Finding right limit of log(2sin(x/2))-log(2(sin(x/2)+cos(x/2))

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the right limit of the expression log(2sin(x/2)) - log(2(sin(x/2) + cos(x/2)) as x approaches 0 from the right. The subject area includes limits and logarithmic functions within the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss simplifying the logarithmic expression and applying double angle formulas. There is a concern about the limit approaching log(0), which is undefined. Some participants suggest examining the behavior of the function as x approaches 0 from the right side.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the limit and discussing its behavior as x approaches 0 from the right. There is mention of potential values and the implications of ln(0+), with some participants suggesting that it approaches -∞. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the behavior of the logarithmic function near 0, with participants questioning the accuracy of calculator outputs for very small values of x. The discussion highlights the need to understand limits in the context of approaching values from one side.

Alexx1
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log(2sin(x/2))-log(2(sin(x/2)+cos(x/2))

I have to find the right limit from x --> 0

How can I solve this limit?
 
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Have you tried anything? How about simplifying the two logarithms and then using double angle formulae on the trigs.
 


Mentallic said:
Have you tried anything? How about simplifying the two logarithms and then using double angle formulae on the trigs.

If you simplify them you get:

log(sin(x/2)/(sin(x/2)+cos(x/2))

But if I fill in 0 than I get log(0) but that doesn't exist..
If I use a double angle formulae I also get log(0)
 


Well that's why it's a limit which suggests you need to figure out what the limit is as x approaches 0 from the right side. Where is it heading?
 


Mentallic said:
Well that's why it's a limit which suggests you need to figure out what the limit is as x approaches 0 from the right side. Where is it heading?

If I plot the function on my calculator, I thinks it's heading to -8, but I'm not sure
 


That's because your calculator isn't accurate enough or you can't see exactly what's happening really close (even closer than that) to 0.

You've already figured out that the answer is ln(0+) - the plus is there to show it's from the right side, not both sides of 0. 0- denotes from the left side.
What is the answer to ln(0+)? That's the same as asking what happens to the function y=ln(x) as x approaches 0 from the right?
 


Mentallic said:
That's because your calculator isn't accurate enough or you can't see exactly what's happening really close (even closer than that) to 0.

You've already figured out that the answer is ln(0+) - the plus is there to show it's from the right side, not both sides of 0. 0- denotes from the left side.
What is the answer to ln(0+)? That's the same as asking what happens to the function y=ln(x) as x approaches 0 from the right?

Is it -∞?
 


Yep! :smile:

To convince yourself, try every smaller positive values of x,

x=0.1
x=0.001
x=10-10

You'll see where it's headed.
 


Mentallic said:
Yep! :smile:

To convince yourself, try every smaller positive values of x,

x=0.1
x=0.001
x=10-10

You'll see where it's headed.

Thanks!
 

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