Limit Calculation with L'Hospital's Rule: arctanx/arcsinx rigorously at x=0

  • Thread starter Thread starter lep11
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculation Limit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the limit of the function \(\frac{\arctan x}{\arcsin x}\) as \(x\) approaches 0, with a focus on rigor and the application of L'Hospital's Rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of L'Hospital's Rule and question whether derivatives of \(\arcsin\) and \(\arctan\) are known or need to be derived. There is also consideration of using Taylor series expansions as an alternative approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested checking the conditions for applying L'Hospital's Rule, while others are contemplating the implications of assuming knowledge of derivatives. The conversation reflects a mix of approaches being considered without reaching a consensus on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the challenge of calculating derivatives and the potential need to derive them before applying L'Hospital's Rule or Taylor series, indicating a focus on foundational understanding.

lep11
Messages
380
Reaction score
7

Homework Statement


Calculate ##\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{arctanx}{arcsinx}## 'rigoriously'.

The Attempt at a Solution


What's the best approach? L'Hospitals rule?

##\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{arctanx}{arcsinx}=\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{\sqrt{1-x^2}}{x^2+1} =1##
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, since you solved it instantly with it.
 
What if we 'don't know' the derivatives of arcsin and arctan?
 
lep11 said:
What if we 'don't know' the derivatives of arcsin and arctan?

Then you proof what these derivatives are equal too. It can't be solved in an easier way.
 
Math_QED said:
Yes, since you solved it instantly with it.
I should check the conditions for l' Hospitals rule first.
Math_QED said:
Then you proof what these derivatives are equal too. It can't be solved in an easier way.
I am thinking whether I can assume we know the derivatives or begin with calculating the derivatives first?
It's kinda re-inventing the wheel though?

How about applying taylor series of arcsin and arctan?
 
lep11 said:
I should check the conditions for l' Hospitals rule first.

I am thinking whether I can assume we know the derivatives or begin with calculating the derivatives first?
It's kinda re-inventing the wheel though?

How about applying taylor series of arcsin and arctan?

How would you find the Taylor series without knowing the derivatives?

Nobody is re-inventing the wheel here. If you know the derivatives (or can find them easily) then l'Hospital's rule is useful; otherwise, it does you no good. In your case you know the derivatives, so l'Hospital works like a charm.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K