# Finite limit problem

1. Aug 28, 2012

### lukatwo

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I've read in my textbook, and confirmed via WolframAlpha that lim x->0 (cosx/x^0) =1 , and need an explanation for it. I thought it should be ∞ or something undefined, since 0^0 is undefined.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I tried to use L'Hospitale on the expression, but that led to nowhere. There's no intermediate step between the expression and solution in both textbook, and Wolfram.

2. Aug 28, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Typo?
There is no n in your limit expression.

Is this the limit?
$$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{cos(x)}{x^0}$$

3. Aug 28, 2012

### lukatwo

It was a typo. Fixed, and yes that is the limit i was referring to!

4. Aug 28, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

As long as x ≠ 0, x0 = 1, right? So, then, what is $\lim_{x \to 0} x^0$?

5. Aug 28, 2012

### lukatwo

From all this my guess will be 1, but still not clear why. Is it because lim x->0 means that x !=0 but rather close to 0? Meaning some infinitesimal number ^0=1? Am i getting that correctly?

6. Aug 28, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Yes to both questions. The graph of y = x0 is a horizontal line with a hole at (0, 1).

7. Aug 28, 2012

### lukatwo

I understand now! Thank you very much for your help!