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Math 27 Unit 1 Module.pdf

This document is a module from the University of the Philippines covering the fundamental concepts of limits and continuity in calculus. It outlines the definition of limits, limit theorems, one-sided limits, infinite limits, and the continuity of functions, providing a foundation for further calculus topics. The module includes exercises and examples to help students understand and apply these concepts effectively.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
36 views32 pages

Math 27 Unit 1 Module.pdf

This document is a module from the University of the Philippines covering the fundamental concepts of limits and continuity in calculus. It outlines the definition of limits, limit theorems, one-sided limits, infinite limits, and the continuity of functions, providing a foundation for further calculus topics. The module includes exercises and examples to help students understand and apply these concepts effectively.

Uploaded by

aian andres
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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action against such infringement.

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
1.1 Definition of Limit and Limit Theorems 3
1.1.1 Definition of Limit of Function 3
1.1.2. Limit Theorems 4
1.2 One-sided Limits 6
1.3 Infinite Limits 8
1.4 Limits at Infinity 11
1.5 Indeterminate Forms 14
1.6 Continuity of a function 18
1.6.1 Continuity at a Point 18
1.6.2. Continuity on an Interval 20
Exercise 1 23

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

2
UNIT 1. LIMITS AND CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS OF SINGLE VARIABLE

Some of you may already be familiar with calculus of algebraic functions such as polynomial
functions, square root functions, and rational functions during your senior high school. However, for
this course, we will also consider calculus of transcendental functions which includes trigonometric
and inverse trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, among others. We start
this course guide with a fundamental concept in calculus which is the limit of a function. The concept
of limits forms the foundation of derivatives and integrals- the two most important concepts in
calculus, which we will discuss in the following units.

By the end of the unit, you should be able to do the following:

1. Apply limit theorems in evaluating limit of functions;


2. Investigate the behavior of a function using graphs;
3. Evaluate one-sided limit of functions;
4. Determine the limit of functions at infinity;
5. Decide on the continuity of a function; and
6. Classify discontinuity of a function.

This module is organized as follows. Section 1.1 will introduce you with the definition of limit and
provide some limit theorems which you can use to easily evaluate limits of functions. Section 1.2 will
deal with one-sided limits while Sections 1.3 and 1.4 will deal with infinite limits and limits at infinity
respectively. Transcendental functions will also be considered in the said sections. We end this unit
with the last two sections discussing indeterminate forms and continuity of functions.

1.1 Definition of and Theorems on Limit of Functions

1.1.1 Definition of Limit of a Function


The limit of a function is a fundamental concept in calculus. It describes the behavior of a
function as its variable gets closer and closer to a specific point. The derivative and the definite
integral are formally defined in terms of limits. Hence, it is significant in the study of calculus.

Intuitively, when we say “the limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 is 𝑳”, it means that “as 𝒙 gets
closer and closer to 𝒂, the function values of 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to 𝑳.” We use the notation
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙⟶𝒂
to mean, which is also read as,“the limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 equals 𝑳”.

To concretely illustrate the idea of limit, let us consider the function 𝒇 defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 .
Note that as 𝒙 gets closer and closer to 𝟐, the value of 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to 𝟒. One can
verify this fact by either looking at the graph of 𝒇 or by investigating the values of 𝒇(𝒙) for values of 𝒙
near 𝟐 like 𝟏. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 or 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟏. Then we write,

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟒.
𝒙⟶𝟐

𝒙+𝟏
TO DO: Consider 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟏.
• Investigate the values of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 gets near 1 both from the left and from the right.
𝒙+𝟏
• What can you say about the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ?
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙−𝟏

We state here the formal definition of limit.


MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

Definition 1.1 (Limit of a Function)


Let 𝒇 be a function defined at every number in some open interval containing 𝒂, except
possibly at 𝒂 itself. Then, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 if for every 𝜺 > 0 (however small), there exists 𝜹 > 0such
𝒙⟶𝒂
that if 𝟎 < |𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝛿, then |𝒇(𝒙) − 𝑳| < 𝜀.

3
REMARKS:
• The inequalities 𝟎 < |𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝛿 and |𝒇(𝒙) − 𝑳| < 𝜀 measures the “closeness” that is referred
to when we say “𝒙 approaches 𝒂” or “𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳.
• The limit of the function at a number 𝒂 does not depend at the value of 𝒇(𝒙) when 𝒙 = 𝒂. In
fact, 𝒇 need not even be defined at 𝒂.

1.1.2. Limit Theorems


Now, instead of investigating function values or using the definition, which sometimes
requires tedious computations, we introduce here some limit theorems that we can use to easily
evaluate the limit of a function.

MUST REMEMBER!!! Theorem 1.1(Limit Theorems)

1. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳𝟏and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳𝟐 , then 𝑳𝟏 = 𝑳𝟐 . (uniqueness)


𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

2. If 𝒄 is a constant, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒄 = 𝒄.


𝒙⟶𝒂

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝒂 and for 𝒏 ∈ ℕ, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏 .


𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

4. If 𝒎 and 𝒃 are any constants, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒎𝒙 + 𝒃) = 𝒎𝒂 + 𝒃.


𝒙⟶𝒂

5. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑴, then


𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒇(𝒙) ± 𝒈(𝒙)) = 𝑳 ± 𝑴
𝒙⟶𝒂
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)) = 𝑳 ∙ 𝑴
𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) 𝑳
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝑴 provided 𝑴 ≠ 𝟎
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙)

𝒏
6. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳, 𝑳 > 0 and 𝒏 ∈ ℕ is even, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒏√𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

𝒏
If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝒏 ∈ ℕ is odd, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒏√𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

From the theorems above, it is immediate that for a polynomial function, say 𝑷(𝒙), computing
the limit is simply evaluating 𝑷(𝒙) at 𝒙 = 𝒂, i.e., ,𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝑷(𝒙) = 𝑷(𝒂).
𝒙⟶𝒂

ILLUSTRATION 1.1:

1. Consider the constant function 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒆, where 𝒆 is the Euler’s number. Let 𝒂 be any real
number. By the limit theorem for constants, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆 = 𝒆.
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

2. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟓𝒙 + 𝟑), since 𝑝(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 3 is a polynomial, simply evaluate the
𝒙⟶−𝟏
function at 𝒙 = −𝟏. Hence,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟓𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟓(−𝟏) + 𝟑 = −𝟐.
𝒙⟶−𝟏

3. Consider the polynomial 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒), simply
𝒙⟶𝟐
evaluate the function at 𝒙 = 𝟐. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒) = 𝟐𝟑 − 𝟑 ∙ 𝟐𝟐 + 𝟒 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶𝟐

𝟐𝒙−𝟑
4. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐+𝟏 ), we simply evaluate the limit of the numerator and the
𝒙⟶−𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

denominator.
𝟐𝒙−𝟑 𝟕
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑) = −𝟕 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟓. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐+𝟏) = − 𝟓.
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐

𝟔
5. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟒 − 𝒙−𝟐 + 𝝅𝟐 ), we simply compute for the limit term-by-term.
𝒙⟶𝟓
𝟔
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦(√𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟑, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙−𝟐) = 𝟐, and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝝅𝟐 = 𝝅𝟐 .
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙⟶𝟓
𝟔
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟒 − 𝒙−𝟐 + 𝝅 ) = 𝟑 − 𝟐 + 𝝅 = 𝟏 + 𝝅𝟐 .
𝟐 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟓

4
REMARK: As you might notice, evaluating the limit of a function seems like merely evaluating the
function at a certain number. However, that is not always the case. There may be times that after direct
𝟎
substitution, you will get 𝟎, which we refer to as an indeterminate form. Also, you might get something
𝒄
like , where 𝒄 is a nonzero constant. We will know more about these forms in the later sections. But
𝟎
for now, as long as we get a real number after a correct substitution, then we are sure that the value
that we obtained is the limit of the given function.

TRY THIS! Compute the following limits.

𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−𝟏 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙−𝟏

𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝟏
2. 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏 5. 𝒙⟶− 𝒙𝟐
𝟐

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √ 𝒙 − 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟒

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Why Calculus? (Don’t Memorise):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBoAm4mZNxc

What is Calculus-Limits? (Don’t Memorise):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcavZVxE9Kk

Calculus Volume 1 (OpenStax Book):


https://opentextbc.ca/calculusv1openstax/

Unit in Limits and Continuity (Khan Academy):


https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/dc-limits

Introduction to Limits and Estimating Limit Values from Graphs (Khan Academy):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riXcZT2ICjA
https://youtu.be/mols6pMKrto
https://youtu.be/l6FX_r_Tkls

Limit Properties (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/lSwsAFgWqR8

Limits by Direct Substitution (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/cfOcOgr0E7U

Limit Theorems (Tagalog/English, Sir Pen Math TV):


Part 1 (start at 4:25): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QQZqoxQIJ8&t=247s
Part 2 (correction on limit of nth root: provided L>0 when n is even):
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfU5rSpWCyM

Limit Properties (Lecture and Exercises, Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsProperties.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsProperties.aspx

5
1.2 One-sided Limits

Now, it is often useful to consider the limit of a function as 𝒙 approaches a given number 𝒂
either from the right or from the left. There are also some instances when a function may only have a
limit from the left or from the right. We may take 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙 as an example. Substitute real numbers
from the left of 𝟎, like −𝟒, to the given function. What is the answer?

We will see that there would be no real number answers when we substitute numbers from
the left of 𝟎 to 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙. Because of this, it is immediate that 𝒇(𝒙) will not approach any real
number as 𝒙 approaches values from the left of 𝟎. Hence, in this case, we say that the limit of the
given function as 𝒙 approaches 𝟎 does not exist.

However, we can instead take a look at the function values from the right of 𝟎. What happens
to 𝒇(𝒙) when we consider values of 𝒙 from the right of and close to 𝟎?

We will see that from the right of 𝟎, the values of 𝒇(𝒙) also happens to approach 𝟎. In this
case, we say that the limit of 𝒇 from the right of 𝟎 is 𝟎. We call this type of limit a one-sided limit. The
definition is given below.

Definition 1.2 (One-Sided Limit)


Consider a real number 𝒂 and a function 𝒇.

Limit from the right


Let 𝒇 be defined from the right of 𝒂, i.e. on some open interval of the form (𝒂, 𝒄).
The limit of 𝒇 from the right of 𝒂 is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂
from the right. We denote this by

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂+

Limit from the left


Let 𝒇 be defined from the left of 𝒂, i.e. on some open interval of the form (𝒅, 𝒂).
The limit of 𝒇 from the left of 𝒂 is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 from
the left. We denote this by
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂−

MUST REMEMBER!!!

Theorem1.2. The 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) exists and is equal to 𝑳 if and only if 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) both exist
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
and both are equal to 𝑳.

ILLUSTRATION 1.2:

1. Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙 − 𝟐 with domain 𝑫𝒇 = [𝟐, +∞).

Note that 𝒇 is defined from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟐 but is undefined from the left of 𝒂 = 𝟐.
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

Since 𝒇 is undefined from the left of 𝒂 = 𝟐, it is immediate that 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝒙 − 𝟐 does not exist.
𝒙⟶𝟐
Now, from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟐, the function values approaches 𝟎. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ √𝒙 − 𝟐 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶𝟐

Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ √𝒙 − 𝟐 exists but since 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝒙 − 𝟐 does not exist, then the “two-sided limit”
𝒙⟶𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 − 𝟐 does not exist.
𝒙⟶𝟐

6
𝟐
2. Consider the function 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝒙 + 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏 with domain 𝑫𝒈 = ℝ.
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 𝟏

We focus on the behavior of the function as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 = 𝟏.

To obtain the limit from the right, we consider the function values from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟏.
This is given by the condition 𝒙 > 𝟏.
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ (𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

To obtain the limit from the left, we consider the function values from the left of 𝒂 = 𝟏.
This is given by the condition 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏.
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

Since 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒈(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒈(𝒙) both exist and are both equal to 𝟐, the theorem tells us that
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) also exists and that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

One-sided Limits using Graphs (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/nOnd3SiYZqM

Limits of Piecewise Function (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/2xdh0yKopB8

Limits using Graphs and Piecewise Function (Filipino, Numberbender):


https://youtu.be/tXxQpGFOdiI

One-sided Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/OneSidedLimits.aspx

Practice Problems on One-Sided Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/OneSidedLimits.aspx

Exercises on One-Sided Limits:


https://www.shmoop.com/functions-graphs-limits/limits-one-sided-exercises.html

Exercise on One-Sided Limits using Graphs:


https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-3/e/one-sided-limits-
from-graphs

Exercises on One-Sided Limits (pdf):


https://online.math.uh.edu/Math1314-unpaid/ch2/s23/Sec_23_Exercises.pdf

Limits of Functions (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):


https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.2%3A_Limits_of_Functions
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.2E%3A_Limits_of_Functions_Exercises
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

7
1.3 Infinite Limits

It is also possible that 𝒇(𝒙) can increase or decrease


without bound. We discuss this case in this section. Consider
𝟏
the function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 whose graph is given at the
right.
𝟏
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 does not exist. The function values
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙
𝟏
𝒙
do not approach any particular value as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎.
𝟎
However, we can still establish the behavior of the
function as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎+ and as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎− .
𝟏
As 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎+, the values of 𝒙 increases without bound.
𝟏 𝟏
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ is of the form which means that the
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙 𝟎+
denominator approaches 0 through positive values.
𝟏
Hence, we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒙 = +∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
As 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎−, the values decreases without bound. Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒙 is of the form which
𝒙 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟎−
means that the denominator approaches 0 through negative values.
𝟏
Hence, we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒙 = −∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎

REMARK: Infinite limits of the form 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = +∞ or 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −∞ describe the behavior of the
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
function. The limit 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) does not exist but the function values increases without bound
𝒙⟶𝒂
(+∞) or decreases without bound (−∞).

MUST REMEMBER!!!Theorems on Infinite Limits

Theorem 1.3. Let 𝒏 be a positive integer.


𝟏
i. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒏 = +∞
𝒙⟶𝟎+ 𝒙

𝟏 +∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧
ii. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ={
𝒙⟶𝟎− 𝒙𝒏 −∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐝𝐝

Moreover, if 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒄 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟎, then


𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) +
i. If 𝒄 > 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎+ , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = +∞. (𝟎+ )
𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) +
ii. If 𝒄 > 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎− , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = −∞. (𝟎− )
𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) −
iii. If 𝒄 < 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎+ , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = −∞. (𝟎+ )
𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) −
iv. If 𝒄 < 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎− , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = +∞. (𝟎− )
𝒙⟶𝒂
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

ILLUSTRATION 1.3:
𝟐𝒙−𝟏
To obtain 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + , note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏) = −𝟕 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 +(𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟎. Note that 𝒙 + 𝟑
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
approaches 𝟎 through positive values as 𝒙 ⟶ −𝟑+.

𝟐𝒙−𝟏 −𝟕 𝟐𝒙−𝟏 −𝟕
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒙+𝟑
( 𝟎+ ) = −∞. Similarly, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒙+𝟑
( 𝟎− ) = +∞.
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑

8
We discuss here the behavior of some transcendental functions that we will encounter in the
later units, in relation to infinite limits. However, our discussion will only be limited to the investigation
of the behavior of the function using graphs.

We first consider the function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 whose graph is given below. The graph
is generated using the graphing calculator of desmos.com:

𝝅
𝟐

By inspecting the graph, we will see that as 𝒙 get closer and closer to 𝟎 from the right, 𝒇(𝒙) gets
closer and closer to 𝟎 also. Hence, we can say that

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶𝟎+

𝝅 𝝅 𝝅
Next, we look at the behavior of the function near 𝟐 . From the left of 𝟐 , as 𝒙 gets near 𝟐 , we
see that 𝒇(𝒙) increases without bound as indicated by the graph. To note this scenario, we write
𝝅 𝝅
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝝅−
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = +∞ . Also, observe that from the right of 𝟐 , as 𝒙 gets near 𝟐 , the values of 𝒇(𝒙) gets
𝒙⟶
𝟐
smaller and smaller. Thus, we have

𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = −∞.


𝝅
𝒙⟶
𝟐

TO DO: Consider other trigonometric functions like 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙, 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙, and 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙. Observe the function values
𝝅
near 𝟎 and 𝟐 . You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. Determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝝅−
𝒇(𝒙), and
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶
𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙).
𝝅
𝒙⟶
𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

9
Next, we consider another transcendental function which is the logarithmic function defined by
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐧 𝒙. Recall that 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 if and only if 𝒙 = 𝒆𝒚. The graph of the said function is given below:

Observe the behavior of the graph as 𝒙 gets near 𝟎 from the right. We can see that the function
value decreases without bound which is suggested by the part of the graph going down at the right of
the origin. Thus, we say
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 = −∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎

How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐥𝐧 𝒙?


𝒙⟶𝟎

This is the same case as 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙. Note that at the left of 𝟎, 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 is undefined, which
automatically guarantees 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 does not exist.
𝒙⟶𝟎

TO DO: Consider the logarithmic functions defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏 𝒙.Observe the
𝟐
function values near 𝟎. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. For each of the given functions,
determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) if such values exist.
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Introduction to Infinite Limits (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/WS-76fFFICY

Infinite Limits Challenge (Khan Academy):


https://www.khanacademy.org/math/calculus-all-old/limits-and-continuity-calc/infinite-limits-
review-calc/e/infinite-limits-challenge

Infinite Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/InfiniteLimits.aspx

Practice Problems on Infinite Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/InfiniteLimits.aspx

Infinite Limits (Lecture and Practice Problems, Math Warehouse):


https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-infinite-skills.php

Infinite Limits (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):


https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

_2_Limits/2.4%3A_Infinite_Limits

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.4E%3A_Infinite_Limits_EXERCISES

10
1.4 Limits at Infinity

Next, we look at the case when 𝒙 increases or decreases without bound.

Let 𝒇 be a function defined on the interval (𝒂, +∞). The limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 increases without
bound is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 ⟶ +∞.

Notation: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳


𝒙⟶+∞

Let 𝒈 be a function defined on the interval (−∞, 𝒃). The limit of 𝒈(𝒙) as 𝒙 decreases without
bound is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒈(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 ⟶ −∞.

Notation: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳


𝒙⟶−∞

MUST REMEMBER!!! Theorem on Limits at Infinity


𝟏 𝟏
Theorem 1.4. Let 𝒏 be a positive integer. Then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝒏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝒏

REMARK: In computing the limit at infinity of a quotient (of polynomials), simply divide both numerator
and denominator by 𝒙𝒏 – i.e. the term with the highest power. This is to obtain expressions of the form
𝟏
𝒙𝒏
.

ILLUSTRATION 1.4:
𝒙+𝟐
1. To compute 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , identify the term with the highest power. This is obviously 𝒙.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟓−𝟑𝒙
𝒙+𝟐 𝟐
𝒙+𝟐 𝟏+ 𝟏 𝟐 𝟓
𝒙 𝒙
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟓−𝟑𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟓 =− since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟓−𝟑𝒙 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ −𝟑 𝟑 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙
𝒙 𝒙

𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓
2. For 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , the term with the highest power is 𝒙𝟑 .
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 +𝒙𝟐 +𝟏
𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓 𝟏 𝟑 𝟓
𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓 − + 𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙 𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟑
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑 𝟐 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 𝟏 = 𝟏 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 +𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 +𝒙 +𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏+ + 𝟑
𝒙𝟑 𝒙 𝒙

We will discuss more about infinite limits and limits at infinity in Section1.5, which is on
indeterminate forms.

Just as in the previous section, we next turn our attention to limits at infinity involving
transcendental functions. Consider the inverse trigonometric function defined by 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙
𝝅 𝝅
with − 𝟐 ≤ 𝒚 ≤ 𝟐 . Recall that 𝒚 = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 if and only if 𝒙 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒚. The graph of the said function is
given below.
𝝅
𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝝅

𝟐

11
𝝅
We notice that by looking at the graph, there are two horizontal asymptotes, namely 𝒚 = 𝟐
and
𝝅 𝝅
𝒚 = − 𝟐 . This is also the reason why as 𝒙 increases without bound, 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to 𝟐 .
𝝅
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = 𝟐 . How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙?
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶−∞

TO DO: Consider 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙. Observe the function values as 𝒙 gets near 𝟎 and as 𝒙
approaches +∞ and −∞. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. Determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙),
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙), and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙).
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶−∞

We close this section by considering the exponential function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙 . We give
its graph below:

Observe the behavior of the function as 𝒙 decreases without bound, i.e., as 𝒙 approaches
−∞. What happens to 𝒇(𝒙)? We can see that the function values approach 𝟎 in this case. Thus, we
have
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶−∞

How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 ? Try to evaluate it.


𝒙⟶+∞

𝟏 𝒙
TO DO: Consider the exponential functions defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 and 𝒇(𝒙) = (𝟐) . Observe the
function values as 𝒙 increases or decreases without bound. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this.
For each of the given functions, determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙).
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶−∞
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

12
TRY THIS!

A. Find the limits.

𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒 𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶ 𝟎 𝒙𝟐 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟖
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒙+𝟏
2. 𝒙⟶𝟐 𝟐−𝒙 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏

B. For the following conditional functions, properly implement rules on one-sided limits to determine
whether the limit at the indicated point exists or does not exist.
𝟑
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = {𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 1
𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 1

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)


𝒙⟶𝟏+ 𝒙⟶𝟏− 𝒙⟶𝟏

𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −2
2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 2
−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙)


𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐− 𝒙⟶−𝟐

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Introduction to Limits at Infinity (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/eh_ATp0hbB0

Exercise on Limits at Infinity of Quotients (Khan Academy):


https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-15/e/limits-at-infinity-
where-x-is-unbounded

Limits at Infinity (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityI.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityII.aspx

Exercises on Limits at Infinity (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityI.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityII.aspx

Limits at Infinity (Numberbender):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdC5S5N6Fwo

Limits at Infinity (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):


https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

_2_Limits/2.5%3A_Limits_at_Infinity
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.5E%3A_Limits_at_Infinity_EXERCISES

13
1.5 Indeterminate Forms
𝟎 ∞
In this section, we will consider limit forms 𝟎 and ∞ which are examples of indeterminate
forms. Note that aside from the two forms, there also other indeterminate forms which will be
discussed when we talk about L’Hopital’s Rule.

There are different methods to resolve indeterminate forms. But for this section, we will
consider only the simple method of simplifying expressions by removing common factors either by
factoring or by rationalizing.
𝟎
Now, for rational functions, if we encounter the indeterminate form , this indicates that the
𝟎
numerator and the denominator has a common factor.

𝟎
MUST REMEMBER!!! How to deal with ?
𝟎

𝟎
To resolve the indeterminate form 𝟎, we simply cancel the common factors in the numerator
and denominator or rationalize the numerator or denominator, whichever is applicable, then proceed
by using the basic limit theorems given in Theorem 1.1.

ILLUSTRATION 1.5:

𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 𝟎
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 is of the form which is an indeterminate form.
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎

𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 (𝒕+𝟏)(𝒕−𝟐) 𝒕+𝟏


Note that 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒
= (𝒕−𝟐)(𝒕+𝟐) = 𝒕+𝟐
provided 𝒕 ≠ 𝟐.
𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 𝒕+𝟏 𝟑
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒕+𝟐 = 𝟒.
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒 𝒕⟶𝟐

Alternatively, the solution can be written simply as:


𝒕𝟐 − 𝒕 − 𝟐 𝟎 (𝒕 + 𝟏)(𝒕 − 𝟐) 𝒕+𝟏 𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = .
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕 − 𝟒 𝟎 𝒕⟶𝟐 (𝒕 − 𝟐)(𝒕 + 𝟐) 𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕 + 𝟐 𝟒

𝟎
REMARK: We inserted (𝟎) in the solution to indicate that the limit problem has indeterminate form
𝟎 𝟎 𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 𝟎
(𝟎). Also, note that we did not put an equal sign “=” before (𝟎) because 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ≠ 𝟎.
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒

𝒙−𝟒 𝟎
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 is of the form 𝟎 .
𝒙⟶𝟒 √𝒙−𝟐

𝒙−𝟒 √𝒙+𝟐 (𝒙−𝟒)(√𝒙+𝟐)


Rationalizing the denominator, ∙ = = √𝒙 + 𝟐.
√𝒙−𝟐 √𝒙+𝟐 𝒙−𝟒

𝒙−𝟒 𝟎
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟎) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦(√𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝟒 .
𝒙⟶𝟒 √𝒙−𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟒
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)


Next, we consider the indeterminate form . The symbol ∞ may represent +∞ or −∞. This

form appears when both the numerator and denominator of a rational function have infinite limits at

the same point. Some of the problems given in Section 1.4 has the indeterminate form ∞ . We exclude
those cases in the following discussion. Instead, we consider functions containing some radical
expression in the numerator or denominator.

14

MUST REMEMBER!!! How to deal with ?

To solve limit at infinity problems that involve square root functions with indeterminate

form , we divide both the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝒏, where 𝒏 is the highest power of 𝒙

in the expression inside the square root. Simplify the resulting expression and use the fact that as
𝒙 ⟶ +∞,we have √𝑥 2 = |𝑥| = 𝑥 and as 𝒙 ⟶ −∞, we have √𝑥 2 = |𝑥| = −𝑥. Then use applicable
theorems from the previous sections.

ILLUSTRATION 1.6:

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
1. Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏−𝒙
.

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 +∞
We first compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , which is of the form −∞ .
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏−𝒙
To resolve this, we divide the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝟐 .
Note that √𝒙𝟐 = |𝒙|. Since we consider 𝒙 ⟶ +∞ which are through positive values, |𝒙| = 𝒙.

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝟐 𝟏
√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 ∞ √𝒙 −𝟏 √𝟏− 𝟐
𝟏
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝟐 𝒙
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏−𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏−𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = = −𝟏.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏−𝒙 ∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ −𝟏 −𝟏
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 +∞
Next, we compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , which is of the form +∞ .
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏−𝒙
To resolve this, we again divide the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝟐 .
Again, √𝒙𝟐 = |𝒙|. However, since we consider 𝒙 ⟶ −∞ which are through negative values,
|𝒙| = −𝒙.

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
The computation is similar above and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏.
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏−𝒙

√𝒙𝟑 −𝟏
2. Solve for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 .
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙−𝟏

√𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝟑 −𝟏 𝟏
√𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏 ∞ √𝒙 √𝟏 −
√ 𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏 ∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏 𝟏
− 𝒙√𝒙
√ 𝒙𝟑 𝒙√𝒙 √𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 +
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( − 𝒙√𝒙) = 𝟎 .
𝒙⟶+∞ √𝒙
Thus,
𝟏
√𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏 ∞ √𝟏 − 𝟑 𝟏
𝒙
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏
( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 𝟏 ( + ) = +∞.
∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ − 𝟎
√𝒙 𝒙√𝒙
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

We can see here that the technique that we learned so far is a little restrictive, especially for

the case of ∞ . But there is no need to worry because we will soon introduce L’Hôpital’s Rule, which is
a more efficient way of dealing with indeterminate forms. We will cover this method in the next unit.

We give here a preview of Unit 2. As mentioned in 1.1.1, the limit is the basis of the
derivative. And so, we briefly examine here how to find the derivative of a function using limits.
15
The Derivative as Limit Problem

𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
The derivative of a function is defined in terms of the limit i.e. 𝒇′(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , which
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉
follows an indeterminate form, if the limit exists. Let us look at the example below.

ILLUSTRATION 1.7:

Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒. Use the definition of derivative to find𝒇′(𝒙).

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙) (𝒙 + 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝟑(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝟒 − (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒)


We start with the expression =
𝒉 𝒉
𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙𝒉 + 𝒉 + 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟑𝒉 − 𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒
𝟐 𝟐
=
𝒉
𝟐
𝟐𝒙𝒉 + 𝒉 + 𝟑𝒉
=
𝒉
= 𝟐𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑.
𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 .
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 𝒉⟶𝟎

Thus, 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑.

TRY THIS!

A. Compute the following limits.

𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 √𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓 𝒙+𝟐
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟔 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒 −𝟏
√ 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 − 𝟑
3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓

B. Solve for 𝒇′(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙.


MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

16
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Limits by Factoring(Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/EAa3J_nDkoI

Exercise on Limits by Factoring (Khan Academy):


https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-6/e/two-sided-limits-
using-algebra

Limits by Rationalizing (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/yVWxxQ7SMOw

Strategy in Finding Limits (Khan Academy, includes flowchart):


https://youtu.be/ZaLw1cunN3s

Computing Limits Notes and Practice Problems (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/ComputingLimits.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/ComputingLimits.aspx

Techniques in Solving Limits (Filipino, Numberbender):


https://youtu.be/jcJdM6QuNs0

Solving Limits by Factoring (Filipino, Numberbender):


https://youtu.be/j7Fs4eTjunA

Indeterminate Limits (Math Warehouse):


https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-indeterminate-factorable.php
https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-indeterminate-rationalizing.php

Techniques for Computing Limits (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):


https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.3%3A_Limit_Laws_and_Techniques_for_Computing_Limits
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.3E%3A_Limit_Laws_and_Techniques_for_Computing_Limits_EXERCISES

Evaluating Limits (Math is Fun):


https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/limits-evaluating.html

How to Find Any Limit (NancyPi, Summative video):


Part 1 https://youtu.be/nJZm-zp639s
Part 2 https://youtu.be/v9fQ_QeCHpI
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

17
1.6 Continuity of a Function

Another important concept in calculus is continuity of a function. Many statements in


mathematics use this concept as an assumption (see for example Mean Value Theorem or
Intermediate Value Theorem). Geometrically, a function that is continuous at a point 𝒂 has NO
BREAK, HOLE, JUMP OR GAP at 𝒂. Roughly speaking, a continuous function has a “continuous”
graph i.e. you can draw the graph over its domain without lifting your pen from the paper.. We first
consider continuity at a point whose definition is given below.

1.6.1 Continuity at a Point

Definition 1.3 (Continuity of a Function at a Point)

A function 𝒇 is continuous at 𝒂 if the following conditions are satisfied:


i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the Conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) fails to hold, the function 𝒇 is discontinuous at 𝒂.

If the function 𝒇 is discontinuous at 𝒂 but Condition (ii) is satisfied, then 𝑓 has a removable
discontinuity at 𝒂. Otherwise, if Condition (ii) is not satisfied, then 𝒇 has an essential discontinuity
at 𝒂.

MUST REMEMBER!!!
A removable discontinuity at 𝒂 is resolved by redefining the function at 𝒙 = 𝒂 so that the
resulting function is continuous. An essential discontinuity is usually a jump or an infinite
discontinuity.

ILLUSTRATION 1.8:
𝟓 − 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐
1. Determine if the function defined by𝒇(𝒙) = { is continuous at 𝟐.
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐

i. 𝒇 is defined at 𝟐 since 𝒇(𝟐) = 𝟐𝟐 − 𝟏 = 𝟑

ii. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏) = 𝟑


𝒙⟶𝟐+ 𝒙⟶𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦−(𝟓 − 𝒙) = 𝟑


𝒙⟶𝟐− 𝒙⟶𝟐

So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) exists and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑


𝒙⟶𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐

iii. From (i) and (ii), 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝟐) = 𝟑.


𝒙⟶𝟐

Thus, the function 𝒇 is continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟐.


𝒙+𝟑
2. Determine if the function defined by 𝒈(𝒙) = is continuous at −𝟑.
𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟔

Note that 𝒈 is not defined at −𝟑. Immediately, 𝒈 is discontinuous at −𝟑.


MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙+𝟑 𝟎 𝒙+𝟑 𝟏 𝟏
Yet, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = − 𝟓.
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟔 𝟎 𝒙⟶−𝟑 (𝒙+𝟑)(𝒙−𝟐) 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙−𝟐

Since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) exists, the function has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑.
𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙+𝟑
𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≠ −𝟑
By redefining the function as 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙 +𝒙−𝟔
𝟏 , we obtain a continuous function.
− 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑
𝟓

18
𝒙 + 𝟑 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎
3. Determine if the function defined by 𝒉(𝒙) = { is continuous at 𝟎.
𝟒 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟎

Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ (𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟑 but 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝟒 = 𝟒.


𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎

So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) does not exist.


𝒙⟶𝟎

Hence, 𝒉 is discontinuous at 𝒂 = 𝟎 and the discontinuity is essential.

If we are going to look at the graph of 𝒉, we will see that there is a “jump” at 𝒙 = 𝟎. This is a case
of a jump discontinuity.

We provide here some useful theorems about the continuity of some classes of functions.

MUST REMEMBER!!!

Theorem 1.5
a. If 𝒇 and 𝒈 are functions that are continuous at a number 𝒂, then 𝒇 + 𝒈, 𝒇 − 𝒈 and 𝒇 ∙ 𝒈
𝒇
are continuous at 𝒂, and so is 𝒈
, provided 𝒈(𝒂) ≠ 𝟎.
b. A polynomial function is continuous at every number.
c. A rational function is continuous over its domain.
d. The function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑷(𝒙), where 𝑷(𝒙) is a polynomial function, is
continuous for all 𝒙 such that 𝑷(𝒙) > 0.

TRY THIS! Determine whether the following functions are continuous or not at the given point 𝒂. Classify
the discontinuity and redefine the function if possible.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = 𝟎
𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐−𝟏 at 𝒂 = 𝟏

3. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑

𝒙+𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
4. 𝒇(𝒙) = { at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
5. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝟐
6. 𝒉(𝒙) = { 𝟑𝟐− 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐 at 𝒂 = 𝟐
𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

19
1.6.2 Continuity on an Interval

Next, we consider continuity on an interval which is also based on the previous section. We
give the definition below.

Definition 1.4 (Continuity of a Function on an Open Interval)


A function 𝒇 is said to be continuous on an open interval(𝒂, 𝒃) if and only if 𝒇 is continuous
at every number in (𝒂, 𝒃). If there exists at least one number in (𝒂, 𝒃) where 𝒇 is discontinuous, then
𝒇 is said to be discontinuous on (𝒂, 𝒃).

REMARK: In showing continuity on an open interval, we can use the results in Theorem 1.5.

ILLUSTRATION 1.9:
𝒙+𝟏
Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = . Determine if 𝒇 is continuous on a) (−𝟏, 𝟏) and b) (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎).
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

Note that the domain of 𝒇 is ℝ − {−𝟏, 𝟏}. Thus, by Theorem 1.5, 𝒇 is continuous at every
number in ℝ − {−𝟏, 𝟏}. In other words, 𝒇 is discontinuous only at −𝟏 and 𝟏. Since (−𝟏, 𝟏) does not
contain −𝟏 and 𝟏, then 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟏, 𝟏). However, since 𝟏 is in (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎), then it follows that 𝒇
is discontinuous on (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎).

Next, we consider one-sided continuity which we will use in determining continuity of functions
on non-open intervals.

Definition 1.5 (Right-Hand and Left-Hand Continuity)


A function 𝒇 is said to be continuous from the right at the number 𝒂 if and only if the
following three conditions are satisfied:

i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the conditions fails to hold, the function 𝒇 is discontinuous from the right at 𝒂.

A function 𝒇 is said to continuous from the left at the number 𝒂 if and only if the following
three conditions are satisfied:

i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the conditions fails to hold, the function 𝒇 is discontinuous from the left at 𝒂.

Now, we are ready to define continuity on closed and half-open intervals.

Definition 1.6 (Continuity on Non-Open Interval)

A function 𝒇 is said to continuous on the closed interval [𝒂, 𝒃] if and only if it is continuous
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃), as well as continuous from the right at 𝒂 and continuous from the left at 𝒃.
On the other hand, 𝒇 is said to continuous on the half-open interval [𝒂, 𝒃) if and only if it is
continuous on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃), as well as continuous from the right at 𝒂. Moreover, 𝒇 is said to
continuous on the half-open interval (𝒂, 𝒃] if and only if it is continuous on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃),
as well as continuous from the left at 𝒃.

20
REMARK: The previous definition suggests that a function is continuous on the closed interval [𝒂, 𝒃] if
and only if it is both continuous on [𝒂, 𝒃) and on (𝒂, 𝒃].

ILLUSTRATION 1.10:
Show that the function 𝒉 defined by 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 is continuous on the closed interval
[−𝟐, 𝟐].

To be able to show that 𝒉 is continuous on [−𝟐, 𝟐], we need to show three things: first, that 𝒉
is continuous on the open interval (−𝟐, 𝟐); second, that 𝒉 is continuous from the right at -𝟐; and lastly,
that 𝒉 is continuous from the left at 𝟐.

By Theorem 1.5 d, 𝒉 is continuous whenever 𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 > 𝟎, i.e. when −𝟐 < 𝒙 < 𝟐. Thus, 𝒉 is
continuous on (−𝟐, 𝟐).
Now, 𝒉(−𝟐) = 𝟎. Hence, 𝒉(−𝟐) exists. Also, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟎. Thus,
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) exists, and we see that, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒉(−𝟐).Therefore, 𝒉 is continuous from the right at
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐
−𝟐.
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟎 which is also equal to 𝒉(−𝟐). Hence, 𝒉 is continuous
𝒙⟶𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐
from the left at 𝟐, and consequently, 𝒉 is continuous on [−𝟐, 𝟐].

REMARK: Notice that in the previous example, 𝒉 is discontinuous at −𝟐 and 𝟐 because


𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒉(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒉(𝒙) do not exist. Although both −𝟐 and 𝟐 are included in the interval [−𝟐, 𝟐], we
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐
were still able to conclude that 𝒉 is continuous on the said interval, mainly because, we are only
concerned with the numbers from the right of and near −𝟐, but not −𝟐 actually. The same goes for
the numbers from the left of and near 𝟐. Therefore, it is NOT ALWAYS TRUE that if a function is
discontinuous at a number in a closed interval, then the function is automatically discontinuous on the
given interval. This means that if we notice that a function has a point of discontinuity, most especially
on the endpoint of the closed interval, we CANNOT conclude right away that the given function is
discontinuous.

TRY THIS! Determine whether the following function is continuous or not on a given interval.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, 𝟔]
𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐−𝟏 on (−𝟏, 𝟏)

𝒙−𝟏
3. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐−𝟏 on [−𝟏, 𝟏]

4. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]

5. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on [−𝟑, 𝟎)

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
6. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓]
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
7. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on (−𝟓, −𝟑]
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
8. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on [−𝟑, 𝟐)
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

21
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Continuity at a Point (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/3KMqU5j7irw
https://youtu.be/TdVDqWOR3dU
https://youtu.be/LVqv8PBR1is
https://youtu.be/X51CaI4tfQg
https://youtu.be/NVGBq_V-F6U

Continuity on an Interval (Khan Academy):


https://youtu.be/ENIQiqxFpBc
https://youtu.be/DCWeH62w-NA
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/dc-limits/dc-limits/dc-interval-
continuity/e/continuous-functions--graphs?modal=1

Continuity at a Point (The Organic Chemistry Tutor):


https://youtu.be/WT7oxiiFYt8

Continuity at a Point (Paul’s Online Notes):


https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/Continuity.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/Continuity.aspx

Continuity (Math Warehouse):


https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/continuity/

Continuity (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):


https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.6%3A_Continuity
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.6E%3A_Continuity_EXERCISES

Exercises on Continuity:
https://www.math-exercises.com/analysis-of-functions/continuity-of-a-function

Continuity (OpenStax Book):


https://opentextbc.ca/calculusv1openstax/chapter/continuity/

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

~ END OF UNIT 1 ~
22
EXERCISE 1 Limits and Continuity

Name: _________________________________________ MATH 27 Section: _______

I. Evaluate the following limits.


a. lim (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7)
𝑥→−2

b. lim (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1)2
𝑥→0

√𝑥 2 +2
c. lim
𝑥→−1 7−𝑥

d. lim (𝑓(𝑥 ) − 5𝑥) if lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3


𝑥→2 𝑥→2
𝑥−3
e. lim 𝑥 2 −9
𝑥→3
8𝑥 3−36𝑥 2+30𝑥+25
f. lim5 −8𝑥 3+18𝑥 2+11𝑥−15
𝑥→
2

√14−𝑥−3
g. lim
𝑥→5 1−√6−𝑥

4−√𝑥
h. lim
𝑥→16 16−𝑥
3𝑥+2
i. lim
𝑥→1+ 1−𝑥
4𝑥−3
j. lim
𝑥→2− 𝑥 2−4
1
k. lim
𝑥→3+ 𝑥 2−2𝑥−3
𝑥+1
l. lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4
𝑥 2−5
m. lim
𝑥→∞ 3𝑥 2−𝑥+2
𝑥 3 −8
n. lim
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥 2 +2𝑥+4

II. Consider the graph of the function ℎ below. Find the following:
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

23
a. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→−1−

b. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→−1+

c. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→0−

d. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→0

e. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→1−

f. lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→1+

III. For the following conditional functions, determine its limit at the indicated point
by using the theorems on one-sided limits.
−2𝑥
if 𝑥 < 1
a. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = {𝑥−1
2𝑥 at 𝑥 = 1
if 𝑥 > 1
𝑥−1

2
b. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = {√𝑥 − 1 if 𝑥 < −1 at 𝑥 = −1
𝑥+2 if 𝑥 ≥ −1

IV. Determine the continuity of the following functions at the indicated point. If the
discontinuity is removable, redefine the function to make it continuous.
a. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 4𝑥 5 − 3𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 1 at 𝑥 = 2
2𝑥 2−11𝑥−21
b. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = at 𝑥 = 7
2𝑥 2 −9𝑥−35
16𝑥 3 +4𝑥 2−8𝑥−3 1
c. ℎ(𝑥 ) = 8𝑥 3+12𝑥 2+6𝑥+1 at 𝑥 = − 2
6𝑥 3+29𝑥 2+46𝑥+24
d. 𝑖(𝑥 ) = at 𝑥 = −2
2𝑥 3−3𝑥 2 −29𝑥−30

𝑥 + 2 if 𝑥 < −1
e. 𝑗(𝑥 ) = {1 if 𝑥 = −1 at 𝑥 = −1
2 − 𝑥 2 if 𝑥 > −1
2𝑥 2 − 3 if 𝑥 < 3
f. 𝑘(𝑥 ) = {10 if 𝑥 = 3 at 𝑥 = 3
3𝑥 + 2 if 𝑥 > 3

V. Determine if the given functions are continuous over each specified interval.
𝑥 2 +5
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

a. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥+15

i. (−∞, 0)
ii. (−5, 0)
iii. [−5,0)
iv. (−5,0]
24
v. (0, ∞)
vi. (−5, ∞)
𝑥 2 + 1 if 𝑥 < −1
b. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = {2 if 𝑥 = −1
6 − 𝑥 if 𝑥 > −1
i. (−∞, −1)
ii. (−∞, −1]
iii. (−1,0)
iv. [−1,0)
v. [−1,0]
−3𝑥 − 6 if 𝑥 ≤ −3
c. ℎ(𝑥 ) = {√9 − 𝑥 2 if − 3 < 𝑥 ≤ 3
3𝑥 − 12 if 𝑥 > 3
i. (−∞, −3)
ii. (−∞, 3]
iii. [−3,3]
iv. (−3,3]
v. [−3,3)
vi. (3, ∞)

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

~ end of Exercise 1 ~

25
REFERENCES
Louis Leithold.(1997). The Calculus 7 of a Single Variable, 7th sub-edition. Harper Collins Publishers.

Ron Larson & Bruce H. Edwards. (2016). Calculus, 10th Edition. Philippines: Cengage Learning Asia
Pte. Ltd.

ANSWERS TO TRY THIS ITEMS

TRY THIS! P. 4
Compute the following limits.

1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) = (−𝟏)𝟑 + 𝟑(−𝟏)𝟐 − (−𝟏) + 𝟏 = −𝟏 + 𝟑 + 𝟏 + 𝟏 = 𝟒


𝒙⟶−𝟏

𝒙𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎𝟐 −𝟒 −𝟒
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐+𝟏 = 𝟎𝟐+𝟏 = = −𝟒
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟏

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦√ 𝒙 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟒 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟒

𝟐𝒙−𝟑 𝟐(−𝟐)−𝟑 −𝟒−𝟑 −𝟕 𝟕


4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = = = −𝟑 = 𝟑
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙−𝟏 −𝟐−𝟏 −𝟑

𝟏
𝟐𝒙−𝟏 𝟐(− )−𝟏 −𝟏−𝟏 −𝟐
𝟐
5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝟏 𝒙𝟐
= 𝟏 𝟐
= 𝟏 = 𝟏 = −𝟐(𝟒) = −𝟖
𝒙⟶− (− ) 𝟒 𝟒
𝟐 𝟐

TRY THIS! P. 13

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙+𝟒 𝟒
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( + ) = +∞
𝒙⟶ 𝟎+ 𝒙𝟐 𝟎

𝟑𝒙−𝟖 −𝟐
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( 𝟎+ ) = −∞
𝒙⟶𝟐− 𝟐−𝒙

𝟏 𝟑
𝟑−𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝟑−𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟐 𝟎−𝟐
𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟐
3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = 𝟏+𝟎 = −𝟐
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏+ 𝟐
𝒙𝟐 𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝒙+𝟏 𝒙+𝟏 + 𝟎+𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟑
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = =𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏− 𝟑 𝟏−𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙

B. For the following conditional functions, properly implement rules on one-sided limits to
determine whether the limit at the indicated point exists or does not exist.
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝟑
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = {𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟏
𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 𝟏

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+(𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟐 − 𝟑(𝟏𝟐 ) = 𝟐 − 𝟑 = −𝟏


𝒙⟶𝟏+ 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− (𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙) = 𝟏𝟑 − 𝟐(𝟏) = 𝟏 − 𝟐 = −𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

26
𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟐
2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝟐
−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + (𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐) = (−𝟐)𝟐 − 𝟐 = 𝟒 − 𝟐 = 𝟐


𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝟐 = 𝟐
𝒙⟶−𝟐− 𝒙⟶−𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝟐 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝟐


𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐

TRY THIS! P. 16

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙𝟐 +𝒙 𝟎 𝒙(𝟑𝒙+𝟏) 𝟑𝒙+𝟏 𝟏


1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙 𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐

𝟐𝒙𝟐+𝒙−𝟏𝟓 𝟎 (𝟐𝒙−𝟓)(𝒙+𝟑) 𝟐𝒙−𝟓 𝟐(−𝟑)−𝟓 𝟏𝟏


2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = =−
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐𝒙+𝟔 𝟎 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐(𝒙+𝟑) 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

√ 𝟐𝒙−𝟏−𝟑 𝟎 √ 𝟐𝒙−𝟏−𝟑 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 (𝟐𝒙−𝟏)−𝟗 𝟐𝒙−𝟏𝟎


3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑)

𝟐𝒙−𝟏𝟎 𝟐(𝒙−𝟓) 𝟐 𝟐 𝟏
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = =
𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 𝟔 𝟑

𝟏 𝟑 𝟑
√𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟑 +∞ √𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟑 √𝟐− 𝟐 √𝟐− 𝟐
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 +∞ 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏
|𝒙| |𝒙| |𝒙| −𝒙 −𝒙
𝟑
√𝟐− 𝟐
𝒙 √𝟐
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 ( ) =𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ −𝒙+ +∞
𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 𝟐
𝒙+𝟐 −∞ 𝒙+𝟐 + 𝟎+𝟎 𝟎
𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙𝟐
5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = =𝟏=𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒 −𝟏 +∞ 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒−𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝟏− 𝟏 √𝟏−𝟎
√𝒙 𝟒 𝒙𝟒

B. Solve for 𝒇′(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙.

𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙 ⇒ 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) = √𝟐 − (𝒙 + 𝒉) = √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉
Thus,

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙) √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − √𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟎
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( )
𝒉⟶𝟎𝒉 𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 𝟎
√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − √𝟐 − 𝒙 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙
𝟐 𝟐
(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉) − (√𝟐 − 𝒙) 𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − (𝟐 − 𝒙)
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉⟶𝟎𝒉(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙) − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙)𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉(√𝟐
−𝒉 −𝟏
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙) 𝒉⟶𝟎 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙


−𝟏 𝟏
= =−
√𝟐 − 𝒙 + √𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟐√𝟐 − 𝒙

27
TRY THIS! P. 19
Determine whether the following function is continuous or not at a given point 𝒂. Classify its discontinuity
and redefine the function if necessary.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = 𝟎
𝒇 is continuous at 𝟎 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟑 = 𝒇(𝟎) .
𝒙⟶𝟎

𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐−𝟏 at 𝒂 = 𝟏
𝒙−𝟏 𝟏
𝒈 has a removable discontinuity at 𝟏 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = but 𝒈(𝟏) does not exist. We redefine the
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝟐
𝒙−𝟏
𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≠ 𝟏
function as: 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙 𝟏−𝟏
𝒊𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟏
𝟐

3. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒉 has an essential discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 + 𝟑 does not exist because 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − √𝒙 + 𝟑 does not
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
exist.

𝒙+𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
4. 𝒇(𝒙) = { at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝒇 has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏 but 𝒇(−𝟑) does not exist. We redefine the
𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙+𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < −𝟑
function as: 𝒇(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > −𝟑
−𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟑

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
5. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

𝒈 has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = −𝟏 but 𝒈(−𝟑) = 𝟏, which means 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) ≠
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙 + 𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < −𝟑
𝒈(−𝟑) . We redefine the function as: 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > −𝟑
−𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟑

𝟐
6. 𝒉(𝒙) = { 𝟑𝟐− 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐 at 𝒂 = 𝟐
𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐

𝒉 is continuous at 𝟐 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = −𝟏 = 𝒉(𝟐) .


𝒙⟶𝟐

TRY THIS! P. 21
Determine whether the following function is continuous or not on a given interval.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, 𝟔]
𝒇 is continuous everywhere since it is a polynomial function. Thus, 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟓, 𝟔].
𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐 on (−𝟏, 𝟏)
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙 −𝟏
𝒈 is continuous everywhere except at −𝟏 and 𝟏 since it is a rational function. Thus, 𝒈 is continuous on
(−𝟏, 𝟏) since it is an open interval that does not include both −𝟏 and 𝟏.
𝒙−𝟏
3. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐 on [−𝟏, 𝟏]
𝒙 −𝟏
We saw from #2 that 𝒈 is continuous on (−𝟏, 𝟏). We are left to determine if 𝒈 is continuous from the
right at −𝟏 and from the left at 𝟏. However 𝒈(−𝟏) does not exist which automatically allows us to
conclude that 𝒈 is not continuous from the right at −𝟏. Hence, 𝒈 is not continuous on [−𝟏, 𝟏].
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4. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]
𝒉 is not continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑] since 𝒉 is not continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑) because it contains numbers
wherein 𝒉(𝒙) does not exist, −𝟒 for example.

5. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on [−𝟑, 𝟎)
Note that 𝒉 is continuous on (−𝟑, 𝟎) since 𝒉 is continuous at every number on the given open interval.
Also, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + √𝒙 + 𝟑 = 𝟎 = 𝒉(−𝟑) . Thus, 𝒉 is continuous from the right at −𝟑 and consequently, 𝒉 is
𝒙⟶−𝟑
continuous on [−𝟑, 𝟎).

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
6. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓]
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
By inspection, we will see that the piecewise function are polynomial functions which means they are
continuous everywhere as individual functions. Thus, we only need to check continuity at −𝟑, which is
the endpoint indicated in the conditions of the function, because we might get two different values upon
evaluating the limit form the left and right of −𝟑 . Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) does not exist since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒇(𝒙) =
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝟖 but 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏. Hence, 𝒇 is discontinuous at −𝟑. Therefore, 𝒇 is discontinuous on (−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓) and
𝒙⟶−𝟑
consequently, 𝒇 is discontinuous on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓].

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
7. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on (−𝟓, −𝟑]
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
By considering only 𝒙 ∈ (−𝟓, −𝟑), we can use the subfunction 𝒇𝟏 (𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟐, which is a linear
function, to be able to conclude that 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑). Moreover, from #6, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏,
𝒙⟶−𝟑
which is equal to 𝒇(−𝟑). Thus, 𝒇 is continuous from the left at −𝟑, and consequently, 𝒇 is continuous
on (−𝟓, −𝟑].

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
8. 𝒇(𝒙) = { on [−𝟑, 𝟐)
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
From #6 and #7, we can see that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟖 ≠ 𝒇(−𝟑). Thus, 𝒇 is not continuous from the
𝒙⟶−𝟑
right at −𝟑, and consequently, 𝒇 is not continuous on [−𝟑, 𝟐).

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

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MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

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