Differentiation

U1

LIMITS AND
CONTINUITY
OF A FUNCTION

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.1

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.2
Study organiser
Before you begin this unit, please check through your study organiser. It shows the
topics that you’ll be covering, the skills you need to acquire (the learning outcomes)
and the activities you’ll do to help you acquire these skills.

Topic Learning Key Concepts Activity

Outcomes

1.1 Limit of a  Evaluate a limit • x → 2− , means x approaches 2 from Ex. 1.1

Function numerically, the left.
graphically and
algebraically. • x → 2+ , means x approaches 2 from
the right.
• A limit will exist if the left hand limit
equals the right hand limit.
• When given a graph a limit will exist
when:
1. the graph passes through a point.
2. two pieces of the graph meet at a
point where there is a circle.
• When given a graph a limit will not
exist when there is a:
1. vertical asymptote.
2. break or step in the graph.
• A circle means the graph does not pass
through that point.
• A dot means the graph passes through
that point.
• Given a rational function, we factorise
where possible, cancel any like factors
and then substitute the given x − value
to find the limit.
• Given an expression with a square
root, we rationalize the expression,
cancel like factors and then substitute
the given x − value to find the limit.
• When given a piecewise function, we
determine the left hand limit and right
hand limit to calculate the limit of the
function.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.3

 Topic Learning Key Concepts Activity
Outcomes

1.2 Continuity To be able to • A function f ( x ) is continuous at the Ex. 1.2

of a determine if a value x = c if:
Function function is
continuous 1. f ( c ) is defined.
or discontinuous at
certain x − values. 2. lim f ( x ) exists.
x→c
3. lim f ( x ) = f (c) .
x→c
• A function shown by a graph is
discontinuous where there is a:
1. hole shown by a circle.
2. vertical asymptote.
3. jump.
• A rational function is discontinuous
for x − values that make the
denominator zero.

Study time
It is suggested that you spend at least 4 hours on this section.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.4

1.1 Limit of a Function
The notion of limits is a fundamental concept of calculus. In this course, you will
learn how to evaluate limits and how they are used in the three basic problems of
calculus: the instantaneous rate of change, gradient of tangent line and to find the
derivative. To evaluate limits, we will look at three methods: estimating limit
numerically, graphically and algebraically.

Definition of Limit

If f ( x ) becomes arbitrarily close to a unique number L as x approaches c from

either side, then the limit of f ( x ) as x approaches to a is L . This is written as:
lim f ( x) = L
x →a

This definition of limit examines the behavior of the function f ( x ) when the value of
x is close to the value a . It is not concerned with the value of f ( a ) . In fact, the value
of f ( a ) may even be undefined. As long as the value of f ( x ) approaches a unique
real number as x → a , the limit exists. This idea will be shown in the second example.

Estimating a Limit Numerically

Example 1.1.1

Use a table to estimate the limit numerically for lim ( x 2 + 3x − 4).

x →2
2
Let f ( x ) = x + 3x − 4 . Therefore, f (2) = 22 + 3(2) − 4
= 4 + 6 − 4 = 6

Let us examine the behaviour of this function close to x = 2 . The number 2 can be
approached from two sides. This is shown by the diagram below.

x approaches 2 from the left 2 x approaches 2 from the right

Construct a table that shows values of f ( x ) for two sets of x -values; one set that
approaches 2 from the left and one that approaches 2 from the right side.

x 1.9 1.99 1.999 2 2.001 2.01 2.1

f ( x) 5.31 5.9301 5.993 6.007 6.0701 6.71

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.5

From the table, it appears that the closer x gets to 2, the closer f ( x ) gets to 6. So, you
can estimate the limit to be 6.

We can see that:

1. As x → 2 − , f ( x ) → 6 , i.e. lim− f ( x ) = 6 . This is the left sided limit.
x →2
+
2. As x → 2 , f ( x ) → 6 , i.e. lim+ f ( x ) = 6 . This is the right sided limit.
x →2

Therefore, the two-sided limit lim f ( x) = 6 exists only if both one-sided limits
x→2

are the same.

NOTE

1. The phrase “ x approaches 2 from the left” is shown by x → 2 − .

The negative sign means from the left side of 2.

2. The phrase “ x approaches 2 from the right side” is shown by x → 2 + .

The positive sign means from the right side of 2.

3. However, the phrase “ x approaches 2” is shown by x → 2 .

You must understand the notation in 1 and 2 above, as it will be used in later
examples.

4. Limit will only exist if the left side limit is equal to the right side limit.

lim f ( x) = . lim f ( x)
x → a− x → a+

Example 1.1.2

x2 − 4 x + 3
Use a table to estimate the limit numerically for lim . You should be
x→3 x − 3
able to see that f (3) is undefined.

32 − 4(3) + 3 0
f (3) = = = not defined, we cannot divide by zero.
3 − 3 0

Let us examine the behaviour of f ( x ) as the value of x approaches 3.

x 2.5 2.9 2.99 2.999 3 3.001 3.01 3.1 3.5

f ( x) 1.5 1.9 1.99 1.999 2.001 2.01 2.1 2.5

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.6

We can see that:

1. As x → 3 − , f ( x) → 2 , i.e. lim− f ( x ) = 2 .
x →3

2. As x → 3 + , f ( x) → 2 , i.e. lim+ f ( x ) = 2 .
x →3

Since f ( x ) approaches the same value as x approaches 3 from the left and right, we
can conclude that lim f ( x) = 2 .
x →3

Therefore, this shows that f ( x ) has a limit as x → 3 even though the function is not
defined at x = 3. This often happens and it is important to realize that the existence
or nonexistence of f ( x ) at x = a has no bearing on the existence of the limit of
f ( x ) as x approaches a .

You should therefore understand from the previous example that the left-sided limit
and the right-sided limit must be equal for the limit to exist.

The two sided limit of a function f ( x ) exists at a point a if and only if the one-sided
limits exist at that point and have the same value; that is,

lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim f ( x ) = L2 ,

x→a − x→ a +

Then lim f ( x ) exists only if L1 = L2 .

x→a

Example 1.1.3

Suppose we had a function f ( x ) that produced the table of values shown below.
What would we say concerning the value of the lim f ( x ) .
x→2

x 1.5 1.9 1.99 1.999 2 2.001 2.01 2.1 2.5

f ( x) 3.75 4.31 4.9301 4.993 6.007 6.0701 6.71 9.75

We can see that:

1. As x → 2 − , f ( x ) → 5 , i.e. lim− f ( x ) = 5 .
x →2
+
2. As x → 2 , f ( x ) → 6 , i.e. lim+ f ( x ) = 6 .
x →2

Since f ( x ) approaches a different value as x approaches 2 from the left and right
side, we can conclude that:
lim f ( x) = Does not exist
x→2

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.7

 Example 1.1.4

x2 + 1
Compute the lim , if it exists.
x →1 x − 1

For this function, f (1) is undefined, since we have zero in the denominator. The
table below shows calculated values for f ( x ) as the value of x approaches 1.

x 0.9 0.99 0.999 1 1.001 1.01 1.1

f ( x) − 18.1 − 198.1 −1,998.1 2,002.001 202.10 22.1

From the table, it appears that as x → 1 + , the value of f ( x ) gets larger and larger in
the positive direction and as x → 1 − , the value of f ( x ) gets larger and larger in the
negative direction. That is, the value of f ( x ) does not approach a unique real number
as x → 1 .

x2 + 1
Therefore, we say that lim does not exist.
x →1 x − 1

We can also arrive at the same conclusion if we look at the graph of the function
x2 + 1
f ( x) = . ...
x − 1

As x → 1 − the value of f ( x ) → − ∞ and as x → 1 + the value of f ( x ) → + ∞

x2 + 1
therefore, lim does not exist.
x →1 x − 1

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.8

Using a Graph to Find the Limit

Example 1.1.5

Find the limit of f ( x ) as x approaches 1, where f ( x) is defined as

 x2 , x ≤ 1
f ( x) =  .
2 x , x > 1

These types of functions are called piecewise functions. They can also have three
pieces.

You should note that f ( x) is defined at x = 1 . To calculate its value, we use the
piece with the equals sign.
f ( x) = x 2 , x ≤ 1

Therefore, we have:
f (1) = 12 = 1

Let us look at the graph of the function y = f ( x ) to find the limit.

We can see that:

1. As x → 1 − , f ( x ) → 1 , i.e. lim− f ( x ) = 1 .
x →1

2. As x → 1 + , f ( x ) → 2 , i.e. lim+ f ( x ) = 2 .
x →1

Since the value of f ( x) does not approach a unique real number as x → 1 , we

conclude that lim f ( x) does not exist.
x →1

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.9

 NOTE: Conditions under which limits do not exist

The does not exist under any of the following conditions.

1. The value of becomes infinitely large or infinitely Example 4

small as the value of approaches from either side.

2. and where . Example 3, 5

Example 1.1.6

We will now look at the graph of a function f ( x) below and determine the value of
certain limits.

Evaluate the following.

a. f (− 3)

This means we find the y value when x = − 3 . From the graph you should be able to
see that when x = − 3 , y = 2
Therefore, we have: f ( − 3) = 2.

b. f ( − 1)

At x = − 1 , there is a vertical asymptote, which means that the function is undefined

at that x value. Therefore, we have f ( − 1) = undefined.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.10

c. f (1)

At x = 1, there is a DOT at the point (1, 2) and a HOLE at the point (1,3) . We
consider the DOT as the graph can pass through this point. Thus, when x = 1 ,
y = 2 Therefore, f (1) = 2.

d. f (4)

At x = 4 , there is a HOLE at the point (4, 5) . This means that the graph does not
pass through this point, so the function is UNDEFINED at x = 4 .

e. lim f ( x)
x →− 3 −

For this type of question we approach − 3 from the left and see to what y value
does the graph approaches. You should be able to see that the straight line
approaches the value y = 2.
Therefore, we have: lim f ( x ) = 2
x →− 3 −

f. lim f ( x )
x→ −3+

As x approaches − 3 from the right side, the value of f ( x) approaches 2.

Therefore lim + f ( x ) = 2
x →− 3

g. lim f ( x )
x →− 3

Since lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = 2 , then, lim f ( x ) = 2 .

x→−3− x →− 3 + x →− 3

NOTE
When two different pieces of graph MEET AT A POINT, the limit exists
for the given value and is equal to the value of the point.

h. lim f ( x )
x → −1

As x approaches − 1 from the right side or the left side, the value of f ( x ) increases
without bound. Note that at x = − 1 we have a vertical asymptote. Because f ( x ) is
not approaching a unique real number L as x approaches − 1 , you can conclude that
limit does not exist.

That is lim f ( x ) does not exist.

x →−1

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.11

i. lim f ( x )
x → 1−

As x approaches 1 from the left side, the value of the function approaches 3.
Therefore, lim− f ( x ) = 3
x→ 1

j. lim f ( x )
x → 1+

As x approaches 1 from the right side, the value of the function approaches 3.
Therefore, lim+ f ( x ) = 2
x→ 1

k. lim f ( x )
x→ 1

Since lim− f ( x ) = 3 and lim+ f ( x ) = 2 , which are not equal, lim f ( x ) does not
x→ 1 x→ 1 x→ 1
exist.

l. lim f ( x )
x→ 4−

As x approaches 1 from the left side, the value of the function approaches 5.

Therefore, lim− f ( x ) = 5
x→ 4

m. lim f ( x )
x→ 4+

As x approaches 1 from the right side, the value of the function approaches 5.

Therefore lim+ f ( x ) = 5
x→ 4

n. lim f ( x )
x→ 4

Since lim− f ( x ) = 5 and lim+ f ( x ) = 5 , which are equal, lim f ( x ) = 5 .

x→ 4
x→ 4 x→ 4

NOTE

1. A limit will exist when two pieces of the graph meet

at a point.
Example (g), (n)
2. A limit will not exist when we have:
i. A vertical asymptote. Example (h)
ii. A jump or step in the graph. Example (j)

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.12

Limits Using Algebraic Method
M e t h o d f o r c o m p u t i n g t h e lim f ( x) .
x→a

1. Substitute x = a into f ( x ). If:

a. f ( a ) is defined then the limit exists and the value f ( a ) is the limit.
0
b. Both the numerator and denominator are found to be zero i.e then
0
factorise the function and simply and then substitute.
a
c. Only the denominator is equal zero, i.e then the limit does not exist.
0

2. If the function f ( x) is a piecewise function and the rule changes at x = a ,

calculate the left side and right side limits separately. If these are equal the limit
exists and that value is the answer. If they are not equal, the limit does not exist.

The following examples will show how to use this method with different types of
functions.

Example 1.1.7

x2 − 9
Evaluate lim
x →1 x + 3

Substitute x = 1 into the given function.

12 − 9 −8
This gives = = −2
1 + 3 4

x2 − 9
Therefore, lim = −2
x →1 x + 3

Before we look at our next example, try to recall the factorisation techniques that
you learned in MAF11 course. They are

i. Common factors
2 2
ii. Difference of two squares: x − y = ( x + y )( x − y )
2
iii. Factoring the form: ax + bx + c

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.13

 Example 1.1.8

x2 − 1
Evaluate lim .
x → −1 x + 1

Substitute x = − 1 into the given function.

( − 1) 2 − 1 0
This gives =
−1 + 1 0

NOTE:
To find the value of a negative number raised to a power, you MUST
USE BRACKETS as shown above.

Since both numerator and denominator are zero when x = − 1 , we factorise the
numerator and denominator, cancel out any like factors and then substitute again.

x2 − 1 ( x − 1)( x + 1)
lim = lim Factorise numerator
x → −1 x + 1 x → −1 ( x + 1)
( x − 1)( x + 1)
= lim Cancel out common factor
x → −1 ( x + 1)
= lim ( x − 1)
x → −1

= −1 − 1 = − 2 Substitute again

Example 1.1.9

x2 + 2 x − 15
Evaluate lim
x→3 2 x2 − 6 x
0
Substituting x = 3 into the expression yields which is undefined.
0
x 2 + 2 x − 15 ( x + 5)( x − 3)
lim 2
= lim Factorise numerator and denominator.
x→3 2x − 6x x→3 2 x( x − 3)

( x + 5)( x − 3)
= lim Cancel out common factor.
x→3 2 x( x − 3)
x + 5
= lim
x→3 2x

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.14

 3 + 5
= Substitute again.
2(3)
8 4
= =
6 3

NOTE:
It is good to leave the answer in the fraction form than in the decimals.
Fractions are more précised than decimals.

Example 1.1.10

x − 2
Evaluate lim
x → 2 3x 2 − 12
0
Substituting x = 2 into the expression yields which is undefined.
0
Hence, we need to factorise and cancel the common factor.

x − 2 x − 2 x − 2
lim 2
= lim 2
= lim
x → 2 3x − 12 x → 2 3( x − 4) x → 2 3( x − 2)( x + 2)

1
= lim
x → 2 3( x + 2)

1 1 1 1
lim = = =
x→2 3( x + 2) 3(2 + 2) 3(4) 12

Example 1.1.11

x + 3
Evaluate lim
x→3 x2 − 9

When we substitute x = 3 into the expression, only the denominator is zero.

x + 3 3 + 3 6
lim 2
= =
x→3 x − 9 9 − 9 0

Therefore, we conclude that the limit does not exist.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.15

 Example 1.1.12

x − 4
Evaluate lim
x→4 x − 2
0
Substituting x = 4 into the expression yields which is undefined.
0

For these type of expressions we rationalize the denominator (or in some problems
the numerator) by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by conjugate of
the denominator ( x + 2 . )
Therefore, we have:

x − 4 x + 2
lim × Multiply.
x →4 x − 2 x + 2

lim
( x − 4) ( x + 2 ) In the denominator we have used the formula.
( x)
x→4 2
− 22
( a − b)(a + b ) = a 2 − b2

. lim
( x − 4) ( x + 2 ) Cancel out common factor.
x→4 x − 4

lim 4 + 2 = 2 + 2 = 4 Substitute.
x →4

Example 1.1.13

2 x − 3, x < 1
Evaluate lim f ( x ) where f ( x ) =  2
.
x →1
1 − 2 x , x ≥ 1

Since f ( x) is a piecewise function, consider left and right limits separately.

NOTE:
1. For the left limit we use the equation with < or symbol.

2. Likewise for the right limit we use the equation with > or symbol.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.16

The left limit is given by:
lim f ( x ) = lim− (2 x − 3) = 2(1) − 3 = −1 .
x →1 − x →1

The right limit is given by:

lim+ f ( x ) = lim+ (1 − 2 x 2 ) = 1 − 2(1) 2 = − 1
x →1 x →1

Since both left and right limits are equal to − 1 , it follows that:
lim f ( x) = −1 .
x →1

Example 1.1.14

A function f ( x) is defined as:

 x − 1, x > − 2
f ( x) =  2 .
 x + 1, x ≤ − 2

Evaluate lim f ( x).

x →− 2

The left limit is given by:

lim − f ( x ) = lim ( x 2 + 1) = ( − 2) 2 + 1 = 5 .
x→−2 x→−2 −

The right limit is given by:

lim + f ( x) = lim ( x − 1) = − 2 − 1 = − 3
x →− 2 x→−2 +

Hence, lim f ( x) does not exist.

x → −2

Example 1.1.15

A function f ( x) is defined as:

 2 x + 1, x > −1

f ( x ) =  x + 1, x = −1 .
1 − 2 x 2 , x < −1

Evaluate lim f ( x)
x →−1

The left limit is given by:

lim f ( x ) = lim (1 − 2 x 2 ) = 1 − 2( −1) 2 = 1 − 2 = − 1
x → −1− x → −1 −

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.17

The right limit is given by:

lim f ( x ) = lim + (2 x + 1) = 2( −1) + 1 = − 2 + 1 = − 1

x → −1+ x → −1

Since the left and right limits are equal, we can write lim f ( x) = −1.
x →−1

Exercise 1.1

1. Complete the table and use the result to estimate the limit numerically.

x2 + 2x − 3
a lim
x →1 2x − 2
x 0.9 0.99 0.999 1 1.001 1.01 1.1
f ( x)

x2 − 5x + 6
b. lim
x →− 2 x2 − 4
x − 2.1 − 2.01 − 2.001 −2 − 1.999 − 1.99 − 1.9
f ( x)

2. The graph of a function y = f ( x) is shown below.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.18

Use the graph to evaluate the following.

a. i. f (− 3) ii. lim f ( x)
x → −3 −

iii. lim f ( x) iv. lim f ( x)

x → −3 + x →− 3

b. i. f ( − 1) ii. lim f ( x)
x →−1 −

iii. lim f ( x) iv. lim f ( x)

x →−1 + x →−1

c. i. f (2) ii. lim f ( x)

x →2 −

iii. lim f ( x) iv. lim f ( x)

x →2 + x →2

d. i. f (4) ii. lim f ( x)

x →4 −

iii. lim f ( x) iv. lim f ( x)

x →4 + x →4

3. A function f ( x) is defined as:

 − 2 − 3x, x > −1

f ( x) =  1, x = −1
 2 x + 3, x < −1


Find the value of the following.

i. f ( −1) ii. lim f ( x )

x →−1 −

iii. lim f ( x ) iv. lim f ( x )

x →−1 + x →−1

4. Find the lim f ( x ) by evaluating the corresponding one-sided limits for the
x →1

 2 x − 4, x < 1
given function f ( x) =  2
.
1 − 2 x , x ≥ 1

 2 x, x≤ 1
5. Given f ( x ) =  2 , find each of the following limits. If the
 x + 1, x > 0
limit does not exist, explain why.

i. lim f ( x ) ii. lim+ f ( x ) iii. lim f ( x )

x → 0− x →0 x →0

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.19

6. Evaluate the following limits algebraically.

3x
a. lim (3x 2 − 5) b. lim
x →1 x→−4 x +1
2

x 2 (2 − x2 ) x−6
c. lim d. lim
x→−4 x + 4 x →6 x2 − 36

3x2 + 2 x − 1 2x2 − 8
e. lim f. lim
x → −1 3x2 − 3 x → 2 3x 2 − 7 x + 2

x2 − x − 6 2( x + h) − 5( x + h) 2 − (2 x − 5x2 )
g. lim h. lim
x→−2 3x + 6 h→0 h

x+7 − 2 x − 4
i. lim j. lim
x →9 x+3 x→4 x − 2

3 − x
k. lim
x →9 9 − x

Don’t forget to check your answers at the back of this section!

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.20

1.2 Continuity of a Function
The word continuous is defined in the dictionary as ‘going on without a break’.

This word has a very similar meaning in mathematics when we talk about functions
whose graphs form continuous curves without gaps, breaks or holes. The graph of a
function f will have a hole or a break in it at a point c if any of the following
situations occur:

• The function f is undefined at c (Figure1.2.1 a).

• The limit of f ( x ) does not exist as x approaches c (Figures 1.2.1b, 2.4.1c).
• The value of the function and the value of the limit at c are different (Figure
1.2.1 d).

c c c
c
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Figure 1.2.1

This suggests the following definitions. This definition makes use of the concept of
limits that we studied in the previous section.

Definition
A function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at a point c if 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

If one or more of the conditions fails to hold, then we say that the function f ( x )
discontinuous at the point x = c .

We will now look at examples where a function f ( x ) is discontinuous at a value

x = c and then look at the graph of f ( x ) to see what we have at that particular x −
value.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.21

 Example 1.2.1

Determine whether the function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = 1 ?

2
f ( x) =
x − 1

The function is undefined at x = 1 and since only the denominator is zero, the limit
does not exist. Let us look at the graph of f ( x ) to see what we have at x = 1 . The
graph is shown below.

You can see that we have a vertical

asymptote at x = 1 . There is a break in
the graph of the function. We therefore say
that a function will be discontinuous at any
vertical (or x ) asymptote.

Example 1.2.2

Determine whether the function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = − 2 ?

x2 − 4
f ( x) =
x + 2

The function is undefined at x = − 2 and since both the numerator and

denominator are zero, we can calculate the limit of f ( x ) at x = − 2 . This is shown
below.

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

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.22

Therefore, the function is undefined at x = − 2 , but the limit exists. Let us look at
the graph of f ( x ) to see what we have at x = − 2 . The graph is shown below.

You can see that we have a hole at

x = − 2 . There is a break in the
graph of the function. Therefore, we
say that a function will be
discontinuous at any point where there
is a hole in the graph.

Example 1.2.3

Determine whether the piecewise function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = 2 ?

 x + 1, x < 2
f ( x) = 
 2 x − 3, x ≥ 2

The function f ( x ) is defined at x = 2 since we have f (2) = 2(2) − 3 = 1 .

The limit of f ( x ) as x → 2 does not exist. This is shown below.
We have that,

lim f ( x ) = 2 + 1 = 3 and lim+ f ( x) = 2(2) − 3 = 1 .

x→2 − x→2

Let us look at the graph of f ( x ) to see what we have at x = 2 . The graph is

shown below.

You can see that we have a

jump at x = 2 . There is a
break in the graph of the
function. We therefore say that
a function will be discontinuous
at any point where there is a
jump in the graph.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.23

We can therefore say that a function will be discontinuous when there is a:

 vertical asymptote.
 hole.
 jump.

at a particular value x = c .

NOTE
DO NOT DRAW GRAPHS WHEN ASKED TO DETERMINE if a
function is continuous at a certain value.

The examples that follow will show you how to determine if a function is
continuous at a particular value of x .

Example 1.2.4

Determine whether the piecewise function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = − 1 ?

1 + x, x < −1
f ( x) =  2
 x + 1, x ≥ −1

To determine if this function is continuous at x = − 1 we need to calculate the

values of f (−1) and lim f ( x ) . To find lim f ( x ) , we need to find the one sided
x → −1 x → −1
limits.

Therefore, we have:

f ( −1) = ( −1)2 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2 ,

lim f ( x ) = 1 + − 1 = 0 and
x → −1−

lim f ( x) = (− 1) 2 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2 .
x →−1 +

Therefore, lim f ( x ) does not exist since lim − f ( x ) ≠ lim + f ( x ) , thus we say
x → −1 x → −1 x → −1

that the function f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = − 1 .

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.24

 Example 1.2.5

Determine whether the piecewise function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = 2 ?

 x − 3, x < 2 
 
f ( x) =  − 1, x = 2 
 x 2 − 5, x > 2 


To determine if this function is continuous at x = 2 we need to calculate the

value of f (2 ) and lim f ( x ) . To find lim f ( x ) , we need to find the one sided
x→2 x→2

limits.
Therefore, we have:

f (2 ) = − 1 ,
lim f ( x) = 2 − 3 = − 1 and lim+ f ( x) = (2 ) 2 − 5 = − 1 .
x→2 − x→2

Therefore, the lim f ( x ) = −1 since lim− f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = − 1 ,.

x →2 x→2 x→2 +

We can therefore conclude that the function f ( x ) is continuous at x = 2 , since:

1. f (2) is defined;
2. lim f ( x) exists;
x →2

3. f (2) = lim f ( x)
x →2

Example 1.2.6

Determine whether the function f ( x ) is continuous?

2x − 1
f ( x) =
( x − 2)( x + 3)

The function f ( x ) shown above is discontinuous at x = 2 and x = − 3 , since

these are the points where the denominator equals zero. The function is undefined
at these points.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.25

 Example 1.2.7

Determine the value of k so that the function f ( x ) given below is continuous at

x = 1.
6 x − 2, x ≤ 1
f ( x) =  2
kx , x > 1

We need to find the value of the following and make them all equal.

1. f (1)
f (1) = 6(1) 2 − 2 = 6 − 2 = 4

2. lim f ( x)
x →1−

lim− f ( x) = 6(1)2 − 2 = 4
x →1

3. lim f ( x)
x →1+

For the function to be continuous the limit has to equal to 4, therefore

the right sided limit should also be equal to 4. Thus,

lim+ f ( x) = k (1)2 = 4
x →1

Therefore, we have:

k = 4.

Exercise 1.2

1. Determine the points where each of the following functions is discontinuous

(if any).

3
a. f ( x) = 2 x 2 − 1 b. f ( x) =
x( x + 2)

x2 − 4 3x + 2
c. f ( x) = d. f ( x) =
x + 2 x2 + 1

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.26

2. Determine if the following functions are continuous at the given value of x .
Give reason(s) for your answer.

 2 − x, x > −2
a. f ( x) =  2
, at x = − 2 .
4 − x , x ≤ −2

 x 2 − 2, x < −1

b. f ( x) =  − 2, x = −1 , at x = − 1 .
 −3 − 2 x , x > − 1


2 x − 3, x > 1

c. f ( x ) =  x − 2, x = 1 , at x = 1 .
1 − 2 x 2 , x < 1


 3 − x, x > − 1

d. f ( x) =  3 , x = −1 , at x = − 1
 x 2 + 3, x < − 1


3. Determine the value of k so that the function f ( x ) given below will be

continuous at x = − 1 .

 3 − kx 2 , x > −1

f ( x) =  1, x = −1
 l + 2 x , x < −1


Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.27

4. The graph of a function f ( x ) is shown below. For what values of x is f ( x )
discontinuous?

Don’t forget to check your answers at the back of this section!

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.28

Summary
1. a. The phrase “ x approaches a from the left” is shown by x → a − .
The minus sign means from the negative side of a , which is the left.

b. The phrase “ x approaches a from the right” is shown by x → a + .

The positive sign means from the positive side of a , which is the
right.

2. Therefore, the two-sided limit

lim f ( x) = L
x →a

exists only if both one-sided limits are the same. That is only if the value of
f ( x ) approaches the same number as the value of x approaches a from
either side.

3. Do not try to solve limit problems by drawing graphs.

4. When two different pieces of graph meet at a point, the limit exists for the
given x value and is equal to the y value of the point.

5. A limit will not exist when we have a:

a. Vertical asymptote.
b. Jump or step in the graph.

6. Method for computing the lim f ( x) .

x→a

a. Substitute x = a into f ( x ). If

i. f ( a ) is defined the limit exists and the value f ( a ) is the

limit.
ii. Both the numerator and denominator are found to be zero i.e
0
then factorise the function and simplify and then substitute.
0
a
iii. Only the denominator is equal zero, i.e then the limit does
0
not exist.

b. If the function f ( x ) is a piecewise function and the rule changes at

x = a , calculate the left side and right side limits separately. If these
are equal the limit exists and that value is the answer. If they are not
equal, the limit does not exist.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.29

7. A function f ( x ) is continuous at the value x = c , if the following three
conditions are satisfied:

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

3. lim f ( x ) = f (c ) .
x →c

8. We can therefore say that a function will be discontinuous when there is a:

1. vertical asymptote.
2. hole.
3. jump.

at a particular value x = c .

9. Do not draw graphs to determine if a function is continuous at a given x −

value.

10. You must use the given c value and not the letter c that is used in the
definition when giving the reasons why a function is continuous at a given
x − value.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.30

Unit 1 Revision Exercise
1. Evaluate the following limits.

x 2 + 5 x − 14 x − 1
a. lim b. lim
x →2 2x − 4 x →1 x − 1

2( x + h) 2 + 5( x + h) − (2 x 2 + 5 x )
c. lim
h→0 h

x 2 + 2 x − 15 x2 − 9
d. lim e. lim
x→3 2x2 − 6x x →3 3x 2 − 8 x − 3

2. Compute the limit if it exists.

 1 + x, x < −1 
a. The lim f ( x ) where f ( x) =  2 
x → −1
 x + 1, x ≥ −1 

 x − 4, x < 2 
 
b. The lim f ( x ) where f ( x) =  − 2, x = 2 
x→2
 2 x > 2 
 x − 6,

3. Determine if the following functions are continuous at the given value of x .

 2 − x, x > − 1

a. f ( x) =  3 , x = −1 , at x = − 1 .
 x 2 + 2, x < − 1


 2 x − 1, x > −2

b. f ( x) =  −5 , x = − 2 , at x = − 2 .
 x 2 − 1, x < −2


Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.31

4. Determine the value of k so that the function f ( x ) given below is
continuous at x = − 1 .

 3 − x, x ≤ −1 
 
f ( x) =  4, x = −1 
 kx + 1, x > −1 


Don’t forget to check your answers at the back of this section.

Unit 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function 1.32