Trigonometry Limit Homework: Get Started Now!

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the limit \(\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 \cos x}{\pi - 3x}\), situated within the context of trigonometry and limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in starting the problem and seeks initial guidance. Some participants inquire about the use of l'Hospital's rule and Taylor series, while the original poster indicates restrictions on their use. There is a suggestion to rewrite the limit in a form that resembles the definition of a derivative.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various approaches and questioning the applicability of certain mathematical tools. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance has been offered regarding rewriting the limit and relating it to derivative concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions restrictions on using l'Hospital's rule and indicates a limited familiarity with Taylor series, suggesting they are expected to rely on trigonometric identities and limit properties.

songoku
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Homework Statement


\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x}



Homework Equations


trigonometry identity
properties of limit for trigonometry

The Attempt at a Solution


I have done several attempts but got me nowhere. I just need an idea to start.

Thanks
 
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Do you know the rule of l'Hospital?
 
mfb said:
Do you know the rule of l'Hospital?

Yes and I am not allowed to use it.
 
Okay. Can you use a Taylor series?
Without any derivatives or approximations to the functions, it looks tricky.
 
mfb said:
Okay. Can you use a Taylor series?
Without any derivatives or approximations to the functions, it looks tricky.

I haven't learned it yet. I think I am only allowed to use trigonometry identities and limit properties
 
Write \lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x} as \frac{2}{3}\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1/2- cos x}{\pi/3 - x}. Notice that if you replace 1/2 with cos(π/3) you get something that looks like the definition of a derivative. It should be 2/3*cos'(π/3)

Edit: Do you know the derivative of cosine? If not, it is easy to calculate if you know the (1-cosx)/x and sinx/x limits.
 
HS-Scientist said:
Write \lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x} as \frac{2}{3}\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1/2- cos x}{\pi/3 - x}. Notice that if you replace 1/2 with cos(π/3) you get something that looks like the definition of a derivative. It should be 2/3*cos'(π/3)

Edit: Do you know the derivative of cosine? If not, it is easy to calculate if you know the (1-cosx)/x and sinx/x limits.

I get it. Thanks a lot for your help :smile:
 

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