Limit of Arcsin Approaching Infinity

  • Thread starter Thread starter tsw303
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infinity Limit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the function (arcsin(x))/(x) as x approaches infinity. Participants are questioning the validity of the conclusion that this limit equals zero, particularly in light of the behavior of the arcsin function and its defined domain.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the Sandwich Theorem and question its implications. There are discussions about the use of L'Hôpital's Rule and the nature of limits involving complex numbers. Some participants also raise concerns about the definition of arcsin outside its typical domain.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on the use of different mathematical approaches, while others are questioning the assumptions related to the function's domain and the applicability of certain limit techniques.

Contextual Notes

There is a notable emphasis on the definition of arcsin, which is limited to the interval [-1, 1] for real numbers. This constraint raises questions about the limit's existence as x approaches infinity.

tsw303
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



limit approaching infinity: (arcsin(x))/(x)

= 0

Question is: Why? The 'Sandwich Theorem' 0=[(arcsinx)/x]=0 gives this
solution, but looking at the graph of (arcsinx)/x , this appears
impossible.



Homework Equations



lim x->OO [arcsin(x)] - {DNE)
lim x->OO [(arcsinx)/x] - {DNE/OO}

lim x->OO [-Pi/2x] = lim x->OO [(arcsinx)/x] = lim x->OO [Pi/2x]
=> 0 = [(arcsinx)/x] = 0

=> lim x->OO [(arcsinx)/x] = 0

HOWEVER: (-Pi/2)<[arcsinx]<(Pi/2) ... SO ...
... (x) never reaches (OO) for (Pi/2x) to reach the limit x->OO (Pi/OO)
= 0.



The Attempt at a Solution



The sandwich theorem gives and answer of "0". Maple 11 gives the same answer, so does my teacher. This just doesn't seem possible.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The only way you can get "0" is if you're using complex limits. I'm pretty sure. Let me check up on that.
 
Last edited:
If you use, L'Hospitals Rule, you get a \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}, for x tending to infinity. Thats a zero, but a complex one, don't know if its even applicable here...
 
arcsin(x) isn't defined for x outside of [-1, 1] considering only the reals. So unless x is complex, I don't think this limit exists.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K