Calculation of limit. L'Hopital's rule

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on evaluating the limit lim(x->0) x cot(x) using L'Hopital's Rule. The user initially attempts to simplify the expression but struggles with deriving the limit due to the persistent presence of sin(x) in the denominator. Key insights reveal that L'Hopital's Rule applies specifically to indeterminate forms such as 0/0 or ∞/∞, and the user learns that improper application of the quotient rule for derivatives may hinder progress. The discussion concludes with the user expressing gratitude for the clarification received.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits and continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with L'Hopital's Rule and its conditions
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sin(x) and cot(x)
  • Basic differentiation techniques, including the quotient rule
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of L'Hopital's Rule in various indeterminate forms
  • Review the limit lim(x->0) sin(x)/x and its significance in calculus
  • Practice differentiating trigonometric functions using the quotient rule
  • Explore alternative methods for evaluating limits, such as Taylor series expansions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those seeking to deepen their understanding of limit evaluation techniques and L'Hopital's Rule applications.

EEristavi
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Problem: Evaluate lim(x->0) x cotx

My attempt:
lim(x->0) x cotx = lim(x->0) x cosx / sinx = lim(x->0) cosx * lim(x->0) x / sinx = 1 * lim(x->0) x / sinx = lim(x->0) x / sinx

P.S.
I know I must/can use L'Hopital's rule to evaluate indeterminate limits, but no matter how many times I derive x/sinx I will always have sinx (in some power) in denominator.

I also tried different grouping of variables but still same scenario.

maybe I don't see something so even little hint would be nice...
 
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EEristavi said:
Problem: Evaluate lim(x->0) x cotx

My attempt:
lim(x->0) x cotx = lim(x->0) x cosx / sinx = lim(x->0) cosx * lim(x->0) x / sinx = 1 * lim(x->0) x / sinx = lim(x->0) x / sinx
##\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin(x)}x## is a well-known limit that should be shown in your calculus textbook. It's also a limit that can be obtained using L'Hopital.
EEristavi said:
P.S.
I know I must/can use L'Hopital's rule to evaluate indeterminate limits, but no matter how many times I derive x/sinx I will always have sinx (in some power) in denominator.
L'Hopital's Rule doesn't apply to all indeterminate limits, just those of the forms ##[\frac 0 0]## or ##[\pm \frac \infty \infty]##. Even then, it sometimes doesn't work, as it just gets you back to the same limit you started with.
EEristavi said:
I also tried different grouping of variables but still same scenario.

maybe I don't see something so even little hint would be nice...

BTW, in future posts, please don't delete the Homework Template.
 
Last edited:
L'Hopital's rule says ##\lim_{x -> a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x -> a} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}## if both ##f(x)## and ##g(x)## tend either to ##0## or ##\infty## as ##x -> a##. Maybe you're using the quotient rule for derivatives which is wrong, because that's not what the rule says.
 
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dgambh thank you very much. I was stuck on this for days and now I know why :D thank you very much again!

Mark44 thank you for too.
 

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