Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when it is convenient and applicable. lim_x→π/2⁻ (π - 2x) tan x
Verified step by step guidance
1
First, identify the form of the limit as x approaches π/2 from the left. Substitute x = π/2 into the expression (π - 2x) tan x to check if it results in an indeterminate form like 0/0 or ∞/∞.
Substitute x = π/2 into the expression: (π - 2x) becomes 0, and tan x approaches ∞ as x approaches π/2 from the left. This results in the indeterminate form 0 * ∞, which can be rewritten as 0/0 by expressing tan x as sin x / cos x.
Rewrite the expression as (π - 2x) / (1/tan x) = (π - 2x) / (cos x/sin x) = (π - 2x) sin x / cos x. This is now in the form 0/0, which allows us to apply l'Hôpital's Rule.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) as x approaches a point results in an indeterminate form, then the limit is the same as the limit of f'(x)/g'(x) as x approaches that point. Differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately.
Differentiate the numerator (π - 2x) to get -2, and differentiate the denominator sin x / cos x using the quotient rule. The derivative of sin x is cos x, and the derivative of cos x is -sin x. Apply these derivatives to find the new limit.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It helps in understanding the function's behavior near points of interest, including points of discontinuity or where the function is not explicitly defined. Evaluating limits is essential for determining the continuity and differentiability of functions.
l'Hôpital's Rule is a method used to evaluate limits that result in indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. The rule states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) leads to an indeterminate form, the limit can be found by taking the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator separately. This process can be repeated if the result remains indeterminate.
Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, are fundamental in calculus, particularly when dealing with limits involving angles. The behavior of these functions near specific points, like π/2, can lead to unique limit scenarios, such as vertical asymptotes. Understanding their properties and graphs is crucial for evaluating limits that involve trigonometric expressions.