CHAPTER

7
Limit of a Function

Basic Competences: Keywords:

• Explaining intuitively the meaning of limits of functions at a • limit
certain point and at infinity. • continuous
• Using the characteristics of limits of functions to calculate • limits of trigonometric functions
undefined algebraic and trigonometric functions. • limits of algebraic functions

Calculus is a branch of
mathematics that works
with the paths of objects
in motion. The concept
of the limit is one of the
fundamental ideas upon which
calculus is based. By using
the concept of limit we can
evaluate the velocity of an
object that moves in its path.

SOURCE: coloribus.com

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 A. Definition of Limit of a Function

The concept of the limit is one of the fundamental ideas upon which differential calculus is based. In this chapter, we
shall first study limits and some of their implications, in a brief manner, before attempting to indicate their usefulness in
developing the ideas of calculus.

1. Limit of a Variable

We know that if y = f(x) be a function of x, then for each value of x in its domain there corresponds a single value of
y or f(x). In this article, we shall be concerned with the behaviour of y when x approaches a fixed quantity, say a. Thus, we
should first learn what is meant by saying ‘the variable x approaches a fixed quantity a or simply, x tends to the value a’.
The variable x may assume successive values such that the magnitude of the difference between x and a gradually
diminishes and tends to zero but does not actually become zero. More precisely, it means that |x – a| becomes and remains
finally less than any preassigned positive quantity as small as possible. This is denoted by the symbol x → a. Here, x may
approach or tend to a in two ways, i.e., x may approach or tend to a always remaining greater than a or always remaining
less than a.
In the first case, we say, x approaches or tends to a from the right and write it as x → a+. In the second case, x is said to
approach of tend to a from the left and is denoted by x → a–.These facts may be explained by an example below.
Suppose we like to explain what is meant by x → 2. Let x assume the values: 1.9, 1.99, 1.999, 1.9999, 1.99999,
1.999999, ... successively and tend to 2. This is denoted by x x → 2–. On the other hand, x may trend to 2 by taking up
values: 2.1, 2.01, 2.001, 2.0001, 2.00001, etc. This is denoted by x → 2+.

Therefore, we have the definition of limit of a variable as follows.

Definition

A variable x approaches or tends to a, written as x → a, means 0 < |x – a| < δ, where δ being an arbitrary small positive
quantity however small it may be.

Thus, x → a signifies: (i) x ≠ a and (ii) the numerical difference between x and a, i.e., |x – a| is almost negligible.

Now, 0 < |x – a| < δ means a – δ < x < a + δ excluding x = a itself, which may be divided into two parts: a – δ < x <
a and a < x < a + δ.When a – δ < x < a, x is said to approach or tend to a from the left which is denoted by x → a– and when
a < x < a + δ, x is said to approach or tend to a from the right which is denoted by x → a+.

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 2. Limit of a Function

a. Limit of f(x) as x → a

Let y = f(x) be a function of x. Then, if f(x) approaches a fixed quantity L, when x approaches a from either side, we
say that the limit of f(x) is L as x → a. This is denoted by lim f ( x ) = L .
x →a

We thus arrive at the formal definition as follows.

Definition

A function f(x) is said to have a limit L as x → a if corresponding to any preassigned positive quantity ε, however small it may
be, there exists a positive number δ, such that |f(x) – L| < ε, for 0 < |x – a| < δ.

In symbol, we write it as lim f ( x ) = L or f(x) → L as x → a.

x →a

Thus, lim f ( x ) = L means that the absolute difference between f(x) and L is almost negligible corresponding to the
x →a
negligible absolute difference between x and a.

Now, |f(x) – L| < ε, for 0 < |x – a| < δ is again divided into two parts, as follows:

a. |f(x) – L| < ε, for a – δ < x < a. This is represented by lim– f ( x ) = L, where L is called the left-hand (LH) limit of
x →a
f(x).

b. |f(x) – L| < ε, for a < x < a + δ. This is represented by lim+ f ( x ) = L where L is called the right-hand (RH) limit of
x →a
f(x).

Thus, we have an important note below.

lim f ( x ) = L is valid only when lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = L

x →a –
x →a +
x →a

This may be clear from geometrical consideration as shown in the Y

y = f(x)
Figure 7.1. From the graph, it follows that for all values of x in the two
open intervals a – δ < x < a and a < x < a + δ, the graph of y = f(x) lies ε y=L+ε
between the horizontal lines y = L – ε and y = L + ε. ε

Recall that lim f ( x ) =isLdifferent with f(a). lim f ( x ) =

is Lthe limiting y=L–ε
x →a x →a
value of f(x) when x has any arbitrary value in the neighbourhood of a,
except a; but f(a) is the value of f(x) at x = a. A function f(x) may possess a
limit as x → a but this limit has nothing to do with the value of f(x) at x = δ δ
X
a itself, and, in fact, f(a) may or may not be defined. Even if f(a) is defined, O a

its value may not be equal to lim f ( x ) .=When,

L however, lim f ( x ) = Lf(a),
x →a x →a
then the function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a.
FigURE 7.1

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 Remember that lim f ( x ) = L will mean that if x is a number close to but different from a, the value of f(x) is close to
x →a
L. Moreover, f(x) can be made as close to L as may be desired by taking x sufficiently close to a.

Example 7.1

Using definition show that lim( 2x + 7) = 13 .

x →3

Solution:
The given limit exists if we can show that for any ε > 0, however small, there exists a positive number δ such that for all
x in 0 < |x – 3| < δ, then|(2x + 7) – 13| < ε, i.e.,
ε
|2x – 6| < ε ⇒ |x – 3| <
2
ε
Thus, if we take δ = , our requirement is met.
2
Hence, by definition lim( 2x + 7) = 13 .
x →3

Example 7.2

x2
Show that lim =0.
x →0 x

Solution:

x2 x2
Let f(x) = . Now, f(x) = means that
x x
when x ≠ 0, then f(x) = x
and
x2
when x = 0, then f(x) = undefined [since f(x) takes the form ]
x
Thus,
lim f ( x ) = lim+ x = 0 and lim f ( x ) = lim x = 0
x → 0+ x →0 −
x →0 −
x →0

x2
m f ( x ) = 0 , i.e., lim
whereby lim = 0.
x →0 x →0 x

To evaluate lim f ( x ),=we

L can use another approach, that is by substituting a + h in place of x in the given function.
x →a
Then, simplify and cancel h from numerator and denominator whenever necessary. Finally, put h = 0.

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 Example 7.3

x2 −1
Evaluate lim .
x →1 x − 1

Solution:

By putting x = 1 + h, we have
x2 −1 (1 + h )2 − 1 (1 + 2h + h 2 ) − 1 h( 2 + h )
lim = lim = lim = lim = lim( 2 + h ) = 2
x →1 x − 1 h → 0 (1 + h ) − 1 h →0 1+ h − 1 h →0 h h →0

Thus, when h → 0, we may assume h ≠ 0 and hence h can be cancelled from numerator and denominator.

Until now, we have learnt that the notation lim f ( x ) = L means that a function has a limit L as x → a. Similarly, a
x →a
function f(x) is said to tend to ∞ (or –∞) as x → a denoted by lim f ( x ) = ∞ (or lim f ( x ) = −∞ ), if corresponding to any
x →a x →a
pre-assigned positive quantity N, however large it may be, there corresponding a positive number δ, such that f(x) > N (or
f(x) < –N) for 0 < |x – a| < δ.

Example 7.4

Discuss the existence of :

1
a. lim
x →a a − x
x 2 − 1, when x < 2
whe
b. lim ere f ( x ) = 
m f ( x ), where
er
x →2
2x − 1, when x > 2
Solution:

1 1
a. As x → a–, then → ∞ . Thus, L.H. limit, lim− =∞.
a−x x → a a − x
1 1
As x → a+, then → −∞ . Thus, R.H. limit, lim+ = −∞ .
a−x x →a a − x
1
Since L.H. limit ≠ R.H. limit, then lim does not exist.
x →a a − x

b. L.H. limit, lim im− ( x 2 − 1) = 22 – 1 = 3.

m− f ( x ) = llim
x →2 x →2

m+ f ( x ) = llim
R.H. limit, lim im+ ( 2x − 1) = 2 ⋅ 2 – 1 = 3.
x →2 x →2

m f ( x ) exists and the value is 3.

Since L.H. limit = R.H. limit = 3, then lim
x →2

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 b. Limit of f(x) as x → ∞ (or –∞)

If the successive values of x ultimately becomes and remains greater than any given number, however large, we say
that x has an infinite limit and tends to ∞.We then write x → ∞. Similarly, if x ultimately becomes and remains less than any
chosen number, however small, we say that x has the limit –∞ and write x → –∞. Following are the types of limits f(x) as
x → ∞ or x → –∞.
1) In a functional relation y = f(x), as x → ∞ the independent variable x signifies x > m, where m is an arbitrarily large
positive quantity. Also x → –∞ means x < –m, m being a positive quantity however large it may be.
2) A function f(x) is said to have a limit L as x → ∞ (or x → –∞), denoted by lim f ( x ) = L , (or lim f ( x ) = L ) if
x →∞ x →−∞
corresponding to any pre-assigned positive quantity ε, however small it may be, there exists a positive number m,
however large, such that|f(x) – L| < ε for x > m (or x < –m).
3) A function f(x) is said to tend to ∞ as x → ∞ (or x → –∞) denoted by lim f ( x ) = ∞ (or lim f ( x ) = ∞ ), if corresponding
x →∞ x →−∞
to any pre-assigned positive quantity N, however large it may be, there corresponds a positive quantity m, such that
f(x) > N for x > m (or f(x)> N for x < –m).

Example 7.5

1
Show that lim =0.
x →∞ x
Solution:
1
It is intuitively evident that the value of the function f ( x ) = becomes smaller and smaller as x assumes greater and
x
1 1
greater values. Although there is no value of x however large which makes zero, but the function can be made as
1 x x
small as we like by taking x sufficiently large, i.e., can be made as close to 0 as may be desired by taking x large enough
1 x
and hence lim = 0 .
x →∞ x

1
In the similar manner, we can establish lim =0.
x →∞ x 2

3. Theorems on Limits

We give below some fundamental theorems on limit which will be of much use in evaluation of limits of functions.
The actual proofs of these theorems are, however, beyond the scope of this book.

a. lim{ f ( x ) ± g( x ) ± ...} = lim

lim f ( x ) ± llim g( x ) ± ...
x →a x →a x →a

b. lim{ f ( x ) × g( x ))}} = llim f ( x ) × lim

m g( x )
x →a x →a x →a

m f (x )
f ( x ) xlim
c. lim = →a , provided lim g( x ) ≠ 0
x →a g( x ) lim m g( x ) x →a
x →a

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 d. lim{c ⋅ f ( x )}
)} = c ⋅ llim f ( x ) , c being a constant
x →a x →a

e. If lim
x →a
m f (u ) = f (b ) , then lim
m g( x ) = b and lim
u →b x →a
)) = f llim
m f ( g( x )) im g( x ) ( x →a
)
{ }
n
f. lim{ f ( x ))}}n = llim
im f ( x )
x →a x →a

g. m f ( x ) = llim
If f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) in a certain neighbourhood of a and lim m g( x ) = L .
im h( x ) = L , then lim
x →a x →a x →a

Exercise 7.1

1. What do you mean by the following?

a. lim f ( x ) = L1 c. lim f ( x ) = L e. lim f ( x ) = −∞
x →a− x →a x →a

b. lim f ( x ) = L 2 d. lim f ( x ) = ∞ f. lim f ( x ) = ∞

x → a+ x →a x →∞

2. Give an example of single-valued function f(x) in each of the following cases where a is a real constant.
a. f(a) is undefined but lim f ( x ) exists
x →a

b. f(a) is defined but xlim f ( x ) does not exist

→a

c. f(a) and xlim f ( x ) both exist but are different

→a

d. f(a) and xlim f ( x ) both exist and equal

→a

3. Using definition of limit of a function to establish the following limits:

x2 −1
a. lim 4 x = 8 c. lim =2
x →2 x →1 x − 1

b. lim( x 2 − 2x + 1) = 1 d. lim x = 1
x →0 x →1

4. Using L.H. limit and R.H. limit, discuss the existence of the following limits:

a. lim
x2 − 9
x →3 x − 3
c.
x →4
(
lim x 4 + 4 − x )
x, when 1 ≤ x < 2
5 
b. lim d. lim f ( x ) , where f ( x ) =  1 3
x →a x − a x →2
 x , when 2 ≤ x < 3
4
x2 − 4
5. Using definition, verify that lim =4.
x →2 x − 2

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 B. Limits of Algebraic Functions

1. Limits of Algebraic Functions f(x) when x → a

In the previous section, we have learnt about the definition of limit of a function when the independent variable tends
to a fix value a, i.e., lim f ( x ) and when the independent variable tends to infinity ∞ (or –∞), i.e., lim f ( x ) (or lim f ( x ) ).
x →a x →∞ x →−∞

In this section, we shall learn how to evaluate the limits of algebraic functions. There are different processes of
evaluation of limits of algebraic functions such as substituting, factorization, and rationalisation processes.
a. Substituting process

For polynomials functions such as linear, quadratic, cubic functions, we evaluate the limits of such functions by
substituting the value of independent variable into the functions.
For examples, xlim( x + 3) = 2 + 3 = 5 and lim( x 2 + 3x − 2) = 12 + 3 – 2 = 2.
→2 x →1

b. Factorization process

We know that if an expression f(x) vanishes for x = k, then (x – k) is a factor of that expression. Now, if we have to
evaluate the limit of a function as x → k and if the denominator of the function vanishes at x = k, then (x – k) is a factor
of the denominator. Thus, for the existence of the limit of that function, the numerator also must have a factor (x – k), so
that we can cancel (x – k) from both numerator and denominator.

Example 7.6

x 2 + 5x − 6
Evaluate lim .
x →1 x 2 − 3x + 2

Solution:
0
At x = 1, the function takes the form , which is undefined. Hence (x – 1) must be a factor of the numerator as well as
0
denominator. Factorising, we get

x 2 + 5x − 6 ( x + 6)(
)( x − 1) x+6
lim
m = llim = lim .
x →1 x 2 − 3x + 2 x →1 ( x − 1))( x − 2 ) x →1 x − 2

When x → 1, then x is close to but different from 1, i.e., x – 1 ≠ 0 and hence we cancel the factor (x – 1) from the
numerator and denominator. Thus,

x + 6 xlim( x + 6) 1 + 6
lim = →1 = = −7 .
x →1 x − 2 lim( x − 2) 1 − 2
x →1
2
x + 5x − 6
Hence, lim = –7.
x →1 x 2 − 3x + 2

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 c. Rationalisation process

In this process, if the numerator and/or denominator contain surds, then to avoid 0 form, we rationalise the numerator
0
and/or denominator.

Example 7.7

x−3
Show that xlim = 1.
→3 x−2 − 4−x
Solution:

0
If we put x = 3, the function takes the form, which is undefined. Hence by rationalising the denominator and cancelling
0
the common factor (x – 3), as we do not let x = 3, we obtain

lim
m
x−3
= llim
( x − 3) ( x−2 + 4−x )
x →3 x−2 − 4−x x →3
( x−2 − 4−x )( x−2 + 4−x )
= lim
( x − 3) ( x−2 + 4−x )
x →3 ( x − 2) − (4 − x )

= lim
( x − 3) ( x−2 + 4−x )
x →3 2( x − 3)

= lim
( x−2 + 4−x )
x →3 2
=
1
{
lim x − 2 + lim 4 − x
2 x →3 x →3
}
=
1
2
{ 1
3 − 2 + 4 − 3 = (1 + 1) = 1
2
} [proved]

Beside the processes above, we can use the formula below to evaluate limit of algebraic functions.

x n − an
lim = na n −1
x →a x − a

where n is a rational number.

Proof:
Case 1 : When n is a positive integer.

lim
x n − an
= lim
(
( x − a ) x n −1 + x n − 2 a + x n − 3 a 2 +  + a n −1 )
x →a x − a x →a (x − a)
(
= lim x n −1 + x n − 2a + x n − 3a 2 +  + a n −1
x →a
)
= a n −1 + a n − 2 a + a n − 3 a 2 +  + a n −1
= na n −1

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 Case 2 : When n is a negative integer.
Let n = –m where m > 0. Thus,
1 1 am − x m x m − am
xn – an = x–m – a–m = − = = −
x m am x m am x m am

x n − an  x m − am 
lim = lim − m m 
x →a x − a x →a  x a ( x − a ) 
 
x m −1 + x m − 2 a + x m − 3 a 2 +  + a m −1
= − lim
x →a x m am
a m −1 + a m − 2 a + a m − 3 a 2 +  + a m −1
=−
am am
mam −1
= − 2m = (−m )aa −m −1 = na n −1
a

Case 3 : When n is a fraction.

p
Let n = where p is an integer, positive or negative and q is a positive integer other than 1. Thus,
q
p p

x n − an xq −aq
lim = lim
x →a x − a x →a x − a
1 1
By taking x q = y and a q = b , we have x = yq and a = bq. Thus as x → a, y → b. Thus,

p p
yp −bp
p p
x −a
q q
y −b y −b
lim = lim q q = lim q q
x →a x − a y →b y − b y →b y − b

y −b
yp −bp
lim
y →b y − b pb p −1
= = [by Case 1]
y q − b q qb q −1
lim
y →b y − b

p p p −q
= b p −q = a q
q q
p −1p

= a q = na n −1
q

Example 7.8

x 7 − a7
Evaluate xlim .
→a x 2 − a2
Solution:
x 7 − a7 x 7 − a7
7 7 lim
x −a 7a 6 7 5
m 2 2 = llim x2 − a 2 =
x →a x − a
lim = = a
x →a x − a x →a x − a x 2 − a2 2a 2
lim
x −a x →a x − a

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 2. Limits of Algebraic Functions f(x) when x → ∞

If the independent variable x of a function f(x) tends to infinity, then xn also tends to infinity (n > 0). Thus, we have

k
lim =0
x →∞ x n

where k is any constant and n is a positive constant. For example,

7
lim =0
x →∞ x 3

To evaluate the limit of a function f(x) as x → ∞, we divide both numerator and denominator by xm where m is the degree
of the denominator.

Example 7.9

Evaluate the following limits:

4 x 4 + 3x + 2 2 x 5 − 5x 2 + 9
a. lim b. lim
x →∞ 5x 4 − 2 x 2 + 3 x →∞ 3x 9 + 2 x − 11

Solution:
a. Here the highest power of x in the denominator is 4. On dividing the numerator and denominator by x4 to avoid the
∞
undefined form , we have
∞
3 2
4 4+ 3 + 4
4 x + 3x + 2 x x
lim
m = llim
x →∞ 5x 4 − 2 x 2 + 3 x →∞ 2 3
5− 2 + 4
x x
3 2
m 4 + llim
lim im + lim 4
x →∞ x →∞ x 3 x →∞ x
=
2 3
m 5 − llilim
lim iim
m + lilim 4
x →∞ x →∞ x 2 x →∞ x

4+0+0 4
= =
5−0+0 5
b. By dividing both numerator and denominator by the highest power of x in the denominator, i.e., x9 to avoid the
∞
undefined form , we have
∞
2 5 9
− 7+ 9
2 x 5 − 5x 2 + 9 4
lim
m = llim x x x
x →∞ 3x 9 + 2 x − 11 x →∞ 2 11
3+ 8 − 9
x x
2 5 9
limm 4 − llimim 7 + lim 9
x →∞ x x →∞ x x →∞ x
=
2 111
lim 3 + lim 8 − llim
im 9
x →∞ x →∞ x x →∞ x

0−0+0 0
= = =0
3+0 −0 3

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 Example 7.10

Evaluate lim
x →∞
{ x 2 + 3x + 1 − x 2 − x − 2 }
Solution:

lim
m { 2
x + 3x + 1 − x − x − 2 } = llim
2 ( x 2 + 3x + 1 − x 2 − x − 2 )( x 2 + 3x + 1 + x 2 − x − 2 )
x →∞ x →∞
x 2 + 3x + 1 + x 2 − x − 2

= lim
(x 2
) (
+ 33xx + 1 − x 2 − x − 2 )
x →∞
x 2 + 3x + 1 + x 2 − x − 2

4x + 3
= lim
x →∞
x + 3x + 1 + x 2 − x − 2
2

Dividing both numerator and denominator by x, we have

3
4+
4x + 3 x
lim
m = llim
x →∞ x →∞ 3 1 1 2
x 2 + 3x + 1 + x 2 − x − 2 1+ + 2 + 1− − 2
x x x x
4+0
=
1+ 0 + 0 + 1 − 0 − 0
4
= =2
1+ 1

Exercise 7.2

Evaluate the following limits:

4 x 3 + 3x + 2 1+ x 2 − 1 − x 2 x x + x −1
1. lim 6. lim 11. lim
x →0 x 2 − 7 x − 4 x
x →0 x →∞ 5 x +1
(4 + 3x )3 − 8x 2 a+x − a ( x + 1)( 2x + 1)( 3x + 1)
2. lim 7. lim 12. lim
x →0 4(4 − x )2 x →0 x x →∞ ( x 2 + 1)(5x − 3)

3. lim
x →0
(1 + x )2 − (1 − x )2
2x
8. lim
x →1
3+ x − 5− x
x2 −1
13. lim
x →∞
{ x 2 − 2 x + 1 − x 2 − 5x − 3 }
x 7 − 2x 5 + 1 5x 3 − 3x + 1 x 7 − 27
4. lim 9. lim 14. xlim
x →1 x 3 − 3x 2 + 2 x →∞ 7 x 3 + 2 x 2 − 2 →2 x 3 − 23

x 5 − x 3 + 2 x 2 − 3x + 1 5 − 6x 2 5
x+h − 5 x
5. lim 10. lim 15. lim
x →1 x5 − 1 x →∞ 1 + 2 x − 3x 2 h →0 h

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 C. Limits of Trigonometric Functions

In the previous section, we have learnt about evaluating limits of algebraic functions with various processes such as
substituting, factorization, and rationalisation processes. Similarly, we can use such processes to evaluate the limits involving
trigonometric functions. The following are the standard formulae that we can use in evaluating such limits.

sin x
1. lim sin x = 0 4. lim =1
x →0 x →0 x
tan x
2. lim cos x = 1 5. lim =1
x →0 x →0 x

3. lim tan x = 0
x →0

where x is measured in radians.

Proof:
We consider a circle of radius r. Let O be the centre of Y Y

the circle and P be any point on the circle such that

∠AOP is x radians where − π < x < π (see Figure 7.2).

P
r
2 2 x M
X X
If M be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from P on O M A O x A
r
PM P
OM
OA, then sin x = and cos x = .
OP OP
Now as x → 0, i.e., as P approaches A, then PM → 0,
FigURE 7.2
OM → OA, and OP → OA.
Thus, sin x → 0 and cos x → 1.
Q
Hence, lim sin x = 0 and lim cos x = 1 .
x →0 x →0

sin x P
Next, we shall prove lim =1. r tan x
x →0 x

We draw a circle of radius r with centre at O. A and x

P be any two points on the circle such that ∠AOP is r A
O
x radians (x being a positive acute angle). We draw the
perpendicular at A on OA which meets the extended
OP at Q (see Figure 7.3).

FigURE 7.3

Chapter 7 Limit of a Function 79

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 Now,
area of ΔOAP < area of sector OAP < area of ΔOAQ
1 2 1 1
i.e., r sin x < r 2 x < r 2⋅ r tan x
2 2 2
or sin x < x < tan x
x 1
or 1 < < [dividing by sin x, since sin x > 0]
sin x cos x
sin x
or 1< < cos x
x
sin x
or lim+ 1 < lim+ < lim+ cos x
x →0 x →0 x x →0

sin x
or 1 < lim+ <1
x →0 x
sin x
Thus, lim+ = 1 ... (1)
x →0 x
π
Now, we consider the case when − < x < 0. Thus,
2

sin x sin( −x )
lim− = lim+
x →0 x x →0 −x
− sin x
= lim+
x →0 −x
sin x
= lim+ =1 [by (1)] ... (2)
x →0 x

From (1) and (2), we conclude

sin x
lim =1
x →0 x
tan x
Now, we shall prove lim = 1 as follows.
x →0 x

tan x sin x 1
lim = lim ⋅
x →0 x x →0 x cos x
sin x 1
= lim ⋅
x →0 x lim cos x
x →0
1
= 1⋅ = 1
1

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 From the standard limits involving trigonometric functions above, we have the following limits formulae.

x
a. lim sin mx = 0 d. lim =1
x →0 x → 0 sin x

lim cos mx = 1 tan mx

b. e. lim =1
x →0 x → 0 mx

sin mx x
c. lim =1 f. lim =1
x →0 mx x → 0 tan x

Example 7.11

Evaluate the following limits:

sin px 1 − cos
cos 2x
a. lim c. lim
x →0 sin qx x →0 3 tan 2 x

1 − cos θ n x − ssin
tan in x
b. lim d. lim
θ →0 2θ 2 x →0 x 3

Solution:
sin px n px p lim sin px
siin
lim
a. lim
sin px
m x =
= lilim
x →0 x = x →0 px = p ⋅ 1 = p
x → 0 sin qx
sin x → 0 sin qx sin qx sin qqxx q ⋅ 1 q
lim q lim
x x →0 x x → 0 qx

2
θ2 θ θ  θ
2 sin sin 2 sin 2  sin 
b. 1 − cos θ 2 = lim 1
2 = lim 1
2 = lim  2 
lim = lim
lim
θ →0 2θ 2 θ →0 2θ 2 θ → 0  2
θ 4 θ →0  θ 2 4 θ →0  θ 
4   
   2 
2 2
2
 θ
sin 
1 2  = 1 ⋅ 12 = 1
=  lim
4  θ →0 θ  4 4
 
 2 
2
sin 2 x  sin x 
2
lim  
c. 1 − cos
cos 2x 2 sin x 2 x 2 2 x →0  x 
lim = lim
lim = lim =
x → 0 3 tan 2 x x →0 3 tan 2 x 3 x →0 tan 2 x 3
tan  tan x 
2

lim  
x2 x →0  x 

2
 sin x 
 xlim 
2  →0 x  2 12 2
= 2
= ⋅ =
3 ttaan x  3 12 3
 xlim 
 →0 x 

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  1   x
sin x  − 1 n x  2 ssin 2
sin 
n x − ssin
tan in x  cos x  n x (1 − cos x )
sin  2
d. lim 3
= lim 3
= lim 3
= lim
x →0 x x → 0 x x → 0 x cos x x →
→0 x 3 cos x
2 2
 x  x
sin sin
1 sin x  2  1 1 sin x  2  1
= lim   = lim  
2 x →0 x  x  cos x 2 x →0 x  x  cos x
   
 2   2 
2
 x
 sin 
1 sin x 2  ⋅ lim 1 = 1 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 12 ⋅ 1 = 1
= ⋅ lim ⋅  lim
2 x → 0 x  x → 0 x  x →0 cos x 2 1 2

 2 

Exercise 7.3

Evaluate the following limits:

sin 3x cos x
1. lim 6. lim tan 4 x cosec 2x 11. limπ
x →0 x x →0 π
x→
2 −x
2
sin 3x θ sin θ 2x − π
2. lim 7. lim 12. limπ
x →0 sin 4 x θ → 0 1 − cos 2θ x→ cos x
2
3
 sin 4 x  θ(sin 2θ − cos 2θ) 1 − tan x
3. lim   8. lim 13. limπ
x →0  x  θ →0 sin 3 θ x→ 1 − cot x
4

tan 5x 1 − cos x cos 5x − cos 3x

4. lim 9. lim 14. lim
x →0 x x → 0 sin 2 x x →0 cos 3x − cos x
sin x x(cos x + cos 2x ) 1 + sin x − 1 − sin x
5. lim 10. lim 15. lim
x →0 sin 2x x →0 sin x x →0 x

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 Summary
Definition of Limit of a Function

• A variable x approaches or tends to a, written as x → a, means 0 < |x – a| < δ, where δ being an arbitrary small
positive quantity however small it may be.
• If the successive values of x ultimately becomes and remains greater than any given number, however large, we say
that x has an infinite limit and tends to ∞.
• A function f(x) is said to have a limit L as x → a if corresponding to any preassigned positive quantity ε, however
small it may be, there exists a positive number δ, such that |f(x) – L| < ε, for 0 < |x – a| < δ.
• m f ( x ) = L is valid only when lim
lim m− f ( x ) = llim
im+ f ( x ) = L .
x →a x →a x →a

• m f ( x ) = L , (or lim
A function f(x) is said to have a limit L as x → ∞ (or x → –∞), denoted by lim m f ( x ) = L ) if
x →∞ x →−∞
corresponding to any pre-assigned positive quantity ε, however small it may be, there exists a positive number m,
however large, such that|f(x) – L| < ε for x > m (or x < –m).

Limits of Algebraic Functions

• There are different processes of evaluation of limits of algebraic functions such as substituting, factorization, and
rationalisation processes.
• Standard limits involving algebraic functions:
x n − an
a. lim = na n −1
x →a x − a

k
b. lim =0
x →∞ xn

Limits of Trigonometric Functions

• Standard limits involving trigonometric functions:

sin x
a. lim sin x = 0 d. xlim =1
x →0 →0 x

cos x = 1 tan x
b. xlim e. xlim =1
→0 →0 x

lim tan x = 0
c. x →0

Chapter 7 Limit of a Function 83

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 Chapter Review 7
A. Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer.

a. 0
1. The value of lim x − 3 = ....
x →3
b. 2
a. –1
1 c. 4
b. −
3 d. 5
c. 0
e. 6
d. 1
x 2 + 5x − 6
e. doesn’t exist 6. The value of lim = ....
x →1 x 2 − 3x + 2
1
2. The value of lim is .... a. –21
x →0 x
a. –∞ b. –14
b. 0 c. –7
c. 1 d. –1
d. ∞ e. 1
e. doesn’t exist x 2 − 3x + 2
7. The value of lim = ....
x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 x →1 x 3 − 4 x + 3
3. The value of lim is .... a. –∞
x →1 2 x 3 + x − 3

2 b. –1
a. −
7 c. 0
b. 1
− d. 1
7
c. 0 e. ∞

2 x2 − 9
d. 8. lim = ....
x →3 x 3 − 3
7
1 a. 16
e.
2 b. 6
2
ax + bx + 6 c. 1
4. If lim = −1, then the values of a and b
x →2 x−2 d. 0
are ....
e. –1
a. a = 5 and b = –5
 1 1 
b. a = 1 and b = –5 9. The value of lim  − 2  = ....
x →2  x − 2 x − 3x + 2 
c. a = –1 and b = –5
a. 5
d. a = –5 and b = –1
2
e. a = 1 and b = 5 b. 1
x 2 + 4x − 5 c. 0
5. The value of lim is ....
x →1 x −1

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 3 a. 3 3
d. −
2
5 4
e. − b. 3
2 3
c. 3
2
1− 1− x 1
10. xlim = .... d. − 3
→0 x2 3

a. 1 e. − 3
− 3
3
5
b. −
1
2 x+h − 5 x
14. The value of lim is ....
3 h →0 h
c. 1 1
− 2 a.
2 5
5 x4
1 1
d. − b.
2
5x 4 x
e. 1 5
2 c.
5
x4
2 + 3x − 2 − 5x 5
11. The value of lim is .... d.
x →0 4x x x4
5

a. 1
2 5
2 e.
4
x x
b. 1
3
3 7 − 2x + x 3
1 15. lim = ....
c. 3 x →∞ 4 + 5x 3 − x 6
2
a. –∞
d. 2
b. –1
e. 3 2 c. 0

d. 2
6x + 4 − 3x + 10
12. The value of lim = .... 5
x →2 2 x + 5 − 5x − 1
4 e. 1
a.
3 3x 7 − x 2 + 2
16. The value of lim = ....
b. 3 x →∞ 2 x 3 + 3x − 7
4
4 a. ∞
c.
7 3
b.
2
d. − 3
4 c. 1
e. − 4 d. 0
3 e. –∞
3− 6+x
(x + 1) = ....
2
(2x − 1)
3
13. The value of xlim = .... 2
→3 3 − 6−x 17. lim
(x − 2x + 1) (3x + 1)
x →∞ 2
3

Chapter 7 Limit of a Function 85

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 a. 3 1
8 c.
b. 4
3 4
d. −
c. 2 3
d. 0 3
e. −
e. − 5 2
3
3 2
18. The value of lim x
x →∞
( 3
)
x + 1 − 3 x = ....
22. The value of xlim
→0
cos αx − cos βx
x2
is ....
a. 1
3
2
1
(
a. − 2 α 2 − β2
2
)
b.
5
(
b. − 1 β2 − α 2
2
)
c. 1
5
d. − 2
1
c. − α 2 + β2
2
( )
5
e. −
1
2
(
d. 1 α 2 + β2 )
3

19. The value of lim

sin mx
is .... 2
(
e. 1 β2 − α 2 )
x →0 x
a. –m x sin a − a sin x
1 23. lim = ....
b. x →a x −a
m a. sin a – a cos a
c. m b. a sin a – cos a
d. 0 c. a(sin a + cos a)
e. 1 d. a(sin a – cos a)
1 − cos 4θ e. a(cos a – sin a)
20. lim = ....
θ → 0 1 − cos 6θ
cos( x + h ) − cos x
a. −
3 24. hlim = ....
→0 h
2
2 a. –cos x
b. −
3 b. –sin x
c. − 4 c. cos2 x
9
2 d. sin2 x
d.
3 e. sin x
e. 4
9 sin 3x + 7x
25. lim = ....
x → 0 4 x + sin 2 x
x tan x
21. lim = .... a. 5
x → 0 1 − cos 2 x
3
a. 3 b. 7
4 4
1 3
b. c.
2 2

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 3 c. 2
d.
5
1 d. 3
e.
4
e. 2 2
sin( x 2 + 4 x )
26. lim 3 = ....
x → 0 x − 5x 2 + 2 x
4 2 − (cos x + sin x )5
29. The value of lim is ....
a. –2 x→
π 1 − sin 2x
4
b. –1
a. 7 2
c. 0
b. 5 2
d. –2
e. –4 c. 4 2
2x − π d. 3 2
27. The value of lim is ....
x→
π cos x
2 e. 2 2
a. 2

b. 1 x − sin x
30. The value of xlim = ....
1 →∞ x + cos 2 x
c.
2
a. 1
1
d. –
2 b. 1
2
e. –2
c. 1
sin x − cos x 4
28. The value of lim is .... d. 0
π π
x→
4 x−
4 e. –1
1
a. 2
2
1
b. 3
2

B. Essay
Answer the following questions correctly.

1. Show that lim|x |= 0.

x →0

1, when x ≥ 0
2. Given f ( x ) =  . Discuss the existence of lim f ( x ) .
−1, when x < 0 x →0

|x − 5|
3. Discuss the existence of lim .
x →5 x −5

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 1 1
 − x, when 0 < x <
2 2
1 1
4. Given f ( x ) =  , when x = .
2 2
3 1
 2 − x, when 2 < x < 1


Show that lim f ( x ) does not exist.

1
x→
2

5. Evaluate the following limits:

x 2 − 5x + 6 x 2 − 5x + 6
a. lim c. lim
x → 2 x 2 − 3x + 2 x → 2 x 2 − 7 x + 10

x2 + x − 6 2 x 2 − 3x + 7
b. lim d. lim
x →2 x 2 − x − 2 x → 2 x 3 + 5x + 1

6. Evaluate the following limits:

x+7 −3 3− 5+ x
a. lim c. lim
x →2 x−2 x →4 1− 5 − x
2−x − 2+x 1+ x − 1+ x 2
b. lim d. lim
x →0 x x →0
1− x2 − 1− x

7. Evaluate the following limits:

( 2x ) (x − 1)
2 3
3 2
12 + 2 2 +  + x 2 − x +1
a. lim b. lim
(3x + 1) (2x − 3x + 1)
x →∞ ( x − 2 )( x + 3)( x − 4 ) x →∞ 4 4
2

8. Evaluate the following limits:

πx tan( x + h ) − tan x
a. lim(1 − x )tan b. lim
x →1 2 h →0 h

ax 2 − b
9. a. If lim = 4 , find the values of a and b.
x →2 x − 2

ax 2 + bx + 3
b. If lim = −2 , find the values of a and b.
x →1 x −1

1 f (x + h) − f (x ) 1
10. a. If f ( x ) = , show that lim =− 2.
2x h →0 h 2x
f (x + h) − f (x )
b. If f(x) = 2x2 + 3x – 4, show that lim = 4x + 3.
h →0 h

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