Evaluating Limits: How Do I Substitute Infinity Into the Equation?

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The discussion centers on evaluating the limit of the expression 2πr + 2nRsin(π/n) as n approaches infinity. Initial thoughts suggest that substituting infinity directly into the equation may yield 2πr, but further analysis reveals that the sine term approaches zero as n increases. The correct evaluation shows that the limit actually equals 2πR, as the sine function behaves like its argument for small values. Participants clarify that constants can be factored out of the limit, leading to the conclusion that the limit simplifies correctly to 2πR. Overall, the limit evaluation emphasizes understanding the behavior of functions as they approach infinity.
danago
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Hi. We havnt started limits in class yet, but I've come across one, which i need to evaluate.

<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2\pi r + 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n}<br />

For a limit like that, can i just substitute infinity into the equation? Or is there some rule against that? If so, would i be right in saying:

<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2\pi r + 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

Thanks for the help.
Dan.
 
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Well sir dango

What your saying to me seams perfectly correct, however, limits are not my specialties. For the limit which you defined, that is the correct answer

unique_pavadrin

EDIT: dear sir dango what i had previously sated is incorrect, as n approaches n infinity, the function appraocd 2(pi)(r+R)
 
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<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2\pi r + 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

2pi r is a constant, take out of the limit. We have

<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

Remember for small x, sin x=x? You can see that from the fact the tangent at x=0 is y=x (on the sine curve). So as n gets large, pi/n gets small.

The n's cancel so we get that limit is equal to 2Rpi, so the solution unique_pavadrin posted is correct.
 
Gib Z said:
<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2\pi r + 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

2pi r is a constant, take out of the limit. We have

<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

Remember for small x, sin x=x? You can see that from the fact the tangent at x=0 is y=x (on the sine curve). So as n gets large, pi/n gets small.

The n's cancel so we get that limit is equal to 2Rpi, so the solution unique_pavadrin posted is correct.

Ahh thanks very much for that. That answer is exactly what I am after, considering the context I am using the equation in :biggrin:
 
Gib Z said:
<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2\pi r + 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />

2pi r is a constant, take out of the limit. We have

<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 2\pi r<br />
No, you have cancel the 2 2\pir terms:
<br /> \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } 2nR\sin \frac{\pi }{n} = 0<br />[/quote]
Now what you say further makes sense.

Remember for small x, sin x=x? You can see that from the fact the tangent at x=0 is y=x (on the sine curve). So as n gets large, pi/n gets small.

The n's cancel so we get that limit is equal to 2Rpi, so the solution unique_pavadrin posted is correct.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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