Textbook Question
Using limθ→0 sin θ / θ = 1
Find the limits in Exercises 23–46.
limt→0 sin(1 − cos t) / (1 − cos t)
310
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Ch. 2 - Limits and Continuity
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Functions155
- Ch. 2 - Limits and Continuity240
- Ch. 3 - Derivatives337
- Ch. 4 - Applications of Derivatives293
- Ch. 5 - Integrals41
- Ch. 6 - Applications of Definite Integrals25
- Ch. 7 - Transcendental Functions489
- Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration398
- Ch. 9 - First-Order Differential Equations60
- Ch. 10 - Infinite Sequences and Series119
- Ch. 11 - Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates58
Chapter 2, Problem 2.42
Limits and Infinity
Find the limits in Exercises 37–46.
x⁴ + x³
lim -----------------
x→∞ 12x³ + 128
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the highest power of x in both the numerator and the denominator. In this case, the highest power in the numerator is x⁴ and in the denominator is x³.
Divide every term in the numerator and the denominator by x³, the highest power of x in the denominator.
Rewrite the expression: \( \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{{x^4/x^3 + x^3/x^3}}{{12x^3/x^3 + 128/x^3}} \). This simplifies to \( \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{{x + 1}}{{12 + \frac{128}{x^3}}} \).
As x approaches infinity, the term \( \frac{128}{x^3} \) approaches 0 because the denominator grows much faster than the numerator.
Evaluate the limit: \( \lim_{{x \to \infty}} \frac{{x + 1}}{{12}} \). As x approaches infinity, the dominant term is x, so the limit simplifies to \( \frac{x}{12} \), which approaches infinity.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
Limits are fundamental in calculus, representing the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain point. In this context, we are interested in the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity, which helps us understand the end behavior of rational functions.
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One-Sided Limits
Rational Functions
A rational function is a ratio of two polynomials. In the given limit problem, the numerator is a polynomial of degree 4, and the denominator is a polynomial of degree 3. The degrees of the polynomials play a crucial role in determining the limit as x approaches infinity.
Recommended video:
6:04Intro to Rational Functions
Dominant Terms
In limits involving polynomials, the dominant term is the term with the highest degree, as it has the most significant impact on the function's value as x approaches infinity. For the given expression, the dominant term in the numerator is x⁴, and in the denominator, it is 12x³, which will dictate the limit's value.
Recommended video:
2:02Simplifying Trig Expressions Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Finding Limits
In Exercises 25–28, find the limit of g(x) as x approaches the indicated value.
lim (4g(x))¹/³ = 2
x →0
302
views
Textbook Question
Limits of quotients
Find the limits in Exercises 23–42.
limx→−1 (√(x² + 8) − 3) / (x + 1)
196
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Textbook Question
At what points are the functions in Exercises 13–30 continuous?
f(x) = { (x³ − 8)/(x² − 4), x ≠ 2, x ≠ −2
3, x = 2
4, x = −2
209
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Textbook Question
Limits of Average Rates of Change
Because of their connection with secant lines, tangents, and instantaneous rates, limits of the form limh→0 (f(x+h) − f(x)) / h occur frequently in calculus. In Exercises 57–62, evaluate this limit for the given value of x and function f.
f(x) = x², x = 1
333
views
Textbook Question
Limits with trigonometric functions
Find the limits in Exercises 43–50.
limx→−π √(x + 4) cos(x + π)
262
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