Derivative of cos\frac{1}{x}: Is it 0 or Infinity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function cos(1/x) and exploring its behavior as x approaches 0. Participants are questioning whether the function can equal 0 or infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the chain rule to find the derivative and are discussing limits involving the function as x approaches 0. There are questions about the values of cos(1/x) and whether it can be defined at infinity.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to derive the function and evaluate limits. Some participants express uncertainty about the existence of the limit, while others are clarifying their understanding of the behavior of the cosine function at infinity.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of limits and the behavior of trigonometric functions as their arguments approach infinity. Participants are also grappling with LaTeX formatting issues in their posts.

ultima9999
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What is the derivative of [tex]cos\frac{1}{x}[/tex]?

Also, would [tex]cos\frac{1}{x}[/tex] equal 0 or infinity?
 
Last edited:
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ultima9999 said:
What is the derivative of [tex]\textrm(cos)\frac{1}{x}[/tex]?
Please post your attempt(s) in finding it.

Also, would [tex]\textrm(cos)\frac{1}{x} = 0 \textrm(or) \infty[/tex]?
The cosine function can have values only within the interval [-1,1], and has the value 0 for certain values of x. (an example in this case: [tex]x = \frac{2}{\pi}[/tex])
 
if you put: x=1/2pi*n
you get cos' (2pi*n)=(-2pi)sin(1/x)
 
I attempted to use the chain rule and I got [tex]-\frac{sin}{x^2}\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)[/tex]

I'm trying to solve a limit where [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \left[3x^5cos\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)\right][/tex].

So I'm using Indeterminate forms and L'Hopital's rule to try and solve it.
 
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my mistake it should be:
(1/x^2)sin(1/x)

edit:
about the limit, i don't think it exists, cause as i said it's cos y wher y approaches infinity, which is not defined.
 
Last edited:
ultima9999 said:
I attempted to use the chain rule and I got [tex]-\frac{sin}{x^2}\right(\frac{1}{x}\left)[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{x^2}sin(\frac{1}{x})[/tex] is correct. The two minus's cancel.

I'm trying to solve a limit where [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \left[3x^5cos\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)\right][/tex].

So I'm using Indeterminate forms and L'Hopital's rule to try and solve it.
EDIT: Stupid me...getting this Latex all messed up! Sorry. Rewrite that as
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \left[3x^4\frac{cos\left{(\frac{1}{x}\right)\right}{\frac{1}{x}}][/tex]
 
Last edited:
Alright, thanks for the first part.

So [tex]\frac{1}{x}, x = 0[/tex], would be infinity and so, [tex]sin(\infty)[/tex] and [tex]cos(\infty)[/tex] would be indeterminate?
 
ultima9999 said:
Alright, thanks for the first part.

So [tex]\frac{1}{x}, x = 0[/tex], would be infinity and so, [tex]sin(\infty)[/tex] and [tex]cos(\infty)[/tex] would be indeterminate?
I'm really sorry. As I said I'm getting both the logic and the LATEX wrong.:redface: I'll let someone better tackle this while I go hide my face from the public.
 
loop quantum gravity said:
my mistake it should be:
(1/x^2)sin(1/x)

edit:
about the limit, i don't think it exists, cause as i said it's cos y wher y approaches infinity, which is not defined.
Err, sorry to interrupt you guys, but why can't it (i.e the limit) exist? :confused:
 
  • #10
I'm back to embarrass myself, again. The limit exists and, if I'm correct, it is zero.
 

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