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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the limit of the function e^{-7x} cos x as x approaches infinity. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the application of limit properties and the Squeeze Theorem in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of limits that do not exist (DNE) and whether the product of such limits can still yield a meaningful result. There is an exploration of using the Squeeze Theorem to evaluate the limit, with references to the behavior of e^{-7x} and cos x.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the limit of e^{-7x} approaches 0, which could imply that the overall limit may also approach 0. The use of the Squeeze Theorem is being considered, with attempts to establish bounds for e^{-7x} cos x. There is acknowledgment of minor errors in the reasoning, but the general direction of the discussion appears to be productive.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the original poster's uncertainty with trigonometric functions and the need for clarification on the Squeeze Theorem. There is an indication that the original poster is currently taking Calculus I, which may influence their understanding of the concepts discussed.

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.
 

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