Math Problem Statement

\displaystyle\lim_{x\to \frac{\pi}{2}}\sec(x)=?

Solution

To solve the limit:

limxπ2sec(x)\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \sec(x)

Recall that sec(x)=1cos(x)\sec(x) = \frac{1}{\cos(x)}. Therefore, the limit becomes:

limxπ21cos(x)\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{1}{\cos(x)}

Now, we know that:

cos(π2)=0\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 0

Thus, we are trying to evaluate:

10\frac{1}{0}

Since division by zero is undefined, the secant function approaches infinity as xx approaches π2\frac{\pi}{2}. More precisely:

limxπ2sec(x)=\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \sec(x) = \infty

Therefore, the limit is:

limxπ2sec(x)=\lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \sec(x) = \infty

Would you like a more detailed breakdown or have any further questions? Here are some related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. What is the behavior of sec(x)\sec(x) as xx approaches other points where cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0?
  2. How does the secant function behave around the vertical asymptotes?
  3. Can you find the limit of sec(x)\sec(x) as x0x \to 0?
  4. What is the limit of csc(x)\csc(x) as x0x \to 0?
  5. How do the sine and cosine functions behave as xx approaches π2\frac{\pi}{2}?

Tip: When dealing with trigonometric limits involving secant, it's helpful to remember that sec(x)\sec(x) is undefined wherever cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Limits

Formulas

\sec(x) = \frac{1}{\cos(x)}

Theorems

Limit Theorem for Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12