Limits

Limits

1.
 Limits

INTRODUCTION TO LIMITS

DEFINITION OF LIMITS :
Definition
We can also say that if f(x) becomes arbitrarily
Limit of a function at any point
close to a unique number L as x approaches
can be said to be the value of
‘c’ from either side, then the limit of f(x) as x
the function at the immediate
approaches ‘c’ is L. This is written as:
neighbourhood of that point.
lim f ( x ) = L
x →c

Let us take an example:

x2 − 4
y= = x + 2; x ≠  2
x−2
4
0
Here, f(2) is not defined as it is of the form
0
which is an indeterminate form.
But as x → 2, f → 4
which means if x is sufficiently close to 2, 2
then f is arbitrarily close to 4.
Here, solving limit leads to dividing by (x – 2)
(Really!)
In above example, x→2 means x is very close
to 2 like 2.000000 ... 00001 or 1.9999 ...
999999.
Similarly, x → 2 ⇒ f → 4 which means when x
becomes very close to 2, then f becomes very
close to 4 like 4.00000000 ... 0001 or 3.99999
… 99.
In such case it is said that limit of function at
x = 2 is 4. It is represented by lim f ( x ) = 4
x →2

(approx. value).
x2 − 4
Now SOLVING TRICK for lim  :
x →2 x−2
0
y Since it is of the form at x=2, cancel out
0
the common factor x-2 So, that it is no longer
0
of the form .
Limits

0
2.
 ( x − 2)( x + 2) = lim
lim
x →2 x−2 x →2
( x + 2) = 4
Now, there is no problem in putting the value
of x = 2 in the limit.

Deleted neighbourhood of a point ‘a’

(a − δ, a + δ) − {a} is called deleted
neighbourhood of ‘a’ where δ is very small
positive.
Deleted neighbourhood
(a − δ, a) is left neighbourhood. of ‘a’
(a, a + δ) is right neighbourhood.
a-δ a+δ
a
Meaning of small positive is something like
0.00000000000000 … ∞
To find limit, function must be defined in
neighbourhood of the point.
Only comment on Limit when function is
continuous in neighbourhood.

Left and Right Hand limits :

Y

x →a
( )
Lim− f ( x ) =  = f a  means as x tends to a
−

y=x+2
from left hand side, f tends to  , x ≠ a.
2 X
from Right
( )
lim f ( x ) = M = f a + means as x tends to a
x →a +
from left
from right hand side, f tends to M, x ≠ a.

Left Hand limit (L.H.L) here means value of

function at left neighbourhood of point.
L.H.L = lim−  ( x + 2) = 4
x →2

x → 2 means x = 2 - 0.000000 … 001

−

Similarly, Right Hand limit means value of

function at right neighbourhood of point.
Limits

3.
 R.H.L = lim+  ( x + 2) = 4
x →2

x → 2+ means x=2 + 0.000000 … 0001.

Existence of limit :
If L.H.L = R.H.L = finite value M, then limit
exists and is equal to ‘M’.
( ) ( )
Or f a −1 = f a + = finite = Limit

In previous example, L.H.L = 4 = R.H.L at x = 2.

So, limit exists at x = 2 and lim ( x + 2) = 4
x →2

7 INDETERMINATE FORMS
0 ∞
,   ,  0 × ∞,  ∞ − ∞,  1∞ ,  00 ,  ∞0  
0 ∞
f
If lim  f ( x ) = lim g ( x ) = 0 , then lim    take
x →a x →a x →a g

0
the form of .
0
Sometimes this limit exists and has finite
value. The determination of limits in such case
is referred to as evaluation of indeterminate
form.
Some types of Determinate form ⇒ ∞ + ∞ =
∞; 0∞ = 0
Some examples of Indeterminate form:

x2 − 4  0  x2 4

x − 2 0
 form  ,   
 x−2 x−2
− ∞− ( )
∞  form ,

1
 1  ∞ 
(
x −4 
2
)
 x − 2 
( )
0 × ∞  form ,    x −
1
2
 ∞  form
x2 − 4
All the above examples are for x = 2.

NOTE :
(i)
x →a
()
Limit f x ⇒ x ≠ a

(ii) Limit  f ( x ) is said to exits at x = a if

x →a
Limits

4.
 Limit  f ( a + h) = Limit f ( a − h) = (a finite
h→ 0 h→ 0

quantity, disregards whether f is defined at

x = a)
( )
     f a + ( )
                       f a −  
(R.H.L ) (L.H.L )

TYPES OF INDETERMINATE FORMS

0 ∞
1. 2. 3. 0 × ∞
0 ∞

4. ∞-∞ 5. 00 6. 1∞

7. ∞0 Indeterminate form→ that value

of the limit is not obvious

x2 + x − 6 0  9 − 3 − 6 0 
Ex. Lim =    = 
x →−3 x+3 0  −3 + 3 0

→ Cannot be determined.
The above result has no meaning as a real
number. It is called an indeterminate form
because you cannot, from the form alone,
determine the limit.
Make a table to estimate the above limit.
What is your estimate?
The limit is –5.
The solution is as follows:
( x + 3)( x − 2) = lim
lim
x →−3 x+3 x →−3
( x − 2) = −3 − 2 = −5
Limits

5.
 Checking if limit Exists
To check if limit exists for f(x) at x = a
We check if :

Left hand limit = Right hand Limit = L

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

Recall Notation
lim f ( x ) = L
x →a

This means:
As x gets closer to a, f(x) gets closer to L

Determinate forms :
Let a ∈ R
(1) a + ∞ = + ∞
(2) a - ∞= -∞
(3) +∞ + ∞ = + ∞
(4) -∞ - ∞= -∞
 + ∞    if     a > 0
(5) a×(+∞) =  where a ≠ 0
−  ∞    if     a < 0  

 +∞      if     a < 0
(6) a × (-∞) =  where a ≠ 0
−∞       if     a > 0  
a a
(7) = 0 and =0
+∞ −∞
a  + ∞     if     a  >  0
(8)  = where a  ≠ 0
0 −  ∞     if     a  <  0  

Example :
2
lim =  ?
x →0 x

2  2 
lim+ = +∞             
x →0 x  0.00000 ...  0001 
2  2 
lim = −∞              
x →0− x  −0.0000 ...  001 
∴ L.H.L ≠ R.H.L. So limit does not exit.
Limits

6.
 function
As you approach a along the x-axis
f(x) = L
Above diagram perfectly describes limit xa
As you approach What is the y-value
a long the x-axis getting closer to?

4 Two-Sided Limit

3 ⊙
Two = Sided limit
f(x)right = 2.9005
2 
f(x)left = 1.1005
⊙
1

⊙ ⊙ ⊙
-0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

-1 x-left=0.1 x -right = 1.900

Q.1 f(x) = [x], find lim x  .

x →2

Sol. (1) LHL = lim− x  = 1

x →2

(2)  RHL = lim+ x  = 2

x →2

⇒ LHL ≠ RHL

∴ Limit does not exist.

Q.2 lim {x} =  ?

x →3

Sol. LHL = lim− {x} = 1 Y

x →3
y={x}
RHL = lim+ {x} = 0
x →3

∴ LHL ≠ RHL
X
So, limit does not exist at x = 3. 1 2 3
Limits

7.
 Note :

(1) lim x  does not exist.

x →I

( RHL = I, LHL = I - 1)
(2) lim {x} does not exist.
x →I

( RHL = 0, LHL = 1)

x
Q.3 f (x) = . Find lim f ( x ) .
x x →0

x −x
Sol. LHL = lim−
x →0 x
= lim−
x →0 x
= −1

x x
RHL = lim+ = lim− =1
x →0 x x →0 x

⇒ LHL ≠ RHL

So, limit does not exist.

1
Q.4 Limit  tan−1
x →0 x
 

1 π
Sol. lim+ tan−1   = tan−1 ( ∞ ) = = RHL
x →0 x 2

1 −π
lim− tan−1   = tan−1 ( −∞ ) = = LHL
x →0 x 2

∴ LHL ≠ RHL. Limit does not exist.

Q.5 Limit  sin−1 ( sec x )
x →0

Sol. LHL=  lim− sin−1 ( secx ) Y y = sec x

x →0

( )
But sec 0− > 1 and domain of sin−1x is [-1, 1].

∴ sin ( sec0 ) will not exist.

−1 −

Similarly, for RHL, sin ( sec0 ) will not exist.

−1 + ·
∴ Both LHL and RHL does not exist. X
Limits

8.
 So, limit does not exist.

as x→0, sec→1+ and sin-1(1+) does not exist.

Ex: Same as above question, lim sin−1 x2 + 1

x →0
( )
does not exist. As x → 0, x2 + 1 > 1
( )
So, sin−1 x2 + 1 will not exist.

Q.6 Limit  cot −1x2

x →0

π
Sol. LHL = lim− cot −1 ( x2 ) =
x →0 2
π
RHL = lim+ cot −1 ( x2 ) =
x →0 2
π
∴ LHL = RHL = = limit
2

Q.7 Limit f ( x ) = x  + {x}  

x→1

Sol. R.H.L. ⇒ x = 1+  → 1 + 0 = 1

L.H.L. ⇒  x = 1−  → 0 + 1 = 1
LHL = RHL = 1

So lim  f ( x ) = 1
x→1

Q.8 Limit x sgn ( x − 1)  
x→1

Sol. As x→1+→ x – 1 > 0 ⇒  sgn(x – 1) = 1

∴ RHL = 1 × 1 = 1

As x → 1− → x – 1 < 0 ⇒   sgn(x – 1) = –1

∴ LHL = 1 × (-1) = – 1

⇒ LHL ≠ RHL, so limit does not exist.

Limits

9.
 Limit [sin x] 
Q.9 x→
π
2

   π−
Sol. x→
2
⇒ sin x = 1− ⇒ 1−  = 0

⇒ LHL = 0
π
+

x→
2
⇒ sin x = 1− ⇒ 1−  = 0 Y
• 1 •
y=[sinx]
⇒ RHL = 0
-2π -π 2π
∴ LHL = RHL = 0 = Limit • 3∘π • • ∘π •π 3π X
lim [sin x ] = 0
x→
π
−
2 2 2
2

Note : ∘ ∘-1 ∘ • ∘
Limit is ABSOLUTE in nature, it gives the
EXACT value.

lim [cos x]
Q.10 x→
π
2

   π−
Sol. x→
2
⇒ cos x = 0+   Y
1
⇒ [cos x] = 0 = LHL y=cosx
π+
x→
2
⇒ cos x = 0−
π
• X

⇒ cosx  = −1 = RHL 2

⇒ LHL ≠ RHL

So, limit does not exist.

Limits

10.
One sided limit :

If one side of neighbourhood is not in

domain, then the limit of the function will
be the limit on other side.

Ex: lim x  : → Domain is [0, ∞).

x →0

So, left side of function at x=0 does not exist.

So, limit = RHL = lim+ x = 0 
x →0

2x − 3, x ≥ 2
Q.1 Consider f ( x ) =   . Find lim  f ( x ) .
 4 − x , x < 2
2 x →2

Sol. x → 2+ ⇒ RHL = 2 × 2 − 3 = 1 

x → 2− ⇒ LHL = 4 − 22 = 0 
⇒ LHL ≠ RHL
⇒ lim f ( x ) does not exist.
x →2

1
Q.2 Find lim  
x→1 x 
 

1
Sol. Domain of  is ( −∞, 0 ) ∪  1, ∞ )
x 

So, limit will be equal to RHL as 1– is not domain.

x → 1+

⇒ [x] = 1
1
⇒ RHL =
1
=1

∴ Limit = 1

Limits

11.
 Methods to Evaluate Limit
Various Strategies (To evaluate limit):
Algebraic Methods
Factorisation / Rationalisation / Double
rationalisation / Use of binomial theorem /
algebraic identities/involving Law of Love if
necessary
(We love ∞ in Denominator and 0 in Numerator)

2n + 3  ∞ 
Q.1 lim
n→∞
 form 
7n − 6  ∞ 

Sol. Applying law of love, divide by ‘n’ in both numerator and denominator.
3
2+
n = 2 + 0 = 2    3 6 
We get, lim
n→∞ 6 7−0 7   and → 0 
 n n 
7−
n

x3 – 1
Q.2 lim
x→1 x−1
 

(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) None of these

Sol. (B)
x3 – 1 0
lim 
x→1 x − 1
 → It is of the
0
form.

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

x5 − 1
Q.3 lim 
x→1 x − 1

(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) None of these

Sol. (D)
0
Again, it is of the form   .
0

So, using factorisation, remove the factor ‘x – 1’ causing ‘0’.

( x − 1) ( 1 + x + x 2
+ x3 + x4 ) = 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+ 1 = 5
⇒ lim  
x→1 x−1
Limits

12.
Standard limits :
xn − a n
1. lim  = na n− 1 ; n ∈ N 
x →a x−a
Proof:
n n
x x
a   −1
n
  −1
x −a a a
n n
= = an − 1  
x−a x  x
a  − 1  −1
a  a
x
let = t . As x→a ⇒ t→1
a
 tn − 1 
⇒ lim   an− 1   = na (Same as Previous Question)
n− 1

t →1
 t − 1 

Note :
xn − an
= xn− 1 + xn−2a + xn−3a2 +  ... + xan−2 + an− 1  
x−a

xn − an
2. lim ;  n ∈ Q 
x →a x−a
Proof :
Let x = a + h, h→0
n
 h
1 +  − 1
( a + h ) − an
n
a h
⇒ lim  = an lim   , → 0 
h→ 0 a +h−a h→ 0 h a
 h n (n − 1)  h  
2

1 + n +   + … − 1
 a 2 a 
= an lim   
h→ 0 h
n n (n − 1) h n (n − 1)(n − 2 )  h 
2

= a lim +
n
+   +  ... 
h→ 0 a 2! a 3! a
= nan− 1

Alternative Method :
0 ∞
Using L' Hospital rule. (used in case of ,     ) 
0 ∞
f f′ f′′
Lim = lim = lim   (will be studied later on)
x →a g x → a g′ x → a g ′′
Limits

13.
 x 100 − 1
Q.1 lim  20
x→1 x −1
(A) 5 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) None of these

Sol. (A)
0
Limit is of   
0
form

Using L' Hospital method,

100x99 100
⇒ lim
x→1 20x 19
=
20
= 5 

Alternate method :
y5 − 1
 x20 = y ⇒ lim
y →1 y−1
=5

x3 − n
Q.2 lim 
x→1 x − 1
. Limit exists. Find n and limit.

(A) 1, 3 (B) 3, 1 (C) 1, 2 (D) None of these

Sol. Numerator → 1 – n

Denominator→0

If 1 – n ≠ 0, limit does not exist.

If 1 – n = 0, limit may exist if the factors of x – 1 get cancel out.

x3 − 1
∴ n = 1 ⇒ l im
x→1 x−1
= 3 

1 1

(cosx ) 3 − ( cosx ) 2
Q.3 lim
x →0 sin2 x
 equals

1 1 1
(A) (B) − (C) (D) None of these
6 6 12

Sol. (C)

Let cosx = y6 so as x → 0 ⇒ y → 1

y2 − y3 y2 ( 1 − y )
lim
y →1 1 − y 12
= lim
y →1
(
1 − y6 1 + y6
 
)( )
 y2   ( 1 − y )  = 1 × 1 = 1
 lim   lim
Limits

 y → 1 1 + y   y → 1 1 − y  2 6 12
6 6

14.
 −1 + cot 3 x
Q.4 lim
x→
π −2 + cotx + cot 3 x
 
4

3 4 3
(A) (B) (C) − (D) Does not exist
4 3 4

Sol. (A)
π
cot x = t so as x → ⇒t→1
4
t3 − 1  t 3 − 1
⇒ lim = lim
t →1
(
t 3 + t − 2 t → 1 ( t − 1) t 2 + t + 2 )
 t3 − 1   1  1 3
lim   2  = 3× =
t − 1  t + t + 2 4 4

t →1


2x + 23− x − 6
Q.5 Find the value of Limit
x →2
2− x − 21− x
 

Sol. 2x = t for x → 2 ⇒ t → 4
8
t+ −6
t t 2 − 6t + 8
⇒ lim = lim  
x →4
1 2 t →4
t −2
−
t t

= lim
( t − 2)( t + 4 ) = lim ( t − 2) ( t +2 )( t −2 ) =2×4=8
x →4
t −2 t →4
t −2

x
Q.6 limit
x →0
5−x − 5+x
(A) 5 (B) − 5 (C) 2 5 (D) None of these

Sol. (B)

Rationalising, we get
x ( 5−x + 5+x ) = lim x ( 5−x + 5+x ) 
lim
x →0
(5 − x ) − (5 + x ) x →0 −2x

2 5
= =− 5
−2
Limits

15.
 3− x
Q.7 lim   
x →9
4 − 2x − 2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) None of these

Sol. (D)

3− x  3 + x   4 + 2x − 2 
lim
x →9
× × 
4 − 2x − 2  3 + x   4 + 2x − 2 
(Double Rationalization)

(9 − x) (4 + 2x − 2 )
= lim
(3 + x ) (18 − 2x)
x →9

1 (4 + 4) 2
= × =  
2 ( 3 + 3) 3

1
Q8 lim xsin
x →0 x
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) None of these

Sol. (D)
1
as x → 0,
x
→ ±∞

1
In this range, sin will always lie in [-1, 1] which is finite quantity.
x

Since x→ 0, when multiplied by a finite quantity will always give the limit as 0.
1
So, lim  xsin = 0 
x →0 x

 π   π 
Q.9 Limcos 
x →0
 . cos 
 x + 1

 x − 1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) –1 (D) None of these

Sol. (A)
π π  π 
As x→1,
x+1
→ ⇒ cos 
2  x + 1
→0

 π 
Again cos   ∈ [ −1, 1]
 x − 1
 π   π   π 
So, 0 × cos   → 0 ⇒ lim cos   cos   = 0 × finite = 0
 x − 1 x →1
 x + 1  x − 1
Limits

16.
 ax + b − 2
Q.10 If lim  x →0 x
= 1, then ( a,b ) is equal to

(A) (2, 4) (B) (4, 4) (C) (8, 4) (D) None of these

Sol. (B)

Limit exists and denominator →0

∴ Numerator must also tend to 0

⇒ b −2 = 0 ⇒b = 4

Using rationalization,
ax + 4 − 2 ax + 4 − 4
lim = lim = 1 
x →0 x x →0
(
x ax + 4 + 2 )
a
⇒ lim =1
x →0
ax + 4 + 2
a
⇒ = 1 ⇒ a = 4 
2+2

2x2 − 3x + 7
Q.11 lim
x →∞ x 2 − 4x + 2
 is equal to

1 7
(A) 2 (B) (C) (D) Does not exist
2 2

Sol. (A)

Method-1 : Divide by x2 (highest degree)

3 7
2− + 2
x x = 2 − 0 + 0 = 2 
⇒ lim
x →∞ 4 2 1−0+0
1− + 2
x x

Method-2 : Use L′ Hospital Rule

2x 2
− 7x – 7
Q.12 lim x →∞ x−4
; x ∈ N is equal to

7
(A) 2 (B) 0 (C) (D) Does not exist
4

Sol. (D)

Divide by x in numerator and denominator

Limits

17.
 7
2x − 7 −
x → ∞ − 7 → ∞.
lim
x →∞ 4 1−0
1−
x

∞ is not finite ∴ limit does not exist.

3x2 − 7x + 4
Q.13 lim
x →∞ 4x 3 + 3x 2 − 7x + 5
;  x ∈ N  is equal to

3 4
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) Does not exist
4 5

Sol. (C)

Divide by x2 in numerator and denominator

7 4
3− + 2
x x 3
lim
x →∞ 7 5
=
∞
= 0 
4x + 3 − + 2
x x

12 + 22 + 32 + ... + n2
Q.14 Limit 
n→∞ n3
is equal to

1 1
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) Does not exist
6 3

Sol. (B)
n 1 1
n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 1 +  2 + 
n n n  ( 1)( 1 + 0 )( 2 + 0 ) 1
lim = lim  = =  
n→∞ 6n3 n→∞ 6 6 3

x2 + 1
Q.15 Limit
x →−∞ 3x − 6
is equal to

1 1 1
(A) (B) − (C) (D) Does not exist
3 3 6

Sol. (B)
1 1
x 1+ −x 1 + 2
x =
2
x = −1 1 + 0  =- 1
lim
x →−∞  6  6 3−0 3
x 3 −  x 3 − 
 x  x
Limits

18.
 3x2 − 1 − 2x2 − 1
Q.16 Find lim
x →−∞ 4x + 3
 .

1 1
x 3−
x 2
− x 2− 2
x = − 3−0 − 2−0 =
− ( 3+ 2 ) 
Sol. lim
x →−∞  3 4+0 4
x 4 + 
 x

 1 12 
Q.17 Find the value of limit  x + 2 − x x →−2 3 .
+ 8
 
1 12
Sol. lim 
x →−2  x + 2
−
( x + 2) x2 − 2x + 4 ( )


 

= lim
x2 − 2x − 8
= lim
( x + 2)( x − 4 )  

x →−2
( x + 2) ( x 2
− 2x + 4 ) x →−2
( x + 2) ( x − 2x + 4 )
2

x−4 −6 1
= lim = =−  
x →−2 x − 2x + 4 4 + 4 + 4
2
2

Q.18 Find the value of limit ( x →±∞

x2 − 2x − 1 − x2 − 7x − 3 . )
Sol. Using rationalization, we get :
 2
x 5 + 
( ) (
x2 − 2x − 1 − x2 − 7x − 3 )=  x
limit
x →±∞
x − 2x − 1 + x − 7x − 3
2 2  2 1 7 3 
 
x  1− − 2 + 1− − 2 
 x x x x 


=±
(5 + 0) =±
5
 
1−0−0 + 1−0−0 2

 4x3 
Q.19 Lim  4x2 + x −
x →∞  x+2
 is equal to
 
4 9 9
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
9 4 2

Sol. (B)
 
 1 4 
Lim x  4 + −
x →∞
 x

2
 1+ 
 x
Limits

19.
 Now rationalization, we get:
 ( 4x + 1)( x + 2) − 4x2 
 1 4x  x  
x 4 + −
x x + 2
  x ( x + 2 ) 
Lim   = Lim   
x →∞
1 4 x →∞
1 4
4+ + 4+ +
x 2 x 2
1+ 1+
x x
9x + 2 2
9+
= lim x+2 = lim x  
x →∞
1 4 x →∞  
4+ +  2 1 4 
x 2
1+ 1 +  4 + + 
x  x  x 2
 1+ 
 x
9 9
= =  
2+2 4
Note :

Polynomial
In case of f ( x ) = ,
Polynomial
where x→±∞; just use the highest degree
term in both numerator and denominator
to find limit and ignore other terms.

Q.20 Limit  tan x ( )
2sin2 x + 3sinx + 4 − sin2 x + 6sinx + 2 is equal to
2
π
x→
2

1 1 1
(A) (B) − (C) (D) None of these
6 6 12

Sol. (A)

Rationalizing, we get:

(
tan2 x sin2 x − 3sinx + 2 )
lim
x→
π
2sin2 x + 3sinx + 4  +   sin2 x + 6sinx + 2
 
2

( )(
sin2 x sin2 x − 1 sin2 x − 2 )
lim  
x→
π
2 cos x 2
( 2sin x + 3sinx + 4  +   sin x + 6sinx + 2)
2 2

−1 × ( −1) 1 1
= = =  
2 + 3 + 4  +   1 + 6 + 2 3+3 6

Limits

20.
 ax3 + bx2 + cx + d
Q.21 lim
x →0 x2
 . Limit exists. Find a, b, c, d.

 0 + 0 + 0 + d
Sol. It is 
 0
 form.


If d ≠ 0, then limit does not exist.

ax3 + bx2 + cx ax2 + bx + c
So, d = 0 ⇒ lim
x →0 x2
= lim
x →0 x
 

Again, c must be 0 for limit to exist.

ax2 + bx
∴ lim
x →0 x
= lim  ax + b = b 
x →0

∴ a, b ∈ R and c, d = 0

f (x)
Q.22 If lim
x →0 x4
= 3  where f is a four degree polynomial, then the value of f(1) is

1
(A) 3 (B) (C) 9 (D) None of these
3

Sol. (A)

Let f ( x ) = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e

f (x)  b c d e 
∴ lim
x →0 x 4
= lim  a + + 2 + 3 + 4 
x →0
 x x x x 

So, for limit to exist, b = c = d = e = 0

lim a = 3 ⇒ a = 3 
x →0

⇒ f(1) = 3 × 1 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 3

etanx − 1
Q.23 limx→
π etanx + 1
 
2

(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) –1 (D) None of these

Sol. (D)
π
→ tan x → ±∞   →  discontinuity at x = π 
As x →
2  2
Limits

21.
 So, check for LHL and RHL separately.
 1 
etan x  1 − tan x 
π −
e tan x
−1  e  1−0
⇒ x→ ⇒ lim− tan x = lim− = = 1 = LHL 
2 π e + 1 x→ π
tan x  1  1+ 0
x→
e  1 +
etan x 
2 2

π+
x→ ⇒ tan x → −∞ ⇒ etan x → 0 
2
etan x − 1 0 − 1
∴ lim+ = = −1 = RHL 
x→
π etan x + 1 0 + 1
2

∴ LHL ≠ RHL
∴ Limit does not exist.

n
r3 − 8
Q.24 Evaluate lim ∏
n→∞
r =3 r3 + 8
 , where ∏ represents product of function.

2 2 1 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)  
3 5 3 7

Sol. (D)
n
r3 − 8
P = lim ∏
n→∞
r =3 r3 + 8
n
 r − 2   r 2 + 2r + 4 
= lim ∏   2 

n→∞
r = 3  r + 2   r − 2r + 4 

n
 r − 2  n  r 2 +  2r +  4 
= lim ∏  ∏ 2  
r = 3  r + 2  r = 3  r − 2r + 4 
n→∞

 1 2 3 4 5 (n − 5 ) (n − 4 ) (n − 3 ) (n − 2) 
= lim  ... ×
n→∞ 5 6 7 8 9
 (n − 1) (n) (n + 1) (n + 2) 

 19 28 39 (n2 − 2n + 4 ) (n2 + 3) × (n2 + 2n + 4) 
 × × ... 2 × 2 
7 12 19 (n − 6n + 12) (n − 4n + 7 ) (n2 − 2n + 4 ) 
 

= lim 
1⋅2⋅3⋅4
×
(n2 + 3) (n2 + 2n + 4) 
n→∞ (n − 1 ) n (n + 1 ) (n + 2 )

7 × 12

 

2
= lim 
 (
 n2 + 3 n2 + 2n + 4 )(  )

7 n→∞  (n − 1) n (n + 1)(n − 2 ) 
 
Limits

22.
   3  2 4 
 1 + 2 1 + + 2  
2  n  n n  
= lim   
7 n →∞
 1 − 1  1 1 + 1   1 + 2  
   
n 

n

n  

2 ( 1 + 0 )( 1 + 0 + 0 ) 2
= =
7 ( 1 − 0 )( 1 + 0 )( 1 + 0 ) 7

Hence P =
2
7

1 + x  −  1
Q.25 Evaluate lim x →0 x
.

1 + x  −  1 0
Sol. When Ố = the expression
x
takes the form ,
0

Rationalizing the numerator, we have

1+ x − 1 ( 1 + x  − 1 )( 1 + x  + 1 )
lim = lim
x →0 x x →0
x ( 1+ x + 1 )
1+ x − 1 1 1
= lim = lim =
x →0
( 1+ x + 1 x ) x →0
1+ x + 1 2

3− x
Q.26 Evaluate lim  4 − x →9
2x − 2
.

3− x( 3+ x ) (
4 + 2x − 2  0  )
Sol. lim   × ×  
x →9
4 − 2x − 2 3+ x (
4 + 2x − 2  0  )
(9 − x ) × ( 4 + 2x − 2 )  
= lim
x →9 16 − ( 2x − 2) (3 + x )
= lim
(9 − x ) × ( 4 + 2x − 2 )

x →9 2 (9 − x ) (3 + x )
= lim
1
×
(
4 + 2x − 2 1 4 + 16 2
= × =
)
x →9 2 3+ x 2 3+ 9 3

Limits

23.
 Q.27 Evaluate lim
3
x3 + 3x2 − x2 − 2x .
x →∞

Sol. lim 3 x3 + 3x2 − x2 − 2x

x →∞
1 1
  3  3   2  2
= lim x3  1 +   − x2  1 −    
x →∞
  x    x 

 1 1

  3 3  2 2 
= lim x  1 +  −  1 − 
x →∞  x x 
  
1 1
 3 3  2 2
1 +  − 1 − 1 −  + 1
x x
= lim    
x →∞  1
 
x
 1
1  1

  3 3 3  1 − 2  2 − 1 2
3 1 +  − 1
 x   x
 
   
= lim +
x →∞ 3  2
x − 
 x
 1
1  1
1
  3 3 3  1 − 2  2 − 12  2
3 1 +  − 1
 x   
x 
   
= lim +  
x →∞  3   2 
 1 +  − 1  1 −  − 1
 x   x 

 1 1
  21 1

3  t 3 − 13   p − 12 
     3  2
= lim   + lim   ×2 (Let  1 +  = t &  1 −  = p )
t →1
( )
t − 1 p→ 1 p − 1  x  x

 1 −2   1 −1 
= 3 ×  ( 1) 3  + 2  ( 1) 2  = 1 + 1 = 2
3  2 

Q.28 x →∞
(
Evaluate lim ( x + 1)( x + 2)( x + 3) ) 3
−x.
1

Sol. x →∞
(
lim ( x + 1)( x + 2)( x + 3) ) 3
− x 
1
( 1 + y )( 1 + 2y )( 1 + 3y )  3
= lim   − 1    Put x = 1 

y →0 y y

 y

Limits

24.
 1

= lim
( 6y 3 + 11y 2 + 6y + 1 ) 3
−1
 

y →0 y
1
1+
3
(6y ) + Higher terms − 1
= lim =2

y →0 y

Q.29 lim ( 1 )
sin2 x
cosec2 x cosec2 x cosec2 x cosec2 x
+2 +3 + ... + 100
x →0

( )
sin2 x

Sol.
2 2 2 2
lim 1cos ec x + 2cos ec x + 3cos ec x + ... + 100cos ec x  
x →0
sin2 x
 cosec2 x cosec2 x cosec2 x 
1   2   99 
= 100lim   + + ... + + 1 
x →0  100
 





100 



100  

= 100 (0 + 0 + … + 0 + 1) = 1000

SANDWICH THEOREM OR SQUEEZE PLAY THEOREM FOR

EVALUATING LIMITS :
General :
The squeeze principle is used on limit problems
where the usual algebraic methods (factorisation or
algebraic manipulation etc.) are not effective. However,
it requires to ‘’squeeze’’ our problem in between two
other simpler function whose limits can be easily
computed and equal. Use of squeeze principle requires
accurate analysis, in-depth algebra skills careful use of
inequalities.
Statement :
If f, g and h are 3 functions such that f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for
all x in some interval containing the point x = c, and if
Lim  f ( x ) = Lim  h ( x ) = L ⇒ Lim  g ( x ) = L
x →c x →c x →c

From the figure note that Lim  g x =1

x →0
()
Limits

25.
 Note :

The quantity may be a finite number, +∞ or

–∞.
Similarly, L may be finite number, +∞ or –∞.

x + 7sinx
Q.1 Evaluate Lim 
x →∞ -2x + 13
using Sandwich theorem.

Sol. We know that, -1 ≤ sinx ≤ 1 for all x.

⇒ –7 ≤ 7 sinx ≤ 7

⇒ x – 7 ≤ x + 7 sinx ≤ x + 7

Dividing throughout by -2x + 13, we get

x - 7 x+7sinx x + 7
-2x+13
≥
-2x+13
≥
-2x+13
  for all x that are large.

7
1 - 
x - 7 x =  1 − 0 = - 1  
Now, lim
x →∞ -2x+13
=lim
x →∞ 13 −2 + 0 2
-2 + 
x
7
1 + 
x + 7 x =  1 + 0 = - 1
and lim =lim
x →∞ -2x+13 x →∞ 13 −2 + 0 2
-2 + 
x
x + 7sinx −1
∴ lim =  
x →∞ −2x + 13 2

Q.2 If [·] denotes the greatest integer function, then find the value of
x  + 2x  + ... + nx 
lim     2 .
x →∞ n

Sol. nx − 1 < nx  ≤ nx

Putting n=1, 2, 3, …, n and adding them,

x ∑ n − n < ∑ nx  ≤ x ∑ n

∑ n 1 ∑ nx  ∑n
∴ x
n2
− <
n n 2
≤ x. 2 …(1)
n
 ∑n 1 ∑n 1 x
Now, lim x. 2 −  = x.lim 2 − lim =  
n→∞
 n n n n x   n 2
Limits

 → → ∞

26.
  ∑ n ∑n x
lim x. 2  = x lim 2 =
n→∞  
 n  n→∞ n 2

As the two limits are equal by equation (1),

∑ nx  x
lim
n→∞ n 2
=
2

1 2 n
Q.3 Evaluate lim
n→∞ 1+n 2
+
2+n2
+…+
n + n2
.

1 2 n
Sol. Pn =
1+n 2
+
2+n2
+…+
n + n2
1 2 n 1+ 2 +…+n n (n + 1)
Now, Pn < + + … + = =
1 + n2 1 + n2 1 + n2 1 + n2 2 1 + n2 ( )
Also, Pn >
1
+
2
+
3
+…+
n
=
1+ 2 +…+n
=
n n+ 1 ( )

n+n2
n+n2
n+n2
n+n2
n+n 2
(
2 n + n2 ) ( )
n (n + 1) n (n + 1)
Thus, < Pn <
(
2 n + n2 ) (
2 1 + n2 )
n (n + 1) n (n + 1)
⇒ lim
n→∞
(
2 n+n 2
)
< limPn < lim
n→∞ n→∞
(
2 1 + n2 )
 1  1
1 1 +  1  1 +   
n n
⇒ lim  < limPn < lim 
1   1 

n→∞ n→∞ n→∞
2  + 1   2  2 + 1  
n  n 
1 1 1
⇒ < limP < ⇒ limPn =  
2 n→∞ n 2 n→∞ 2

EVALUATION OF TRIGONOMETRIC LIMITS :
If θ is small and is measured in radians then
sinθ
(i) Lim =1
θ→0 θ

Proof :
Consider a circle of radius r. Let O be the
centre of the circle such that ∠AOB = θ where
θ is measured in radians and it is very small.
Suppose the tangent at A meets OB produced
at P. From figure, we have
Limits

27.
 Area of ∆OAB < Area of sector OAB < Area of ∆OAP
1 1 1
( )
2
⇒ OA×OB sinθ < OA θ < OA×AP 
2 2 2
1 2 1 1
⇒ r sinθ < r 2θ < r 2 tanθ [In ∆OAP, AP=OA tanθ]
2 2 2
sinθ
⇒ sinθ < θ < tanθ ⇒ 1 > θ > cosθ
sinθ sinθ
⇒ 1 > lim > limcosθ or, limcosθ < lim <1
θ→0 θ θ→0 θ→0 θ→0 θ
sinθ sinθ
⇒ 1 < lim < 1 ⇒ lim = 1 (By Sandwich Theorem)
θ→0 θ θ→0 θ
tan θ
(ii) lim =1
θ→0 θ
tan θ sin θ 1 sin θ 1
We have lim = lim = lim .lim = 1 
θ→0 θ θ→ 0 θ cos θ θ→ 0 θ θ→ 0 cos θ
sin ( θ − a )
(iii) lim =1
θ→a θ−a
sin ( θ − a ) sin ( a + h − a ) sinh
We have lim = lim = lim = 1 
θ→a θ−a h→ 0 (a + h − a ) h→ 0 h

tan ( θ − a )
(iv) lim =1
θ→a θ−a
sin−1 θ
(v) lim =1
θ→0 θ
tan−1 θ
(vi) lim = 1 
θ→0 θ

Note :

Let [·] denotes greatest integer function

 sinx   sinx 
(i)  Lim   = 0 (ii)  Lim =1
x →0
 x   x → 0 x 
 tanx   sin−1x 
(iii)  Lim   = 1 (iv)  Lim  =1
x →0
 x  x →0
 x 
 sin−1x 
(v)  Lim =0

x →0 x 
Limits

28.
 sin2x
Q.1 Evaluate lim
x →0 5x
 .

sin2x  2   sin2x  2 sin2x 2 2

Sol. We have lim = lim     = lim = ( 1) =
x →0 5x x →0 5
   2x  5 x →0 2x 5 5
 sin2x 
 lim
 x →0 2x
= 1


1 − cosx
Q.2 Evaluate lim
x →0 x2
.

x
2sin2  
1 − cosx 2 = 1 × 1 = 1
Sol. lim
x →0 x 2
= lim
x →0
x
2
2 2
4 
2

Note :

1 − cosx 1
lim = is a standard limit and
x →0 x2 2
should be remembered.

1 − cos5x
Q.3 Evaluate lim
x →0 3x2
.

1 − cos5x  25  1 − cos5x 25 1 − cos5x

Sol. lim
x →0 3x 2
= lim  
x → 0
 3  (5x)
2
  =
3
lim
x → 0 (5x)2
25 1 25
= × =

3 2 6

x3 + x2 − 2
Q.4 Evaluate lim
x→1 sin ( x − 1)
.

x3 + x2 − 2 (
x3 − 1 + x2 − 1 ) ( )
Sol. lim = lim
( ) x→1 sin ( x − 1)
x → 1 sin x − 1

( x − 1) ( x )
+ 1 + x + ( x + 1) 
2
 = lim ( x − 1) × x2 + 2x + 2 = 1 × 1 + 2 + 2 = 5
lim
sin ( x − 1) ( )
( ) ( )

x→1 x → 1 sin x − 1
Limits

29.
 1 + tanx − 1 + sinx
Q.5 Evaluate lim
x →0 x3
.

1 + tanx − 1 + sinx ( 1 + tanx + 1 + sinx ) 

Sol. lim ×
1 + sinx )
x →0 x3 ( 1 + tanx +

tanx − sinx
lim

x →0
x 3
( 1 + tanx + 1 + sinx )
sinx ( 1 − cosx ) 1
lim ×

x →0 x cosx
3
( 1 + tanx + 1 + sinx )
lim 
 sinx 
× lim
( 1 − cosx ) × lim 1


x →0
 x  x →0 x2 x →0
cosx ( 1 + tanx + 1 + sinx )
x
2sin2  
= lim
sinx
× lim  2  × lim 1
 

x →0 x x → 0  x2  x →0 cosx
4×  ( 1 + tanx + 1 + sinx )
4
1 1 1
= 1× × 1× =  
2 1 ( 1 + 1) 4

πx
Q.6 Evaluate lim ( 1 − x ) tan
x →1 2
.

 πx   πx 
sin   sin  
 2  = lim 1 − x
Sol. lim ( 1 − x ) ( ) π 2 
x →1  πx  x →1 sin ( 1 − x )
cos  
 2  2
π
(1 − x) 1  πx 
= lim 2 × × sin  
x →1  π   
sin  ( 1 − x )   
π  2 

2  2
2 2
= 1× ×1 =  
π π

Limits

30.
 1 − cos ( 1 − cosx )
Q.7 Evaluate lim
x →0 sin4 x
 .

 1 − cos x   x
2sin2   2sin2  sin2 
 2  = lim  2  
Sol. lim
x →0 sin4 x x →0 sin4 x
2 4
  x    x   x 
2sin  sin2    × sin2    ×   2

  2    2   2 
= lim 2 4
 
x →0
 2  x  x
sin    ×    ×  sin x
4

  2    2 
1 1
= 2 × 1 × 1 × =
16 8

1 − cosx cos2x
Q.8 Evaluate lim
x →0 tan2 x
.

1 − cosx cos2x ( 1 + cosx ) cos2x

Sol. lim ×
x →0 tan2 x 1 + cosx cos2x ( )
= lim
( )(
1 − cos2 x 2cos2 x − 1 )× 1
x →0  tan x2

 x2 × x 
2 (1 + cosx cos2x )
= lim
(
sin2 x  1 +  2cos x
2

×
1)
x →0 x 2
1 + cosx cos2x  tan x 
2

 2 
 x 
1 +  2 1 3
= 1× × =  
1+ 1 1 2

1  2x 
Q.9 Evaluate lim sin−1 
x →0 x 2 
1+ x 
.

 2x 
Sol. We know that, sin−1 
 1 + x 2 

= 2tan−1x,  for − 1 ≤ x ≤ 1

1  2x  2tan−1x
⇒ lim sin−1   = lim =2
x →0 x
 1 + x  x →0 x
2
Limits

31.
  x + 1 π
Q.10 Evaluate lim x  tan
−1
− 
x →∞ x + 4 4

 x + 1 π
Sol. We have lim x  tan−1
x →∞

− 
x + 4 4
 x+1 
 − 1
 x + 1 
= lim x  tan−1 − tan−1 1  = lim x tan−1  x + 4 
 x+4  x →∞ 1+ x + 1 
x →∞

 x+4
  −3  
 tan−1 
 −3   2x + 5    −3 
= lim xtan−1  = lim   x
x →∞  2x + 5  x→∞  −3   2x + 5 
 2x + 5 
 
 −1  −3    
 tan    
 2x + 5   lim  −3x  − 3 −3 3
= lim    = 1 × lim   = 1× =−
x →∞  −3  x →∞ 2x + 5
  x →∞
2 + 5  2 2
   
 2x + 5   x

1 + cos 2x
Q.11 Evaluate lim
x→
π
( π − 2x )
2
 
2

1 + cos 2x  0 
Sol. We have, lim
x→
π 2 
( π − 2x )  0
form 

2

π 
1 + cos 2  + h 
= lim 2  = lim 1 + cos ( π + 2h) = lim 1 − cos 2h  
h→ 0
 π 
2 h→ 0 4h2 h→ 0 4h2
 π − 2  + h 
 2 
2
2 sin2 h 2  sinh  1
= lim =  lim  =  
h→ 0 4h 2
4  h→ 0 h  2

2 cos x − 1
Q.12 lim
x→
π
4
cot x − 1

( 2 cos x − 1 sin x )
Sol. lim
x→
π cos x − sin x
4

lim
( )( 2 cos x + 1) × (cos x + sin x ) . sin x 
2 cos x − 1

x→
π
4 ( 2 cos x + 1) ( cos x − sin x ) ( cos x + sin x )
Limits

32.
 (2 cos2 x − 1) × (cos x +  sin x ) . sin x
= lim  2
x → cos x − sin x
π 2
(
2 cos x + 1 )
4

 1  1
 × 2  . 
(cos x +  sin x ) . ( sin x )  2  2 1
= lim 1( )× = =
π
(
2 cos x +  1 ) 1  2

x→
4
 2 × + 1 
 2 

cot2x-cosec2x
Q.13 lim x →0 x
cos2x 1
 −  
Sol. lim sin2x sin2x
x →0 x

= lim
− ( 1 − cos2x )
= lim
(
− 2sin2 x )  
x →0
( sin2x ) ×  x x →0
( 2sinx cosx ) x
 sinx  1
= lim−  × = ( −1) × 1 = −1
x →0
 x  cosx

tan2x - x
Q.14 lim x →0 3x-sinx
 tan2x − x  tan2x 1
  −
2x 2x 2
Sol. lim   = lim
x →0  3x − sinx  x →0 3 1  sinx 
  −  
 2x  2 2 x 
1 1
1−
2 2 1
= = =
3 1 1 2
− ( 1)
2 2

EVALUATION OF EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC

LIMITS :
In order to evaluate these type of limit, we use
the following standard results.
ax − 1
1. lim = log ea 
x →0 x
Limits

33.
 Proof :

1 + (
 x loga ) x2 (loga ) 
2

+ + ...  − 1
 1! 2! 
loga x (loga )
 2

a −1
x
  
lim   = lim = lim + + ...  = log ea
x →0 x x →0 x x →0  1! 2! 

 

ex − 1
2. lim =1 (replace a by e in the above proof)
x →0 x
log ( 1 + x )
3. lim = 1 
x →0 x
Proof :
x2 x3
log ( 1 + x ) x−
2
+
3
− ...  x x2 
lim = lim = lim  1 − + ...  = 1
x →0 x x →0 x x →0
 2 3 

etanx − ex
Q.1 lim
x →0 tanx − x

(etanx
− ex ) = lim e (e x tanx − x
−1 )
Sol. lim
x →0
( tanx − x ) x →0
( tanx − x )
= e° × 1 = 1

2
ex − cosx
Q.2 lim
x →0 x2
x
(e x2
)
− 1 + ( 1 − cosx ) ex − 1
2 2 sin2
2
Sol. lim
x →0 x2
= lim
x →0 x2
+ lim
x →0 x2
  x 
 sin2   


= 1 + lim  2   2
x →0 2
4 ×  x  
   
 2 
2 3
= 1+ ×1=  
4 2
Limits

34.
 esin2x − esinx
Q.3 lim
x →0 x
esin2x − esinx esin2x − 1 − esinx + 1
Sol. lim
x →0 x
= lim
x →0 x
esin2x − 1 esinx − 1
lim −
x →0 x x
 sin2x ×2x   sinx ×x 
 e 2x − 1 2
  e x − 1

= lim   − lim  
x →0 2x x →0 x

= lim
(e 2x
−1 2) − lim
ex − 1
 
x →0 2x x →0 x
= 1× 2 − 1 = 1

ex + e− x − 2
Q.2 lim
x →0 x2
1
( )
2
ex + −2 ex − 1
ex
Sol. lim
x →0 x2
= lim x 2
x →0
e x ( )
2
 ex − 1  1 1
lim   × x = 1× = 1
x e 1

x →0
 

log ( x − a )
Q.5 lim
x →a
(
log ex − ea )
log ( x − a ) log ( x − a )
Sol. lim
x →a
(
log ea ex −a − 1  )
= lim
x →a  ex −a − 1 
 
  loge + log 
a
× ( x − a )
 x−a 
log ( x − a )
= lim
x →a a + log ( x − a )

= lim
1
=
1
=1
x →a a 0+1
+1
log ( x − a )
Limits

35.
 1

ex − 1
2

Q.6 lim
x →∞ 2arc tan x2 − π

 x12 
1
 e − 1 
ex − 1
2
 
Sol. lim
x →∞ π 
= lim
x →∞ π − 2 cot −1 x2 − π
2  − cot −1 x2  − π
 2 
1
put x =
y
(e y2
−1−1 )
ey − 1 ( 2

)
lim = lim
y →0 1
−2cot −1 2
2 y →0  tan−1 y 2 
 ×y
2
y  y 2

 ey2 − 1 
 
−1  y2 
= lim   = −1 × 1 = −1  
2 y → 0  tan y 
−1 2
2 1 2
 
 y
2


(
sin ex −2 − 1 ) 
Q.7 lim
x →2 log ( x − 1)

(
sin ex −2 − 1 ) 
Sol. lim
x →2 log ( x − 1)
 e( x −2) − 1 
sin  ( x − 2)
 ( x − 2 ) 
= lim  
x →2
log  1 + ( x − 2) 
× ( x − 2)
( x − 2)
= lim
(
sin 1 × ( x − 2) ) = 1 
x →2 1 × ( x − 2)

( )
cos xex − cos xe− x ( )
Q.8 lim
x →0 x 3

x  x  x2 x
2sin  ex + e− x
2
( )  2
(
  sin  e− x )
− ex   ×  
 4
(
e + e− x )(e −x
− ex )
Sol. lim
x   x −x x 
 
( ) ( )
x →0
x3 ×  ex + e− x   ×  2 e − e 
2   
Limits

36.
 x  x 
sin  ex + e− x 
 2 
( sin  e− x − ex 
 2 
) ex + e− x ( ) ( )( 1 − e )
2x

= lim × lim × lim

x →0 x x
e + e− x (
x →0 x −x
e − ex )
x →0
ex
( ) ( ) ( 2x )

2 2
( 1 + 1) × −1 = −2
= 1× 1×
1
( )

Q.9 lim
(1 − 3 x
− 4x + 12x )
x →0
( 2cosx + 7 ) − 3

(4 x
)(
− 1 3x − 1 )× 2cosx + 7 + 3
Sol. lim
x →0
2cosx + 7 − 3 2cosx + 7 + 3

lim
(4 x
−1 ) (3 x
−1 )× x ×( 2
2cosx + 7 + 3 )
x →0 x x ( 2cosx + 7 − 9)

lim
(4 x
−1 ) (3 x
−1 )× x ×( 2
2cosx + 7 + 3 )
x x −2 ( 1 − cosx )

x →0

 x2 
(4 x
−1 ) (3 x
−1 )×  
4
lim × ( 2cosx + 7 + 3 )
x x
( − ) sin 2x
x →0
2

= (ln4 )(ln3 ) × ( −1) × ( 9+3 )

= ( − ) 2 (ln2)(ln3) 6

= −12 (ln2 )(ln3 )

π
− tan−1 x 1
Q.10 If lim 4
x →1 esin(ln x ) − xn
exists and has the value equal to , then find n.
8

π 
 − tan x 
−1

4  1
Sol. lim 
x →1
(e − 1) −  ( x − 1) ( x − 1) 8
sinln x n
=  
( sinln x )
sinln x  ( x − 1) 
Limits

37.
 π 
 − tan x 
−1

4 1
= lim   =  
x →1 ( sinln x ) − n ( x − 1 ) 8
1
0−
1 + x2 1
lim
x →1  cos (ln x )
=  
 8
  −n 
 x 
1
−
2 1
 cos ( 0)
= ⇒ −1 = 4−1 ( 1 − n) ⇒ −4 = 1 − n
 8
 − n
 1 

⇒ n=5

g(x)
LIMITS OF THE FORM Lim f ( x )
x →a
( )
Form : 0o , ∞ o  
g(x)
Let L = lim f ( x )
x →a
( )
g(x) 


⇒ log eL = log e lim f ( x )
 x →a ( )
= lim g ( x ) log e f ( x ) 
x →a

Form : 1∞  

x
1.
1
 1
lim ( 1 + x ) x = e  or lim  1 +  = e
x →0 x →∞
 x

1
Proof: lim ( 1 + x ) x
x →∞

 11  11  1  
  − 1  − 1  − 2  
1 x x x x x
= lim  1 + x +   x2 +    x3 + ... 
x →0  x 2! 3! 
 
 
 1 ( 1 − x ) 1 ( 1 − x )( 1 − 2x ) 
= lim  1 + 1 + + + ... 
x →0  2! 3! 
 
Limits

38.
  1 1 
= 1 + 1 + + + ...  = e
 2! 3! 
g(x)
2. L = lim f ( x ) if lim f ( x ) = 1 and lim g ( x ) = ∞
x →a x →a x →a
g(x)
Then L = lim f ( x )
x →a

1
( )
( ( ))
f ( x ) − 1 ×g ( x )
= lim 1 + f ( x ) − 1 f(x)− 1
 
x →a
(() ) ()
lim f x − 1 × g x
  1

( ( ( ) )) (( ) ) ( )
x→a
lim f x − 1 × g x
f (x ) − 1
= lim  1 + f x − 1  = ex→a
 x→a   

x+4
x + 6
Q.1 Evaluate lim 
x →∞

 x+ 1
.

 x + 6 − ( x + 1) 
lim ( x + 4 )  
 ( x + 1) 
Sol.
x →∞
e  
 
 4
1+
5x  x 
lim
( x +  4 ) × 5 lim 
x →∞ x  1

x →∞ ( x + 1)  1+ x 
=e =e = e5×1 = e5

x+3
 x + 2
Q.2 Evaluate lim 
x →∞
 x+ 1
 .

 x+2   x+3 
lim ( x + 3 )  − 1 lim   

Sol.
 x+1   x+1 
e =e
x →∞ x →∞

 3
x  1+ 
x
lim   
x →∞  1
x  1+ 
 x
=e  
= e1 = e

Evaluate lim ( 1+x )

cosecx

Q.3 x →0
.

x x
lim
 
1 sinx
 
1 x → 0 sinx
lim ( 1+x ) = lim ( 1 + x ) x  = lim ( 1 + x ) x 
cosecx

Sol. x →0 x →0
  
x →0

= e1 = e 
Limits

39.
 ( )
cotx
Q.4 Evaluate lim cosx
x →0
.

( )
cotx
Sol. lim cosx
x →0

cosx − 1
 1
 tanx

x →0
(
= lim  1 + ( cosx − 1) ) cosx − 1

 
cosx − 1
lim
 1
x→0 tanx cosx − 1

( ( ))
lim cosx
= lim 1 + cosx − 1 cosx − 1
 = ex → 0 sinx
 
x →0
 
cosx − 1  cosx − 1 
lim cosxsinx lim  .cosx.sinx 
= ex → 0 =e  
sin2 x x → 0  1− cos2 x 

sinxcosx
− lim
=e x →0 1+ cosx
= e0 = 1 

 sinx 
 
 sinx  x −sinx 
Q.5 Evaluate lim 
x →0
 x 
  

sinx sinx 1 1
Sol. Since lim = 1 and lim
x →0 x − sinx
= lim =
1− 1
= ∞ 
x →0 x x →0  x 
 sinx − 1
 sinx 
   sinx  sinx  sinx
 sinx  x −sinx  lim 
x
− 1  
 x − sinx 
− lim 1
⇒ lim  =e  =e = e−1 =  
x →0 x →0 x

x →0
 x  e
2
 a x + bx + cx  x
Q.6 Evaluate lim   ; ( a,b, c > 0 ) .
x →0
 3 
2
 a x + bx + cx  x
Sol. We have lim 
x →0  x 

 a x +bx + cx  2 2  a x +bx + cx − 3 
lim   − 1 lim  
3 x 3 x → 0 x
=e =e
x → 0 

2  a x -1 bx -1 cx -1  2  a x -1 bx -1 cx -1 
lim   +   +    lim    + lim    + lim   
3 x → 0  x x x  3 x → 0 x x →0 x x →0 x 
=e =e 
 
2 2
 ln( abc ) 2
2
  lna +lnb +lnc 
= ( abc )
3 3 ln( abc ) 3
=e =e =e 3
Limits

40.
 nx
 x1 1 1 1

Q.7 Evaluate lim 
x →∞
 1 + 2 x + 3 x + ... + nx
n

 ,  n ∈ N .
 
 
1
Sol. Put x =
y
nx
 x1 1 1 1

 1 + 2 x + 3 x + ... + nx 
lim  
x →∞


n 

n
 1y + 2y + ... + ny  y
= lim    
y →0
 n 
n  1y + 2y + ... +ny −n 
lim    
y →0 y  n 
=e  


lim  
( ) (
 1y − 1
+
2y − 1 )
+ ... +
ny − 1( ) 

y →0
 y y y 
=e  
 
ln1 +  ln2 +  ... +  ln n
=e
log n!
= e e = n!

c + dx
 1 
Q.8 Evaluate lim  1 +
x →∞


a + bx 
where a, b, c and d are positive.

c + dx
 1 
Sol. lim  1 +
x →∞


a + bx 
 1 
(
 lim c + dx  1+) − 1
 a +bx 
=e x→∞

 c
x d+ 
x
 lim 
 1  x →∞  a
(
 lim c + dx  )  x b + 
 a +bx   x
=e x →∞
=e
d
= eb
π
sec2
 π  2 −bx

Q.2 Evaluate lim  sin2

x →0  2 − ax 
 .

π
sec2
 π  2 −bx

Sol. lim  sin2

x →0  2 − ax 
Limits

41.
  2 π  2 π  
 lim sec  sin  − 1
 2 −bx    2 − ax  
= e  x→0
 
2
  π 
 cos 
 2 − ax  
lim − 
x→0
()  π 
 cos 
 2 −bx  
=e 
 
2
  π  
 − sin
 2 − ax 
( )( −2
×π − 2 − ax × − a ) ( )
()
− lim 
x→0  π 


 − sin
 2 −bx 
( )( −2
) ( ) 
π − 2 −bx × −b
=e  
 
a2
−
=e b2

L’ HOSPITAL’S RULE FOR EVALUATING LIMITS :

Rule :

f (x) 0 ∞
If lim   takes   or   form, then,
x →a g (x) 0 ∞

f (x) f′ ( x )
 lim = lim  
x →a g (x) x →a g′ ( x )

Q.1 Evaluate lim  log tan2x tan2 2x .

x →a
( )
log tan2 2x  ∞ (  )
Sol. L = lim
x →0
 form 
log tan x  ∞
2
(  )
Using L′ hospital Rule


1 
2tan2x sec2 2x  × 2
tan 2x
2

We have L = lim    
x →0 1
2tanxsec 2
x
tan2 x
 1   1 
2   
sin2xcos2x  sin2xcos2x  1
= lim  = lim  = 1lim = 1 
x →0 1 x → 0  1  x → 0 cos2x
sinxcosx  
 sin2x 
Limits

42.
 Evaluate lim+ xm (logx ) ,m,n ∈ N .
n

Q.2 x →0

(logx)
n
∞ 
(log x)
n

Sol. lim x = lim  ∞ form

m

x → 0+ x → 0+ x −m

(n− 1) 1
n (logx )
= lim+ x   (using L′ hospital Rule)
x →0 −mx −m− 1
(n− 1)
n (logx ) ∞ 
= lim+   form 
x →0 −mx −m
∞ 
(n − 2 ) 1
n (n − 1)(logx )
= lim+ x   (using L′hospital Rule)
x →0
( −m ) x 2 −m − 1

(n − 2 )
n (n − 1)(logx ) ∞ 
= lim+  form 
x →0 mx 2 −m
 ∞ 
n!
= lim+ = 0  (differentiating Nr and Dr n times)
( −m)
n
x →0
x −m

sin−1x − tan−1x
Q.3 Evaluate lim
x →0 x3
 .

sin−1x − tan−1x
Sol. lim
x →0 x3
 

= lim
(1 + x ) − 2
1 − x2
  (Using L′ hospital’s Rule)
x →0
( )
3x2 1 − x2 1 + x2

(1 + x ) − (1 − x ) ×
2
2 2
1
= lim   (Rationalizing)
3x 1 − x ( 1 + x ) ( 1 + x ) +
x →0 2 2 2 2
1 − x2

x4 + 3x2 1
= lim ×  
x →0
3x 2
1− x 2
( 1+ x 2
) ( 1+ x 2
) + 1 − x2

x +3
2
1 1
= lim × =  
x →0
3 1− x 2
(1 + x ) (1 + x ) +
2 2
1− x 2 2
Limits

43.
 LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS HAVING BUILT IN LIMIT WITH THEM :
Examples :

0, 0<a<1  ∞,           0<a<1

 n 
Lim  a =  1,
n
a=1 ,  Lim  a =  1,          a=1
n→∞ n→−∞
 ∞, a>1 0,                  a>1
 

n
tan πx2 + ( x + 1) sin x
Q.1 f ( x ) = Lim n
, find Lim f x .()
n→∞
x2 + ( x + 1 ) x →0

sin x, x>0

Sol. f ( x ) =  tan πx2
 , x<0
 
 x2

Lim+ f ( x ) = Lim+ sin x = 0

x →0 x →0

Lim− f ( x ) = Lim−
tan πx2
=π
x →0 x →0 x2
⇒ LHL ≠ RHL ⇒ Lim f ( x ) = DNE .
x →0

cos πx - x2n sin x - 1 ( ) , find lim f

Q.2 ( ) f x = lim =
n→∞ 1+ x 2n+ 1
 - x 2n x→1
(x) .
cos πx − x2n sin x − 1 ( )
Sol. ( )f x = lim
n→∞ 1+ x⋅x 2n
−x 2n

when Ố < 2
< , lim x2n → 0 
n→∞

∴ f(x) = cosπx

when x2 = 1,  Lim  x2 → 1 
n→∞

cos πx − sin ( x − 1) cos πx − sin ( x − 1)

∴ f (x) = =
1+x−1 x
when x > 1 2

Lim  x2n → ∞
n→∞

1
∴ Lim →0
n→∞ x2n
Limits

44.
  cos πx 
Lim 
n→∞  x 2n
− sin x − 1 
 0 − sin x − 1 − sin x − 1 ( ) ( ) ( )
()
f x =
1
=
0+x−1
=
x−1
+x−1
x2n

 cos πx,                     0 < x2 < 1

 cos πx − sin ( x − 1)
f (x) =  ,             x2 = 1 
 x
 − sin ( x − 1)
 ,                        x2 > 1 
 x−1
− sin ( x − 1)
Lim− f ( x ) = Limcos πx = −1, Lim f ( x ) = Lim = −1
x →1 −
x →1 +
x →I +
x →I ( x − 1)
∴ Lim− f ( x ) = 1 .
x→1

(
tan f ( x ) ) (
sin f ( x ) )
e −e
Q.3 ()
Let f x = min 1, x , x ( 2 2n+ 1
) ,n ∈ N . The value of Lim
x →0
( )
tan f ( x ) − sin f ( x ) ( )
, is equal

to
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) does not exist.

Sol. (B)
f ( x ) = min. ( 1, x 2n
, x2n+ 1 ,n ∈ N ) y y=x2n+1 y=x2n
y=x
ỐỐ + , < y=1
 Ố+ xỐ + , x ≤ 1
= x , 0 ≤  x ≤  1 = 
 1, x  ≥ 1  1, x≥1
 O 1
-1
(
tan f ( x ) ) (
sin f ( x ) )
e −e
Lim  
x →0
( )
tan f ( x ) − sin f ( x ) ( ) -1

= Lim
e
(
sin f ( x ) )
(e ( )
tan f ( x ) − sin f ( x ) ( )
−1 )

x →0
(
tan f ( x ) − sin f ( x ) ) ( )
 tan( x2n+ 1 ) −sin( x2n+ 1 ) 
e − 1
 = Lim e − 1 = 1
y
= Lim 

x →0
( ) ( )
tan x2n+ 1 − sin x2n+ 1 y →0 y

where y = tan ( x ) − sin ( x ) 2n+ 1 2n+ 1

Limits

45.
 tan πx
sin ( πx4 ) + ( x + 2 ) .
n

x + 1 , then Lim f x is equal to

Q.4 Let f ( x ) = Lim n→∞
1 + ( x + 2) − x
n 4
( )
x →−1

22
(A) π (B) (C) 1 (D) Non existent
7

Sol. (A)
tan πx
sin ( πx4 ) + ( x + 2 )
n

( x + 1)
Let f ( x ) = Lim f ( x )
n→∞
1 + ( x + 2) − x4
n

 sin ( πx4 )

 ,      x < −1
f (x) =  1 − x
4

 tan πx ,          x > −1

 x + 1

Lim f ( x ) = Lim+
tan πx
= Lim+
( tan π ( 1 + x ) ) = π
x →−1 x →−1 ( x + 1) x→−1 (1 + x)
Lim− f ( x ) = Lim−
sin ( πx4 )
= Lim−
(
sin π ( 1 − x4 ) )=π

x →−1 x →−1
(1 − x )
4 x →−1
(1 − x ) 4

Lim− f ( x ) = π

x →−1

EXPANSION OF FUNCTION :
Expansion of function like Binomial expansion,
exponential and logarithmic expansion,
expansion of sinx, cosx, tanx should be
remembered & are given below:
x lna x2ln2a x3ln3a
(i) ax = 1 + + + + ...  (a > 0)
1! 2! 3!
x x2 x3
(ii) ex = 1 + + + + ...∀x ∈ R 
1! 2 ! 3 !
x2 x3 x4
(iii) ln ( 1 + x ) = x − + − + ...  for − 1 < x ≤ 1
2 3 4
x 3 x5 x 7  π π
(iv) sinx = x − + − + ...   − < x < 
3! 5! 7 !  2 2
x 2 x 4 x6  π π
(v) cosx = 1 − + − + ...  x ∈  − , 
2! 4! 6!  2 2
x3 2x5  π π
(vi) tanx = x + + + ...  x ∈  − , 
3 15  2 2
Limits

46.
 x 3 x5 x 7
(vii) tan−1x = x − + − + ... 
3 5 7
12 3 12.32 5 12.32.52 7
(viii) sin−1x = x + x + x + x + ...
3! 5! 7!
x2 5x4 61x6
(ix) sec−1x = 1 + + + + ... 
2! 4! 6!

Q.1 Evaluate the following limit:

ex − 1 − x
(i) Lim
x →0 x2
 x2 
 1 + x + + ...  − 1 − x
e − 1− x
x
2! 1 1
Sol. Lim = Lim   = =
x →0 x 2 x →0 x 2
2! 2

x − sinx
Q. (ii) Lim
x →0 x3
 x 3 x5 
x − x − + − ... 
x − sinx  3! 5!  = 1 = 1
Sol. Lim
x →0 x 3
= Lim
x → 0 x 3
3! 6

ex − e− x − 2x
Q. (iii) Lim
x →0 x3
 x2   x2   2x3 
 1 + x + + ...  −  1 − x + …  − 2x  2x + + ...  − 2x
e − e − 2x
x −x
2 ! 2 ! 3 ! 2 1
Sol. Lim = Lim     = Lim   = =  
x →0 x 3 x → 0 x 3 x → 0 x 3
3 ! 3
 x2   x2   2x3 
1 + x + + ...  −  1 − x + … − 2x  2x + + ...  − 2x
2 ! 2 ! 3 ! 2 1
m    = Lim   =  
→0 x 3 x → 0 x 3
=
3 ! 3

x − tanx
Q. (iv) Lim
x →0 x3
 x3 2x5 
x − x + + + ... 
x − tanx  3 15  = −1  
Sol. Lim
x →0 x 3
= Lim
x → 0 x 3
3
Limits

47.
 tan2 x − x2
Q.2 Evaluate Lim
x →0 x2 tan2 x
 .

tan2 x − x2 ( tanx − x )( tanx + x )  

Sol. Lim
x →0 x tan x
2 2
= Lim
x → 0 x2 tan2 x
 1 3   tanx 
 x + x + ... − x  ( tanx + x )  + 1
3 1 x  = 1  1 + 1 = 2
= Lim   =   

x →0
4  tanx 
x 
2
3  tanx  2
3 1  3
  
 x   x 
3
ex − 1 − x3
Q.3 Evaluate Lim
x →0 sin6 2x
 .

 x6 
 1 + x 3
+ + ...  − 1 − x3
2!
3
e − 1− x
x 3

Sol. Lim = Lim    

x →0 sin 2x
6 x 0 sin 2x
6
. ( 2x )
→ 6

( 2x )
6

1 x9 1
+ + ...
1
Lim 2 ! 36! = 26 =  
x →0 2 2 128

1 1
Q.4 Evaluate Lim − .
(sin x ) x2
x →0 2
−1

1 1 sin2 θ − θ2
Sol. Put x = sin θ ⇒ Lim
θ→0 θ2
− = Lim
sin2 θ θ→0 θ2 sin2 θ
 

( sin θ − θ ) ( sin θ + θ ) sin θ − θ 1

Lim = 2.Lim =−  
θ→0 θ 4 θ→ 0 θ 3
3

Don’t do it :
1 1 1 x2 1 1 1
Lim − = Lim . − = Lim 2 − 2 = 0 , is wrong.
(sin x ) x2 x →0 x 2
( ) x x x
x →0 2 2 2 x → 0
−1
sin−1x

 1
Q.5 Evaluate Lim  x − x2 n  1 +  .
x →∞
 x
 1 1
Sol. Lim  x − x2 n  1 + 
x →∞
 x
put x =
y
 y2 y3 
y − y − + − …
1 ln ( 1 + y ) y − ln ( 1 + y )  2 3!  = 1 
= Lim − = Lim = Lim
y →0 y y y y 2
2 y → 0 2 y → 0 2
Limits

48.
 Don’t do it :
 1 ln ( 1 + y ) 1  1 1 ln ( 1 + y )
Lim  − .  = − = 0 as Lim = 1 , is not correct.
y →0  y y y y y y →0 y
 

Q.6 Evaluate the following limits :

2
ex − cosx
(i) Lim  
x →0 x2

(x ) + (X )
2 3
2 2
 x2 
1 + x2 + − 1 − + ... 
2! 3! 2!
2
ex − cosx   = 3 
Sol. Lim
x →0 x2
= Lim
x →0 x 2
2

esin2x − esinx
Q. (ii) Lim
x →0 x
 

 1 + sin2x + (
 sin2x ) 
2

+ ...  − ( 1 + sinx + ... )

 2! 
esin2x − esinx  
Sol. Lim
x →0 x
= Lim
x →0 x
 

sin2x − sinx
= Lim = 2 - 1 = 1 
x →0 x

(1 + x) x −e
Q.7 Evaluate Lim
x →0 x
 

 ln( 1+ x ) − x 
1 1 e  e x
− 1 
( 1 + x) − ex
e x
ln( 1+ x )
−e
= Lim 
   ln ( 1 + x ) − x 
 .
Sol. Lim
x →0 x
= Lim
x →0 x x →0 
ln ( 1 + x ) − x   x2


  
 x 
 
 ln(1+ x) − 1 
e x − 1
  ( )
 ln 1 + x − x   −1 −e
= eLim Lim  ()
 = e 1 .  =
x →0 
ln 1 + x( )  x → 0
 x 2
  2 2

 x
− 1

Don’t do it :

(1 + x)
1/x
−e
Lim =l
x →0 x
Limits

49.
 y
Let x =
2
2 1

 y y  y2 y 1  y2 
 1 +  − e  1 + + y − e  1+ + y − 1 
y  4
2 4 e 
−e
l = lim  = 2 ⋅ lim   = 2 ⋅ lim *
y →0 y y →0 y y → 0 y
2
 y2  1
 + y . y y
 4  y +1
e 
−e e4 −e e 4 − 1 1 2e e
= 2Lim = 2.Lim = 2.eLim . = =   
y →0 y y →0 y y →0 y 4 4 2
4
Note that mistake occurred at *.

Acosx + Bxsinx − 5
Q.8 If Lim
x →0 x4
 exists & finite. Find A & B and also the limit.

A cosx +  Bxsinx −  5
Sol. Let L = Lim
x →0 x4
 

 x2 x4   x3 
A 1 − + ...  + Bx  x − + ...  − 5
2! 4!  3!
= Lim     
x →0 x 4

( A − 5) + B − A2  x2 +  24
A B 4
− x
6
L = Lim    = finite value
x →0 x 4

A 5 A B −5
⇒ A = 5,B = = ,L =
2 2
− =
24 6 24
 .

4 + sin2x + Asinx + Bcosx

Q.9 Let f ( x ) = . If Lim f ( x ) exists and finite find
x2 x →0

A and B and the limit.

4 + sin2x + Asinx + Bcosx

Sol. Let L = Lim
x →0 x2
 


( ) 
3
2x  x3   x2 x4 

4 + 2x − + ... + A  x − + ... + B  1 − + + ...
3 ! 3 ! 2 ! 4 !
     
L = Lim  
x →0 x2

( 4 + B) + ( A + 2) x − B2 x 2
+ ...
L = Lim  
x →0 x2
⇒ B = – 4, A = –2, L= 2.
Limits

50.
Q.10 An arc PQ of a circle subtends a central angle θ as shown. Let A(θ) be the area
between the chord PQ and the arc PQ. Let B(θ) be the area between the tan-
A ( θ)
gent lines PR and QR and the arc PQ. Find Lim  .
θ→0 B ( θ )

Sol.
A(θ) = Area of sector PCQ - Area of ∆PCR
1 1 1
= r2 θ − r2 sin θ = r2 ( θ − sin θ )
2 2 2
B(θ) = Area of quadrilateral PCQR – Area of sector PCQP
= 2(Area of ∆CPR) – Area of sector PCQP
1 θ 1 r2  θ 
= 2  .r 2 . tan  − r 2θ =  2 tan 2 − θ
2 2 2 2
A ( θ) θ − sin θ
Lim = − Lim  
θ→0 B ( θ) θ→0 θ
2 tan   − θ
2
 θ3 θ4  1
θ −  θ  −    +    ...
 3! 4!  3.8
= Lim = 3! = = 2 
θ→0   θ
3
 θ
5
 1 2.6
2 2.
      3.23
θ  2  2
2   +    +    ... − θ
2 3 15 
 
 

Q.11 Suppose that circle of equal diameter are packed tightly

in a rows inside an equilateral triangle. (The figure illus-
trates the case n = 4.) If A is the area of the triangle and
An  is the total area occupied by the circles in n rows
An
then Lim equals
n→∞ A
π π 3 π π
(A) (B)   (C) (D)
3 6 2 3 6
Limits

51.
 Sol. Let radius of each circle = r and side of triangle = a

( ) (
a = n − 2 2r + 2 r + r cot 30o )

(
= r 2n − 4 + 2 + 2 3 )
= r ( 2n − 2 + 2 3 )

3 2 3 2
( )
2
A= a = r · 4 n − 1 + 3  
4 4

( )
2
A = 3r 2 n + 3 − 1  

n (n + 1 )
An = πr2 ( 1 + 2 + ... + n) = πr2
2
n (n + 1 ) 2 r r
πr r
An 2 r
Lim = Lim  
n→∞ A
( )
n→∞ 2
3r2 n + 3 − 1 30o 30o

 1
1 +  π ( 1 + 0)
π  n π
= Lim 2
= 2
=
n→∞ 2 3
 3 − 1 2 3 ( 1 + 0) 2 3
1 + 
 n 
Limits

52.