Calculating Limit of Integrals Involving Cos and Exponential Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the limit of integrals involving cosine and exponential functions as x approaches 0. The problem involves the application of L'Hôpital's rule and the chain rule in differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of L'Hôpital's rule and the chain rule, with one participant questioning the reasoning behind the derivative of a composite function. Another participant provides a sketch of a proof for the chain rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the reasoning behind the differentiation of composite functions and the application of the chain rule. Some guidance on the chain rule has been provided, but further details are suggested for rigor.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, focusing on understanding the underlying principles rather than arriving at a final solution.

Metal
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Ok, i have this problem:

Calculate: Limit x->0 of ((integral of cos t² dt between 0 and x²) / (integral of e^(-t²) dt))

So, the limit of both integrals is 0 since the interval between both integrals tends to 0. I used L'Hopital then, so:

Limit x->0 F'(x)/G'(x) = (cos (x^4) * 2x)/(e^(-x²)), F(x) and G(x) being both integrals.

I know that this is right, i just don't remember why F'(x) = cos (x^4) * 2x and not F'(x) = cos (x^4)... I know it have something to do with the fact that 2x is the derivative of x² but there's something missing in this explanation.

Tks in advance.
 
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Define

[tex]A(x) = \int _0 ^x \cos t^2\, dt[/tex]

[tex]B(x) = x^2[/tex]

then

F = A o B, so F'(x) = B'(x)A'(B(x)) by chain rule, giving:

F'(x) = 2xA'(x2) = 2xcos(x4) by FTC
 
Tks for that... but what i really wanted to know is why F'(x) = B'(x)A'(B(x))... IOW a proof of the chain rule. I guess was naturally inclined to think that F'(x) would equal A'(B(x)).
 
Here's a sketch of a proof of the chain rule:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(f(g(x)))= \lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x+h))-f(g(x))}{h}[/tex]

Now define:

[tex]k=g(x+h)-g(x)[/tex]

Then as h goes to zero, k goes to zero, and:

[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{k}{h} = g'(x)[/tex]

Then we have:

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x+h))-f(g(x))}{h} =\lim_{k\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x)+k)-f(g(x))}{h}[/tex]

And as k gets very small, h can be replaced by k/g'(x), and:

[tex]\lim_{k\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x)+k)-f(g(x))}{h}= \lim_{k\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x)+k)-f(g(x))}{k/g'(x)} = \lim_{k\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(g(x)+k)-f(g(x))}{k}g'(x) =f'(g(x)) g'(x)[/tex]


There are some details to fill in if you want to be rigorous.
 
Great, Tks...
 

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