Limits involving absolute values

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The discussion centers on evaluating the limit of an expression involving the absolute value of a vector's scalar component and its relationship to angular change over time. The limit expression transitions from involving absolute values to a form that represents the scalar component of velocity multiplied by the derivative of angle. Participants clarify that the scalar component, denoted as ##v_r##, is not the magnitude of the vector ##\vec{v}_r##, but can take on positive, negative, or zero values. The approximation of sine for small angles is also referenced to simplify the limit evaluation. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate the absolute value bars while maintaining the integrity of the mathematical expression.
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This is actually a physics problem, but since my question is really about the math involved, I decided to post it in the calculus subforum.
I'm supposed to get from the term:
$$\lim_{\Delta t → 0} |\vec{v}_r (t + \Delta t)| \frac{\sin \Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$$
To:
$$v_r (t) \frac{d\theta}{dt}$$
##\theta## is a function of ##t## (so ##\Delta \theta## approaches zero as ##\Delta t## approaches zero), and ##v_r## is the scalar component (not the magnitude) of the vector ##\vec{v}_r##, in a particular direction.
Computing the limit as ##\Delta t## approaches zero:
$$\lim_{\Delta t → 0} |\vec{v}_r (t + \Delta t)| \frac{\sin \Delta \theta}{\Delta t} = |\vec{v}_r (t)| \frac{d\theta}{dt} = |v_r (t)| \frac{d\theta}{dt}$$
How do I get rid of those absolute value bars?
 
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MohammedRady97 said:
This is actually a physics problem, but since my question is really about the math involved, I decided to post it in the calculus subforum.
I'm supposed to get from the term:
$$\lim_{\Delta t → 0} |\vec{v}_r (t + \Delta t)| \frac{\sin \Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$$
To:
$$v_r (t) \frac{d\theta}{dt}$$
##\theta## is a function of ##t## (so ##\Delta \theta## approaches zero as ##\Delta t## approaches zero),
Then by this logic ##\lim_{\Delta t}\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta t} = \frac 0 0##, assuming as you did that y is a function of t.

What they're probably doing here is using the idea that, if u is close to zero, then ##\sin(u) \approx u##.
MohammedRady97 said:
and ##v_r## is the scalar component (not the magnitude) of the vector ##\vec{v}_r##, in a particular direction.
Computing the limit as ##\Delta t## approaches zero:
$$\lim_{\Delta t → 0} |\vec{v}_r (t + \Delta t)| \frac{\sin \Delta \theta}{\Delta t} = |\vec{v}_r (t)| \frac{d\theta}{dt} = |v_r (t)| \frac{d\theta}{dt}$$
How do I get rid of those absolute value bars?

Is ##v_r## the magnitude of ##\vec{v_r}##? If so ##v_r## would be a nonnegative scalar.
 
Mark44 said:
Then by this logic ##\lim_{\Delta t}\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta t} = \frac 0 0##, assuming as you did that y is a function of t.

What they're probably doing here is using the idea that, if u is close to zero, then ##\sin(u) \approx u##.Is ##v_r## the magnitude of ##\vec{v_r}##? If so ##v_r## would be a nonnegative scalar.

##v_r## is not the magnitude of ##\vec{v}_r##. It is the scalar component of ##\vec{v}_r## in a particular direction. It can be positive, negative, or zero.
Its absolute value is the magnitude of ##\vec{v}_r##.
 

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