What is the limit for cos (n pi) and sin (n pi)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limits of trigonometric functions, specifically cos(nπ) and sin(nπ), in the context of a limit problem involving the expression [n² cos(nπ)] / (n² + 42) as n approaches infinity. Participants are exploring the behavior of these functions as n varies, particularly focusing on integer values of n.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the limit expression and its components, questioning the meaning of "the limit for n>1" and whether it refers to n approaching infinity or another value. There is a discussion about the oscillatory nature of cos(nπ) and sin(nπ) as n increases.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the behavior of the trigonometric functions involved. Some have suggested that the limit does not exist due to oscillation, while others emphasize the importance of defining the variable n clearly in the context of limits.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the interpretation of limits as n approaches specific values, particularly the distinction between integer values and continuous values. The original poster's question about the limit as n approaches 1 has also raised concerns about its validity in the context of integer n.

teng125
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may i know how to solve [ n^2 cos(n(pi)) ]/ n^2 + 42??

i have divided it by n^2 and get cos(n pi) / (42/n^2) and i can't solve already.pls help

what is the limit for cos (n pi) and sin (n pi)??
 
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Please use latex or make the expressions more clear, using paranthesis since a/b+c isn't the same as a/(b+c), you see?
Also, the limit for what (of course n here) going to what?

I'm guessing you mean the something which looks like

\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to ?} \frac{{n^2 \cos \left( {n\pi } \right)}}{{n^2 + 42}}
 
Last edited:
[ n^2 cos(n pi ) ] / (n^2 + 42) for n >1

what is the limit for cos (n pi) and sin (n pi) for n>1 also??
 
teng125 said:
what is the limit for cos (n pi) and sin (n pi) for n>1 also??
Again, the limit of those expressions for n going to what? To 0, pi, infinity, ...? You can't say "the limit for n>1"...
 
oh...yaya for n to infinity
 
teng125 said:
oh...yaya for n to infinity
Ah :smile:

In that case, the limit doesn't exist since sin as well as cos will keep oscilating between -1 and 1.
 
Except for sin(n pi) which is identically zero for all n.
 
daveb said:
Except for sin(n pi) which is identically zero for all n.
That's only true for integer values of n, we're letting n go to infinity here.
 
so,what is the answer for my first question??
 
  • #10
The answer to this?

\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to +\infty} \frac{{n^2 \cos \left( {n\pi } \right)}}{{n^2 + 42}}

The limit doesn't exist for the reason I gave above.
 
  • #11
TD said:
That's only true for integer values of n, we're letting n go to infinity here.
True, but I had always been taught that if you have a limit as "n" goes to infinity, then you are talking about integer values for "n". If you want all values, then you use "x" instead of n. Hence, the reason I made the statement.
 
  • #12
is it possible to obtain an answer if n goes to 1 ??
 
  • #13
teng125 said:
is it possible to obtain an answer if n goes to 1 ??
Sure, just fill in n = 1.
 
  • #14
Gah, shake head, look askance. limit as n goes to 1... n is taken to be integer valued, it makes no sense to ask 'as n tends to 1'. See Daveb's very important interjection, TD.
 

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