Skip to main content
Ch. 2 - Limits and Continuity
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 2.4.36

Using limθ→0 sin θ / θ = 1


Find the limits in Exercises 23–46.


limh→0 sin(sin h) / sin h

Verified step by step guidance
1
First, recognize that the problem involves finding the limit of the expression lim(h→0) sin(sin(h)) / sin(h). This is a limit problem that can be approached using the known limit lim(θ→0) sin(θ) / θ = 1.
To solve this, consider the substitution u = sin(h). As h approaches 0, u also approaches 0 because sin(h) is continuous and sin(0) = 0.
Rewrite the original limit in terms of u: lim(u→0) sin(u) / u. This transformation is valid because as h approaches 0, u approaches 0.
Now, apply the known limit property: lim(θ→0) sin(θ) / θ = 1. Since u is approaching 0, this property can be directly applied to the expression lim(u→0) sin(u) / u.
Conclude that the limit of the original expression lim(h→0) sin(sin(h)) / sin(h) is equal to 1, based on the substitution and the known limit property.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Limit of a Function

The limit of a function describes the behavior of the function as the input approaches a particular value. In calculus, understanding limits is crucial for analyzing the continuity and differentiability of functions. For the given problem, evaluating the limit as h approaches 0 is essential to determine the behavior of the function sin(sin h) / sin h.
Recommended video:
06:11
Limits of Rational Functions: Denominator = 0

Squeeze Theorem

The Squeeze Theorem is a method used to find the limit of a function by 'squeezing' it between two other functions whose limits are known and equal. This theorem is particularly useful when direct substitution in a limit results in an indeterminate form. In this problem, the Squeeze Theorem can help confirm the limit of sin(sin h) / sin h as h approaches 0.
Recommended video:
06:11
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1

Limit of sin(θ)/θ as θ approaches 0

The limit limθ→0 sin(θ)/θ = 1 is a fundamental result in calculus, often used to evaluate limits involving trigonometric functions. This limit is derived from the unit circle and the small-angle approximation. In the given problem, this concept is directly applied to simplify and solve the limit of sin(sin h) / sin h as h approaches 0.
Recommended video:
05:50
One-Sided Limits