Math Problem Statement

lim (x → 0) (3(1 - cos(x)) / x)

Solution

The given expression is:

limx03(1cosx)x\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{3(1 - \cos x)}{x}

We can solve this limit using a standard trigonometric limit or L'Hôpital's Rule. Here are both approaches:

Using L'Hôpital's Rule:

Since direct substitution of x=0x = 0 leads to the indeterminate form 00\frac{0}{0}, we apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which requires us to differentiate the numerator and denominator with respect to xx.

  • Numerator: 3(1cosx)3(1 - \cos x). The derivative is 3(sinx)3 \cdot (\sin x).
  • Denominator: xx. The derivative is 11.

So, the limit becomes:

limx03sinx1=3sin(0)=0\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{3\sin x}{1} = 3\sin(0) = 0

Thus, the limit is:

0\boxed{0}

Would you like more details, or do you have any other questions? Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:

  1. How do we know when to apply L'Hôpital's Rule?
  2. Can we solve this limit without using L'Hôpital's Rule?
  3. What other indeterminate forms can be solved using L'Hôpital's Rule?
  4. How does the small-angle approximation cosx1x22\cos x \approx 1 - \frac{x^2}{2} help in solving limits like this?
  5. What are other common limits involving trigonometric functions?

Tip: When evaluating limits of trigonometric functions at zero, recognizing common indeterminate forms and knowing key limit results can simplify your work considerably.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Trigonometric Functions
L'Hôpital's Rule

Formulas

L'Hôpital's Rule: If lim(x → c) f(x)/g(x) = 0/0 or ∞/∞, then lim(x → c) f(x)/g(x) = lim(x → c) f'(x)/g'(x)
Derivative of cos(x) is -sin(x)

Theorems

L'Hôpital's Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 12 or College Calculus