Limit of e^-7x cos x: Using Squeeze Theorem for Calculus Homework

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SUMMARY

The limit of the function e^{-7x} cos x as x approaches infinity is determined using the Squeeze Theorem. The limit can be expressed as lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} = 0, leading to the conclusion that lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} cos x = 0. The discussion emphasizes that just because one limit does not exist (DNE), it does not imply that the product also DNE. The correct application of the Squeeze Theorem confirms that the limit is indeed zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the Squeeze Theorem
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Experience with exponential functions and their limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Squeeze Theorem in detail, including examples and applications
  • Practice finding limits of products involving oscillating functions and exponential decay
  • Review trigonometric limits and their behavior as x approaches infinity
  • Explore advanced limit techniques, including L'Hôpital's Rule for comparison
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Students taking Calculus I, particularly those struggling with limits involving oscillatory functions and exponential decay, as well as educators looking for teaching strategies related to the Squeeze Theorem.

Nidhogg
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(sorry the thread title is wrong - can a mod please change it to "Limit of e^-7x cos x?")
1. Homework Statement

Find the following:
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} \cos x

Homework Equations


I know that [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x)g(x) ] = [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) ] \cdot [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} g(x)] so...

The Attempt at a Solution


From the above equations...
[\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} \sin x] = [(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x}) \cdot (\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \cos x)] But this limit DNE, since \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} cos x : DNE

And yet, WebAssign tells me that DNE is wrong, and that I must use the Squeeze Theorem for this problem. Any help? My trig is a little rusty (last time I took it was 9 years ago), so any useful reminders on that front would be helpful as well. I'm taking Calc I.
 
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Nidhogg said:
(sorry the thread title is wrong - can a mod please change it to "Limit of e^-7x cos x?")
1. Homework Statement

Find the following:
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} \cos x

Homework Equations


I know that [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x)g(x) ] = [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) ] \cdot [ \lim_{x \rightarrow a} g(x)] so...

The Attempt at a Solution


From the above equations...
[\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} \sin x] = [(\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x}) \cdot (\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \cos x)] But this limit DNE, since \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} cos x : DNE

And yet, WebAssign tells me that DNE is wrong, and that I must use the Squeeze Theorem for this problem. Any help? My trig is a little rusty (last time I took it was 9 years ago), so any useful reminders on that front would be helpful as well. I'm taking Calc I.

Just because one of the limits DNE doesn't mean that the product DNE. Could it be that one of your limits is 0? Use the squeeze theorem!
 
Dick said:
Just because one of the limits DNE doesn't mean that the product DNE. Could it be that one of your limits is 0? Use the squeeze theorem!

Okay, I can see that \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} = 0 Which means that the limit as a whole should be 0, if it's not that case that the limit DNE. In that case, can I use the Squeeze Theorem like this?
[-1 \leq \cos x \leq 1] \Rightarrow [-e^{-7x} \leq e^{-7x} cos x \leq e^{-7x}] Meaning that [\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x}) \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x})

Which means that

0 \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) \leq 0

Which. by the Squeeze Theorem means that

\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) = 0
?
 
Nidhogg said:
Okay, I can see that \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} e^{-7x} = 0 Which means that the limit as a whole should be 0, if it's not that case that the limit DNE. In that case, can I use the Squeeze Theorem like this?
[-1 \leq \cos x \leq 1] \Rightarrow [-e^{-7x} \leq e^{-7x} cos x \leq e^{-7x}] Meaning that [\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x}) \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x})

Which means that

0 \leq \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) \leq 0

Which. by the Squeeze Theorem means that

\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty}(-e^{-7x} \cos x) = 0
?

Yes, you can. There's a typo or two in there, but that's ok. I know what you mean.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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