Finding Limits of Trig Functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding limits of trigonometric functions, specifically the limits of \(\lim_{x\rightarrow0} \frac{\sin x}{5x}\) and \(\lim_{x\rightarrow0} \frac{\sin x(1-\cos x)}{2x^{2}}\). The first limit simplifies to \(\frac{1}{5} \cdot \lim_{x\rightarrow0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = \frac{1}{5}\). The second limit can be approached using Taylor series expansions for \(\sin x\) and \(\cos x\), leading to the conclusion that the numerator's lowest power of \(x\) exceeds that of the denominator, resulting in the limit being zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of Taylor series expansions for \(\sin x\) and \(\cos x\)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of L'Hôpital's Rule for indeterminate forms
  • Learn about Taylor series and their convergence for trigonometric functions
  • Explore the concept of limits involving products and quotients of functions
  • Practice solving limits involving trigonometric identities and simplifications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on limits and trigonometric functions, as well as educators looking for examples to illustrate these concepts.

cheerspens
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Homework Statement


The first problem I'm having difficulty with is

[itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{sin x}{5x}[/itex]

And the second is:
[itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{sin x(1-cos x)}{2x^{2}}[/itex]

Homework Equations


I assume that for the first problem I need to simplify it to the rule where [itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{sin x}{x}[/itex]=1
and the second would probably need to simplify to follow the rule [itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{1-cos x}{x}[/itex]=0

The Attempt at a Solution


What I mainly need help with is how to get started. For the first problem, how do I get rid of the 5x at the bottom?
For the second problem should I square the entire thing and end up with [itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{2sin x}{4x^{4}}[/itex] then go from there or is that even correct?
 
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cheerspens said:

The Attempt at a Solution


What I mainly need help with is how to get started. For the first problem, how do I get rid of the 5x at the bottom?
For the second problem should I square the entire thing and end up with [itex]\stackrel{lim}{x\rightarrow0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{2sin x}{4x^{4}}[/itex] then go from there or is that even correct?

Rewrite the first one as (1/5)(sinx/x) then take the limit.

use the fact that x2=x*x and then try to get sinx/x and (1-cosx)/x then use the fact that lim(x→a) f*g = lim(x→a) f * lim(x→a) g
 
Use the power series for sin(x) and cos(x).

You already know the first answer is 1/5.

Second problem:
cos x = 1 - ax^2 + bx^4 + ... etc. since it's an even function.
sin x = cx + dx^3 + ... etc. since it's an odd function.
Then take the first two terms of cos x and the first term of sin x in your expression, realize that the lowest power of x in the numerator is higher than the highest power of x in the denominator, and bingo!
 

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