Limit of sin(x)cos(x)/x as x approaches 0?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression sin(x)cos(x)/x as x approaches 0, a topic within calculus focusing on limits and trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of known limits, specifically lim x->0 sin(x)/x = 1, and discuss the implications of cos(x) as x approaches 0. Some suggest rewriting the expression using trigonometric identities, such as sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x), to facilitate the limit evaluation.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the limit, with some participants confirming the validity of certain steps while others propose alternative representations of the original expression. No explicit consensus has been reached, but various productive directions have been suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential undefined nature of cos(x)/x as x approaches 0, prompting further examination of the limit's behavior and the application of trigonometric identities.

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Homework Statement


lim x->0 sinxcosx/x


Homework Equations


lim x->0 sinx/x = 1



The Attempt at a Solution


Pretty sure I need to use above property but I believe cosx/x is undef.
 
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jog511 said:

Homework Statement


lim x->0 sinxcosx/x


Homework Equations


lim x->0 sinx/x = 1



The Attempt at a Solution


Pretty sure I need to use above property but I believe cosx/x is undef.

Recall the identity \sin(2x) = 2\sin x \cos x.
 
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Or write it as$$
\frac {\sin x} x \cdot \cos x$$
 
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limx->o sinx/x * limx->0 cosx = 1*1 =1
 
Correct.
 
That's the simplest way to do it but using pasmith's suggestion, since sin(2x)= 2sin(x)cos(x), sin(x)cos(x)= sin(2x)/x so that sin(x)cos(x)/x= sin(2x)/2x. Now let u= 2x. As x goes to 0, so does u= 2x and we have
\lim_{x\to 0} \frac{sin(x)cos(x)}{x}= \lim_{u\to 0}\frac{sin(u)}{u}= 1.
 
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