Limit of (tan(x))^(tan(2x)) as x approaches pi/4

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression (tan(x))^(tan(2x)) as x approaches π/4. Participants note that while the limit of tan(2x) does not exist, calculators indicate that the limit of the original expression does exist and equals 1/e. There is uncertainty regarding the reasoning behind this result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of L'Hospital's rule and the challenges faced in applying it due to the indeterminate forms. There is mention of splitting the expression into sine and cosine components and using logarithmic properties to simplify the limit evaluation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and suggestions for approaching the problem, including the use of logarithms to facilitate the limit calculation. However, there is no explicit consensus on the method to resolve the limit, and various interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted constraint regarding the use of calculators, with some participants mentioning that their professors do not allow them during tests. Additionally, the original poster expresses confusion despite having submitted a correct answer based on calculator results.

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Homework Statement


[itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}[/itex] tan(x)[itex]^{tan(2x)}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}tan(2x)[/itex] does not exist.
However, Wolfram Alpha and my TI-89 say that [itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}[/itex] tan(x)[itex]^{tan(2x)}[/itex]does exist, and that it's [itex]\frac{1}{e}[/itex]
I submitted this answer (it's web based homework and calculators are allowed) and found it was correct. I still don't understand how though.

Homework Equations


tan(2x) = [itex]\frac{2tan(x)}{1-tan^{2}(x)}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to split it in to
[itex]\frac{sin(x)^{tan(2x)}}{cos(x)^{tan(2x)}}[/itex], and then use L'Hospital's rule, but I can't seem to get the tan(2x) to go away. Both appear to be indeterminate, but neither one is 0 at the same time, so it doesn't appear that I should be using L'Hopital's rule in this case. However, I can't see any other way to proceed.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Thanks.

So people can't do these tasks without calculators anymore? :-)
Hey, at the very least my professor doesn't allow them on tests. :approve:
 
Have you tried using

[tex]\tan(2x) = \frac{2 \tan(x)}{1 - \tan^2(x)}[/tex]
 
jbunniii said:
Have you tried using

[tex]\tan(2x) = \frac{2 \tan(x)}{1 - \tan^2(x)}[/tex]

There is the good response here, and I particularly agree with this because this generally makes the simplification a bit simple.

Don't forget that you have the function as the exponent of the another function! Here is the hint:

Let y = lim x→π/4 (tan(x))^(tan(2x)). Then, perform logarithms, and we have...

ln(y) = lim x→π/4 tan(2x) * ln(tan(x))

Mod note: Removed intermediate steps students should work out on their own.[/color]

Also don't forget to set both sides by e. You should get the results. Let me know if this helps.

Key: ♪ Practice, practice! You will get better with limits like this! ♫
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Same-same said:

Homework Statement


[itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}[/itex] tan(x)[itex]^{tan(2x)}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}tan(2x)[/itex] does not exist.
However, Wolfram Alpha and my TI-89 say that [itex]\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}[/itex] tan(x)[itex]^{tan(2x)}[/itex]does exist, and that it's [itex]\frac{1}{e}[/itex]
I submitted this answer (it's web based homework and calculators are allowed) and found it was correct. I still don't understand how though.

Homework Equations


tan(2x) = [itex]\frac{2tan(x)}{1-tan^{2}(x)}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to split it in to
[itex]\frac{sin(x)^{tan(2x)}}{cos(x)^{tan(2x)}}[/itex], and then use L'Hospital's rule, but I can't seem to get the tan(2x) to go away. Both appear to be indeterminate, but neither one is 0 at the same time, so it doesn't appear that I should be using L'Hopital's rule in this case. However, I can't see any other way to proceed.

Thanks in advance.
Yes, it's true that[itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \tan(2x)[/itex] does not exist.

But [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \tan(x)=1\,,[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to (\pi/4)^+} \tan(2x)=+\infty\ .[/itex]


Find the limit of the log of that expression.

If [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \ln\left(\left(\tan(x)\right)^{\tan(2x)}\right)=L\,,[/itex]

then [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \left(\tan(x)\right)^{\tan(2x)}=e^L\ .[/itex]
 
Last edited:

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