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 4.7.33
Textbook Question
17–83. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when it is convenient and applicable.
lim_x→ 0 (1 - cos 3x) / 8x²

1
First, identify the form of the limit as x approaches 0. Substitute x = 0 into the expression (1 - cos(3x)) / 8x². This results in the indeterminate form 0/0, which suggests that l'Hôpital's Rule may be applicable.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) as x approaches a value results in an indeterminate form 0/0 or ∞/∞, then the limit can be found by differentiating the numerator and the denominator separately. Differentiate the numerator: the derivative of 1 - cos(3x) is 3sin(3x).
Differentiate the denominator: the derivative of 8x² is 16x.
Rewrite the limit using the derivatives: lim_(x→0) (3sin(3x)) / (16x).
Evaluate the new limit as x approaches 0. Substitute x = 0 into the expression (3sin(3x)) / (16x). Since sin(3x) approaches 0 as x approaches 0, the limit can be further simplified using the standard limit lim_(u→0) (sin(u)/u) = 1, where u = 3x. This will help in finding the final value of the limit.

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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 for evaluating limits that result in indeterminate forms, such as 0/0 or ∞/∞. It 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 rule simplifies the process of finding limits in complex functions.
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Trigonometric Limits
Trigonometric limits involve evaluating limits that include trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine. A common limit is lim_x→0 (1 - cos(x))/x², which approaches 0. Understanding the behavior of trigonometric functions near specific points is essential for solving limits involving these functions, especially when applying L'Hôpital's Rule.
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