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
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 4.7.54
Textbook Question
17–83. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when it is convenient and applicable.
lim_x→1⁻ (1-x) tan πx/2

1
First, identify the form of the limit as x approaches 1 from the left. Substitute x = 1 into the expression (1-x) tan(πx/2) to check if it results in an indeterminate form like 0/0 or ∞/∞.
Notice that as x approaches 1 from the left, (1-x) approaches 0 and tan(πx/2) approaches tan(π/2), which is undefined. However, from the left, tan(πx/2) approaches negative infinity, creating an indeterminate form of 0 * (-∞).
To apply l'Hôpital's Rule, rewrite the expression as a fraction. Consider the limit of (1-x) / (cot(πx/2)), since cotangent is the reciprocal of tangent.
Now, check if the rewritten expression (1-x) / (cot(πx/2)) results in a 0/0 form as x approaches 1 from the left. If it does, l'Hôpital's Rule can be applied.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule by differentiating the numerator and the denominator separately. Differentiate (1-x) to get -1, and differentiate cot(πx/2) using the chain rule to get -π/2 * csc²(πx/2). Then, evaluate the limit of the new expression as x approaches 1 from the left.

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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 concepts in calculus that describe the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. They help in understanding the function's behavior near points of interest, including points where the function may not be explicitly defined. Evaluating limits is crucial for determining continuity, derivatives, and integrals.
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l'Hôpital's Rule
l'Hôpital's Rule is a method used to evaluate limits that result in indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. The rule states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) leads to an indeterminate form, the limit can be found by taking the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator separately. This process can be repeated if the result remains indeterminate.
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Power Rules
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, relate angles to ratios of sides in right triangles. In the context of limits, these functions can exhibit specific behaviors as their arguments approach certain values, which can lead to indeterminate forms. Understanding the properties and limits of these functions is essential for evaluating limits involving trigonometric expressions.
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