Limits- using L'hopital's rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression tan(√x) / [x(√(x + 1/2))] as x approaches 0. Participants are exploring the application of L'Hôpital's rule and addressing the complexities involved in differentiating the numerator and denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the numerator and denominator separately, with one expressing confusion over the results leading to a limit of 0. There is also a consideration of squaring the expression to simplify the limit, though doubts about the validity of this approach are raised. Additionally, there are clarifications regarding the correct form of the limit expression and the implications of substituting specific values like π.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the limit expression and share their differentiation attempts. Some guidance has been offered regarding potential errors in differentiation, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or limit value.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is for revision and understanding rather than formal homework, which may influence the depth of exploration and willingness to question assumptions.

Jenkz
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Homework Statement



Lim tan (x^1/2)/ [x (x+1/2)^1/2 ]
x-> 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I have attempted to differentiate both the denominator and numerator separately but this just seems to complicate the whole equations and I still get a limit of 0.

I had an idea to square everything, in which case I get a limit of 1. However, I do not think [tan (x^1/2)]^2 = tanx

Please help? My friend and I have been trying to work this out. It isn't homework, merely revision and further understanding.
 
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You must have made an error while differentiating, the limit is not 0.

[tan (x^1/2)]^2 is not the same as tanx. Try [itex]x = \pi[/itex]
 
My mistake, the equation is

tan (x^1/2)/ [x (1+1/x)^1/2 ] sorry

I'll try your hint, and have another go at differentiating it. Thanks.
 
Jenkz said:
My mistake, the equation is
tan (x^1/2)/ [x (x+1/x)^1/2 ]
Minor point - that's not an equation. They're easy to spot because there's one of these- = - in an equation.
 
@Mark44: okies, noted.

I've tried differentiating it again and I get:

[tex]\frac{\frac{sec^{2}\sqrt{x}}{2\sqrt{x}}}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{x}+1}-\frac{1}{2\sqrt{\frac{1}{x}+x}}}[/tex]

But it still doesn't give me a limit.

I'm not too sure how to use your hint. As if i let [tex]\pi=x[/tex] Doesnt it just mean [tex]\pi[/tex] tends towards 0 instead of x ?

Confused...
 

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