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
1. Limits and Continuity
Finding Limits Algebraically
Problem 2.6.55
Textbook Question
Evaluate each limit.
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Identify the limit expression: \( \lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{\sin(x) - 1}{\sqrt{\sin(x)} - 1} \).
Substitute \( x = \frac{\pi}{2} \) into the expression to check for indeterminate form: \( \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 1 \), leading to \( \frac{0}{0} \).
Apply L'Hôpital's Rule, which is used for limits of the form \( \frac{0}{0} \) or \( \frac{\infty}{\infty} \), by differentiating the numerator and the denominator separately.
Differentiate the numerator: \( \frac{d}{dx}[\sin(x) - 1] = \cos(x) \).
Differentiate the denominator: \( \frac{d}{dx}[\sqrt{\sin(x)} - 1] = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{\sin(x)}} \cdot \cos(x) \).
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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 in calculus, representing the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain point. In this question, we are evaluating the limit of a function as x approaches π/2, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of the function near that point.
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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 ∞/∞. When faced with such forms, we can differentiate the numerator and denominator separately and then take the limit again, which can simplify the evaluation process.
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Continuity and Discontinuity
Continuity refers to a function being unbroken and having no gaps at a point, while discontinuity indicates a break or jump in the function's value. Understanding whether the function is continuous at x = π/2 helps determine if the limit can be directly evaluated or if further analysis is needed.
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