Proof of Trig Limits — Question 8

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Question 8

Prove that limx→0cos⁡x−1x=0.\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{\cos x - 1}{x}=0.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 7-3-008
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Question 8 - Solution

We begin by rewriting the expression using a trigonometric identity.

Recall that cos⁡x−1=−(1−cos⁡x).\cos x - 1 = -\bigl(1-\cos x\bigr).

Thus, cos⁡x−1x=−1−cos⁡xx.\frac{\cos x - 1}{x} = -\frac{1-\cos x}{x}.

From a previously established trigonometric limit, limx→01−cos⁡xx=0.\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1-\cos x}{x}=0.

Therefore, limx→0cos⁡x−1x=−limx→01−cos⁡xx=−0=0.\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{\cos x - 1}{x} = -\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1-\cos x}{x} = -0 = 0.

0\boxed{0}

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 7-3-008

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