Limits with sine and square roots

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The limit problem presented is to solve \(\lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{\sin(x-1)}{\sqrt{x}-1}\) without using l'Hospital's rule or Taylor series. A suggested method involves multiplying the numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{x}+1\), which leads to a new limit expression. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limit \(\lim_{y \to 0}\frac{\sin(y)}{y} = 1\) to simplify the calculation. However, some participants express that they have not yet learned how to split limits, which complicates their ability to solve the problem effectively. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the necessity of foundational limit properties to approach this type of problem.
mtayab1994
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Homework Statement



solve the limit: \lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x-1)}{\sqrt{x}-1}




The Attempt at a Solution



Is there a way of how i can solve this without using l'hospital's rule or taylor series?
 
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mtayab1994 said:

Homework Statement



solve the limit: \lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x-1)}{\sqrt{x}-1}

The Attempt at a Solution



Is there a way of how i can solve this without using l'hospital's rule or taylor series?

What is wrong with using l'Hospital's rule or Taylor series? Of course, changing to the variable t = \sqrt{x} simplifies the question a lot.

RGV
 
Last edited:
Well i haven't learned l'hospitals rule or taylor's series so i can't use either of them.
 
Multiply numerator and denominator by \sqrt{x}+1.
 
micromass said:
Multiply numerator and denominator by \sqrt{x}+1.

ok i multiplied by √x+1 and i got:

\lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x-1)(\sqrt{x}+1)}{x-1}

now should i cancel the x-1?
 
Do you know the limit

\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin(x)}{x}
 
micromass said:
Do you know the limit

\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin(x)}{x}

yes it's 1
 
Now, use that to calculate the limit.
 
alright got it now:

\lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x)}{x}*(\sqrt{x}+1)=2

Is that correct?
 
  • #10
mtayab1994 said:
alright got it now:

\lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x)}{x}*(\sqrt{x}+1)=2

Is that correct?

No.
\lim_{x\to 1}\frac{sin(x)}{x}=\frac{sin(1)}{1} \neq 1

Split your limit into two limits, and then do some fiddling with the first one so that you can use this limit:
\lim_{y \to 0}\frac{sin(y)}{y} = 1
 
  • #11
Mark44 said:
No.
\lim_{x\to 1}\frac{sin(x)}{x}=\frac{sin(1)}{1} \neq 1

Split your limit into two limits, and then do some fiddling with the first one so that you can use this limit:
\lim_{y \to 0}\frac{sin(y)}{y} = 1

We still haven't learned how to split a limit into 2 different limits yet.
 
  • #12
Are you sure? It's a very basic property of limits, and one that is presented pretty early.
\lim_{x \to a} f(x)\cdot g(x) = \lim_{x \to a}f(x) \cdot \lim_{x \to a}g(x)

The above is true as long as both limits on the right exist. As I see it, you pretty much need to use this idea in your problem.
 
  • #13
Mark44 said:
Are you sure? It's a very basic property of limits, and one that is presented pretty early.
\lim_{x \to a} f(x)\cdot g(x) = \lim_{x \to a}f(x) \cdot \lim_{x \to a}g(x)

The above is true as long as both limits on the right exist. As I see it, you pretty much need to use this idea in your problem.

Yes I know that, but we haven't reached it yet in the lesson hence i can't use it.
 
  • #14
mtayab1994 said:
Yes I know that, but we haven't reached it yet in the lesson hence i can't use it.

Then I'm afraid you can't solve this question.

You can't even solve questions like \lim_{x\rightarrow 1}{x^2} in this case.
 
  • #15
mtayab1994 said:
ok i multiplied by √x+1 and i got:

\lim_{x\rightarrow1}\frac{sin(x-1)(\sqrt{x}+1)}{x-1}

now should i cancel the x-1?

micromass said:
Do you know the limit

\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin(x)}{x}

mtayab1994 said:
yes it's 1
So, if \displaystyle \lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin(x)}{x}=1\,, then what is \displaystyle \lim_{x-1\rightarrow 0}\frac{\sin(x-1)}{x-1}\,?
 

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