Evaluating Limits using L'Hospital

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In summary, after one application of L'Hôpital's Rule, we can determine that the limit in question does not exist due to the indeterminate form. Looking at the one-sided limits, we can see that they do not match, further confirming that the limit does not exist. Therefore, the correct answer is that the limit is undefined.
  • #1
shamieh
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Need someone to check my work.lim t -> 0

\(\displaystyle \frac{e^{2t} - 1}{1 - cos(t)}\)

after I took the derivative twice

I got \(\displaystyle \frac{2}{0}\) = undefined?
 
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  • #2
You can determine the limit does not exist after just one application of L'Hôpital's Rule. I would also look at the one-sided limits. What to you find?

Note: use the $\LaTeX$ code \lim_{t\to0} for your limit.
 
  • #3
Oh because the denominator has the cos and sin. that's what you are saying correct? How I could of known after 1 application of LHopsital...So is this the correct answer though? Does not exist? Or Should I put "Undefined"?
 
  • #4
This is what I would write:

\(\displaystyle L=\lim_{t\to0}\frac{e^{2t}-1}{1-\cos(t)}\)

This is the indeterminate form \(\displaystyle \frac{0}{0}\), so application of L'Hôpital's rule yields:

\(\displaystyle L=\lim_{t\to0}\frac{2e^{2t}}{\sin(t)}=\frac{2}{0}\)

This is undefined, so we want to look at the one-sided limits:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{t\to0^{-}}\frac{2e^{2t}}{\sin(t)}=-\infty\)

\(\displaystyle \lim_{t\to0^{+}}\frac{2e^{2t}}{\sin(t)}=\infty\)

Since:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{t\to0^{-}}\frac{2e^{2t}}{\sin(t)}\ne \lim_{t\to0^{+}}\frac{2e^{2t}}{\sin(t)}\) we may conclude that the limit $L$ does not exist.
 

FAQ: Evaluating Limits using L'Hospital

What is L'Hospital's rule?

L'Hospital's rule is a mathematical technique for evaluating limits of indeterminate forms. It was developed by the mathematician Guillaume de l'Hospital in the 17th century.

What are indeterminate forms?

Indeterminate forms are expressions involving limits that cannot be evaluated using basic algebraic techniques. Examples include 0/0, ∞/∞, and ∞-∞.

When can L'Hospital's rule be applied?

L'Hospital's rule can only be applied when the limit of the original expression is in one of the indeterminate forms. It cannot be used for limits that approach infinity or zero.

What is the general formula for applying L'Hospital's rule?

The general formula for applying L'Hospital's rule is f(x)/g(x), where f(x) and g(x) are both differentiable functions. The limit is then equal to the limit of the derivative of f(x) divided by the derivative of g(x).

What is the most common mistake when using L'Hospital's rule?

The most common mistake when using L'Hospital's rule is applying it incorrectly or unnecessarily. It should only be used when the limit is in an indeterminate form, and other methods such as algebraic manipulation or factoring should be attempted first.

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