How Does L'Hopital's Rule Solve This Limit Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying L'Hopital's Rule to evaluate the limit of (sin(4x))/(x^2 + 8x) as x approaches 0. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly applying derivatives, specifically noting the necessity of the chain rule and proper notation. The correct application of L'Hopital's Rule requires computing the derivatives of both the numerator and denominator, leading to a simplified limit evaluation. The final limit can be determined once the derivatives are accurately calculated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of L'Hopital's Rule
  • Knowledge of derivatives and differentiation techniques
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice applying L'Hopital's Rule on various limit problems
  • Review the chain rule in calculus for differentiating composite functions
  • Explore the behavior of trigonometric limits as x approaches 0
  • Learn about the conditions under which L'Hopital's Rule can be applied
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning about limits and differentiation, as well as educators looking for examples of L'Hopital's Rule applications.

cummings15
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Homework Statement


lim (sin4x) divided by (x^2+8x)
x approaches 0


Homework Equations


L'Hopital's rule


The Attempt at a Solution



u = sin4x
du = cos4x

y = x^2+8x
dy = 2x+c
 
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cummings15 said:

Homework Statement


lim (sin4x) divided by (x^2+8x)
x approaches 0

Homework Equations


L'Hopital's rule

The Attempt at a Solution



u = sin4x
du = cos4x

The derivative would be called du/dx, not just du. And cos(4x) isn't correct. Remember the chain rule.

y = x^2+8x
dy = 2x+c

Again you mean dy/dx and the derivative isn't correct. And where did the + c come from? You aren't integrating.

Finally, once you correct the derivatives you need to write something like this:

lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac {\sin(4x)}{x^2+8x} = \ ?

and write on the right side what you get.
 
cummings15 said:

Homework Statement


lim (sin4x) divided by (x^2+8x)
x approaches 0


Homework Equations


L'Hopital's rule


The Attempt at a Solution



u = sin4x
du = cos4x
This is not right. You forgot to use the chain rule, plus it's missing the dx on the right side.
cummings15 said:
y = x^2+8x
dy = 2x+c
This is also incorrect. The derivative of 8x is 8, not c. You're also missing the dx.

In any case, you need to be working with derivatives, not differentials.

What do you get when you actually apply L'Hopital's Rule? This rule says that under certain conditions,
\lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}
If the latter limit exists, the first limit is equal to it.
 

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