How to Solve Limit Problems Involving Trigonometric Functions and Square Roots?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around limit problems involving trigonometric functions and square roots, specifically evaluating limits as x approaches 0 for two expressions: Lim x→0 Sin(x) * sqrt(1 + 1/x^2) and Lim x→0 Sin(x)/sqrt(x^2 + x^3).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the first limit into a form involving (sin(x)/x) and questions the correctness of their approach, particularly regarding the behavior of the limit from both sides. They express uncertainty about the second limit and the implications of multiplying and dividing by x.
  • Some participants question the validity of the original poster's expressions for different values of x, particularly regarding the sign and behavior of the square root function.
  • There are inquiries about how to find the limit from the left and how to properly use square root notation in the forum.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts, providing clarifications about the behavior of the limits from different directions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct forms to use for negative values of x, and there is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these forms on the limits.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the manipulation of square roots in the context of limits, particularly when transitioning between positive and negative values of x. The original poster is also navigating the use of mathematical notation in the forum.

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Homework Statement



1. Lim x→0 Sin(x) * sqrt(1 + 1/x^2) Picture: https://i.gyazo.com/2f61c3c09d32447d4190fbdcd3f2f1e5.png

2. Limx→0 Sin(x)/sqrt(x^2 + x^3) Picture: https://i.gyazo.com/b50081d459ed61bcf1d4ae5baecfa7fa.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



What I did with the first was turn it into: (sin(x)/x) * (x*sqrt(1 + 1/x^2) which results in (sin(x)/x) * (sqrt(x^2 + 1)

The limit of that is 1 * sqrt(0+1) = 1*1 = 1

Is that correct? Doesn't the lim from right and left give different results?
With the second one, I'm not sure what to do after: Sin(x) * (x^2 + x^3)^-1/2

If I multiply and divide by x I'll get 1 * 0/0 which is undefined, right?
 
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Yes the limit should be negative when approaching from the left. The thing is when you have ##x\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{x^2}} = \sqrt{x^2+1}## that's only true for ##x> 0##.
The second one can be rewritten in two part (if you again take care of the sign). One of them being ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x}}## which has a limit as ##x\to 0##.
 
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Okay, so what do I do to find the limit from the left?

Also, how do you use the sqrt signs? I didn't find it under the symbols.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
NooDota said:
Okay, so what do I do to find the limit from the left?

Also, how do you use the sqrt signs? I didn't it under the symbols.

Thanks.
You did it correctly. It's just that you have to remember that for
##x> 0## we have ##x\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{x^2}} = \sqrt{x^2+1}## and for
##x < 0## we have ##x \sqrt{1+\frac{1}{x^2}} = -\sqrt{x^2+1}##.
You could also write this as ##x\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{x^2}} = \text{sign} (x) \sqrt{x^2+1}## which always is true.
Because the square-root of a number is always positive, that's the definition.
For example when you solve ##x^2=1## you write ##x=\pm \sqrt{1}## since the ##\sqrt{1}## only refers to the positive root. (Sorry If this wasn't what you were confused about, just guessed it may be.)

Do you mean how I write them I text? I use the latex envirement.You can read more about it here https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/introducing-latex-math-typesetting.8997/ . For the sqrt you use that by typing \sqrt{x} inside two # at the start an two # at the end (sorry don't know how to post the code for it, check out the thread i linked!).
 
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NooDota said:
Okay, so what do I do to find the limit from the left?

Also, how do you use the sqrt signs? I didn't it under the symbols.

Thanks.

You can find the limit from the left by writing a correct form that applies when ##x < 0##, then take the limit. The form (in (1)) that you wrote (with ##\sqrt{x^2+1}##) applies when ##x > 0##. Make a change for ##x < 0## and you are almost done. Alternatively, if ##x < 0## you can write ##x = -t##, where ##t > 0##, then take the limit from the right as ##t \to 0##.
 
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Okay, thank you both for your help.

I've always dealt with getting x out of the square root, this is the first time I run into a problem where I have to bring it inside instead, hence the confusion.
 

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