Limit of an inverse tangent function

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SUMMARY

The limit as x approaches infinity of the function arctan[(1/x)-1] converges to -π/4. The solution involves recognizing that as x approaches infinity, (1/x) approaches 0, leading to the limit of (1/x)-1 approaching -1. By applying the continuity of the arctangent function, the limit can be evaluated as arctan(-1), which equals -π/4. The initial misunderstanding regarding the separation of limits was clarified during the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the arctangent function and its properties
  • Knowledge of horizontal and vertical asymptotes
  • Basic graphing calculator usage for function analysis
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  • Learn about continuity and limits in calculus
  • Explore the concept of asymptotes in rational functions
  • Practice solving limits involving trigonometric functions
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on limits and trigonometric functions, as well as educators looking for examples of limit evaluation techniques.

greenteacup
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Homework Statement



limit as x->\infty of arctan[(1/x)-1]

2. The attempt at a solution

Well, my graphing calculator is showing a vertical asymptote at x=0 and a horizontal one at x=(what I think is) -\pi/4

I'm not really sure how to solve this though... hence me being here : /

EDIT: Nevermind, I figured it out by splitting it up into lim(arctan(1/x)) and lim(arctan(1)), which did indeed give me -pi/4. I'm not sure how to delete this though, so I'll just leave it up for anyone who's having a similar problem, I suppose. :)
 
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greenteacup said:

Homework Statement



limit as x->\infty of arctan[(1/x)-1]

2. The attempt at a solution

Well, my graphing calculator is showing a vertical asymptote at x=0 and a horizontal one at x=(what I think is) -\pi/4

I'm not really sure how to solve this though... hence me being here : /

EDIT: Nevermind, I figured it out by splitting it up into lim(arctan(1/x)) and lim(arctan(1)), which did indeed give me -pi/4. I'm not sure how to delete this though, so I'll just leave it up for anyone who's having a similar problem, I suppose. :)

You got the right answer, but you did it wrong. arctan(1/x-1) is not equal to arctan(1/x)-arctan(1). You can't break it up that way. If you know lim(1/x)=0 then lim(1/x-1)=(-1). Then since arctan is continuous, lim(arctan(1/x-1))=arctan(lim(1/x-1))=arctan(-1).
 
Ok take y=(1/x)-1. What y goes to as x goes to infinity?
 

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