Math 27 Unit 1 Module.pdf
Math 27 Unit 1 Module.pdf
of University of the Philippines pursuant to PART IV: The Law on Copyright of Republic
Act (RA) 8293 or the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines”.
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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
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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.
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.
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
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.
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
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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.
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:
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfU5rSpWCyM
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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.
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:
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
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:
7
1.3 Infinite Limits
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 (−∞).
𝟏 +∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧
ii. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ={
𝒙⟶𝟎− 𝒙𝒏 −∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐝𝐝
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
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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
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
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:
_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
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1.4 Limits at Infinity
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 ⟶ +∞.
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 ⟶ −∞.
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⟶−∞
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!
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
𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −2
2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 2
−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
_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
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 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:
Thus, 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑.
TRY THIS!
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
16
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
17
1.6 Continuity of a Function
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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].
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]
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:
Exercises on Continuity:
https://www.math-exercises.com/analysis-of-functions/continuity-of-a-function
~ END OF UNIT 1 ~
22
EXERCISE 1 Limits and Continuity
b. lim (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1)2
𝑥→0
√𝑥 2 +2
c. lim
𝑥→−1 7−𝑥
√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, ∞)
~ 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.
TRY THIS! P. 4
Compute the following limits.
𝒙𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎𝟐 −𝟒 −𝟒
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐+𝟏 = 𝟎𝟐+𝟏 = = −𝟒
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟏
3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦√ 𝒙 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟒 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟒
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
26
𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟐
2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝟐
−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐
TRY THIS! P. 16
A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”
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
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)
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
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].
28
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).
29
30
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)