Can You Simplify Limits Using Big O Notation?

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SUMMARY

The limit of the expression (e^x - sin(x) - cos(x)) / (e^(x^2) - e^(x^3)) as x approaches 0 evaluates to 1/2. The simplification process involves recognizing that o(x) terms cannot be combined with 1/2 x^2 without further expansion, as they may include higher-order terms. The discussion emphasizes the importance of careful handling of asymptotic notations in limits.

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lim (e^x-sin(x)-cos(x))/(e^(x^2)-e^(x^3)), x->0
= lim (1+x+o(x)-x+o(x)+1/2(x^2)-1+o(x^2))/((x^2)+1+o(x^2)-1-(x^3)+o(x^3)), x->0
= lim 1/2(x^2)/(x^2+o(x^2)), x->0 = 1/2
is it correct?
 
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You cannot simplify o(x)+1/2 x^2 to 1/2 x^2, as o(x) could (and does in your example!) include terms of x^2. You have to expand it more.
 

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