Limit of a product of sin and a polynomial

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the limit of a product involving sine and a polynomial, specifically in the context of dividing an n-sided polygon into triangles with a common radius. Participants are exploring the implications of this limit as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to estimate the limit by plugging in values, suggesting a potential value of 0 but expressing uncertainty about the computation process. Some participants suggest using known limits, such as the limit of sin(x)/x as x approaches 0, and question how the behavior of 1/n as n increases might affect the limit. Others propose applying L'Hopital's rule to address the 0/0 form encountered in the limit expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various approaches and hints without reaching a consensus. There is a focus on manipulating the limit and exploring different mathematical techniques, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the extent of direct solutions provided. The assumptions regarding the behavior of the polygon and the radius are also under consideration.

smashX
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Homework Statement


Given a n-sided polygon. Divide it into multiple small triangles that have same radius r. Compute the following limits:


Homework Equations


lim1.jpg



The Attempt at a Solution


When I plug in a random number to guess the answer, somehow it is always near 0 (very small) so my guess is 0. Having said that, I'm still stuck at how to compute this limit and I really want to ask you guys for advice. Any suggestions is appreciated, thanks.
 
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From the construction it is going to tend to the area of a circle which is pi*r^2. For this you will need the limit:
[tex] \lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin x}{x}=1[/tex]
So you will need to manipulate your limit. Hint, if n goes to infinite what does 1/n tend to?
 
Use L'Hopital's rule.[tex]\frac{1}{2}nr^2\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)= \frac{1}{2}r^2\frac{\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)}{n}[/tex]is of the form 0/0.
 
SammyS said:
Use L'Hopital's rule.[tex]\frac{1}{2}nr^2\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)= \frac{1}{2}r^2\frac{\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)}{n}[/tex]is of the form 0/0.
That should be
[tex]\frac{1}{2}nr^2\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)= \frac{1}{2}r^2\frac{\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)}{1/n}[/tex]
 

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