Finding this limit involving sin and cos

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a function involving trigonometric functions as x approaches 0 from the positive side. The function is defined as f(x) = 1/x - cos(x)/sin(x), with the domain excluding integer multiples of π.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of L'Hôpital's Rule, with one participant noting a misunderstanding in its application. There is mention of simplifying the expression and considering Taylor series as an alternative approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on correctly applying L'Hôpital's Rule and suggested simplifications. There is acknowledgment of a mistake in the initial approach, and one participant expresses confidence in having found the correct answer after clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the methods they can use or the depth of discussion allowed. The original poster's attempts and the subsequent feedback highlight the learning process involved in understanding limits and derivatives.

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Homework Statement



I have this function:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{1}{x}-\frac{\cos{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}}[/itex]

For all [itex]x \in R[/itex] where [itex]x \neq n \pi, n \in Z[/itex]

Ok I have to find the following limit:

[itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0+}(f(x))[/itex]

Homework Equations



Limits in general and perhaps the always great Hospital's rule.


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried to put on the same fraction line:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{\sin{(x)}-x\cos{(x)}}{x\sin{(x)}}[/itex]

And then using the Hospital rule, but it does not really seem to bring me any further...

The first derivative of it is:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{x^2-1+(\cos{(x)})^2}{x^2(\sin{(x)})^2}[/itex]

And then I could use the Hospital rule again but it just seems as though it will make it worse, the sinus will always be in the denominator.
 
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lo2 said:

Homework Statement



I have this function:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{1}{x}-\frac{\cos{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}}[/itex]

For all [itex]x \in R[/itex] where [itex]x \neq n \pi, n \in Z[/itex]

Ok I have to find the following limit:

[itex]lim_{x\rightarrow0+}(f(x))[/itex]

Homework Equations



Limits in general and perhaps the always great Hospital's rule.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried to put on the same fraction line:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{\sin{(x)}-x\cos{(x)}}{x\sin{(x)}}[/itex]

And then using the Hospital rule, but it does not really seem to bring me any further...

The first derivative of it is:

[itex]f(x) = \frac{x^2-1+(\cos{(x)})^2}{x^2(\sin{(x)})^2}[/itex]

And then I could use the Hospital rule again but it just seems as though it will make it worse, the sinus will always be in the denominator.

First of all, you're not applying L'Hopital's Rule correctly. You're supposed to differentiate the numerator and denominator *separately*. Instead you differentiated the whole expression using the quotient rule. (BTW, even that expression you got can be further simplified. Use [itex]\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1[/itex] on the numerator. Irrelevant to the question, but something you should take note of).

After you apply LHR correctly, take the reciprocal of the expression and see what it reduces to.

Alternatively, you can just apply the Taylor series throughout and get the answer quickly without using LHR.
 
Ah yeah ok, I can see that I have used LHR wrongly...

I think I have got the right answer applying the rule correctly! So thanks a lot :)
 
lo2 said:
Ah yeah ok, I can see that I have used LHR wrongly...

I think I have got the right answer applying the rule correctly! So thanks a lot :)

You're welcome. :smile:
 

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