Solving Trigonometry Limit Homework Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a limit in trigonometry as x approaches π/2, specifically the expression (2 + cos 2x - sin x) / (x cos x + x sin 2x). Participants are exploring various approaches to solve this limit without using differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of trigonometric identities and limits, with some attempting to simplify the expression by factoring and rewriting terms. Questions arise about specific transformations and the application of known trigonometric limits.

Discussion Status

There is an active exchange of ideas with participants sharing methods and clarifying concepts. Some participants express uncertainty about specific steps and seek further clarification on trigonometric properties. Multiple methods are being explored without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of recognizing the behavior of the functions involved as x approaches π/2, particularly the terms that approach zero. There is mention of a well-known trigonometric limit that may be relevant to the discussion.

songoku
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Homework Statement


limit x to phi/2 of:
(2 + cos 2x - sin x) / (x. cos x + x. sin 2x)


Homework Equations


limit and trigonometry


The Attempt at a Solution


Using differentiation, I got zero as the answer. But I am not able to do without differentiation

(2 + cos 2x - sin x) / (x. cos x + x. sin 2x)

= (2 + 1 - 2 sin2x - sin x) / ( x cos x + 2x sin x cos x)

= (-2 sin2x - sin x + 3) / [x cos x (1 + 2 sin x)]

= [(-2 sin x - 3) ( sin x - 1)] / [x cos x (1 + 2 sin x)]

Stuck there...:mad:

Thanks
 
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hisongoku! :smile:
songoku said:
= [(-2 sin x - 3) ( sin x - 1)] / [x cos x (1 + 2 sin x)]

very good so far :smile:

now (sinx - 1)/cosx = … ? :wink:
 
I am going to assume you mean "pi/2".

tiny-tim's method, using a well know trig limit, works. Another way:

In the numerator it is the "sin(x)-1" that makes it 0 at pi/2. In the denominator it is cos(x).

The only way to cancel, then, is to write cos(x) as sqrt{1- sin^2(x)}= sqrt{(1- sin(x))(1- cos(x))}. Now, canceling those two gives

(2sin(x)+3)(\sqrt(1+ sin(x)))}/(x(1+ 2sin(x)))
 
tiny-tim said:
hisongoku! :smile:very good so far :smile:

now (sinx - 1)/cosx = … ? :wink:

Errr..I am not very sure what you mean...(sinx - 1)/cosx = tan x - sec x ?? :confused:

Based on what HallsofIvy said, it is a well-known trig limit, but I am sorry I don't know the property. Tried to goggle for it but can't find anything. Can you help me? :D
HallsofIvy said:
I am going to assume you mean "pi/2".

tiny-tim's method, using a well know trig limit, works. Another way:

In the numerator it is the "sin(x)-1" that makes it 0 at pi/2. In the denominator it is cos(x).

The only way to cancel, then, is to write cos(x) as sqrt{1- sin^2(x)}= sqrt{(1- sin(x))(1- cos(x))}. Now, canceling those two gives

(2sin(x)+3)(\sqrt(1+ sin(x)))}/(x(1+ 2sin(x)))

Oops, yes I meant pi not phi.

Ah, that's the idea to eliminate cos x. I tried to figure out how to eliminate cos x but I failed. Thanks for your idea.
 
hi songoku! :smile:
songoku said:
Errr..I am not very sure what you mean...(sinx - 1)/cosx = tan x - sec x ?? :confused:

(sinx - 1)/cosx = (sinx - 1)(sinx + 1)/cosx(sinx + 1) = … ? :smile:

(this is basically the same as HallsofIvy's method :wink:)
 
tiny-tim said:
hi songoku! :smile:


(sinx - 1)/cosx = (sinx - 1)(sinx + 1)/cosx(sinx + 1) = … ? :smile:

(this is basically the same as HallsofIvy's method :wink:)

Ah I see. So many methods and I couldn't think even one...whew...

Thanks
 

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