Indeterminet Forms

LHOPITALS RULE
Theore m (Cauchys Formula) If the functions f and g are continuous on the

closed interval [ a , b ] and differentiable on the open interval ( a , b ) and if
g ( x ) 0 for all x in ( a , b ) , then there is a number c in ( a , b ) such that
f (b)
g( b )
f (a)
g( a )
f (c)
.
g (c)
Proof Note that g ( b ) g ( a ) 0 . For if g ( b ) g ( a ) 0 , then g ( a ) g ( b ) .

Thus, by Rolles Theorem, there exists a number w in the open interval ( a , b ) such
that g ( w ) 0 . This would contradict the fact that g ( x ) 0 for all x in ( a , b ) .
Define the function h on the closed interval [ a , b ] by
h( x )
[ f (b)
f ( a ) ] g( x )
[ g( b )
g( a ) ] f ( x ) .
Note that f ( b ) f ( a ) and g ( b ) g ( a ) are fixed numbers. Since the functions f

and g are continuous on the closed interval [ a , b ] , then the function h is
continuous on [ a , b ] . Since the functions f and g are differentiable on the open
interval ( a , b ) , then the function h is differentiable on ( a , b ) .
Note that h( a )
f ( b ) g( a )
h( b )
[ f (b)
f ( b ) g( b )
[ f (b)
f ( a ) g( a )
f ( a ) ] g( a )
g( b ) f ( a )
f ( a ) ] g( b )
f ( a ) g( b )
[ g( b )
g( b ) f ( b )
[ g( b )
g( a ) ] f ( a ) =
g( a ) f ( a ) = f ( b ) g( a )
g ( b ) f ( a ) and
g( a ) ] f ( b ) =
g( a ) f ( b ) = g( a ) f ( b )
f ( a ) g( b )
Thus, by Rolles Theorem, there exists a number c in the open interval ( a , b ) such
that h ( c ) 0 . Since h( x ) [ f ( b ) f ( a ) ] g ( x ) [ g ( b ) g ( a ) ] f ( x ) and
f ( b ) f ( a ) and g ( b ) g ( a ) are constants, then
h ( x ) [ f ( b ) f ( a ) ] g ( x ) [ g( b ) g( a ) ] f ( x ) .
Thus, h ( c )
[ f (b)
[ f (b)
f (a)] g (c)
f (a)] g (c)
[ g( b )
[ g( b )
g( a ) ] f ( c )
g ( a ) ] f ( c ) and h (c )
0
Copyrighted by P.T.Bathe
[ f (b)
NOTE:
g( x )
f (b)
g( b )
f (a)] g (c)
[ g( b )
f (b)
g( b )
g( a ) ] f ( c )
f (a)
g( a )
f (c)
g (c)
Cauchys Formula is a generalization of the Mean Value Theorem. If

x , then g ( a ) a , g ( b ) b , and g ( x ) 1 for all x. Thus,
f (a)
f (c)
f (b) f (a )
f (c)
f (b) f ( a ) f ( c)(b a ) .
g( a )
g (c)
b a
1
Theore m (LHopitals Rule) Suppose the functions f and g are differentiable on

f ( x)
a deleted neighborhood of the number a. If g ( x ) 0 for all x a and if
g( x )
0
has the indeterminate form
or
, then
0
lim
f ( x)
g( x )
lim
f ( x)
.
g ( x)
f (x)
f ( x)
provided that xlim a g ( x ) exists or xlim a g ( x )
} = (a
, a) (a, a
) be a deleted
Proof Let { x : 0 x a
neighborhood of the number a on which the functions f and g are differentiable.
f ( x)
0
Suppose that g ( x ) has the indeterminate form
at x a . Then we have that
0
f ( x)
L for some number
lim f ( x ) 0 and lim g ( x ) 0 . Suppose that xlim a
x
a
x
a
g ( x)
f ( x)
lim
L. We want to show that x a g ( x ) L . Lets defined the following two
,a
).
functions F and G on the open interval ( a
F( x )
f ( x) , x
0 , x
a
a
and G( x )
g( x ) , x
0 , x
a
a
,a
) , then the function F is
Since F ( x ) f ( x ) for all x a in ( a
, a) (a, a
) . Thus, the
differentiable on the deleted neighborhood ( a
, a) (a, a
).
function F is continuous on the deleted neighborhood ( a
Since lim F ( x ) lim f ( x ) 0 = F ( a ) , then the function F is continuous at
x
,a
).
x a . Thus, the function F is continuous on the interval ( a
,a
) . Thus, for each x in the
Similarly, the function G is continuous on ( a
, a) (a, a
) , we can apply Cauchys Formula to
deleted neighborhood ( a
the interval [ x , a ] if x a or to the interval [ a , x ] if x a for the functions F
and G. Thus, by Cauchys Formula, there exists a number c x between a and x
such that
F( x )
G( x )
F (cx )
F(a )
G( a )
G (cx )
a,
a , then we have that F ( x ) f ( x ) and G( x ) g ( x ) . Since c x
g ( c x ) . Also, F ( a ) 0 and
then we have that F ( c x ) f ( c x ) and G ( c x )
G( a ) 0 . Thus,
Since x
F( x )
G( x )
F (c x )
F(a )
G( a )
f ( x)
g( x )
G (cx )
Since c x is between a and x, then as x

lim
f ( x)
g( x )
lim
f (c x )
0
0
g (cx )
a , we have that c x
f (cx )
a
g (cx )
lim
cx
f ( x)
This argument would also be true if xlim a g ( x )
indeterminate form
f ( x)
g( x )
f (cx )
a
g (cx )
f (cx )
g (cx ) .
a . Thus,
L.
. The argument for the
is more difficult and can be found in texts on advanced
calculus.
COMMENT: One common mistake, which is made by students applying

LHopitals Rule, is using the Quotient Rule instead of differentiating the
numerator and denominator. The other mistake is applying LHopitals Rule

0
without verifying that you have the indeterminate form
or .
0
Examples Find the following limits, if they exist.
1.
lim
sin x
0
x
lim
sin x
sin 0
0
=
=
0
x
0
0
Indeterminate Form
Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

lim
sin x
cos x
lim
=
= xlim 0 cos x = 1
0
x
0
x
1
Answer: 1
NOTE: The calculation of this limit was needed in order to calculate the
derivative of the sine function.
2.
lim
sin 3 t
0
5t
lim
sin 3 t
sin 0
0
=
=
0
5t
0
0
Indeterminate Form
lim
sin 3 t
3 cos 3 t
3
3
lim
lim cos 3 t =
=
=
0
t
0
5t
5
5 t 0
5
Answer:
3
5
3.
sin 2 x
5x
lim
x
Since
lim
x
5x
x , then
sin 2 x
0
=
0
x
sin 2 x
=
5x
lim
x
1
5
lim
x
sin 2 x
.
x
Indeterminate Form
sin 2 x
lim
=
x
0
5x
1
5
1
5
1
5
sin 2 x
lim
=
x
0
x
4
5
lim 4 x cos 2 x =
x
0
lim
x
lim
x
2 cos 2 x
=
1
2 x
x cos 2 x =
4
(0) = 0
5
Answer: 0
4.
lim
lim
cos h
h
cos h
h
cos 0
0
1
0
0
0
Indeterminate Form

lim
cos h
h
= hlim 0
sin h
=
1
lim sin h
Answer: 0
1 ( 0)
NOTE: The calculation of this limit was also needed in order to calculate the
derivative of the sine function.
5.
lim
lim
cos 6 x
4x2
cos 6 x
1
=
4x2
cos 0
1 1
0
=
=
0
0
0
Indeterminate Form

lim
lim
1
0
cos 6 x
= xlim 0
4x2
sin 6 x
0
=
0
x
0
( 6 sin 6 x )
6 sin 6 x
3
sin 6 x
lim
= xlim 0
=
8x
8x
4 x 0 x
Indeterminate Form
Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

3
sin 6 x
3
3
9
lim
lim 6 cos 6 x = ( 6 ) =
=
4 x 0 x
4 x 0
4
2
9
2
Answer:
6.
lim
t
cos t
t3
lim
t
cos t
t3
cos 0
1 1
0
=
=
0
0
0
Indeterminate Form

lim
t
cos t
t
lim
t
( sin t )
1
sin t
lim
=
2
3t
3 t 0 t2
lim
t
sin t
0
=
0
t2
Indeterminate Form

1
cos t
1
sin t
1
cos t
lim
lim
lim
=
=
2
3 t 0 2t
3 t 0 t
6 t 0
t
lim
t
cos t
1
=
0
t
This is NOT an indeterminate form.
cos t
:
t
Sign of y
1
sin t
1
cos t
lim
lim
=
by
t
0
3 t 0 t2
6 t 0
t
1
sin t
lim
LHopitals Rule, then
.
3 t 0 t2
Thus,
lim
Thus,
lim
t
cos t
t
cos t
t
. Since
1
sin t
lim
3 t 0 t2
Answer:
7.
lim
x
lim
x
tan 4 x
x
tan 4 x
tan 0
0
=
=
x
0
0
Indeterminate Form

tan 4 x
lim
=
x
0
x
4 sec 2 4 x
lim
4 sec 2 0 = 4 (1) 4
=
x
0
1
Answer: 4
8.
lim
tan ( 6 x )
0
x5
Since the tangent function is an odd function, then we may write tan ( 6 x ) =
tan 6 x . Thus, we have that
lim
lim
tan ( 6 x )
0
x5
tan 6 x
0 3
= xlim 0
tan 6 x
3
tan 0
0
=
0
0
x5
lim
tan 6 x
0 3
x5
Indeterminate Form

lim
tan 6 x
0 3
x5
lim
1
sec 2 6 x
lim
=
x
0
x 2/3
0
Sign of y
sec 2 6 x
:
x 2/3
6 sec 2 6 x
5 2/3 =
x
3
18
sec 2 6 x
lim
5 x 0 x 2/3
This is NOT an indeterminate form.
+
0
sec 2 6 x
Thus, x lim0
x 2/3
sec 2 6 x
and x lim0
x 2/3
sec 2 6 x
. Thus, xlim 0 2 / 3
x
lim
Since
lim
tan 6 x
0 3
x5
0 3
Thus, xlim 0
x5
tan 6 x
18
sec 2 6 x
lim
by LHopitals Rule, then
5 x 0 x 2/3
tan ( 6 x )
3
x5
lim
tan 6 x
0 3
x5
Answer:
9.
lim
lim
sec 5
7
sec 5
7
1
2
1
2
sec 0
0
1
0
0
0
Indeterminate Form
Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that lim 0
lim
sec 5
7
1
2
5 sec 5 tan 5
0
14
5 sec 5 tan 5
14
Now, using Properties of Limits, we have that lim 0

5
sec 5 tan 5
lim
0
14
Since lim 0 sec 5

5
(1)
14
lim
tan 5
0
5
( lim sec 5 )
0
14
1 , then
lim
5
( lim sec 5 )
0
14
5
tan 5
lim
0
14
tan 5
0
lim
tan 5
0
lim
tan 5
0
0
Indeterminate Form

5
tan 5
lim
0
14
Thus, lim 0
Answer:
10.
5
lim 5 sec 2 5
0
14
sec 5
7
1
2
= lim 0
25
lim sec 2 5
0
14
5 sec 5 tan 5
14
25 2
25
sec 0 =
14
14
5
tan 5
lim
0
14
25
.
14
25
14
4 x 2 3x 6
lim
x
5 2 x 3x 2
4 x 2 3x 6
lim
=
x
5 2 x 3x 2
Indeterminate Form

8x 3
4 x 2 3x 6
lim
lim
=
=
2
x
x
2 6x
5 2 x 3x
lim
8x 3
lim
2 6x = x
Answer:
8
6 =
4
3
4
3
Indeterminate Form
11.
lim
6t
t2
7
9
lim
6t
t2
7
=
9
Indeterminate Form
lim
6t
t2
7
=
9
lim
6
1
= 3 t lim
= 3 (0)
2t
t
Answer: 0
12.
5x 3x 2
lim
x
4 x 11
5x 3x 2
lim
=
x
4 x 11
Indeterminate Form

5x 3x 2
lim
=
x
4 x 11
lim
6x
4
1
lim ( 5
4 x
6x) =
Answer:
13.
12
lim
w
(4w2
8 w 6 3 w 10
5 ) 3 ( 2 w 4 3)
12
lim
w
(4w2
8 w 6 3 w 10
=
5 ) 3 ( 2 w 4 3)
Indeterminate Form
You can apply LHopitals Rule to this limit. However, it much easier to use
the methods of the MATH-1850 course to evaluate this limit.
lim
lim
lim
12
w 10
1
(4w2
6
w
8
3
w4
1
5) 3 4 ( 2 w 4
w
12
w 10
8
w4
0) (2
5)
3)
3
w4
3
=
64 ( 2 )
=
0)
lim
12
(4w2
lim
3
3
1
(4w2
2
w
(4
8 w 6 3 w 10
=
5 ) 3 ( 2 w 4 3)
12
(4w2
lim
1
w 10
1
w 10
10
8w
3w
5) 3 ( 2 w 4 3)
12
w 10
1
w2
8
w4
(4w
12
8
w 10 w 4
3
5
4
2
w2
5)
3
w4
3
3
w4
3
128
3
128
Answer:
NOTE: I will let you do the TEN applications of LHopitals Rule in order to
produce this answer.
14.
lim
lim
5x
11
x
5x
4
3
2
11
x
3
2
9
4
3
0
=
2
0
Indeterminate Form
lim
1
( 5 x 11)
5 x 11 3
2
= xlim 4
1 1/ 2
x 2
x
2
1/ 2
5 x 1/ 2
5 (2)
= xlim 4
=
=
( 5 x 11) 1 / 2
3
10
3
Answer:
10
3
NOTE: To calculate this limit, without using LHopitals Rule, would

require the algebra of rationalizing both the numerator and the denominator.
15.
lim
lim
t2
49 2 3 3
t 5
t2
49 2 3 3
=
t 5
0
0
24
23 3
23 3
23 3
0
Indeterminate Form

3
t
lim
t2
49 2 3 3
=
t 5
2
5
3 ( 24 ) 2 / 3 =
lim
10
3 ( 24 ) 2 / 3 =
1 2
(t
5 3
49 )
2/3
10 ( 24 ) 1 / 3
=
3 ( 24 )
53 3
18
2
lim
2t =
5 (t 2
3 t
10 ( 2 ) 3 3
=
3 ( 24 )
t
49 ) 2 / 3 =
53 3
=
3 (6)
53 3
18
Answer:
NOTE: This is the limit which is required to calculate the value of the
2
49 at t
5 using the definition of
derivative of the function f ( t ) 3 t
derivative. It is ironic that we used the value of the derivative of this function
5 in order to calculate this limit. To calculate this limit, without
at t
using LHopitals Rule, would require the algebra of rationalizing the
3
b 3 ( a b ) ( a 2 a b b 3 ) , then in order to
numerator. Since a
t2
(t 2
49 ) 2
3
lim
lim
lim
lim
49 )
4 3 9 . Thus, we would have that
2 3 3 (t 2
t2
49 2 3 3
t 5
(3 t 2
5
(3 t 2
49 2 3 3
=
t 5
lim
lim
2 3 3 in the fraction
49 ) 2
t2
3
t
49
49 2 3 3
, we would need to multiply the numerator and denominator
t 5
2
of the fraction by ( 3 t
3
t2
rationalize the numerator of
(t
5) ( 3 ( t 2
(t 2
49 ) 2
2 3 3 (t 2
49 )
43 9
(t 2
49 ) 2
2 3 3 (t 2
49 )
43 9
49 ) 3
49 ) 2
(t
5) ( 3 ( t 2
49
49 ) 2
(t
5) ( 3 ( t 2
49 ) 2
(t
5
(t
5) ( 3 ( t 2
49 ) 2
49 )
43 9 )
49 )
43 9 )
49 )
43 9 )
49 )
43 9 )
24
2 3 3 (t 2
t2
(2 3 3 )3
2 3 3 (t 2
t2
5
(2 3 3 ) 2 =
49 ) ( 2 3 3 )
25
2 3 3 (t 2
5) ( t
5)
2 3 3 (t 2
lim
t
5 3
(t 2
49 ) 2
2 3 3 (t 2
49 )
10
3
( 24 ) 2
2 3 3 ( 24 )
10
2 3 3 ( 8 3)
( 3 24 ) 2
10
43 9
43 9
53 3
18
16.
lim
lim
5x 2
4x
10
3
24 2
2 3 3 ( 24 )
10
43 9
(2 3 3 ) 2
10
=
12 3 9
43 9
43 9
53 3
5
63 9
6 3 27
53 3
=
6 ( 3)
LHopitals Rule was definitely easier.
4x
3
43 9
43 9
43 9
43 9
21
19
5x 2
4
21
19
21
3 64
21
0
=
4
0
Indeterminate Form
lim
lim
4x
3
5x
9
2
2 (4 x
1
(4x
2
21
19
9)
= xlim 3 1
4
(5x 2
3
1/ 2
= xlim 3
9)
19 )
2/3
10 x
6 ( 4 x 9 ) 1/ 2
3
( 5 x 2 19 ) 2 / 3
lim
= x 3
=
10 x ( 5 x 2 19 ) 2 / 3
5
x ( 4 x 9 ) 1/ 2
10
x ( 5 x 2 19 ) 2 / 3
3
16 21
1 16
16
3 64 2 / 3
=
=
=
5 3 21
5
105
21
5 21
1/ 2
16 21
Answer:
105
17.
lim
lim
sin 3 y
cos 5 y
y2
e3y
sin 3 y
cos 5 y
y2
e3y
1
0
0
0
Indeterminate Form
lim
sin 3 y
0
0
0
e3y
cos 5 y
y2
=
0
0
= ylim 0
3 cos 3 y
5 sin 5 y
2y
3 e3y
Indeterminate Form
lim
lim
3 cos 3 y
0
9 sin 3 y
0
Answer:
18.
3 e3y
5 sin 5 y
2y
25 cos 5 y
2
= ylim 0
9 e3y
3 ( 3 sin 3 y )
25
2
17
ln x 3
lim
x
0 cot 6 x
ln x 3
lim
=
x
0 cot 6 x
Indeterminate Form
5 5 cos 5 y
2
34
=
2
17
3 3 e3y
3 ln x
ln x 3
Since x lim0
= x lim0
, then applying LHopitals Rule to the
cot 6 x
cot 6 x
last limit, we have that
3 ln x
lim
=
x
0 cot 6 x
lim
x
0
sin 2 6 x
lim
=
x
0
x
0
3
x
=
6 csc 2 6 x
1
sin 2 6 x
lim
2 x 0
x
Indeterminate Form

1
sin 2 6 x
lim
=
2 x 0
x
3 (0)
1
lim 2 sin 6 x ( cos 6 x ) 6 =
2 x 0
3 lim sin 12 x =
x
0
NOTE: By the double angle formula for sine, which is sin 2

2 sin cos , then 2 sin 6 x cos 6 x sin 12 x .
Answer: 0
19.
sin 2 4 t
lim
t
0 3t 2
sin 2 4 t
0
lim
=
2
t
0 3t
0
Indeterminate Form
sin 2 4 t
1
sin 2 4 t
lim
=
, then applying LHopitals Rule to the
3t 2
3 t 0 t2
last limit, we have that
Since tlim0
1
2 sin 4 t ( cos 4t ) 4
2
2 sin 4 t cos 4t
1
sin 2 4 t
lim
lim
lim
=
=
=
2
3 t 0 t
3 t 0
2t
3 t 0
t
2
sin 8 t
lim
3 t 0 t
NOTE: By the double angle formula for sine, 2 sin 4 t cos 4 t
sin 8 t
0
=
0
t
0
lim
sin 8 t .
Indeterminate Form

2
sin 8 t
2
16
16
16
16
lim
lim 8 cos 8 t =
lim cos 8 t =
cos 0 =
(1) =
=
3 t 0 t
3 t 0
3 t 0
3
3
3
sin 2 4 t
1
2 sin 4 t ( cos 4t ) 4
2
sin 8 t
lim
lim
Thus, tlim0
=
=
=
2
3t
3 t 0
2t
3 t 0 t
16
16
lim cos 8 t =
3 t 0
3
Answer:
20.
lim
16
3
tan 3
ln sin
lim
tan 3
ln sin
tan 3
=
2
ln sin
tan
ln 1
0
0
Indeterminate Form
lim
3 sec 2 3
lim
1
cos
2
2
tan 3
ln sin
=
2
sin
Since
lim tan
1 , then 6 lim tan
= 6 lim tan
lim sec 2 3
sec 2 3
2
= sec 3
2
= sec
2
= ( 1) =
lim
Thus, by LHopitals Rule, we have that
tan 3
ln sin
Answer:
21.
y3 8
lim
y
2 ln ( 4 y 2
15)
0
y3 8
0
lim
=
=
2
y
2 ln ( 4 y
ln 1
15)
0
Indeterminate Form

y3 8
lim
=
y
2 ln ( 4 y 2
15)
lim
3y2
8y
4y
3
lim y ( 4 y 2
2
8y
Answer:
15 ) =
sec 2 3
and
3 sec 2 3
lim
1
cot
2
2
=
15
3
( 2 ) (1) =
8
3
4
3
4
lim 3 y
2
4 y 2 15
=
8y
22.
lim
lim
ln ( 7 2 x )
x2 6x 9
ln ( 7 2 x )
=
x2 6x 9
9
ln 1
0
=
18 9
0
Indeterminate Form

2
2
ln ( 7 2 x )
7 2x
2x 7
lim 2
lim
lim
=
=
= xlim 3
x
3 x
x 3 2x
x 3 2 (x
6x 9
(x
6
3)
Sign of y
(x
1
3) ( 2 x
7)
1
3) ( 2 x
+
7
2
ln ( 7 2 x )
is the set of numbers
x2 6x 9
NOTE: The domain of the function y

given by (
Thus,
, 3)
lim
x
3,
7)
7
.
2
ln ( 7 2 x )
x2 6x 9
and
lim
x
ln ( 7 2 x )
x2 6x 9
ln ( 7 2 x )
Thus, xlim 3 x 2 6 x 9 = DNE.
Answer: DNE
Now, we will study the indeterminate forms of 0
0
,1 ,0 ,
, and
Using algebra, we may write the indeterminate form 0

0
indeterminate form
or the indeterminate form .
0
as either the
Using logarithmic functions, we may write the indeterminate forms 1 , 0 0 , and

as the indeterminate form 0 .

1.
lim x 2 e 5 x
Since
lim e 5 x
0 , then
lim x 2 e 5 x =
x
Indeterminate Form
e 5x
lim x 2 e 5 x =
Since x e =
2 , then we could write
x
x
0
indeterminate form of this last limit is .
0
2
Since x e
5x
5x
x2
e
5x
, then we could write x lim x e
indeterminate form of this last limit is
Applying LHopitals Rule to
lim
e 5x
=
x 2
lim
5e 5 x
=
2x 3
lim
5x
lim
lim
e 5x
. The
x 2
x2
e
5x
. The
e 5x
, we have that
x 2
5
5e 5 x
lim
2 x
x 3
0
5e 5 x
Since x
=
, then we can apply LHopitals Rule again.
x 3
0
However, since the exponent on the x in the denominator will always stay
negative and the numerator will always contain the exponential function, we
will not be able to determine an answer for the limit.
lim
Lets apply LHopitals Rule to

form
lim
x2
5x
, which has the indeterminate
. Thus, we have that

x2
lim
5x
lim
5x
2x
5e
lim
2
x
lim
5 x
e 5x
5x
Indeterminate Form
Apply LHopitals Rule again, we have that

2
lim
5 x
2
x
lim
=
5 x
e 5x
2
(0)
25
Thus,
1
5e
5x
2
1
2
lim
lim e 5 x =
=
5
x
25 x
e
25 x
lim x e
5x
lim
x2
e
5x
2
x
2
lim
lim e 5 x
=
5
x
5 x
e
25 x
Answer: 0
2.
lim
t
/ 2)
Since
ln
sec t ln tan
lim
t
5t
2
sec t
and
/ 2)
1 = 0, then
lim
t
lim
t
sec t ln tan
/ 2)
ln tan
/ 2)
5t
=
2
5t
2
ln tan
0
5
4
Indeterminate Form
ln tan
5t
2
Since sec t ln tan
lim
t
sec t ln tan
/ 2)
5t
2
5t
2
, then we can write
cos t
ln tan
1
sec t
5t
2
, which has an indeterminate
cos t
ln tan
5t
=
2
lim
t
/ 2)
0
.
0
form of
5t
2
cos t
ln tan
lim
t
/ 2)
sin
/ 2)
tan
5
4
5
2
lim
t
2 )2
5 (
=
2 ( 1) ( 1)
5t
2
5t =
sin t tan
2
sec 2
/ 2)
5
(2) =
2
Answer:
3.
5
4
sec 2
5
2
lim
5
5t
sec 2
2
2
5t
tan
2
=
sin t
lim sin 3 x ln x 2
x
Since
0
lim ln x 2
x
and
lim sin 3 x
x
0 , then
lim sin 3 x ln x 2 =
x
0
Indeterminate Form
2
Since sin 3 x ln x
ln x 2
2 ln x
=
=
1
csc 3 x , then we can write
sin 3 x
lim sin 3 x ln x 2 =
x
0
2 ln x
, which has an indeterminate form of
csc 3 x
lim
x

2
2 ln x
x
lim
lim
=
=
x
0 csc 3 x
x
0
3 csc 3 x cot 3 x
2
sin 3 x tan 3 x
lim
=
3 x 0
x
lim
x
sin 3 x
0
=
x
0
2
3
lim
x
2
1
lim
=
3 x 0 x csc 3 x cot 3 x
sin 3 x
x
lim tan 3 x
x
Indeterminate Form

lim
x
sin 3 x
=
x
lim 3 cos 3x
x
Since x lim0 tan 3 x

2
( 3) ( 0 )
3
tan 0
0 , then
2
3
lim
x
sin 3 x
x
lim tan 3 x
x
Answer: 0
4.
lim
cot
Since
lim cot
Since
cot
lim
0
, then
1
cot
lim
cot
= 0
Indeterminate Form
= tan , then we can write lim0
0
,
which
has
an
indeterminate
form
of
.
tan
0
cot

lim
0
lim
tan
1
sec 2
lim cos 2
Answer: 1
5.
6
x3
lim x 3 sin
6
6
= sin xlim 3
3
x
x
Indeterminate Form
Since xlim sin

0
6
x3
sin
3
Since x sin
1
x3
3
, then we can write xlim x sin
1
x3
6
x3
3
0 , then xlim x sin
6
x3
sin
lim
6
x3
= sin 0
6
x3
6 Dx
1
x3
0
.
0

6
x3
sin
x
lim
1
x3
6 lim cos
x
6
x3
cos
= xlim
= 6 cos
6
x3
Dx
1
x3
Dx
lim
6
x3
6
x3
= xlim
= 6 cos 0
Answer: 6
6
x3
cos
6 ( 1)
Dx
1
x3
6.
lim
y
( sec 3 y
lim
Since
lim
y
tan 3 y )
/ 2)
sec 3 y
( sec 3 y
tan 3 y ) =
( sec 3 y
tan 3 y ) =
/ 2)
lim
and
/ 2)
tan 3 y
, then
/ 2)
) =
/ 2)
1
cos 3 y
Indeterminate
Form
lim
y
/ 2)
lim
y
/ 2)
then
/ 2)
/ 2)
sin
Applying LHopitals Rule to

1
lim
y
/ 2)
3
2
1 sin 3 y
0
=
cos 3 y
0
sin 3 y
lim
y
sin 3 y
cos 3 y
sin 3 y
cos 3 y
lim
Since
lim
sin 3 y
=
cos 3 y
1 and
cos 3 y
3
2
cos
/ 2)
Indeterminate Form
1
lim
y
lim
y
lim
/ 2)
/ 2)
sin 3 y
, we have that
cos 3 y
3 cos 3 y
=
3 sin 3 y
lim
y
cot 3 y
/ 2)
Answer: 0
7.
lim [ ln ( 2 x
3)
Since xlim ln ( 2 x
x
lim [ ln ( 2 x
3)
ln (5 x
3)
ln (5 x
4)]
and xlim ln (5 x
4)
4)] =
Indeterminate Form
, then
0,
lim [ ln ( 2 x
ln
3)
2
5
lim
2x
5x
apply LHopitals Rule.
lim ( 6 x 2
Since
x
7x
6x 2
7x
and
lim
7x
6x 2
11 ) =
lim ( 6 x 2
7x
6x 2
11 ) =
lim
7x
6x2
7x
6x2
7x
7x
6x
(6 x 2
7x
6x2
2x
5x
3
4
, then we can
11 )
lim ( 6 x 2
lim
lim
3
has an indeterminate form of
4
6x 2
lim
lim ( 6 x
3
= ln
4
2
5
Answer: ln
2x
5x
2
5
= ln
NOTE: Since xlim
8.
4 ) ] = xlim ln
ln (5 x
11 )
11)
6x2
11
20
6x2
11
11
, then
Indeterminate Form
6x2
7x
6x2
11
6x2
7x
6x2
11
= x lim
1
x
1 =
x
6x 2
7x
6x2
7x
20
6x2
11
20
x
7
x
lim
1
(6 x 2
2
x
7x
lim
6
7
x
7 6
12
Answer:
7 6
12
7
2 6
9.
lim ( t 2
Since
9)
20
x
7
9
x2
1
(6 x 2
2
x
11
x2
11)
0
0
7
6
ln t 2 )
lim t 2
and
lim ln t 2
, then
lim ( t 2
ln t 2 ) =
Indeterminate Form
lim ( t
ln t ) =
Now, consider
lim
ln t 2
Since t lim
=
t2
limit, we have that
lim
2 ln t
=
t2
lim t
ln t 2
t2
ln t 2
=
t2
lim
2
lim t =
2t
Indeterminate Form
2 ln t
, then applying LHopitals Rule to this last
t2
lim
1
t2
Thus,
Thus,
Since
Thus,
ln t 2
lim
=
t2
lim
lim t
lim ( t
ln t 2
t2
= 1
and
2 ln t
t2
lim
lim
1.
ln t 2
t2
ln t ) =
0.
lim t
1 , then
lim t
ln t 2
t2
ln t 2
t2
Answer:
10.
lim
y
Since
lim
y
lim
y
1
y
log 3 ( y )
lim
y
1
y
1
y
log 3 ( y )
1
y
log 3 ( y )
Now, consider
Since
and
lim log 3 ( y )
0
Indeterminate Form
1
[1
y
lim
y
y log 3 ( y ) ]
lim y log 3 ( y ) = 0
0
lim y log 3 ( y ) =
0
, then
lim
y
Indeterminate Form
log 3 ( y )
, then applying LHopitals Rule
1
y
to this last limit, we have that
lim
y
Thus,
Since
lim
y
Thus,
log 3 ( y )
=
1
y
lim
y
lim y log 3 ( y )
0
lim
y
1
[1
y
and
1
y
1
lim y =
ln 3 y 0
0 . Thus,
lim [1
y
lim [1
y
y log 3 ( y ) ]
lim
y
1
y
1
y ln 3
=
1
y2
log 3 ( y )
1
(0)
ln 3
y log 3 ( y ) ] = 1
1.
y log 3 ( y ) ] = 1, then
lim
y
1
[1
y
y log 3 ( y ) ]
Answer:
g( x )
Guidelines for evaluating xlim a f ( x )
if the indeterminate form is 1 , 0 0 , and
.
f ( x ) g( x )
1.
Let y
2.
Take the natural logarithm of both sides of the equation: ln y g ( x ) ln f ( x )

Of course, you can use any base for the logarithm. The natural logarithm is
the easiest to use.
3.
Find xlim a ln y if it exists.
4.
If xlim a ln y
L , then lim f ( x ) g ( x ) = lim y = e L .

x
a
x
a
x
NOTE: Since the natural exponential function y e is continuous for all
ln y
y for all positive real numbers, then lim y =
real numbers and e
x
a
lim e ln y = e x
x
a
lim ln y
a
= exp ( xlim a ln y ) = exp ( L ) = e L .

1.
lim ( 9 x 2
1) 1 / x
2
Since xlim 0 ( 9 x
1
x2
1 and lim
x
0
1)
2
, then xlim 0 ( 9 x
1) 1 / x
Indeterminate Form.
Let y
( 9x
1)
1/ x 2
1
ln ( 9 x 2
2
x
. Then ln y
ln ( 9 x 2
Now, find xlim 0
x2
1)
ln ( 9 x 2
1) =
x2
1)
0
.
0
lim
ln ( 9 x
0
x2
18 x
18 x
1
9
1)
9x 2 1
lim
= x 0
= xlim 0 9 x 2 1 2 x = xlim 0 9 x 2 1
2x
ln ( 9 x 2
Thus, xlim 0 ln y = xlim 0
x2
2
Thus, xlim 0 y = xlim 0 ( 9 x
1) 1 / x
1)
= e9
Answer: e 9
2.
lim (1
t
tan 5 t ) csc 3 t
lim (1
Since
Let y
1 and
tan 5 t ) csc 3 t = 1
lim (1
t
tan 5 t )
csc 3t ln (1
tan 5 t ) =
ln ( 1 tan 5 t )
.
sin 3 t
ln (1 tan 5 t )
0
, which has an indeterminate form of .
sin 3 t
0
lim
t
, then
Indeterminate Form.
tan 5 t ) csc 3 t . Then ln y
(1
Now, find
lim csc 3 t
t

5 sec 5 t
ln (1 tan 5 t )
1 tan 5 t
lim
lim
=
=
t
0
t
0
sin 3 t
3 cos 3t
5
3
1
=
0 ) (1)
5
3
Thus, t lim0 ln y =
lim
Thus,
(1
lim y =
t
0
Answer: e
3.
lim
lim
1
x
1
x
lim (1
t
ln (1 tan 5 t )
=
sin 3 t
tan 5 t ) csc 3 t = e
5
lim
3 t 0 (1
5
3
5/3
5/3
= 1
Indeterminate Form.
sec 5 t
=
tan 5 t ) cos 3 t
Let y
1
x
1
x
ln 1
. Then ln y
1
x
1
x
1
x
ln 1
Now, find xlim
x ln 1
1
x
0
.
0

1
x
Dx 1
1
x
ln 1
x
lim
1
x
lim
1
1 = 1
x
1
x
1
x
= xlim
1
0
Dx
= xlim
1
x
1
1
Dx
x
x
Thus, xlim ln y = xlim x ln 1
Thus, xlim y = xlim
Dx
1
x
1
x
= e
Answer: e
x
1
1
lim
1
1
e
NOTE: Since x
= , then we can use the expression
x
x
to generate approximations for the number e . You can use your calculator to
verify that
1
1,000,000
1, 000, 000
2.71828 .
4.
lim
lim
4
t
4
t
Let y
2t
2t
= 1
4
t
Indeterminate Form.
. Then ln y
lim
4
t
2 t ln 1
1
t
4
t
2 ln 1
Now, find
4
t
2 ln 1
2t
1
t
0
.
0

4
t
Dt 1
2 ln 1
t
lim
4
t
2 lim
t
= 2 t lim
1
t
4 Dt
1
4
t
1
Dt
t
1
t
4
1
Dt
t
t
Thus, xlim y =
lim
4 =
t
Thus, xlim ln y = xlim 2 t ln 1

4
t
= 2 t lim
8 lim
4
t
2t
= e
4
t
Dt
1
1
4
1
Dt
t
t
0 =
Answer: e
5.
or
1
e8
lim x x
x
lim x x = 0 0
x
0
Let y
Indeterminate Form.
x x . Then ln y
lim
Now, find
ln x
1 .
x
x ln x =
ln x
1 , which has an indeterminate form of
x
lim
x
ln x
1 =
x
1
x
1 =
x2
lim
x
Thus, xlim ln y =
Thus, xlim y =
lim x ln x
x
1
x
lim
0
x2 =
lim x x = e 0
x
0
Answer: 1
6.
3t
lim ( e )
tan
5
t
lim x
x
Since
lim e
0
= 0
0 and
5
lim tan
t
= tan 0
0 , then
3t
lim ( e )
tan
5
t
Indeterminate Form.
5
t
tan
3t
Let y
(e )
Now, find
Since
3t
. Then ln y
lim 3 t tan
5
t
lim 3 t tan
5
5
ln e 3 t = 3 t tan
.
t
t
tan
5
0.
t
5
tan
t
3
lim
= t
, which has an indeterminate form
1
0
, then we can applying LHopitals Rule to this last limit. Thus,
0
of
5
t
tan
3 lim
15 lim sec 2
t
Thus,
= 3 t lim
1
t
Thus,
sec 2
5
t
2
= 15 sec
lim ln y =
lim y =
lim
lim ( e )
tan
5
t
5
t
lim 3 t tan
3t
5
5
Dt
t
t
1
Dt
t
5
t
7.
lim ( e )
sin
15
= e 15
a
x6
= 3 t lim
2
= 15 sec 0
Answer: e 15
x6
sec 2
, where a is a constant
15
5
1
5 Dt
t
t
1
Dt
t
Since xlim e
0
Let y
a
and xlim sin 6
x
x6
0 , then lim ( e )
sin
a
x6
Indeterminate Form.
x6
sin
(e )
a
x6
. Then ln y
6
Now, find xlim x sin
6
Since xlim x sin
a
x6
a
a
x6
6
ln
e
= x sin 6 .
6
x
x
sin
a
0.
x6
a
sin 6
x
lim
= x
, which has an indeterminate form
1
x6
0
, then we can applying LHopitals Rule to this last limit. Thus,
0
of
a
x6
sin
x
= sin 0
x6
lim
a
a
D
x
x6
x6
1
Dx 6
x
cos
= xlim
1
x6
lim
a
x6
6
Thus, xlim ln y = xlim x sin
a
x6
a lim cos
x
a
x6
= a cos
x6
Thus, xlim y = xlim ( e )
sin
= xlim
= a cos 0
a
x6
cos
= ea
a
Answer: e
a ( 1)
a
1
a
D
x
x6
x6
1
Dx 6
x
a

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LHOPITALS RULE

Theore m (Cauchys Formula) If the functions f and g are continuous on the

Proof Note that g ( b ) g ( a ) 0 . For if g ( b ) g ( a ) 0 , then g ( a ) g ( b ) .

Note that f ( b ) f ( a ) and g ( b ) g ( a ) are fixed numbers. Since the functions f

Cauchys Formula is a generalization of the Mean Value Theorem. If

Theore m (LHopitals Rule) Suppose the functions f and g are differentiable on

Since c x is between a and x, then as x

. The argument for the

is more difficult and can be found in texts on advanced

COMMENT: One common mistake, which is made by students applying

numerator and denominator. The other mistake is applying LHopitals Rule

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

This is NOT an indeterminate form.

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

This is NOT an indeterminate form.

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that lim 0

Now, using Properties of Limits, we have that lim 0

Since lim 0 sec 5

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

NOTE: To calculate this limit, without using LHopitals Rule, would

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

4 3 9 . Thus, we would have that

rationalize the numerator of

LHopitals Rule was definitely easier.

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

NOTE: By the double angle formula for sine, which is sin 2

NOTE: By the double angle formula for sine, 2 sin 4 t cos 4 t

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

1 , then 6 lim tan

Thus, by LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

NOTE: The domain of the function y

Using algebra, we may write the indeterminate form 0

Using logarithmic functions, we may write the indeterminate forms 1 , 0 0 , and

Examples Find the following limits, if they exist.

, then we could write x lim x e

indeterminate form of this last limit is

Applying LHopitals Rule to

Lets apply LHopitals Rule to

, which has the indeterminate

. Thus, we have that

Apply LHopitals Rule again, we have that

Since sec t ln tan

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule, we have that

Applying LHopitals Rule again, we have that