Math Problem Statement

lim (x → π/4) (cos(2x) / (cos(x) - sin(x)))

Solution

The problem shown in the image is:

limxπ4cos(2x)cos(x)sin(x)\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{4}} \frac{\cos(2x)}{\cos(x) - \sin(x)}

Solution:

  1. Substitute x=π4x = \frac{\pi}{4} directly into the limit expression:

    • cos(π4)=sin(π4)=22\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2},
    • cos(2x)=cos(2×π4)=cos(π2)=0\cos(2x) = \cos\left(2 \times \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 0.
  2. Substituting these values into the original expression: cos(2x)cos(x)sin(x)=02222=00.\frac{\cos(2x)}{\cos(x) - \sin(x)} = \frac{0}{\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}} = \frac{0}{0}. This results in an indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}.

  3. Apply L'Hôpital's Rule, since the limit is in the indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}:

    • Differentiate the numerator: ddx(cos(2x))=2sin(2x)\frac{d}{dx} \left( \cos(2x) \right) = -2\sin(2x),
    • Differentiate the denominator: ddx(cos(x)sin(x))=sin(x)cos(x)\frac{d}{dx} \left( \cos(x) - \sin(x) \right) = -\sin(x) - \cos(x).
  4. The limit becomes: limxπ42sin(2x)sin(x)cos(x).\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{4}} \frac{-2\sin(2x)}{-\sin(x) - \cos(x)}.

  5. Now substitute x=π4x = \frac{\pi}{4} again:

    • sin(2×π4)=sin(π2)=1\sin\left(2 \times \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 1,
    • sin(π4)=22\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2},
    • cos(π4)=22\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}.
  6. Substituting these values: limxπ42×12222=22=22=2.\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{4}} \frac{-2 \times 1}{-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}} = \frac{-2}{-\sqrt{2}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{2}.

Final Answer:

limxπ4cos(2x)cos(x)sin(x)=2.\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{4}} \frac{\cos(2x)}{\cos(x) - \sin(x)} = \sqrt{2}.

Would you like a detailed breakdown or further clarifications?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How does L'Hôpital's Rule help resolve indeterminate forms?
  2. What other methods besides L'Hôpital's Rule could solve this limit?
  3. Can you explain how trigonometric identities might simplify similar limits?
  4. Why does substituting x=π4x = \frac{\pi}{4} initially lead to the indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}?
  5. What are other common situations where L'Hôpital's Rule is applicable?

Tip: Always check for indeterminate forms like 00\frac{0}{0} or \frac{\infty}{\infty} before applying L'Hôpital's Rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Trigonometry
L'Hôpital's Rule
Indeterminate Forms

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: lim (x → a) [f(x)/g(x)] = lim (x → a) [f'(x)/g'(x)] if it results in 0/0 or ∞/∞
Trigonometric Identities: cos(2x) = 1 - 2sin^2(x), sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 12 or early college level