Find Limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) for x->0

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the limit as x approaches 0 for (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) in a calculus class. The answer is 1/4 and the first step to evaluating it is expanding the fraction by the factor (1+cos(x)). The conversation also mentions using trig identities and the test on this chapter being on Tuesday. The speaker also shares that most trig identities can be derived from four simple facts.
  • #1
kholdstare121
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I don't know if this neccessarily belongs in the calculus section, but it's for my calculus class.
How would you go about finding the limit as x approaches 0 for
(1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x)

I know the answer is 1/4(unless I copied it down wrong :/ ) , but what first steps would you take to evaluating thing. Also this is for my review packet where we just know the basics of derivatives, so the only knowledge I should be going by are my trig identities and that the limit as x approaches 0 for sinx/x =1.
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Expand your fraction by the factor (1+cos(x)).
 
  • #3
Thanks that helped out a lot, figured it out!
I have a test on this chapter Tuesday, and these trig limits might just kill me.
There are so many identities to use, so little time.
 
  • #4
Most of those trig identities can be opportunely RE-derived from a few simple facts:
1. Sine is odd, cosine is even
2. cos(x-y)=cos(x)cos(y)+sin(x)sin(y)
3. cos^2(x)+sin^2(x)=1
4 tan(x)=sin(x)/cos(x)

Remembering those 4 is really all you need, along with skill at manipulating expressions.
 
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FAQ: Find Limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) for x->0

What is the limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) as x approaches 0?

The limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) as x approaches 0 is equal to 1/2.

How do you find the limit of a function as x approaches 0?

To find the limit of a function as x approaches 0, you can use algebraic manipulation, L'Hôpital's rule, or a graphing calculator.

What is the significance of finding the limit of a function?

Finding the limit of a function helps us understand the behavior of the function near a particular point, in this case, as x approaches 0. It also allows us to evaluate the function at that point, if it exists.

Can the limit of a function be different from the value of the function at that point?

Yes, the limit of a function can be different from the value of the function at that point. This occurs when the function has a discontinuity or a removable singularity at that point.

How does the limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) as x approaches 0 relate to trigonometric identities?

The limit of (1-cos(x))/2sin^2(x) as x approaches 0 is related to the trigonometric identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1. By dividing both the numerator and denominator by cos^2(x), we can rewrite the function as 1/2 * (1-cos(x))/sin^2(x). This is equivalent to 1/2 * tan^2(x), which simplifies to 1/2 as x approaches 0.

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