Limit of (1 - cosh(2x)) / 4x^3 + x^2

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the limit of the expression (1 - cosh(2x)) / (4x^3 + x^2) as x approaches 0. The subject area pertains to limits in calculus, particularly involving hyperbolic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of limit laws and L'Hôpital's rule. There is mention of expressing cosh(2x) in terms of sinh^2(x) and questioning the manipulation of the denominator. Some participants explore identities related to hyperbolic functions and their limits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with various approaches being suggested, including the use of L'Hôpital's rule and hyperbolic identities. Participants are exploring different interpretations of the limit and expressing confusion regarding the manipulation of terms and the expected outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct application of limit properties and identities, as well as the handling of the 0/0 form encountered in the limit evaluation. Some participants express confusion about the steps involved in reaching the expected answer.

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Homework Statement



\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{1 - cosh(2x)}{{4x^3 + x^2}}


Homework Equations



Product, sum, quotient laws


The Attempt at a Solution



\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{1 - cosh(2x)}{{4x^3 + x^2}} = <br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{\lim 1 - \lim cosh(2x)}{{\lim 4 + \lim x^3 + \lim x^2}}<br /> = <br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{1 - \lim cosh(2x)}{{4 + 0 + 0}} <br /> = <br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{1 - cosh(\lim 2x)}{{4}}<br /> = <br /> \frac{1 - cosh(0)}{{4}}<br /> = \frac{1 - 1}{{4}}<br /> = 0<br />

However the answer is supposed to be 2.

I was sure the denominator should be 4, but not sure how to get 8 in the numerator :confused:
 
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Okay well, You seem to have changed that 4x^3 to 4 + x^3, which is how you got your zero denominator to be 4.

Firstly, do you know \lim_{x\to 0} \frac{ \sinh x}{x} ? That is a good thing to know and is easy to find.

Also, can you express \cosh 2x in terms of sinh^2 x ? That will help.
 
Gib Z said:
Okay well, You seem to have changed that 4x^3 to 4 + x^3, which is how you got your zero denominator to be 4.

Firstly, do you know \lim_{x\to 0} \frac{ \sinh x}{x} ? That is a good thing to know and is easy to find.

sinh(0) = 0 so use LHopitals rule :
\lim_{x\to 0} \frac{ \sinh x}{x} = \lim_{x\to 0} \frac{ \cosh x}{1} = \frac{cosh 0}{1} = \frac{1}{1} = 1

Gib Z said:
Also, can you express \cosh 2x in terms of sinh^2 x ? That will help.
I don't know what you mean, sorry.
 
Ok well, have you seen the identity

\cosh 2x = 2\sinh^2 x +1
?
 
Gib Z said:
Ok well, have you seen the identity

\cosh 2x = 2\sinh^2 x +1
?

I tried subbing x = 0 into the above in the original equation and get:

\frac{1 - 2e^2 + 4 - \frac{2}{e^2}}{16x^3 + 4x^2}

Now should I divide each term by x^3?

Can someone please show me the method? I am getting confused now.
 
Directly substitute that identity into your limit, and apply the other limit you worked out.
 
You mean into this? \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{\lim 1 - \lim cosh(2x)}{{\lim 4 + \lim x^3 + \lim x^2}}

so, \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to 0 } \frac{\lim 1 - \lim 2 + \lim sinh^2(x+1)}{{\lim 4 + \lim x^3 + \lim x^2}} = \frac{1 - 2 + \lim sinh^2(x+1)}{4}

I can't get that to equal 2.
 
Hey dude apply l-hospital rule when there is 0/0 form after putting x=0 in the original equation , now differentiate the equation not in u/v form differentiate upper equation and lower equation differently until u got the equation not in the form 0/0 after putting the value
 
First use L'Hopital's rule with the original problem and keep using it until you're done. You probably want to use an identity to make differentiation a little easier after one step.
 
  • #10
Best answer I can get is 1/2 or -1/2.

Anyway test on this starts in 45 minutes so just hope this question doesn't come up.
 

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