Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1 contradiction?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concepts of limits, identities, and the squeeze theorem in calculus. It explores the question of whether sin(x)/x is equal to 1 as x approaches 0, and how to use the squeeze theorem to prove it. It also discusses the use of L'Hopital's rule and the behavior of cos(x) as x approaches infinity.
  • #1
khurram usman
87
0
lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1...contradiction?

sin(x)/x =1 (limit x to 0)
this is an identity proved by using geometry and squeeze theorem ...right?

now today i came across another question and doing it my way ...gives me two answers;)
the question is limit x-->0 of [ x*sin(1/x)]

my first approach was using the above identity by rewriting the question as follows:
sin(1/x)/(1/x)...it means the same thing and is now in the form so that we can use the identity...so limiting x->0 must give us 1 according to the identity

now i thought to use the squeeze theorem as shown below:
-1≤sin(1/x)≤1
-x≤x*sin(1/x)≤x
now x goes to 0 so:
0≤x*sin(1/x)≤0
so x*sin(1/x)=0 as x goes to 0

now which method which is correct ?
 
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  • #2


sin(1/x)/(1/x) as x goes to 0 would be the same as sin(x)/x as x goes to infinity, not 0.
 
  • #3


disregardthat said:
sin(1/x)/(1/x) as x goes to 0 would be the same as sin(x)/x as x goes to infinity, not 0.


so it will be of the form sin(x)/x
applying L'hopitals rule :
cos(x)/1
= cos(x)
as you said x goes to infinity so what will be cos(∞)?
 
  • #4


khurram usman said:
so it will be of the form sin(x)/x
applying L'hopitals rule :
cos(x)/1
= cos(x)
as you said x goes to infinity so what will be cos(∞)?
It's undefined, and all that that means is that you can't use l'Hôpital's rule here.

You can use the squeeze theorem on sin(x)/x as x→∞. sin(x) is bounded from above by +1, from below by -1. Given that, what does the squeeze theorem say about sin(x)/x as x→∞?
 
  • #5


D H said:
It's undefined, and all that that means is that you can't use l'Hôpital's rule here.

You can use the squeeze theorem on sin(x)/x as x→∞. sin(x) is bounded from above by +1, from below by -1. Given that, what does the squeeze theorem say about sin(x)/x as x→∞?

ok ...got your point...its 0
thx a lot
 
  • #6


khurram usman said:
so it will be of the form sin(x)/x
applying L'hopitals rule :
cos(x)/1
= cos(x)
as you said x goes to infinity so what will be cos(∞)?
L'Hopital's rule doesn't apply, since |sin(x)| is bounded while the denominator x becomes infinite.
 

FAQ: Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1 contradiction?

1. Why does "Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1" seem to contradict other mathematical principles?

This limit may seem to contradict the basic principle of division by zero, which states that any number divided by zero is undefined. However, in this case, we are taking the limit as x approaches 0, not actually dividing by 0.

2. How can "Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1" be proven to be true?

This limit can be proven to be true using the squeeze theorem, which states that if a function is squeezed between two other functions that approach the same limit, then the function itself must also approach that limit. In this case, we can show that sin x is squeezed between -x and x as x approaches 0, thus proving that the limit is 1.

3. Can this limit be evaluated using direct substitution?

No, direct substitution is not applicable in this case because it would result in division by 0. This is why we must use the squeeze theorem to evaluate the limit.

4. Are there any other functions that exhibit a similar behavior to "Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1"?

Yes, there are other functions that approach the same limit of 1 as x approaches 0, such as (1-cos x)/x and tan x/x. These functions all exhibit what is known as a removable discontinuity at x=0, meaning that they have a hole in their graph at that point.

5. What is the significance of "Lim x->0 (sin x / x) =1" in mathematics?

This limit is significant because it is used to define the derivative of the sine function, which is an essential concept in calculus and many other areas of mathematics. It also helps to illustrate the concept of a removable discontinuity and the use of the squeeze theorem to evaluate limits.

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