Math Problem Statement

Determine which of the following is a correct step to help show lim(x->0) x^2sin (3/x)=0 by using the squeeze theorem

Solution

To determine which step helps to show limx0x2sin(3x)=0\lim_{x \to 0} x^2 \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) = 0 using the squeeze theorem, let's break down the problem.

Step 1: Understanding the Behavior of sin(3x)\sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right)

The function sin(3x)\sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) oscillates between 1-1 and 11 for all values of xx. This gives us the inequality: 1sin(3x)1-1 \leq \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) \leq 1

Step 2: Multiplying the inequality by x2x^2

Since x20x^2 \geq 0 for all xx, multiplying all parts of the inequality by x2x^2 gives: x2x2sin(3x)x2- x^2 \leq x^2 \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) \leq x^2

Step 3: Applying the Squeeze Theorem

Now we take the limit of all parts of this inequality as x0x \to 0: limx0x2=0andlimx0x2=0\lim_{x \to 0} -x^2 = 0 \quad \text{and} \quad \lim_{x \to 0} x^2 = 0

Since both the left-hand side and the right-hand side limits are 0, by the squeeze theorem, we conclude: limx0x2sin(3x)=0\lim_{x \to 0} x^2 \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) = 0

Correct Step

The correct step is recognizing that 1sin(3x)1-1 \leq \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) \leq 1 and multiplying it by x2x^2 to squeeze the original function x2sin(3x)x^2 \sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right).

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. How does the oscillating nature of sin(x)\sin(x) affect limit problems like this?
  2. What is the formal definition of the squeeze theorem?
  3. Why can't we directly compute the limit of sin(3x)\sin\left(\frac{3}{x}\right) as x0x \to 0?
  4. Are there other trigonometric functions for which the squeeze theorem is useful in limits?
  5. How does the behavior of x2x^2 help in making the limit go to 0?

Tip: The squeeze theorem is especially useful for limits involving oscillating functions like sine or cosine.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Limits
Trigonometric Functions
Squeeze Theorem

Formulas

-1 ≤ sin(3/x) ≤ 1
lim(x->0) x^2 = 0

Theorems

Squeeze Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or early college calculus