Calculating Limits for Scientists

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In summary, the conversation discusses a limit calculation using integration and the use of substitution and l'Hôpital's rule to solve it. Other methods such as using geometric interpretation and Taylor expansion are also mentioned. The final result is that the limit is equal to 0.
  • #1
LucasGB
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Hello guys. I'm trying to create a formula here, and I got stuck at this step, where I have to calculate the following limit (see attachment). I have no idea how to do this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.
 

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  • #2
Attachments require approval before being accessible, so we can't see it just yet. For future reference, it would be quicker if you uploaded a picture of it which doesn't require approval by a mod.
 
  • #3
Simplest and fastest approach is to post the expression in Latex.
 
  • #4
I think this may lead to a correct answer:

Notice that for [tex]n > 2[/tex]

[tex] \int_0^\pi \csc^2(\frac{x}{n})-1dx = n\tan (\frac{\pi}{n})-\pi [/tex]

and that,

[tex] \int_{0}^{2\pi}\cos(\frac{x}{n})-1dx=n\sin(\frac{2\pi}{n})-2\pi [/tex].

Finally, I am pretty sure that the integrands in the above converge uniformly as [tex]n\rightarrow\infty[/tex], although you should check it.

Therefore,

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \int_{0}^{2\pi}\cos(\frac{x}{n})-1dx = \int_{0}^{2\pi} \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \cos(\frac{x}{n})-1dx = \int_{0}^{2\pi} 0 dx = 0 [/tex]Hope that helps.
 
  • #5
The easiest way would probably be to use a substitution u = 1/n, then use l'Hôpital's rule.
 
  • #6
Bohrok said:
The easiest way would probably be to use a substitution u = 1/n, then use l'Hôpital's rule.

That substitution is particularly good because it can by done in your head and then the Taylor expansion of sin and tan can be done by inspection and the answer is clear. It's "good practice" (using both definitions of the term) to verify it with l'Hôpital's rule, however.
 
  • #7
We can interpret the limit geometrically as the difference in the area of a regular n-gon that circumscribes the unit circle and the area of a regular n-gon inscribed inside that circle.
 
  • #8
Use Taylor up to second order.
[tex]\tan{\frac{\pi}{n}}=\frac{\pi}{n}+\frac{1}{3}\left(\frac{\pi}{n}\right)^3[/tex]
[tex]\sin{\frac{2\pi}{n}}=\frac{2\pi}{n}-\frac{1}{3!}\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)^3[/tex]
Your limit is 0.
 
  • #9
n[tan(pi/n)-(1/2)sin(2pi/n)]=pi[sin(pi/n)/(pi/n)]csc(pi/n)[sin(pi/n)]^2
 
  • #10
Thank you very much for all the help, you guys are great!
 

FAQ: Calculating Limits for Scientists

What is a limit in mathematics?

A limit is a fundamental concept in mathematics that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It can be thought of as the value that a function is approaching, even though it may never actually reach that value. Limits are used to analyze the behavior of functions and to solve various mathematical problems.

How do you calculate a limit?

To calculate a limit, you need to evaluate the function at values that get closer and closer to the desired input value. This can be done algebraically or graphically. You can also use various rules and techniques, such as L'Hopital's rule, to simplify the calculation of a limit. In some cases, the limit may not exist or may be infinite, and this can be determined through the use of these rules.

What is the difference between a one-sided and two-sided limit?

A one-sided limit only considers the behavior of a function as the input approaches the desired value from one direction, either from the left or the right. A two-sided limit, on the other hand, takes into account the behavior of the function from both directions. The two-sided limit is used when the function's behavior may be different depending on the direction of approach.

What are some common types of limits?

Some common types of limits include limits at infinity, where the input value approaches positive or negative infinity, and limits involving trigonometric functions. Other types include indeterminate forms, where the limit cannot be determined without further manipulation, and limits involving logarithmic and exponential functions.

Why are limits important in calculus?

Limits are essential in calculus because they serve as the foundation for many concepts and techniques used in the subject. They are used to define derivatives, which are fundamental in understanding the rate of change of a function. They are also used to define integrals, which are used to calculate the area under a curve. Additionally, limits are used to prove the convergence of infinite sequences and series, which are crucial in many mathematical applications.

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