Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
1. Limits and Continuity
Finding Limits Algebraically
Problem 56
Textbook Question
Evaluate each limit.
lim θ→0 (1/(2+sinθ)-1/2)/sin θ

1
Recognize that the given limit is in the indeterminate form 0/0 as \( \theta \to 0 \). This suggests the use of L'Hôpital's Rule, which is applicable for limits of the form 0/0 or \( \infty/\infty \).
Apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which involves differentiating the numerator and the denominator separately. The original expression is \( \frac{\frac{1}{2+\sin\theta} - \frac{1}{2}}{\sin\theta} \).
Differentiate the numerator: The derivative of \( \frac{1}{2+\sin\theta} \) with respect to \( \theta \) is \( -\frac{\cos\theta}{(2+\sin\theta)^2} \). The derivative of \( \frac{1}{2} \) is 0.
Differentiate the denominator: The derivative of \( \sin\theta \) with respect to \( \theta \) is \( \cos\theta \).
Substitute the derivatives back into the limit expression: \( \lim_{\theta \to 0} \frac{-\frac{\cos\theta}{(2+\sin\theta)^2}}{\cos\theta} \). Simplify the expression and evaluate the limit as \( \theta \to 0 \).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. In this case, we are interested in the limit of a function as θ approaches 0. Understanding limits is crucial for evaluating expressions that may be indeterminate or undefined at specific points.
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Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine (sin), are essential in calculus, especially when dealing with angles and periodic phenomena. The sine function is particularly important in this limit problem, as it approaches 0 when θ approaches 0. Familiarity with the properties and behavior of trigonometric functions helps in simplifying and evaluating limits involving these functions.
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L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule is a technique used to evaluate limits that result in indeterminate forms like 0/0 or ∞/∞. It states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) leads to such forms, the limit can be found by taking the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator. This rule can be particularly useful in solving the limit presented in the question.
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