Given #(sin(-2x)) / x# how do you find the limit as x approaches 0?

1 Answer
Jul 8, 2016

-2

Explanation:

one way

#lim_{x to 0} (sin(-2x)) / x#

let u = -2x

#= lim_{u to 0} (sin u)/( -u/2)#

#= -2 color{blue}{lim_{u to 0} (sin u)/( u)}#

#= -2 * 1 = -2# as the term in blue is a well known limit often proved using squeeze theorem


OR

#lim_{x to 0} (sin(-2x)) / x#

#= - lim_{x to 0} (sin(2x)) / x#

then using the fact that #sin 2 psi = 2 sin psi cos psi#
#= - lim_{x to 0} (2sinx cos x) / x#

#= -2 lim_{x to 0} (sinx cos x) / x#

then lifting #cos x# out as it is continuous throught the limit and #cos 0 = 1#

#= - 2cos 0 color{green}{lim_{x to 0} (sinx ) / x}#

the term in green is indeterminate but as stated it is also a well known limit

you cannot use LHopital to prove this limit.