Is There a Hole at X=0 for F(X)= X/Sin(X)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the function F(X) = X/Sin(X) and whether there is a hole at X=0. Participants explore the nature of the function at this point, particularly focusing on the indeterminate form encountered when substituting zero into the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the 0/0 form at X=0 and whether this indicates a hole in the function. Questions arise about the existence of oblique asymptotes and the conditions under which they occur.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with various interpretations of the function's behavior at X=0. Some participants suggest that there is a hole, while others question the existence of oblique asymptotes, leading to a mix of perspectives without clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the function approaches a limit as X approaches 0, despite being undefined at that exact point. The discussion also touches on the definitions of asymptotes and tangents, indicating some confusion regarding terminology.

CanadianEh
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Hi there,
Quick question. For F(X)= X/Sin(X), is there a hole at X=0?

Thanks.
 
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What do you get when plugging 0 into F(X) ?
 
CanadianEh said:
Hi there,
Quick question. For F(X)= X/Sin(X), is there a hole at X=0?

Thanks.

Hi CanadianEh! :smile:

At x = 0, obviously, it's 0/0, which is undefined (it's known as an "indeterminate form"), so yes in that sense there's a hole …

of course, F(x) does tend to a limit at as x -> 0 :wink:
 
0/Sin 0 = undefined.

So basically, there's my answer. There is a hole at x=0. There is also an oblique asymptote of f(x)=x, correct?
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi CanadianEh! :smile:

At x = 0, obviously, it's 0/0, which is undefined (it's known as an "indeterminate form"), so yes in that sense there's a hole …

of course, F(x) does tend to a limit at as x -> 0 :wink:


Thanks so much! Can you help me explain why there is an oblique asymptote?
 
CanadianEh said:
Thanks so much! Can you help me explain why there is an oblique asymptote?

uhh? :blushing:

wot's an oblique asymptote? :confused:
 
When a linear asymptote is not parallel to the x- or y-axis, it is called either an oblique asymptote or equivalently a slant asymptote.

In the graph of X/Sin(X), there appears to be an asymptote at y=x
 
The function continues to have a defined value as you get arbitrarily close to zero, thus the limit as x->0 is defined. The function itself is undefined only exactly at zero.

- Warren
 
Try graphing x/sin(x) and you'll only see vertical asymptotes when the denominator, or sin(x), is 0.
As far as I know, a rational function P(x)/Q(x) where P and Q are polynomials has an oblique asymptote only when the degree of the numerator is one larger than that of the denominator. In x/sin(x) you have a transcendental function in the denominator.
 
  • #10
Ok, so NO oblique asymptote, correct?
 
  • #11
CanadianEh said:
When a linear asymptote is not parallel to the x- or y-axis, it is called either an oblique asymptote or equivalently a slant asymptote.

In the graph of X/Sin(X), there appears to be an asymptote at y=x

Still totally confused as to why this is called an asymptote instead of a tangent. :confused:

Anyway I can't see how it's slanting ……

what is limx -> 0 x/sinx ? :smile:
 
  • #12
CanadianEh said:
Ok, so NO oblique asymptote, correct?
That's right.
tiny-tim said:
uhh? :blushing:

wot's an oblique asymptote? :confused:

A slant asymptote
http://home.att.net/~srschmitt/precalc/precalc-fig12-03.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
Bohrok said:
A slant asymptote

So that's only at infinity? :blushing:
 
  • #14
and also negative infinity if the domain goes there too.
 
  • #15
tiny-tim, the word "asymptote" was wrong here. He intended "tangent" as you suggested. Because there is a "hole" at x= 0, there is no tangent there.
 

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