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 4.7.72
Textbook Question
Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when it is convenient and applicable.
lim_x→π/2⁻ (π - 2x) tan x

1
First, identify the form of the limit as x approaches π/2 from the left. Substitute x = π/2 into the expression (π - 2x) tan x to check if it results in an indeterminate form like 0/0 or ∞/∞.
Substitute x = π/2 into the expression: (π - 2x) becomes 0, and tan x approaches ∞ as x approaches π/2 from the left. This results in the indeterminate form 0 * ∞, which can be rewritten as 0/0 by expressing tan x as sin x / cos x.
Rewrite the expression as (π - 2x) / (1/tan x) = (π - 2x) / (cos x/sin x) = (π - 2x) sin x / cos x. This is now in the form 0/0, which allows us to apply l'Hôpital's Rule.
Apply l'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if the limit of f(x)/g(x) as x approaches a point results in an indeterminate form, then the limit is the same as the limit of f'(x)/g'(x) as x approaches that point. Differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately.
Differentiate the numerator (π - 2x) to get -2, and differentiate the denominator sin x / cos x using the quotient rule. The derivative of sin x is cos x, and the derivative of cos x is -sin x. Apply these derivatives to find the new limit.

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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. It helps in understanding the function's behavior near points of interest, including points of discontinuity or where the function is not explicitly defined. Evaluating limits is essential for determining the continuity and differentiability of functions.
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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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Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, are fundamental in calculus, particularly when dealing with limits involving angles. The behavior of these functions near specific points, like π/2, can lead to unique limit scenarios, such as vertical asymptotes. Understanding their properties and graphs is crucial for evaluating limits that involve trigonometric expressions.
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