Limit of hyperbolic cosine(1/x)

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    Hyperbolic Limit
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of the expression x²cosh(1/x) as x approaches 0, which involves hyperbolic functions and limits. Participants explore the behavior of the function and its graphical representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply L'Hôpital's rule to evaluate the limit, expressing the function in different forms. Questions arise regarding the validity of assuming the limit approaches infinity and the implications of differing right and left-hand limits observed in the graph of e^(1/x).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing alternative approaches and questioning the assumptions made about the function's behavior. Some suggest using a substitution to simplify the limit evaluation, while others inquire about the graphical discrepancies noted.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the symmetry of the function and the intervals used for graphing, which may affect the interpretation of the limits.

terminator88
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Homework Statement



Limit of x2cosh(1/x) as x approaches 0

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I did some algebra,made into the form infinity over infinity and used hopital's rule. I got limit x2e^(1/x).
Then I again made into the form infinity over infinity(by making it 1/x2).
Then used hopital's rule again and ended up getting limit of e^(1/x) as x approaches 0.

Can I assume that it is infinity? But when I draw the graph of e^(1/x),using my graphic calculator, it shows the right and left limits are different and therefore the limit does not exist.

Sorry for not showing my steps as I cannot find the limit and other symbols on latex.Thank you for reading!
 
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terminator88 said:

Homework Statement



Limit of x2cosh(1/x) as x approaches 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I did some algebra,made into the form infinity over infinity and used hopital's rule. I got limit x2e^(1/x).
Then I again made into the form infinity over infinity(by making it 1/x2).
Then used hopital's rule again and ended up getting limit of e^(1/x) as x approaches 0.

Can I assume that it is infinity? But when I draw the graph of e^(1/x),using my graphic calculator, it shows the right and left limits are different and therefore the limit does not exist.

Sorry for not showing my steps as I cannot find the limit and other symbols on latex.Thank you for reading!
I would be inclined to substitute u for 1/x so that x^2= 1/u^2 and that limit becomes
\lim_{u\rightarrow \infty}\frac{e^u}{u^2}
Now using L'Hopital's rule (twice) will give you the answer more simply.
 
Oh okay thank you.Btw Can you please explain to me why when the graph is drawn, there doesn't seem to be a limit as the right and left hand limits are different? Thanks again.
 
It is an even function therefore it is symmetric with respect to the y-axis. If what you say is true then the function would not be symmetric with respect to the y-axis hence not even. Perhaps you're plotting your function in a weird interval or are plotting the wrong function?
 
Cyosis said:
It is an even function therefore it is symmetric with respect to the y-axis. If what you say is true then the function would not be symmetric with respect to the y-axis hence not even. Perhaps you're plotting your function in a weird interval or are plotting the wrong function?

Sorry I was ambiguous there.I am talking about the function e^(1/x).It does not seem to have a limit when I draw it on the graphing calculator.
 
Ah I missed that part. However using HallsofIvy's approach you won't have to deal with that limit. Instead you deal with the limit \lim_{u \to \infty} \frac{e^u}{u^2}, which is defined. Alternatively you could use the Taylor expansion of the cosh function to see that it diverges.
 

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