Math Problem Statement

Using algebraic limit theorem Is it possible to provide an example of functions so that neither one individually has a limit as x approaches 1 BUT their product DOES have a limit as x approaches 1

Solution

Yes, it is possible to find two functions, neither of which has a limit as xx approaches 1, but their product does have a limit as xx approaches 1. Here's an example to illustrate this concept:

Example Functions

Let:

  1. f(x)=sin(1x1)f(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right)
  2. g(x)=x1g(x) = x - 1

Behavior of Each Function Individually:

  • The function f(x)=sin(1x1)f(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) oscillates infinitely as xx approaches 1 because 1x1\frac{1}{x-1} goes to ±\pm \infty, causing sin(1x1)\sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) to oscillate without settling at any particular value. Therefore, f(x)f(x) does not have a limit as xx approaches 1.

  • The function g(x)=x1g(x) = x - 1 goes to 0 as xx approaches 1, but it does not have a specific non-zero limit at 1. Hence, g(x)g(x) does not have a non-trivial limit as xx approaches 1.

Product of the Functions:

Now consider the product of these functions:

h(x)=f(x)g(x)=sin(1x1)(x1)h(x) = f(x) \cdot g(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) \cdot (x - 1)

Evaluating the Limit of the Product:

Let's find the limit of h(x)h(x) as xx approaches 1:

limx1sin(1x1)(x1)\lim_{x \to 1} \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) \cdot (x - 1)

Using the substitution y=1x1y = \frac{1}{x-1}, as x1x \to 1, yy \to \infty. Therefore, x1=1yx - 1 = \frac{1}{y}. The expression becomes:

limysin(y)1y\lim_{y \to \infty} \sin(y) \cdot \frac{1}{y}

Using the fact that 1sin(y)1-1 \leq \sin(y) \leq 1, we can write:

1ysin(y)1y1y-\frac{1}{y} \leq \sin(y) \cdot \frac{1}{y} \leq \frac{1}{y}

As yy \to \infty, both 1y\frac{1}{y} and 1y-\frac{1}{y} approach 0. By the Squeeze Theorem:

limysin(y)1y=0\lim_{y \to \infty} \sin(y) \cdot \frac{1}{y} = 0

Thus, we have:

limx1sin(1x1)(x1)=0\lim_{x \to 1} \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) \cdot (x - 1) = 0

Conclusion:

  • Neither f(x)=sin(1x1)f(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) nor g(x)=x1g(x) = x - 1 has a limit as xx approaches 1.
  • However, their product h(x)=sin(1x1)(x1)h(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x-1}\right) \cdot (x - 1) does have a limit, and it is 0.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Additional Questions:

  1. How does the Squeeze Theorem work, and why is it applicable here?
  2. Can you provide another example where a product has a limit, but neither factor does?
  3. What is the role of oscillatory behavior in determining limits?
  4. How does substitution help in evaluating limits involving oscillatory functions?
  5. What are the general conditions under which the product of two functions has a limit?

Tip:

When evaluating limits involving products of functions, consider using substitutions and the Squeeze Theorem to manage oscillatory behavior effectively.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Oscillatory Functions
Squeeze Theorem

Formulas

-

Theorems

Squeeze Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Advanced Mathematics