Math Problem Statement

Determine the values of a , b and c such that Limit x tends to 0 (ae^x - b cosx + ce^(-x))/x sinx = 2

Solution

To determine the values of aa, bb, and cc such that

limx0aexbcosx+cexxsinx=2,\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{a e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x}}{x \sin x} = 2,

we proceed as follows:


Step 1: Simplify the given limit

Expand the denominator xsinxx \sin x around x=0x = 0 using the Taylor series: sinxxx36xsinxx2x46.\sin x \approx x - \frac{x^3}{6} \quad \Rightarrow \quad x \sin x \approx x^2 - \frac{x^4}{6}. For small xx, we can approximate xsinxx2x \sin x \approx x^2, as higher-order terms become negligible.

For the numerator aexbcosx+cexa e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x}, use the Taylor expansions: ex1+x+x22,cosx1x22,ex1x+x22.e^x \approx 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2}, \quad \cos x \approx 1 - \frac{x^2}{2}, \quad e^{-x} \approx 1 - x + \frac{x^2}{2}. Substitute these expansions: aexa(1+x+x22),bcosxb(1x22),cexc(1x+x22).a e^x \approx a(1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2}), \quad b \cos x \approx b(1 - \frac{x^2}{2}), \quad c e^{-x} \approx c(1 - x + \frac{x^2}{2}). Combine these to get: aexbcosx+cex(a+cb)+(ac)x+12(a+cb)x2.a e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x} \approx (a + c - b) + (a - c)x + \frac{1}{2}(a + c - b)x^2.


Step 2: Substitute into the limit

The numerator becomes: aexbcosx+cex(a+cb)+(ac)x+12(a+cb)x2.a e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x} \approx (a + c - b) + (a - c)x + \frac{1}{2}(a + c - b)x^2. Dividing the numerator by x2x^2 (since xsinxx2x \sin x \approx x^2) gives: aexbcosx+cexx2a+cbx2+acx+12(a+cb).\frac{a e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x}}{x^2} \approx \frac{a + c - b}{x^2} + \frac{a - c}{x} + \frac{1}{2}(a + c - b).

For the limit to exist, the coefficients of 1x2\frac{1}{x^2} and 1x\frac{1}{x} must vanish:

  1. a+cb=0,a + c - b = 0,
  2. ac=0.a - c = 0.

Step 3: Solve for aa, bb, and cc

From ac=0a - c = 0, we get a=ca = c.
From a+cb=0a + c - b = 0, substituting c=ac = a, we have: a+ab=0b=2a.a + a - b = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad b = 2a.

Now the limit becomes: limx0aexbcosx+cexxsinx=12(a+cb)=12(a+a2a)=a.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{a e^x - b \cos x + c e^{-x}}{x \sin x} = \frac{1}{2}(a + c - b) = \frac{1}{2}(a + a - 2a) = a.

We are given that this equals 2, so a=2a = 2. Hence: a=2,b=4,c=2.a = 2, \quad b = 4, \quad c = 2.


Final Answer:

a=2,b=4,c=2.a = 2, \quad b = 4, \quad c = 2.


Do you want details about the Taylor series expansion or simplifying steps? Let me know!

Here are 5 follow-up questions:

  1. How are Taylor series used to approximate functions near a point?
  2. What are higher-order terms in a Taylor expansion, and when can they be ignored?
  3. Why is the denominator xsinxx \sin x approximated as x2x^2 for small xx?
  4. How do we ensure limits exist by balancing terms in the numerator and denominator?
  5. Can this method be applied to limits involving logarithmic or trigonometric terms?

Tip: Always start with Taylor expansions for small values of xx to simplify limit calculations near x=0x = 0.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits and Continuity
Taylor Series Expansion
Numerical Approximation

Formulas

Limit definition: lim x→0 f(x)/g(x)
Taylor expansion for e^x: e^x ≈ 1 + x + x^2/2
Taylor expansion for cos(x): cos(x) ≈ 1 - x^2/2
Taylor expansion for e^(-x): e^(-x) ≈ 1 - x + x^2/2

Theorems

Taylor Series Theorem
L'Hôpital's Rule for indeterminate forms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12