# Limits of trigonometric functions

## Homework Statement

lim x --->0 [tan(2+x)^3 - tan8]/x

## Homework Equations

f'(a)=lim h-->0 f(a+h)-f(a)/h

## The Attempt at a Solution

should i differentiate first? am i allowed to do that?

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f(a)=tan8
f(a+h)=tan(x+2)^3
h= x
a+h=2+x=2+h so a= 2
f(a)=f(2)=tan8
f(x)=tanx^3
f(2)=tan2^3=tan8
f'(x)=secx^2 * 3x
f'(2)= sec2^2 * 6= 6sec4

does this all look correct?

What book are you using? Chapter and problem number?

it a problem for a test, i just need to evaluate the limit above, this is what the teacher showed to do for a similar problem

it a problem for a test, i just need to evaluate the limit above, this is what the teacher showed to do for a similar problem

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
First write the problem correctly. Is it
$$\lim_{x\rightarrow 2}\frac{tan^3(2+x)- tan(8)}{x}$$
or is it
$$\lim_{x\rightarrow 2}\frac{tan((2+x)^3)- tan(8)}{x}$$

If it is the second then it can be interpreted as the derivatve of tan(x3) at x= 2. What is that derivative? (it is NOT sec2(x^2) (3x)[. Use the chain rule.)

the second one is right. but as x goes to 0

sec^2(x^3)(3x)

i think that is right and then i just substitute in 2 right? so its
6sec^2(8)