 = k

limx -> 0 ln( ((1-tan(2x))1/x) ) = ln k

limx -> 0 (1/x)ln( 1-tan(2x) ) = ln k

limx -> 0 ln( 1-tan(2x) )/x = ln k

By direct substition again, limx -> 0 ln( 1-tan(2x) )/x = 0/0.
Apply L'Hopital's Rule.

limx -> 0 -(2)sec2(2x)/(1-tan(2x) = ln k

Direct substition:

-(2)sec2(0)/(1-tan(0)) = ln k

-2 = ln k

k = e-2

Thanks in advance.
 
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That looks right, the answer is right. The short version is
The integral does not matter (it is the average near zero so just the limit)
lim (1-tan(2t))^(1/t)=e^ lim -tan(2t)/t
this follows from lim (1-x)^(1/x)=1/e
 

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