Trigonometry Limit Homework: Get Started Now!

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songoku
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Homework Statement


[tex]\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x}[/tex]



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

Yes and I am not allowed to use it.
 
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 [itex]\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x}[/itex] as [itex]\frac{2}{3}\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1/2- cos x}{\pi/3 - x}[/itex]. 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 [itex]\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1-2 cos x}{\pi - 3x}[/itex] as [itex]\frac{2}{3}\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{3}} \frac{1/2- cos x}{\pi/3 - x}[/itex]. 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: