Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit lim(x -> 0) of (sin(5x))/(4x^2).

Solution

The problem shown in the image is the following limit:

limx0sin(5x)4x2.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin(5x)}{4x^2}.

Solution:

We start by analyzing the expression. Notice that:

  • The numerator is sin(5x)\sin(5x), which approaches 00 as x0x \to 0.
  • The denominator 4x24x^2 also approaches 00 as x0x \to 0.

Thus, we have an indeterminate form 0/00/0, so we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if limxaf(x)g(x)\lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} is indeterminate, then:

limxaf(x)g(x)=limxaf(x)g(x).\lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}.

Step 1: Differentiate numerator and denominator

  • The derivative of sin(5x)\sin(5x) is 5cos(5x)5\cos(5x).
  • The derivative of 4x24x^2 is 8x8x.

Thus, the limit becomes:

limx05cos(5x)8x.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{5\cos(5x)}{8x}.

Step 2: Apply L'Hôpital's Rule again

The new numerator is 5cos(5x)5\cos(5x), which approaches 55 as x0x \to 0. The new denominator 8x8x still approaches 00, so we apply L'Hôpital's Rule again.

Differentiate numerator and denominator:

  • The derivative of 5cos(5x)5\cos(5x) is 25sin(5x)-25\sin(5x).
  • The derivative of 8x8x is 88.

Thus, the limit becomes:

limx025sin(5x)8.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{-25\sin(5x)}{8}.

Step 3: Evaluate the limit

As x0x \to 0, sin(5x)0\sin(5x) \to 0. Therefore, the entire expression becomes:

limx025sin(5x)8=0.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{-25\sin(5x)}{8} = 0.

Final Answer:

0\boxed{0}


Do you want further details, or have any questions about the process?
Here are some related questions you can explore:

  1. How is L'Hôpital's Rule derived, and when is it valid?
  2. Can this problem be solved using Taylor expansions instead of L'Hôpital's Rule?
  3. What happens if the denominator was 4x34x^3 instead of 4x24x^2?
  4. How do trigonometric limits like limx0sin(kx)x\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin(kx)}{x} work?
  5. What are some practical applications of limits in calculus?

Tip: Always check the form of a limit before applying L'Hôpital's Rule; indeterminate forms like 0/00/0 and /\infty/\infty are key cases where it applies!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Trigonometric functions
Indeterminate forms
Differentiation

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: lim(x -> a) [f(x)/g(x)] = lim(x -> a) [f'(x)/g'(x)], if f(a)/g(a) is indeterminate
Derivative of sin(kx): k*cos(kx)
Limit of sin(kx)/x as x -> 0: k

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus or Advanced High School (Grades 11-12)