How Can I Prove the Limit of a Product Equals Zero with an Undefined Limit?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that if the limit of g(x) as x approaches 0 is 0, then the limit of the product g(x)sin(1/x) as x approaches 0 is also 0. Participants are exploring the implications of the undefined limit of sin(1/x) and how it interacts with the limit of g(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the limits of g(x) and sin(1/x), questioning how to incorporate the undefined nature of sin(1/x) into their reasoning. There is mention of using an epsilon-delta proof and the squeeze theorem as potential approaches.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify their understanding of limits and the conditions under which the product of limits can be applied. There is a recognition that the limit of sin(1/x) does not exist, prompting further exploration of alternative methods such as the squeeze theorem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the bounded nature of the sine function and its implications for the squeeze theorem, which may provide a pathway to addressing the problem despite the undefined limit of sin(1/x).

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Homework Statement



the problem is: prove that if lim x-->0 g(x)=0, then lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x)=0. it seems simple enough, but certain parts have me wondering.

Homework Equations



so i already know that lim x-->0 sin(1/x) is undefined because the function oscillates near 0. I'm not really sure how to incorporate that without just stating it, though. also, how do i show the effect of lim x-->0 g(x)=0? if a limit is undefined, does it not exist?


The Attempt at a Solution



i'm not sure if this is completely erroneous but my tentative solution is the following:
if lim x-->0 g(x)=0, lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x) = [lim x-->0 g(x)]*[lim x-->0 sin(1/x)]= 0*lim x-->0 sin(1/x)
since a number times 0 equals 0, it follows that lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x) = 0.

please help!
 
Last edited:
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ptolema said:
i'm not sure if this is completely erroneous but my tentative solution is the following:
if lim x-->0 g(x)=0, lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x) = [lim x-->0 g(x)]*[lim x-->0 sin(1/x)]= 0*lim x-->0 sin(1/x)
since a number times 0 equals 0, it follows that lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x) = 0.

This argument is erroneous since [itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0} \sin \frac{1}{x}[/itex] is not a number, and furthermore the limit of the product is not the product of the limits of the factors unless the limits of the factors both exist.
Since the second limit does not exist, you will have to perform an epsilon-delta proof of the statement, or use a theorem about limits of bounded functions.
 
would i start off showing the epsilon-delta proof of lim x-->0 g(x)=0, or of lim x-->0 g(x)sin(1/x) = 0? since lim x-->0 sin(1/x) DNE, it doesn't have an applicable epsilon-delta form, so how can i include it in an epsilon-delta proof?
 
Have you tried the squeeze theorem?
 
how would squeeze theorem apply? i don't know if g(x)[tex]\leq[/tex]g(x)sin(1/x) or any of the other conditions for squeeze theorem.

edit:
ah, i see now. squeeze theorem can be used because i know the range of the sine function. that definitely clears things up, as i already proved the theorem earlier. thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
The sine function is bounded.
[tex]-1 \leq sin(1/x) \leq 1[/tex]

Now incorporate g(x).
 

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