AP Calculus BC

American School of Guatemala

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity

Name: _____________________

1
 Table Of Contents

Table Of Contents​ 2
Guided Notes - Day 1​ 3
1.1 Can Change Occur at an Instant?​ 3
1.2 Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation​ 4
1.3 Estimating Limit Values from Graphs​ 5
1.4 Estimating Limit Values from Tables​ 6
Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 1-4​ 7
Guided Notes - Day 2​ 12
1.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits​ 12
1.6 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation​ 13
1.7 Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits​ 15
Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 5-7​ 16
Guided Notes - Day 3​ 21
Limits at Infinity:​ 21
1.8 Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem​ 23
1.9 Connecting Multiple Representations of Limits​ 24
Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 8-9​ 25
Guided Notes - Day 4​ 29
1.10 Exploring Types of Discontinuities​ 29
1.11 Defining Continuity at a Point​ 30
1.12 Confirming Continuity over an Interval​ 31
1.13 Removing Discontinuities​ 32
Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 10-13​ 33
Guided Notes - Day 5​ 37
1.14 Connecting Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes​ 37
1.15 Connecting Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes​ 37
1.16 Working with the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)​ 38
Homework Answers:​ 39

2
 Guided Notes - Day 1

1.1 Can Change Occur at an Instant?

Average Rate of Change:

∆𝑦 𝑦2−𝑦1 𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
Average Rate of Change/Slope = ∆𝑥
= 𝑥2−𝑥1
= 𝑏−𝑎

Example 1: Find the average rate of change over the interval 11 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 15

Example 2: Find the average rate of change on the interval − 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5 for the
function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 7

Example 3: Find the average rate of change on the interval − 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5 for the
2
function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 12

3
Instantaneous Rate of Change:

1.2 Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation

Notes:

4
1.3 Estimating Limit Values from Graphs

Example 1:

Example 2:

j.​ lim =
+
𝑥→0

k.​ lim =
+
𝑥→2

l.​ lim =
−
𝑥→4

m.​ lim =
𝑥 → −4

a.​ 𝑓(− 4) f.​ lim =

−
𝑥→0 n.​ lim =
𝑥→0
b.​ 𝑓(0)
g.​ lim =
−
𝑥→2 o.​ lim =
c.​ 𝑓(2) 𝑥→2

h.​ lim =
d.​ 𝑓(4) 𝑥→4
−
p.​ lim =
𝑥→4
e.​ lim = i.​ lim =
−
𝑥 → −4 𝑥 → −4
+

5
1.4 Estimating Limit Values from Tables
2
𝑥 −9
Given the function, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−3
, complete the following table.

Example #1

a.​ g(3) = __________​ ​ ​

b.​ The domain of g(x) is _______________________

c.​ As the values of x get closer and closer to 3, g(x) gets closer and closer to _____________ .

d.​ As x → 3, g(x) → ________

e.​ lim 𝑔(𝑥) =_________

𝑥→3

f.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 is read as ________________________________________

𝑥→𝑎

Practice:
Create a table of values using your calculator (radians) to determine the following limit:
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
lim 𝑥
𝑥→0

𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑥

6
​
​
​ Name: ______________________________

Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 1-4

1.1 Can Change Occur at an Instant?

1.​ Find the average rate of change on the interval − 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5 for the following equations

a.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 6

2
b.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 2

3 2
c.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 𝑥

2.​ Find the instantaneous rate of change at 𝑥 = 2 for the following equations

a.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 6

2
b.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 6

3
c.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1

7
1.2 Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation

1.​ Evaluate the following limits using substitution

a.​ lim (− 3𝑥 + 11)

𝑥→4

b.​ lim (5𝑥 + 12)

𝑥→5

c.​ lim 2𝑥 ( 2)
𝑥 → −3

d.​ lim
𝑥→1
( 5𝑥−7
𝑥+6 )

8
1.3 Estimating Limit Values from Graphs

1.​ Find the following limits using the graph:

a.​ 𝑓(− 1) e.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) i.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

+
𝑥 → −1 𝑥 → −4

b.​ 𝑓(4)
f.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) j.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
+
𝑥 → −1 𝑥→4

c.​ 𝑓(− 4)
g.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) k.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
+ −
𝑥 → −4 𝑥→4

d.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

−
𝑥 → −1

h.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) l.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

−
𝑥 → −4 𝑥→4

9
2.​ Find the following limits using the graph:

a.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) e.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

−
𝑥 → −5 𝑥→1

b.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) f.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

+ −
𝑥 → −5 𝑥→5

c.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) g.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

+
𝑥 → −5 𝑥→5

d.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) h.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥 → −2 𝑥→5

10
1.4 Estimating Limit Values from Tables

1.​ Use the table of values to evaluate the limits

2.​ For the following function, first complete the table and then. Based on the table, find
the given limits. If a limit does not exist, write “DNE”

11
 Guided Notes - Day 2
1.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits

Practice:

12
Composition Practice:

1.6 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation

Cancellation:

Ex.

Practice:

1.​ 2.​ 3.​

13
Simplifying:

Ex1. Ex2.

Practice:

Conjugate:

Ex.

14
Practice:

1.​ 2.​

1.7 Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits

Always try direct substitution first!

Then ask yourself:

Should it be simplified?
Can it be factored?
Is there a radical?
Can we rewrite our function to use one of our known limits (1/x, sinx/x, 1-cosx/x)?

Additional Notes:

15
 ​
​ Name: ______________________________

Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 5-7

1.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits

1.​ Given that lim 𝑓(𝑥) =− 3, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, lim ℎ(𝑥) = 8, for some constant
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
a, find the limits that exist. If the limit does not exist, explain why.

a.​ lim [𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)] e.​ lim

𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎

2 𝑔(𝑥)
b.​ lim [𝑓(𝑥)] f.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

3 𝑓(𝑥)
c.​ lim ℎ(𝑥) g.​ lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

1 2𝑓(𝑥)
d.​ lim 𝑓(𝑥) h.​ lim ℎ(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

16
1.6 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation:

Calculate the following limits without a calculator. Show all work.

𝑥−3 𝑥+5−3
1.​ lim 1 1 4.​ lim
− 𝑥−4
𝑥→3 𝑥 3
𝑥→4

2 2
𝑥 −9 (4+𝑥) −16
2.​ lim 2 5.​ lim
𝑥 +4𝑥+3 𝑥
𝑥 → −3 𝑥→0

1 1 2
− 7𝑥 −4𝑥−3
3.​ lim 2+𝑥
𝑥
2
6.​ lim 2
𝑥→0 𝑥→1 3𝑥 −4𝑥+1

17
 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
One of the limits you need to commit to memory is lim 𝑥
= 1. Similarly, whenever
𝑥→0

the denominator matches the inside of the sine function, the result would be 1. For

𝑠𝑖𝑛 (10𝑥)
example lim 10𝑥
= 1.
𝑥→0

Evaluate the following limits.

𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (4𝑥)

1.​ lim 5𝑥
3.​ lim 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
2.​ lim 2 4.​ lim 𝑥
𝑥→0 2𝑥 −𝑥 𝑥→0

1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
The other important trigonometric limit is lim 𝑥
= 0.
𝑥→0

Evaluate the following limits using this rule.

1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2𝑥) 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 θ+𝑠𝑖𝑛 θ

1.​ lim 4𝑥
2.​ lim θ
𝑥→0 θ→0

18
1.7 Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits

Evaluate the following limits using the best method.

1.​ lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2θ) 6.​ lim

𝑥+1
θ→ 4
π
𝑥−4
𝑥→3

2.​ lim 𝑠𝑒𝑐 θ 𝑥

θ→ 4
π 7.​ lim 2
𝑥→1 𝑥 −𝑥

𝑡𝑎𝑛 (𝑥)
3.​ lim 3
5𝑥 +8𝑥
2

𝑥→0
3𝑥 8.​ lim 4 2
𝑥→0 3𝑥 −16𝑥

𝑥+1−2
4.​ lim 3
𝑥 +2𝑥 +𝑥
2

𝑥→3
2
𝑥 −9 9.​ lim 4 3
𝑥 → −1 𝑥 +𝑥 +2𝑥+2

1 1
−
5.​ lim 3+𝑥
𝑥
3−𝑥
10.​ lim
1+𝑥 − 1
𝑥→0 𝑥
𝑥→0

19
Practice with piecewise-defined functions.

20
 Guided Notes - Day 3
Limits at Infinity:

Review: Asymptotes

Rationals - Finding Vertical Asymptotes:

Factor and simplify first. Then set the denominator equal to zero.

Rationals - Finding Horizontal Asymptotes:

Three Cases:
1. The degree is higher in the numerator than the denominator →​ No H.A

2. The degree is higher in the denominator than the numerator →​ H.A at y = 0

3. The degree is the same in the numerator than the denominator.→ H.A. is the quotient of the
constants in front the highest degrees.

Rational Examples:

Ex1.

Ex2.

21
Polynomial Examples:

1.​ 3.​ 5.​

2.​ 4.​ 6.​

Algebraic Manipulation:

Ex1.

Practice:

1.​
3.​

2.​
4.​

22
1.8 Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem

Example 1:

Find the given that

Example 2:
Use squeeze theorem to find:

23
1.9 Connecting Multiple Representations of Limits

A.​ I only
B.​ II only
C.​ III only
D.​ II and III only

Additional Notes:

24
​
​ Name: ______________________________

Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 8-9

Limits at Infinity:
1.​ Evaluate the following limits through end behavior or substitution.
4 2 2
a.​ lim 𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 3 d.​ lim 𝑥 − 4
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 → −∞

5
b.​ lim 4𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 1
3 e.​ lim 4𝑥 − 7
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 → −∞

5 2
c.​ lim − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 − 5
3 f.​ lim − 9𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 3𝑥
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 → −∞

1
2.​ Evaluate the following limits by manipulation to use lim 𝑥
= 0.
𝑥→∞
3 3𝑥−2
a.​ lim
−5𝑥 −2𝑥+4
3
c.​ lim 𝑥
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥 → −∞

3
−5 8 𝑥 −9𝑥+1
b.​ lim 3 −7+ 𝑥
d.​ lim 2
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥 𝑥 → −∞ 3𝑥 −2𝑥−15

25
 3.​ Evaluate the following limits by finding the horizontal asymptote (Rational
Function Theorem.

𝑥−7 1
a.​ lim 𝑥+5
d.​ lim 3−𝑥
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 → −∞

3 5𝑥+9
b.​ lim 2 e.​ lim 𝑥−6
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 −2 𝑥 → −∞

2 3 4
7𝑥 +5𝑥−2 5𝑥 +2𝑥−8𝑥
c.​ lim 2 f.​ lim 4
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥 −18 𝑥 → −∞ 2𝑥 +3−𝑥

1.8 Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem

1.​ Evaluate the following limits using Squeeze Theorem

2 1
a.​ lim 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
𝑥→0

2 5
b.​ lim 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
𝑥→0

26
 2.​ Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) using the Squeeze Theorem given that
𝑥→1
2
5 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 2

3.​ Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) using the Squeeze Theorem given that
𝑥→4
2
4𝑥 − 9 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 7

1.9 Connecting Multiple Representations of Limits

1.​ Answer the following multiple choice question

a.​ I only c.​ III only

b.​ II only d.​ I and III only

27
2.​ Answer the following multiple choice question

a.​ I only c.​ III only

b.​ II only d.​ II and III only

3.​ Answer the following multiple choice question: The graph of the function
is shown above. Which of the following could be a table of values for 𝑓?

28
 Guided Notes - Day 4
1.10 Exploring Types of Discontinuities

Identify the type of each discontinuity in the graph and where it is located.

For each function identify the type of each discontinuity and where it is located.

1 2𝑥−3
1.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+4
3.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 5

2 2
𝑥 +4𝑥−5 𝑥 −25
2.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 4.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+5
𝑥 −4𝑥+3

29
1.11 Defining Continuity at a Point

THE DEFINITION OF CONTINUITY OF A FUNCTION AT A POINT:

The function is continuous at if and only if all three of the following conditions
are mete:

●​ is defined ​ ​ (c is in the domain of f)

●​ exists​ ​ (f has a limit as )

●​ = ​ ​ (the limit value equals the function value)

Show that the following function continuous:

1.​

2.​

Find the value of the constant k that will make the function continuous.

1.​

2.​

30
1.12 Confirming Continuity over an Interval

Practice: Give the interval(s) on which the function is continuous for the following functions.

2 2
𝑥 +1
1.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 3.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1

1
2.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4.​ 𝑓(𝑥) =
3𝑥−5
2
2𝑥 −𝑥−3

Practice: State where the following function is continuous at the given x-values.

1.​

a.​ 𝑥 = −1 b.​ 𝑥 = 2

2.​

a.​ 𝑥 =
π b.​ 𝑥 = π
2

31
1.13 Removing Discontinuities

Practice:
2
𝑥 −16
If the function f is continuous for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−4
when 𝑥 ≠ 4, then 𝑓(4) =

2
𝑥 −2𝑥−8
If the function f is continuous for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−4
when 𝑥 ≠ 4, then 𝑓(4) =

2
𝑥 −9𝑥+20
If the function f is continuous for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−5
when 𝑥 ≠ 5, then 𝑓(5) =

3 2
𝑥 +2𝑥 −3𝑥−6
If the function f is cont. for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2
when 𝑥 ≠− 2, then 𝑓(− 2) =

Additional Notes:

32
 ​
​ Name: ______________________________

Homework - Unit 1 Lessons 10-13

1.10 Exploring Types of Discontinuities

1.​ Define each of the following types of discontinuities as either removable

discontinuity, jump discontinuity, or asymptotic (infinite) discontinuity
a.​ On the interval (0,8) of the following graph:

b.​ On the interval (-9,9) of the following graph:

33
1.11 Defining Continuity at a Point

1.​

2.​

3.​

4.​ Use the continuity conditions to show that f(x) is discontinuous at a point and
state the reason for discontinuity. Then determine if the discontinuity is
removable or non-removable and state why.

34
1.12 Confirming Continuity over an Interval
Determine the values of the independent variable for which the function is
discontinuous. Justify your answer.
2
𝑥 +𝑥−2
1.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1

3
2.​ 𝑞(𝑡) = 𝑡+7

3.​

4.​

35
1.13 Removing Discontinuities

1.​ Answer the multiple choice questions. Let f be the function defined below.

For what value of k is f continuous at x=2?

a.​ 0
b.​ 1
c.​ 2
d.​ 3
e.​ 5

2.​ If

Find the value of k such that the following limit exists.

lim 𝐹(𝑥)
𝑥→ 2
1

3.​ Find the value of a for which the function is continuous.

a.​

b.​

36
 Guided Notes - Day 5
1.14 Connecting Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes
Practice:
2 𝑥+3
𝑥 lim
lim 𝑥−1 −
2
𝑥 +4𝑥+4
𝑥→1
+ 𝑥 → −2

𝑥−5 4𝑥
lim 2
lim |𝑥|
+
𝑥→1
+ 𝑥 −6𝑥+5 𝑥→0

1.15 Connecting Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes

Practice:
3 2
𝑥 −7𝑥 +8 lim (2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥)
lim 2 𝑥→∞
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 +7𝑥−2

( )
7
𝑥
(
lim 5 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑥→∞
( ))1
𝑥
lim
𝑥→∞ 4
𝑥 −5

37
1.16 Working with the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)

The IVT is commonly used to prove that there is an x-intercept on a given interval of x-values. This is
shown by demonstrating a change in sign of y-values at the endpoint of an interval.

Sample Problem:​
Use the IVT to show that there is a zero of the function on the interval [ 1, 2].

Practice:
Using the IVT, verify that the IVT applied to the indicated interval and find the value of c guaranteed
by the theorem.

2
1.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 1, [0, 5], 𝑓(𝑐) = 11

2
2.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 8, [0, 3], 𝑓(𝑐) = 0

3 2
3.​ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 2, [0, 3], 𝑓(𝑐) = 4

38
Homework Answers:

39