# Homework Help: Limit of (tan(x))^(tan(2x)) as x approaches pi/4

1. Sep 18, 2012

### Same-same

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
$\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}$ tan(x)$^{tan(2x)}$

$\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}tan(2x)$ does not exist.
However, Wolfram Alpha and my TI-89 say that $\frac{Lim}{x-> \pi/4}$ tan(x)$^{tan(2x)}$does exist, and that it's $\frac{1}{e}$
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.

2. Relevant equations
tan(2x) = $\frac{2tan(x)}{1-tan^{2}(x)}$

3. The attempt at a solution
I attempted to split it in to
$\frac{sin(x)^{tan(2x)}}{cos(x)^{tan(2x)}}$, 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.

2. Sep 18, 2012

### Same-same

Re:

Thanks.

Hey, at the very least my professor doesn't allow them on tests.

3. Sep 18, 2012

### jbunniii

Have you tried using

$$\tan(2x) = \frac{2 \tan(x)}{1 - \tan^2(x)}$$

4. Sep 18, 2012

### NasuSama

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.

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: Sep 18, 2012
5. Sep 18, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Yes, it's true that$\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \tan(2x)$ does not exist.

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

Find the limit of the log of that expression.

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

then $\displaystyle \lim_{x\to \pi/4} \left(\tan(x)\right)^{\tan(2x)}=e^L\ .$

Last edited: Sep 18, 2012