4.

5 Limit Flowchart Math 1300: Calculus I

Let f (x) be a given function. This flowchart is useful for solving problems that involve finding lim f (x) where a is a constant or ±∞.
x→a
We cannot include every single possibility. This chart is meant to be a useful guide, but it is no substitute for your own understanding and critical thinking!
Start

Yes Is f (x) continuous No

on its domain?
Yes Is a a constant in Is f a piecewise
the domain of f ? function?
Yes
lim f (x) = f (a)
x→a Take the left and right limits.
If necessary, use the flowchart again No
to determine how to find each limit.

Then f is secretly a piecewise function. Yes

Does f involve an
Rewrite as a piecewise function. absolute value?

No

Indeterminate What form

is lim f (x)?
x→a

00 , ∞0 , 1∞ , 0 · ∞ 0
0 ∞ constant , ,∞ ·
or 0 ∞ Other
0 ∞ ∞, ∞ − ∞ 0 ∞, ∞ + ∞, 0∞

Simplify* Simplify* lim f (x) = ±∞ Not inde-

x→a−
f (x) f (x) lim f (x) = ±∞ terminate!
x→a+
Test sign of nearby points lim f (x) = 0
Didn’t work Didn’t work x→a
to determine left/right or ±∞
Rewrite as a
l’Hôpital’s limits and if they agree.
fraction with
Rule 0 ∞
form 0
or ∞
Time to get creative! Draw
a picture, take left and
Didn’t work or still not sure right limits, estimate
with nearby points, etc.

*Remember our tactics for simplifying/rewriting f (x) include: multiply cleverly by 1 (e.g. a conjugate over
itself), divide numerator and denominator by a power of x, factor and cancel, combine fractions, etc.