Finding the Limit of f(x) at 0

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In summary, the conversation discusses solving for the limits of a function involving the fractional part function without using L'Hôpital's rule. The solution involves separating the function into two parts and using the limit rule for inverse trigonometric functions to solve for the second part. Ultimately, the limit of the function is found to be \frac{\pi}{2}.
  • #1
Saitama
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Homework Statement


Let [tex]f(x)=\frac{sin^{-1}(1-\{x\})\cdot cos^{-1}(1-\{x\})}{\sqrt{2\{x\}}\cdot (1-\{x\})}[/tex] then find [itex]\lim_{x→0^+}f(x)[/itex] and [itex]\lim_{x→0^-}f(x)[/itex], where {x} denotes the fractional part function.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I have solved [itex]\lim_{x→0^-}f(x)[/itex], using [itex]\lim_{g(x)→0} \frac{sin^{-1}g(x)}{g(x)}=1[/itex]. If we approach a fractional part function at 0 from left, we get the value as 1. Therefore i get my answer to be [itex]\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{2}}[/itex]/

I am stuck for the first part, [itex]\lim_{x→0^+}f(x)[/itex]. When we approach the fractional part function at 0 from right, its value becomes zero. Due to this i get a 0/0 form.
I am not allowed to use L'Hôpital's rule.

Any help is appreciated. :smile:
 
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  • #2
Solving this without L'Hospital's is fun! Here's how I approached it,

Since [itex]x\to 0^+[/itex], the fractional part of x, i.e [itex]\left \{x \right \}[/itex] will behave as [itex]x[/itex].

This gives you the equation as,

[tex]\frac{sin^{-1}(1-x)\cdot cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}\cdot (1-x)}[/tex]

Separating,

[tex]\lim_{x\to 0^+}\frac{sin^{-1}(1-x)}{(1-x)} \cdot \lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]

The limit of the first part is trival, and comes out to be [itex]\pi/2[/itex]. The second part is the one that is confusing(without L'Hospital's). Can you try it out?
 
  • #3
Infinitum said:
Solving this without L'Hospital's is fun! Here's how I approached it,

Since [itex]x\to 0^+[/itex], the fractional part of x, i.e [itex]\left \{x \right \}[/itex] will behave as [itex]x[/itex].

This gives you the equation as,

[tex]\frac{sin^{-1}(1-x)\cdot cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}\cdot (1-x)}[/tex]

Separating,

[tex]\lim_{x\to 0^+}\frac{sin^{-1}(1-x)}{(1-x)} \cdot \lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]

The limit of the first part is trival, and comes out to be [itex]\pi/2[/itex]. The second part is the one that is confusing(without L'Hospital's). Can you try it out?

Thanks Infinitum! I too was stuck at the same point. :smile:
I have figured it out, i solved the second part and it came out be one.
Here are the steps:
[tex]\lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}}=\lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{sin^{-1}\sqrt{2x-x^2}}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{sin^{-1}(\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x})}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{sin^{-1}(\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x})\cdot\sqrt{2-x}}{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x}}[/tex]

Using [itex]\lim_{g(x)→0} \frac{sin^{-1}g(x)}{g(x)}=1[/itex],
the solution of limit is 1 and hence the answer is [itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex].

Thanks once again. :smile:
 
  • #4
Pranav-Arora said:
Thanks Infinitum! I too was stuck at the same point. :smile:
I have figured it out, i solved the second part and it came out be one.
Here are the steps:
[tex]\lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{cos^{-1}(1-x)}{\sqrt{2x}}=\lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{sin^{-1}\sqrt{2x-x^2}}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{sin^{-1}(\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x})}{\sqrt{2x}}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{sin^{-1}(\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x})\cdot\sqrt{2-x}}{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{x}\cdot\sqrt{2-x}}[/tex]

Using [itex]\lim_{g(x)→0} \frac{sin^{-1}g(x)}{g(x)}=1[/itex],
the solution of limit is 1 and hence the answer is [itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex].

Thanks once again. :smile:

Yep! That's correct! :approve:

To me, that first step transformation was the most troublesome, glad you figured it out!
 

FAQ: Finding the Limit of f(x) at 0

What is the definition of a limit in calculus?

A limit is the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain value. In other words, it is the value that the function gets closer and closer to, but may never actually reach.

Why is finding the limit of a function at 0 important?

Finding the limit of a function at 0 allows us to understand the behavior of the function as it approaches 0, which can help us determine the overall behavior of the function and make predictions about its values at other points.

How do you find the limit of a function at 0?

To find the limit of a function at 0, you can plug in values closer and closer to 0 and see what value the function approaches. You can also use algebraic techniques such as factoring and canceling to simplify the function and evaluate the limit.

What does it mean if the limit of a function at 0 does not exist?

If the limit of a function at 0 does not exist, it means that the function has different values approaching 0 from the left and right sides. This could be due to a jump or discontinuity in the function, or the function may approach different values as it gets closer to 0.

Can the limit of a function at 0 be infinity?

Yes, the limit of a function at 0 can be infinity if the function grows without bound as it approaches 0. This is known as an infinite limit and indicates that the function has a vertical asymptote at x=0.

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