DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-Dasmarinas

College of Science and Computer Studies

Mathematics and Statistics Department

Modules in calculus 1
School year 2020-2021
Midterm Period
(Sept 14 – Nov 14, 2020)

Writers/Contributors:

NAPOLEON A. BATACLAN
ANTONIO T. MERCADO
NORMALYN R. PANTINO
 Module 3
Limits and Continuity of Function
Week 3

I. Prayer

Father, Your Holy Spirit reminds me to pray. Today, I commit to

doing so as Your Spirit prompts me. I beg You to please fill my heart and
mind with happiness and with great anticipations on what to learn in
Calculus today.

This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

St. John Baptist de Lasalle…pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts…forever

II. Overview

The two goals of Calculus are to find the slope of the tangent line to a curve and the
area under the curve. This breakthrough during the 17th century led to the profound
understanding of the instantaneous rate of change by scientists.

The limit concept is a fundamental building block to which all concepts of calculus
are based. So, you are thereby urged to learn the principles and theorems and all its
applications in this module.

You may have encountered some ideas in which you imagine what will happen if a
certain variable approached a certain value but can never be equal to that value. You may
consider a function, say logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. Observe what happens to the
value of 𝑓(𝑥) when you assign values to 𝑥 that is almost zero (0). Can 𝑥 be equal to 0?

III. Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Find the limit of the function using intuitive approach

2. Evaluate limits of functions using theorems
3. Interpret limits and function values given the graph of the function
4. Draw the graph of function given certain conditions i.e. limits and function values
5. Evaluate whether a function is continuous or discontinuous using graphical solution and
using theorem on continuity

2
 IV. Unlocking Difficulties

Review the following concepts in algebra.

Factoring.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC

The figure above illustrates the concept of factoring. Let 𝑎, 𝑏, & 𝑐 be any constant.

1. Common factor. 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧)

2. Factoring trinomials and binomials.
a. 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑥 + 𝑏 2 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)2
b. 𝑎𝑐𝑥 2 + (𝑎𝑑 + 𝑏𝑐)𝑥 + 𝑏𝑑 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)(𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑)
c. 𝑎2 𝑥 2 − 𝑏 2 𝑦 2 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦)(𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦)
d. 𝑎3 𝑥 3 + 𝑏 3 𝑦 3 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦)(𝑎2 𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑏𝑥𝑦 + 𝑏 2 𝑦 2 )
e. 𝑎3 𝑥 3 − 𝑏 3 𝑦 3 = (𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦)(𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑏𝑥𝑦 + 𝑏 2 𝑦 2 )

Examples.
1. 5𝑥 − 10𝑦 = 5(𝑥 − 2𝑦)
2. 4𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 2 + 4 = (2𝑥 2 − 2)2
3. 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥𝑦 − 3 = (2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)
4. 16𝑥 2 − 64𝑦 4 = (4𝑥 − 8𝑦 2 )(4𝑥 + 8𝑦 2 )
5. 8𝑥 3 + 27 = (2𝑥 + 3)(4𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9)
6. 27𝑥 3 − 64 = (3𝑥 − 4)(9𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 16)

Rationalization. It is a process of converting irrational numbers to rational. To do this,

you may use the concept of factoring particularly the sum and difference of squares or cubes.

Examples.
√𝑥 2 +4 −2 4−𝑦
1. 2.
𝑥2 2 − √𝑦

3
 Solution.

√𝑥 2 +4 −2 √𝑥 2 +4 +2 𝑥 2 +4−4
1) ∙ (√𝑥 2 )=
𝑥2 +4 +2 𝑥 2 (√𝑥 2 +4 +2)
𝑥2
=
𝑥 2 (√𝑥 2 +4 +2)
1
= √𝑥 2
+4 +2

4−𝑦 2+ 𝑦 (4 − 𝑦)(2+√𝑦
2) ∙ (2+√𝑦) =
2 − √𝑦 √ 4−𝑦
= 2 + √𝑦

Synthetic Division. Review the synthetic division. Watch the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZoMz1Cy1T4.

V. Lesson Proper

Limits by Intuitive Approach

𝑥2 − 1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
. You know that the function is undefined
when 𝑥 = −1. Recall the concept of domain that you reviewed in module 1. Have you
imagined what will happen to the value of 𝑓(𝑥) when the value of 𝑥 becomes closer and
closer to −1?

Let’s do some observation, assign any value to 𝑥 that is near to −1. Do it on both
sides of −1. You may assign a value −2 for a start on the left and 0 on the right.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
−2 −3 0 −1
−1.9 −2.9 −0.5 −1.5
−1.5 −2.5 −0.75 −1.75
−1.1 −2.1 −0.9 −1.9
−1.01 −2.01 −0.99 −1.99
−1.001 −2.001 −0.999 −1.999
−1.0001 −2.0001 −0.9999 −1.9999
−1.00001 −2.00001 −0.99999 −1.99999

What have you noticed with the value of the function as 𝑥 becomes closer and
closer to −1? You’re right! The value of 𝑓(𝑥) becomes closer and closer to −2 as 𝑥
becomes closer to −1. Does that mean that the function value is −2 when x is −1? No,
because −1 is not an alement of the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) in the beginning.

4
 This is what “limit” of the function is all about. It is that value that is being
approached by the function when x becomes closer to a value that is not an element of
its domain. Or it is the resulting value of 𝑓(𝑥) that is defined at 𝑥.

Watch this video,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54_XRjHhZzI&app=desktop&persist_app=1

This is a lecture on the introduction of limits. If you fully understand the concept
of limits after watching it, you may skip reading the subtopics “tangent line” and “area”.

Tangent Line and limit

Consider the graph of the function (in red). Let two points 𝑃(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and
𝑄(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) be on the graph. The line that contains points P and Q is called the secant line.
The equation of the secant line may be obtained since two points are given.

But how do you find the equation of the tangent line to the curve? Remember
that in order to find the equation of a line, you need to have at least a point and the slope
𝑦 −𝑦
of the line. Begin with the secant line, the slope of the secant line is 𝑚 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1.
2 1

𝑦2 −𝑦1
Let 𝛥𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 , so the slope of the secant line is 𝑚 = . The big idea here is
∆𝑥
to find the slope of the tangent line. By making the point Q becomes closer and closer to
point P, you are also making the difference ∆𝑥 becomes smaller and smaller. But take
note that you cannot make ∆𝑥 = 0. If that happens, it will be impossible to find the
equation of the tangent line. The idea is synonymous to the concept of limits, that as ∆𝑥

5
 approaches zero (0) the slope of the secant line becomes closer to the slope of the tangent
line. Furthermore, this idea is very useful in studying the first half of Calculus.

Area and limit

This area problem is another goal of Calculus, that is, finding the area under the
curve. In this case, from 𝑥0 𝑡𝑜 𝑥4 . The difference between two succeeding 𝑥’𝑠 is denoted
by ∆𝑥. The process used to find the area, approximate at that, is called “exhaustion”.
Begin with four rectangles with equal width. Get the sum which approximates the area
under the curve. But as you can see from the figure above, it is not the exact area under
the curve. So, you may consider, making 8 rectangles with same width. But then again,
it will be approximation of the area. You may repeatedly do the same procedure making
∆𝑥 smaller and smaller and the area under the curve becomes closer and closer to it real
value.

This second goal of calculus will be discussed in detail in Calculus 2.

This leads us to the general idea of limit of function.

Limit of a function. If the value of 𝑓(𝑥) can be made as close as we like to 𝐿 by taking values
of x sufficiently close to 𝑎 (but not necessarily equal to 𝑎), then we write,

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎

which is read as “limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 is 𝐿” or “𝑓(𝑥) approaches 𝐿 as 𝑥 approaches

𝑎. The expression may be written as,

𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎

6
 One-sided limits

|𝑥|
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
. Find the limit of the function as x approaches zero (0).
Below is the graph of 𝑓(𝑥). What have you observed as x approaches 0? You can see that as x
approached 0 from the left side of 0, 𝑓(𝑥) approaches −1. Similarly, as 𝑥 approaches 0 from the
right side of 0, 𝑓(𝑥) approaches 1.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

You can write this notion of limits using the superscript “+” if coming from the right of
𝑎 or “−“ if coming from the left of 𝑎. So, you have,

𝑥 𝑥
𝑙𝑖𝑚+ = 1 or 𝑙𝑖𝑚− = −1
𝑥→0 |𝑥| 𝑥→0 |𝑥|

This leads to the concept of one-sided limits.

One-sided Limits. If the values of 𝑓(𝑥) can be made as close as we like to 𝐿 by taking values of 𝑥
sufficiently close to 𝑎 (but greater than 𝑎), then we write

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 +

which is read as “the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches a from the right is 𝐿” of “𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎+ ”.

Similarly, if the values of 𝑓(𝑥) can be made as close as we like to 𝐿 by taking values of 𝑥
sufficiently close to 𝑎 (but less than 𝑎), then we write

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 −

which is read as “the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from the left is 𝐿” of “𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎− ”.

7
 Relationship between one-sided and two-sided limits.

There are instances wherein the two-sided limit or one-sided limit of a function does not
exist. Looking back at the example, notice that both one-sided limits exist.
𝑥 𝑥
𝑙𝑖𝑚+ = 1 or 𝑙𝑖𝑚− = −1
𝑥→0 |𝑥| 𝑥→0 |𝑥|

𝑥
Does this guarantee that the 𝑙𝑖𝑚 |𝑥| exist? Is the 𝑓(𝑥) approaching 1 and −1? Does it
𝑥→0
make sense?

In this case, we can say that for the two-sided limit to exist, the left-hand side (as 𝑥 →
0 ) and right-hand side (as 𝑥 → 0+ ) limits should exist and must be of the same value.
−

Generally,

Relationship between One-sided and Two-sided Limits. The two-sided limit of a function f(x)
exists at a if and only if both of the one-sided limits exist at a and have the same value, that is,

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 𝑖𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Infinite Limits

There are situations wherein one-sided and two-sided limits seized to exist. This is
when the function value becomes larger and larger (increasing without bound) or becomes
smaller and smaller (decreasing without bound) as 𝑥 → 𝑎. Look at the illustration below.

1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥. Say, you let 𝑥 → 0. First look at the one-sided limits of
1 1
𝑓(𝑥). That is, lim− 𝑥 and lim+ 𝑥. Consider the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under

CC BY-SA

8
 You can see that as 𝑥 → 0−, that is approaching from the left of 0 (𝑥 < 0), the function
value of 𝑓(𝑥) decreases without bound. Likewise, when 𝑥 → 0+ , that is approaching from the
right of 0 (𝑥 > 0), the function value of 𝑓(𝑥) increases without bound. Thus,

1 1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = −∞ and 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ = +∞
𝑥→0− 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥

From the relationship of one-sided and two-sided limits,

1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
𝑥→0 𝑥
∎

Infinite Limits. The expressions

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞

𝑥→𝑎 − 𝑥→𝑎

denote that 𝑓(𝑥) increases without bound as 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from the left and from the right,
respectively. If both are true, then

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→𝑎

Similarly, the expressions

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞

𝑥→𝑎 − 𝑥→𝑎

denote that 𝑓(𝑥) decreases without bound as 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from the left and from the right,
respectively. If both are true, then

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→𝑎

Note: The line x = a is said to be the vertical asymptote of the graph of f(x) given that

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ or 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

9
 Limit Theorems

To aid you in the computation of limits, consider the following theorems.

Theorem 1. Let 𝑎 and 𝑘 be real numbers.

1 1
(a) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑘 = 𝑘 (b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥 = 𝑎 (c) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑥 = −∞ (d) 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑥 = +∞
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Theorem 2. Let 𝑎 be real number, and suppose that

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

That is, the limits exist and have values L and M, respectively. Then

(a) 𝑙𝑖𝑚[𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 ± 𝑀

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

(b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚[𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = (𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) ) (𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝐿𝑀

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿

(c) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 [𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑥→𝑎
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥)
= 𝑀,𝑀 ≠ 0
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

𝑛 𝑛
(d) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 √𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√ 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝐿 , 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝐿 > 0 𝑖𝑓 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛.
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Moreover, these statements are also true for one-sided limits as 𝑥 → 𝑎− or as 𝑥 → 𝑎+ .

b
Theorem 3. For polynomial function

𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑏0 + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑥 2 + ⋯ + 𝑏𝑛 𝑥 𝑛

and any real number 𝑎,

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑏0 + 𝑏1 𝑎 + 𝑏2 𝑎2 + ⋯ + 𝑏𝑛 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑝(𝑎)

𝑥→𝑎

10
 Theorem 4. Let
𝑝(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑞(𝑥)

be rational function and let a be any real number.

(a) If 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)

𝑥→𝑎
(b) If 𝑞(𝑥) = 0 but 𝑝(𝑎) ≠ 0, then 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 exists.
𝑥→𝑎

The quotient 𝑓(𝑥)/𝑔(𝑥) in which the numerator and denominator both have limits of
zero as 𝑥 → 𝑎 is called indeterminate form of type 0/0.

If this occurred, you try simplifying the expression using algebraic concepts such as
factoring and rationalization. But take note that this will not work all the time. This may also
be done when it is just the denominator which has limit of 0.

Examples.

1. Find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑥→2
Solution.

Since the function is polynomial, the 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 2(1)(3) = 6

𝑥→2
∎
𝑥 2 +6𝑥+5
2. Evaluate lim 𝑥 2 −3𝑥−4
𝑥→−1

Solution.

𝑥 2 +6𝑥+5 1−6+5 0
By substituting −1 to the function you will have lim = 1+3−4 = 0. This leads to
𝑥→−1 𝑥 2 −3𝑥−4
indeterminate form of type 0/0. So, try to simplify the expression by eliminating
common factors. Thus,
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 5 (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 1)
lim 2 = lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 4 𝑥→−1 (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑥+5
= lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥 − 4
4
=
−5
∎

11
3. Given the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥)

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under

CC BY
Find (a) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) (b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) (c) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) (d) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) (e) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

Solution.
(a) For the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 1− , you need to consider values of x that is on the left of
1. The value that f(x) approached as 𝑥 → 1 from the left is 1. So 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 1.
𝑥→1
(b) In finding the 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) consider the values of x that is on right of 1. From the graph
𝑥→1
of the function, you can see that 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 3.
𝑥→1
(c) Recall the relationship between one-sided and two-sided limits, from the solution (a)
and (b), both one-sided limits exist but are not equal. Thus, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist.
𝑥→1
(d) You consider the values of x on the left of 2. As 𝑥 → 2− the value being approached
by 𝑓(𝑥) is 3. Then, 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 3
𝑥→2
(e) To find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) we consider first the one-sided limits. In (d), you find the left-hand
𝑥→2
side limit 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥). The value being approached by 𝑓(𝑥) as x approaches 2 from the
𝑥→2
right is 2. Since the one-sided limits are not equal, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist.
𝑥→2
∎

4. Given the function

𝑥−2 𝑥<0
𝑓(𝑥) = {𝑥 2 0≤𝑥≤2
2𝑥 𝑥>2

Find (a) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) (b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) (c) 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) (d) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) (e) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

Solution.
(a) Consider the left of 0, that is 𝑥 < 0, the 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 − 2 = −2.
𝑥→0
(b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 02 = 0 since 𝑥 approaches 0 from the right you consider the values
𝑥→0
of 𝑥 > 0.

12
 (c) This time consider the value approached by f(x) as x approaches 2 from the right so
you know 𝑥 > 2, 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(2) = 4.
𝑥→2
(d) Now, consider the left of 2, that is 𝑥 < 2, 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 22 = 4.
𝑥→2
(e) From (c) and (d) you can verify that 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥). By the relationship
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
between one-sided and two-sided limits, we say, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 4
𝑥→2
∎
𝑥 2 −3𝑥−10
5. Find lim 𝑥 2 −10𝑥+25.
𝑥→5

Solution.
𝑥 2 −3𝑥−10 25−15−10 0
You may substitute x by 5. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = = . You can simplify the
𝑥→5 𝑥 2 −10𝑥+25 25−50+25 0
𝑥 2 −3𝑥−10 (𝑥−5)(𝑥+2) 𝑥+2
expression by eliminating common factor, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥 2 −10𝑥+25 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (𝑥−5)(𝑥−5) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥−5. You
𝑥→5 𝑥→5 𝑥→5
𝑥+2 7
can easily find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 0. In this case, you need to do sign analysis to determine the
𝑥→5 𝑥−5
limit of the function. You find the values of the one-sided limits. Obviously,
𝑥+2
𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑥−5 = +∞ since the denominator approaches 0 by assigning values from the right
𝑥→5
𝑥+2
of 5. Also, 𝑙𝑖𝑚− = −∞ since the denominator approaches 0 by assigning values from
𝑥→5 𝑥−5
𝑥+2
the left of 5. Thus, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 does not exist.
𝑥→5 𝑥−5
∎
𝑥−9
6. Evaluate 𝑙𝑖𝑚 .
𝑥→9 √𝑥−3

Solution.
The limits of the denominator and numerator are both 0. Simplify the expression by
rationalization.
𝑥−9 √𝑥 + 3 (𝑥 − 9)(√𝑥 + 3)
𝑙𝑖𝑚 ∙( ) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑥→9 √𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 + 3 𝑥→9 𝑥−9
= lim (√𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→9
=6
∎

13
Limits at Infinity

1
Imagine the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 with the given graph.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under

CC BY-SA

In the previous example, we let 𝑥 → 𝑎. Now, make 𝑥 increase or decrease

without bound. That is, let 𝑥 → +∞ 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 → −∞. By inspection,
1 1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 0 and 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥

Numerically, you also verify it. See table below

𝑥 1 10 100 1000 10000 ⋯ as 𝑥 → +∞ the value of
1/𝑥 → 0
1/𝑥 1 0.1 0.001 0.0001 0.00001 ⋯

and,

𝑥 −1 −10 −100 −1000 −10000 ⋯ as 𝑥 → −∞ the value

1/𝑥 −1 −0.1 −0.001 −0.0001 −0.00001 ⋯ of 1/𝑥 → 0

This leads to the definition of limits at infinity,

Limits at infinity. If the values of f(x) eventually get as close as we like to a number L
as x increases without bound, then we write

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 or 𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → +∞

𝑥→+∞

In the similar passion, if the values of f(x) eventually get as close as we like to a number
L as x decreases without bound, then we write

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 or 𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → −∞

𝑥→−∞

14
 Note:
1. The line 𝑦 = 𝐿 is said to be the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥)
when
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→+∞
2. The behavior of the function 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 increases or decreases without bound is
sometimes called the end behavior of the function.

Limit Laws for Limits at Infinity.

Theorem 5. Let n be positive integer, and k be any constant.

𝑛 𝑛
1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (𝑓(𝑥))𝑛 = ( 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (𝑓(𝑥))𝑛 = ( 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥))
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→−∞

2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑘𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑘𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→−∞

3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑘 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞

4. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (𝑐0 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (𝑐0 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→−∞

−∞ 𝑛 = 1, 3, 5, . . .
5. lim 𝑥 𝑛 = +∞, 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, . .. lim 𝑥 𝑛 = {
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞ +∞ 𝑛 = 2, 4, 6, . . .

Limits of rational function as 𝑥 → ±∞.

To determine the end behavior of a rational function, divide each term in the numerator
and denominator by the highest power of x that occurs in the denominator.

Examples.

1. Find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (7𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 9).

𝑥→+∞

Solution.

Using the theorem, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (7𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 9) = lim 7𝑥 5 = +∞

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞

2. Find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (−4𝑥 8 + 17𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 1).

𝑥→+∞

Solution.

Using the theorem, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (−4𝑥 8 + 17𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 1) = lim −4𝑥 8 = −∞

𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→−∞

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 4𝑥 2 −𝑥
3. Find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 .
𝑥→−∞ 2𝑥 3 −5

Solution.
Divide each of the term by 𝑥 3

∎
4. Evaluate 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑒 𝑥 .
𝑥→+∞

Solution.
Let us use intuitive approach to finding limits of the given function. Graph the function.

From the figure, you see 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑒 𝑥 = +∞.

𝑥→+∞
∎
This is an example of infinite limits at infinity.

16
 √𝑥 2 +2
5. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→+∞ 3𝑥−6

Solution.

Recall: √𝑥 2 = |𝑥|. You may use this definition in order to solve the problem. Take note
that 𝑥 → +∞ so |𝑥| = 𝑥

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6. Find lim (√𝑥 6 + 5 − 𝑥 3 )
𝑥→+∞

Solution.
For this example, you need to treat the given as a fraction with 1 as denominator and
rationalize the denominator.

Continuity

Study the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) given below.

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 What can you say about the behavior of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐? At
𝑥 = 𝑎, the graph is discontinuous, that is called infinite discontinuity. It is also
discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑏 and is called jump discontinuity. The graph is discontinuous at
𝑥 = 𝑐 but this is a replaceable discontinuity.

A function is continuous at a number when it’s graph has no break at that

number. This suggests the definition of continuity.

Definition. A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x=c provided the following

conditions are satisfied:

1. 𝐹(𝑐) is defined
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) exists
𝑥→𝑐
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

Examples

Determine if the functions are continuous at the given value k.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = −√100 − 𝑥 2 ; 𝑘 = −8

Solution.
(a) 𝑓(−8) = −√100 − (−8)2 = −√100 − 64 = −√36 = −6; defined
(b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 −√100 − 𝑥 2 = − √100 − (−8)2 = −√100 − 64 = −√36 = −6; limit exists
𝑥→−8
(c) 𝑙𝑖𝑚 −√100 − 𝑥 2 = 𝑓(−8)
𝑥→−8

All the conditions are satisfied, therefor the function 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at the
given value of 𝑘.
2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝑥 𝑥≤2 ; 𝑘=2
𝑥−1 𝑥 >2

Solution.
(a) 𝑓(2) = 4; defined
(b) 𝑙𝑖𝑚− 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, 𝑙𝑖𝑚+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 1. Since the one-sided limits are not equal, the limit
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
of f(x) as 𝑥 → 2 does not exist.

Since condition (b) is not satisfied, the function 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at the given
value of 𝑘.

19
 VI. Enabling Assessment (with Answers)

A. Find the Limits. Final answer

x2 + x − 7 23
1. lim 1. )
x →5 2x + 5 15

2. lim − 7 2. ) − 7
x → −7

3. lim 2 x3 + 5x 2 + 2 x + 4 3.) − 11
t → −3

s 3 + 27 4.) 9
4. lim
s →3 s + 3

x3 + 5 x + 6 3
5. lim 5.)
x → −2 x 2 + 2 x − 8 2

x2 − 1 6.) 0
6. lim
x →1 x + 1

B. Find the Limits. Final answer

x 2 − 3x − 4 1. ) 5
1. lim
x→4 x−4

x 2 − 25 2. ) − 10
2. lim
x → −5 x + 5

𝑡2 − 9 3.) − 6
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑡→3 3 − 𝑡

8 − s3 4.) − 12
4. lim
s →2 s − 2

x3 − 7 x − 6 5.) 1
5. lim 2
x → −1 x − 2 x − 3

x −2 1
6. lim 6.)
x→4 x−4 4

5− x+3 1
7. lim 7.)
x → 22 22 − x 10

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C. Find the limits. Final Answer

− 3x 2 1. − 3
1. lim
x → + x 2 + 1

x +1 2. 0
2. lim
x→−  x2

x2 + 4 3.1
3. lim
x → + x+4

4w3 + 2w2 − 5 1
4. lim 4.
w → −  8w3 + w + 2 2

5. lim 3x 2 + x − 2 x 5. − 
s → +

D. Find the limits. Final Answer

t+2 1. +∞
1. lim+
t →2 t2 − 4

x2 − 9 2. + 
2. lim+
x →3 x−3

x2 + x − 6 3. − 
3. lim−
x→4 x2 − 6x + 8

x2 + 3 4. + 
4. lim+
x →0 x
2−t 5. − 
5. lim−
t →2 (t − 2)3

VII. References

Anton H., Irl B, Stephen D. (2013) Calculus Early Transcendental Tenth Edition. ISV, John
Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte, Ltd

Leithold, Louis. (2002) The Calculus 7 (Reprinted). Pearson Education Asia Pte. Ltd.

Larson, R. and Bruce Edwards (2015) Calculus (10th Edition) Cengage Learning Asia Pte
Ltd.

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