Solving Limits: l'Hopital's Rule & Degree Rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the limit of the expression $$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{\cos(5x)-\cos(6x)}{x^2}$$ using l'Hôpital's Rule. The user initially struggled with various approaches, including evaluating at specific points like pi and infinity. The correct application of l'Hôpital's Rule involves differentiating the numerator and denominator twice, ultimately yielding a limit of $$\dfrac{11}{2}$$. This method is valid due to the presence of a 0/0 indeterminate form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits and continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with l'Hôpital's Rule for evaluating indeterminate forms
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Ability to differentiate functions multiple times
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of l'Hôpital's Rule in various contexts
  • Learn about indeterminate forms and how to identify them
  • Explore higher-order derivatives and their significance in limit evaluation
  • Investigate the Degree Rule and its application in limit problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians dealing with limits, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of l'Hôpital's Rule and limit evaluation techniques.

riri
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Hi, I'm having some trouble with finding the limit for this question:

I can use the l'hopital's rule which I tried.. I tried pi, 2pi, 0, inf, none seem to work so if I could have some help that would be appreciated!

limx→0 $$\frac{cos5x-cos6x}{x^2}$$

Would the degree rule apply here? It wouldn't just be the 5x/x^2 and 6x/x^2 right? because that would give me 0...

Thanks!
 
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$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{\cos(5x)-\cos(6x)}{x^2}$$

Differentiate numerator and denominator once:

$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{-5\sin(5x)+6\sin(6x)}{2x}$$

Differentiate again:

$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{-25\cos(5x)+36\cos(6x)}{2}=\dfrac{11}{2}$$
 
greg1313 said:
$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{\cos(5x)-\cos(6x)}{x^2}$$

Differentiate numerator and denominator once:

$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{-5\sin(5x)+6\sin(6x)}{2x}$$

Differentiate again:

$$\lim_{x\to0}\dfrac{-25\cos(5x)+36\cos(6x)}{2}=\dfrac{11}{2}$$

Of course, this method only works because you have 0/0 indeterminate forms.
 

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