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Ch. 2 - Limits and Continuity
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 2, Problema 2.2.66

Using the Sandwich Theorem


a. Suppose that the inequalities 1/2 − x² / 24 < (1 − cos x)/ x² < 1/2 hold for values of x close to zero, except for x = 0 itself. (They do, as you will see in Section 9.9.) What, if anything, does this tell you about limx→0 (1 −cos x)/ x²?


Give reasons for your answer.


[Technology Exercise] b. Graph the equations y=(1/2) − (x²/24), y = (1 - cos x) / x², and y = 1/2 together for −2 ≤ x ≤2. Comment on the behavior of the graphs as x→0.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
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Step 1: Understand the Sandwich Theorem (also known as the Squeeze Theorem). It states that if you have three functions f(x), g(x), and h(x) such that f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for all x in some interval around a point (except possibly at the point itself), and if the limits of f(x) and h(x) as x approaches that point are equal, then the limit of g(x) as x approaches that point is the same.
Step 2: Apply the Sandwich Theorem to the given inequalities. We have 1/2 - x²/24 < (1 - cos x)/x² < 1/2 for values of x close to zero. We need to find the limits of the bounding functions as x approaches 0.
Step 3: Calculate the limit of the lower bound function as x approaches 0. The function is f(x) = 1/2 - x²/24. As x approaches 0, x²/24 approaches 0, so the limit of f(x) is 1/2.
Step 4: Calculate the limit of the upper bound function as x approaches 0. The function is h(x) = 1/2, which is constant. Therefore, the limit of h(x) as x approaches 0 is also 1/2.
Step 5: Conclude using the Sandwich Theorem. Since both the lower bound and upper bound functions have the same limit of 1/2 as x approaches 0, by the Sandwich Theorem, the limit of (1 - cos x)/x² as x approaches 0 is also 1/2.

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Sandwich Theorem

The Sandwich Theorem, also known as the Squeeze Theorem, states that if a function is 'squeezed' between two other functions that both converge to the same limit at a certain point, then the squeezed function must also converge to that limit at that point. This theorem is particularly useful in evaluating limits that are difficult to compute directly.
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Limit of a Function

The limit of a function describes the value that the function approaches as the input approaches a certain point. In this context, we are interested in the limit of (1 - cos x) / x² as x approaches 0. Understanding limits is fundamental in calculus, as it lays the groundwork for concepts such as continuity and derivatives.
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Graphical Interpretation

Graphical interpretation involves analyzing the behavior of functions through their graphs. By plotting the functions involved in the Sandwich Theorem, one can visually assess how they behave as x approaches a specific value, such as 0. This can provide insights into the limits and continuity of the functions, enhancing understanding of their relationships.
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