Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.e. lim⁡x→π2cot⁡x=0{\displaystyle\lim_{x\to\frac{\pi}{2}}}\cot x=0 . (Hint: Graph y=cot x)

Ch. 2 - Limits

Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition

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Briggs 3rd Edition

Ch. 2 - Limits

Problem 33e

Chapter 2, Problem 33e

Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.

e. $\lim_{x \to \frac{π}{2}} \cot x = 0$ . (Hint: Graph y=cot x)

Verified step by step guidance

insert step 1: Recall the definition of the cotangent function, which is $ \cot x = \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} $.

insert step 2: Consider the behavior of $ \sin x $ and $ \cos x $ as $ x \to \frac{\pi}{2} $. Note that $ \sin \left( \frac{\pi}{2} \right) = 1 $ and $ \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{2} \right) = 0 $.

insert step 3: Substitute these values into the cotangent function: $ \cot x = \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} \to \frac{0}{1} = 0 $.

insert step 4: However, consider the limit $ \lim_{x \to \frac{\pi}{2}} \cot x $. As $ x $ approaches $ \frac{\pi}{2} $ from the left, $ \cos x $ approaches 0, but $ \sin x $ is positive and close to 1, making $ \cot x $ approach 0.

insert step 5: As $ x $ approaches $ \frac{\pi}{2} $ from the right, $ \cos x $ is still approaching 0, but $ \sin x $ is negative and close to -1, making $ \cot x $ approach 0. Thus, the limit does not exist as it approaches different values from the left and right.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Limit of a Function

The limit of a function describes the behavior of that function as the input approaches a certain value. In this case, we are interested in the limit of the cotangent function as x approaches π/2. Understanding limits is crucial for analyzing the continuity and behavior of functions at specific points, especially where they may not be defined.

Cotangent Function

The cotangent function, denoted as cot(x), is the reciprocal of the tangent function, defined as cot(x) = cos(x)/sin(x). It is important to note that cot(x) is undefined at points where sin(x) = 0, such as x = nπ, where n is an integer. This characteristic affects the limit as x approaches π/2, where the function exhibits vertical asymptotic behavior.

Graphical Analysis

Graphical analysis involves examining the graph of a function to understand its behavior visually. For the cotangent function, plotting y = cot(x) reveals that as x approaches π/2, the function tends toward negative infinity, not zero. This visual representation helps clarify the limit's value and provides insight into the function's discontinuities and asymptotes.

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Textbook Question

Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.

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Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.e. limx→π2cotx=0{\(\displaystyle\[\lim\)_{x\(\to\]\frac{\pi}{2}\)}}\(\cot\) x=0 . (Hint: Graph y=cot x)

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Limit of a Function

Cotangent Function

Graphical Analysis

Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.

e. $\lim_{x \to \frac{π}{2}} \cot x = 0$ . (Hint: Graph y=cot x)