St.

Louise de Marillac College of Bogo

Member: Daughters of Charity-St. Louise de Marillac Educational System Basic Calculus Module

“ FLEx in SLMCB
The St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo employs FLEx (Flexible Learning Experience) Delivery Mode for
SY 2020 – 2021. The chosen delivery mode operates on four basic principle: (1) Principle of Individuality and
Creativity, (2) Principle of Autonomy and Responsible Freedom, (3) Principle of Openness (Social and
Communication) and (4) Principle of Activity that are in consonance with the essence of Christian-Vincentian
Education and are to a great extent; facilitative to the realization of the Vision-Mission
and Core Values of SLMCB.
SLMCB.

MODULE 1: LIMITS AND LIMIT THEOREMS ”

Foreword

Calculus is a branch of Mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives,

integrals and infinite series. This module focuses on the fundamental concept used in
calculus which is the limits. The module presents the definition of limits and different
theorems under it.

In this module, you will learn the following:

Most Essential Learning Christian- Sustainable
Lesson Topics Competencies Vincentian Developmenta
No. Values l Goals
Lesson Limit of a • illustrate the limit of a function
#1 Function using a table of values and the Fidelity to One’s SDG#4:
graph of the function roots/Family history Quality
• distinguish between limx→c f ( Education
x ) and f(c)

Limit • illustrate the limit laws SDG 10: Reduced

Theorems • apply the limit laws in Inequalities
evaluating the limit of
algebraic functions
(polynomial, rational, and
radical expressions)

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 1 of 14
Complete Table 1 and graph the function y=f(x)=2x+1.
Table 1
x y=2x+1
-6
-3
-1
0
1
4
5

LESSON 1 LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Definition (Informal)

Let f(x) be defined for all other x in some open interval I containing x. f(x) may or
may not be defined at x=c. the limit of f(x) as x approaches c is equal to the number
L, written as

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐

if we can make the values of f(x) arbitrary close to L by taking x values sufficiently
close to c, on either side of x=c, but not equal to c.

Example to the statement of close to c but not equal to c is let c=2, thus, the values
of x that is close to c is 1.999999999 (from the left of 2) and 2.0000000001 (from the
right of 2). These values are very close to c but not c.

Remarks on Limits

1. Either side of x=c means x-values on the left of c where x<c and x-values on
the right of c where x>c.
2. The values of f(x) get closer and closer to the number L as x-values get closer
and closer to the number c. Refer to Figure 1.1.3.

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 2 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
 3. In taking the limit of a function as x approaches c, we want to determine the
behavior of the function near c and how f(x) is defined near c. as such, we
can actually see where the y-values are converging to, even if f(c) is
undefined.
4. We now state the formal definition of a limit of a function. We will not refer to
this in the next lessons. It will be used in a more intensive Calculus course.

Definition (Formal)
Let f(x) be defined on some open interval containing the number c, except possibly
at x=c itself.
Then,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
if for every small number ∈> 0, we can find a number 𝛿 > 0 such that 0 |𝑥 − 𝑐 | < 𝛿
implies |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| <∈, that is, 𝑥 ∈ (𝑥 − 𝛿, 𝑥 + 𝛿) implies 𝑓(𝑥) ∈ (𝐿 − 𝜖, 𝐿 + 𝜖).

5. The limit of a function does not depend on how the function is defined at x=c.

6. A function may fail to have a limit at a number in its domain.

7. Some limits may exist only through x-values on the right of c or on the left of c.We
call these one-sided limits.

Left-hand limit: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿1, if L1 exists

𝑥→𝑐

𝑥 → 𝑐 − means x approaches c from the left, that is, x<c.

Right-hand limit: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿2, if L2 exists

𝑥→𝑐

𝑥 → 𝑐 + means x approaches c from the right, that is, x>c.

Now, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 if an only if 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙), = 𝑳, 𝑳 exists.

𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

If lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥), then lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Remember

1. The functional value of f(x) at x=c does not depend on the existence of the limit of f(x)
as x approaches c.
2. The value of the limit of f(x) as x approaches c does not depend on the functional
value of f(x) at x=c.

Sometimes, we “guess” the limit of a function at a number c from the table of

values. However, this “guessing” does not always work.

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 3 of 14
 √𝑥 2 +100−10
Consider the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = . Suppose we want to estimate the
𝑥2
value of lim 𝑓(𝑥). We look at the table of values, with x-values very close to x=0 from
𝑥→0
both sides, using a scientific calculator.

Table 2
x -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01
y 0.0499999 1/20 0.04999 undefined 0.0499999 1/20 0.04999

1
From the y-values in Table 2, we can guess that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = = 0.05.
𝑥→0 20

Suppose we construct another table of values using a calculator, this time using x-
values closer to x=0. (From the calculator)

Table 3
x -0.00001 -0.000001 0.00001 0.000001
y 0 0 0 0

Table 3 shows y=0 as the x-values get very close to x=0. But we know that 𝑦 ≠ 0 since
𝑥 ≠ 0 in the numerator √𝑥 2 + 100 − 10 and more so in the denominator. In this case,
the calculator only gives an approximate value since it has limited number of
decimal places.

This example shows that using a table of values from a calculator to find a limit of
function at a number c is not always reliable.

To help us find the limits, we make use of the limit theorems.

Exercise For Synchronous Class Discussion

1. Graph the function, g(x):

5 if x <0
g(x) ={ 1 if x =0
-2 if x > 0

2. Then, evaluate the following:

a. lim− 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→0
b. lim+ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→0
c. lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→0
d. f(0)

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 4 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
 LESSON 2. LIMIT THEOREMS

It is not easy to evaluate the limit of a function from the graph or a table of values.
Our guess or estimate may not always be correct.

We state the Limit Theorems, also called Limit Laws, and use these to evaluate the
limit of a function at a real number c.

Limit Theorems

Suppose that c is a real number and that lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) both exist.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

1. Limit of the identity function

lim 𝑥 = 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim 𝑥 = 2
𝑥→2
2. Constant Rule:
lim 𝑘 = 𝑘, where k is a real number.
𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim 5 = 5
𝑥→2
3. Sum Rule: The limit of the sum of two functions is the sum of their limits.
lim [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim [𝑥 + 7] = lim 𝑥 + lim 7 = 3 + 7 = 𝟏𝟎
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3

4. Difference Rule: The limit of the difference of two functions is the difference of
their limits.
lim [𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim [𝑥 − 7] = lim 𝑥 − lim 7 = 3 − 7 = −𝟒
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3

5. Product of a constant and a function: The constant k can be factored

outside of a limit.
lim[𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim [6𝑥] = 6 ∙ lim 𝑥 = 6 ∙ 4 = 𝟐𝟒
𝑥→4 𝑥→4

6. Product Rule: The limit of a product of two functions is the product of their
limits.
lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim [𝑥(𝑥 − 11)] = lim 𝑥 ∙ lim (𝑥 − 11) = (−1) ∙ (−1 − 11) = 𝟏𝟐
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 5 of 14
 7. Quotient Rule: The limit of a quotient of two functions is ethe quotient of their
limits, except if the limit of the denominator is zero.
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥)
lim = 𝑥→𝑐
if lim 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
Example:
3𝑥 lim 3𝑥 3 ∙ lim 𝑥 3∙2 𝟔
lim = 𝑥→2 = 𝑥→2
= =
𝑥→2 𝑥 + 9 lim (𝑥 + 9) lim 𝑥 + lim 9 2 + 9 𝟏𝟏
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
8. Power Rule:
lim 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑐 𝑛 , where n is a positive integer.
𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim 𝑥 3 = 53 = 𝟏𝟐𝟓
𝑥→5
9. Power Function Rule: The limit of an nth power of a function is the nth power of
the limit of the function, where n is a positive integer.
lim [𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] 𝑛 , where n is a positive integer.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Example:
lim (𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 2)3 = (23 + 22 − 2)3 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝑥→2
10. Radical Rule:
lim √𝑥 = √𝑐, where n is a positive integer, and c>0 if n is even.
𝑛 𝑛
𝑥→𝑐
Example:
3 3
lim √𝑥 = √−27 = −3
𝑥→−27
11. Radical Function Rule: the limit of the nth root of a function is the nth root of the
limit of the function, where n is a positive integer, and f(x)>0 if n is even.
lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√ lim 𝑓(𝑥), where n is a positive integer, and f(x)>0 if n is even.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Example:
lim √3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 1 = √ lim (3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2

= √3(2)4 − 2(2)2 + 5(2) − 1 = 𝟕

12. Direct Substitution Property: If f9x) is a polynomial or a rational function and c
is in the domain of f, then
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

The last property states that if a function f(x) is well-behaved (not complicated), then
the behavior of the function at and around x=c is just the functional value f(c).

Exercise for Synchronous Class Discussion

Evaluate the following limits and identity the different limit theorems.

𝑥 3 −5𝑥+4
lim (3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 4) lim ( )
𝑥→2 𝑥→3 𝑥 2 −2

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 6 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
 𝟎
Indeterminate Form
𝟎

𝑓(𝑥) 0
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0,then lim is called an indeterminate form .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 0

0
Note that is not a real number. It is used to indicate that the limit may or may not
0
𝑓(𝑥)
exist and so, may be written as an expression that can be simplified further. To
𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
evaluate lim , we follow some strategies.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)

• Substitute x=c directly in f(x) and g(x).

𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
• If we get , then we found the limit.
𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
0
• If we get the indeterminate form , then we need to rewrite the numerator
0
0
and denominator so we can obtain a new form which is not . We evaluate
0
the limit of the new form by directly substituting x=c.

We will illustrate three different techniques that can be used to evaluate limits
0
whenever we obtain the indeterminate form .
0

Examples :

𝑥 2 −64
a. Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim .
𝑥→8 𝑥→8 𝑥−8

Solution:

• First step, directly substitute x =8 in the function.

𝑥 2 − 64 82 − 64 0
lim = =
𝑥→8 𝑥 − 8 8−8 0
0
We obtain the indeterminate form of .
0
• To avoid this indeterminate form, simplify the numerator such as (x-8)(x+8).
𝑥 2 − 64 (𝑥 − 8)(𝑥 + 8)
lim = = 𝑥 + 8 = 8 + 8 = 𝟏𝟔
𝑥→8 𝑥 − 8 𝑥−8

√𝑥+4−3
b. Evaluate lim
𝑥→5 𝑥−5

Solution:

• We obtain the indeterminate form 0⁄0 after direct substitution of x=5.

• To avoid indeterminate form, we rationalize the numerator.

√𝑥 + 4 − 3 √𝑥 + 4 − 3 √𝑥 + 4 + 3
lim = lim ∙
𝑥→5 𝑥−5 𝑥→5 𝑥−5 √𝑥 + 4 + 3
𝑥+4−9 𝑥−5
= lim =
𝑥→5 (𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 4 + 3) (𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 4 + 3)

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 7 of 14
 1 1 𝟏
= lim = =
𝑥→5 (√𝑥 + 4 + 3) (√5 + 4 + 3) 𝟔

c. Evaluate
3 3
−2
2+ℎ
lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Solution:

• We obtain the indeterminate form 0⁄0 after direct substitution of h=0.

• Find at least common denominator of the denominator in the numerator.
6−3(2+ℎ)
2(2+ℎ)
= lim
ℎℎ→0
• Then, simplify the expressions algebraically.
−3ℎ −3 −3 𝟑
= lim = lim = =−
ℎ→0 ℎ (2 + ℎ)(2) ℎ→0 (2 + ℎ)(2) (2 + 0)(2) 𝟒

Exercise for Synchronous Class Discussion

Evaluate the following limits.

1. 2. 3.
𝑥+3 4 4
lim √𝑥 + 16 − 4 +
𝑥→3 𝑥 2 − 9 lim lim ℎ−5 5
𝑥→0 𝑥 ℎ→0 ℎ

Infinite Limits and Limits at Infinity

1
Consider 𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑥 ≠ 0. We want to determine the behavior of f(x) , (the “y-
𝑥
values”) as the values of x becomes very close to 0 through positive real numbers
and through negative real numbers.

We denote this as the one-sided limits:

1 1
lim limit of as x approaches 0 from the right; and
𝑥→0+ 𝑥 𝑥

1 1
lim limit of as x approaches 0 from the left
𝑥→0− 𝑥 𝑥

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 8 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
Let us make a table of values where we choose x values very close to 0.

Table 4
x -0.0001 -0.001 -0.01 -0.1 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1
y=
1
-10 000 -1 000 -100 -10 10 000 1 000 100 10
𝑥

1
The values of become very large and increase without bound as x approaches 0
𝑥
1
through numbers on the right of 0. As x approaches 0 from the left, the values of
𝑥
decrease without bound. Therefore, we write
1
lim+ = +∞
𝑥→0 𝑥

1
lim− = −∞
𝑥→0 𝑥

These are called infinite limits. Note that +∞ and −∞ are not numbers. They merely
indicate the behavior of the y-values as the x-values approach 0 through positive
values and through negative values. Therefore, the limit does not really exist.

INFINITE LIMIT THEOREM 1

Let n be any positive integer. Then

1 1 −∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑑𝑑
a. lim+ = +∞ b. lim− ={
𝑥→0 𝑛
𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑛
𝑥 +∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛

INFINITE LIMIT THEOREM 2

𝑓(𝑥)
Let c be any real number. Suppose in lim , lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘, where k is
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
a real number and 𝑘 ≠ 0.
𝑓(𝑥)
a. If 𝑘 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) → 0 through positive values, then lim = +∞.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
b. If 𝑘 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) → 0 through negative values, then lim = −∞.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
c. If 𝑘 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) → 0 through positive values, then lim = −∞.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
d. If 𝑘 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) → 0 through negative values, then lim = +∞.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)

The Infinite Limit Theorem 2 also hold for limits where 𝑥 → 𝑐 + and 𝑥 → 𝑐 − . We use this
Theorem in the next examples.

Example: Evaluate the following limits:

a.
2𝑥 − 1
lim +
𝑥→−2 𝑥+2
Solution:
• From the numerator, we have:
lim +(2𝑥 − 1) = −5
𝑥→−2

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 9 of 14
 • From the denominator,
lim +(𝑥 + 2) = 0 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
𝑥→−2
• Therefore, by the Infinite Limit Theorem 2 9c), we have
2𝑥 − 1 −5
lim + = −∞ [ ]
𝑥→−2 𝑥 + 2 → 0+

b.
𝑥3
lim−
𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 3)2
Solution:
• From the numerator, we have
lim 𝑥 3 = 33 = 𝟐𝟕
𝑥→3−
• From the denominator, we have
lim−(𝑥 − 3)2 = 0 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
𝑥→3
• Then, by Infinite Limit Theorem 2(a), the answer to the limit is
𝑥3 27
lim− 2 = +∞ [ ]
𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 3) → 0+

Exercise for Synchronous Class Discussion

Evaluate the following infinite limits.

8𝑥 4 5 7
1. lim+ 𝑥 2 −1 2. lim+ (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 5 )
𝑥→1 𝑥→0

Suppose we want to determine the behavior of y=f(x) as the x-values increase

without bound (x approaches +∞) and as the x-values decrease without bound (x
1 1
approaches -∞. We again consider 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = . We want to find the limit as 𝑥 →
𝑥 𝑥
+∞ and 𝑥 → −∞.
1
We construct a table of values for 𝑦 = where we choose the x-values that
𝑥
approach +∞ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − ∞.

Table 5
x -100 000 -10 000 -1 000 -100 100 1 000 10 000 100 000
𝟏 -0.00001 -0.0001 -0.001 -0.01 0.01 0.001 0.0001 0.00001
𝒚=
𝒙

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 10 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
 1
From Table 5, we note that the values of get very close to 0 as the x-values
𝑥
approach +∞ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − ∞. We can write this in limit notation as
1 1
lim = 0 and lim =0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥

We refer to these as limits at infinity. We use the following theorems to evaluate limits
at infinity

LIMIT AT INFINITY THEOREM 1

Let r be any positive integer. Then

1
a. lim =0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑟
1
b. lim =0
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥 𝑟

LIMIT AT INFINITY THEOREM 2

Let n be a positive real number and k , as any real number except 0. Then
𝑘
a. lim =0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑛
𝑘
b. lim 𝑛 =0
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥
+∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑘 > 0
c. lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑥 𝑛 = {
𝑥→+∞ −∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑘 < 0
+∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑘 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑟
𝑖𝑓 𝑘 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑑𝑑.
d. lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑥 𝑛 = {
𝑥→−∞ −∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑘 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑟
𝑖𝑓 𝑘 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑑𝑑.

LIMIT AT INFINITY THEOREM 3

𝑓(𝑥)
Let ℎ(𝑥) = , where f(x) and g(x) are polynomials.
𝑔(𝑥)

a. If the degree of f(x) is less than the degree of g(x), then

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥)
lim =0 lim =0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→−∞ 𝑔(𝑥)
b. If the degree of f(x) is equal to the degree of g(x), and a is the leading
coefficient of f(x) and b is the leading coefficient of g(x), then
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎
lim = lim =
𝑥→+∞ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑏 𝑥→−∞ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑏

c. If the degree of f(x) is greater than the degree of g(x), then

𝑓(𝑥)
lim = +∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
lim = +∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞
𝑥→−∞ 𝑔(𝑥)

The results of Limit at Infinity Theorem 3 can be determined by factoring out the
highest power of x in the numerator and the highest power of x in the denominator,
then use the appropriate limit theorem.

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 11 of 14
Example:

a. Find the limits:

1. 2. 3.
1 3 −2
lim 5 lim 4 lim
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 𝑥→−∞ 3𝑥 3

Using Limit at Infinity Applying Limit at Infinity Applying Limit at Infinity

Theorem 1, thus, Theorem 2(b), to get Theorem 2(b), to get
1 1 3 3 −2 −2
lim 5 = 5 = 0 lim 4 = 4 = 0 lim 3 = =0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 ∞ 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 ∞ 𝑥→−∞ 3𝑥 3(−∞)3

b. Evaluate

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

Solution:

• We factor out the highest-degree term from the numerator and the
denominator. Then, apply the appropriate Limit Theorems and Limits at Infinity
Theorem 2, to obtain

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

5 2
3𝑥 4 (1 − + )
3𝑥 3𝑥 3
= lim
𝑥→+∞ 2𝑥 5 (1 + 2 −
7
)
𝑥3 2𝑥 5

• since all expressions with infinity as denominator is equal to zero, then

3𝑥 4 (1 − 0 + 0) 3
lim = lim =𝟎
𝑥→+∞ 2𝑥 5 (1 + 0 − 0) 𝑥→+∞ 2𝑥

Exercise for Synchronous Class Discussion

Evaluate the limits.

1. 2.
4 5𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 2 − 10
lim lim
𝑥→−∞ 9𝑥 5 𝑥→−∞ 12𝑥 3 + 𝑥 + 28

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 12 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws
Just like the application of limits, how do you create boundaries with your family and
friends without them getting offended? Are boundaries important? Why?

Read the questions below. Evaluate each equation and provide solutions to every
questions. Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Let : (2 points each item)

𝑥2 if 𝑥 < −2
𝑔(𝑥) ={
𝑥+6 if 𝑥 ≥ −2

a. lim 𝑔(𝑥) b. lim 𝑔(𝑥) c. lim 𝑔 (𝑥) d. g(-2)

𝑥→−2− 𝑥→−2+ 𝑥→−2

2. Let : Find the value of m such that lim 𝑓(𝑥) exist.

𝑥→1
if 𝑥 ≤ 1
2𝑚𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1
𝑔(𝑥) ={
𝑚𝑥 + 4 if 𝑥 > 1
(5 points: solution-3 points, final answer-
1point, neatness-1 point)
3. Evaluate the limits and identify at least 1 limit theorem applicable.

Limits Solution with answers Limit Theorems

𝑥2 − 1
lim
𝑥→1 1 − 𝑥

3
lim √3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
𝑥→2

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws Page 13 of 14
 9𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4
lim
𝑥→+∞ 5𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 1

4 5
lim ( − 2 )
𝑥→3− 𝑥−3 𝑥 −9

Work with a pair. Get your book and turn it to page 24. Answer items 1 and 2
in Challenge Yourself. You will be graded according to the following criteria.

• Organization of solution: 5 points each item

• Graph: 3 points each item
• Correctness of answer: 5 points each item
• Proof of collaboration: 10 points

Domingo, E. J. (2016). Basic Calculus. Makati City: Don Bosco Press, Inc. .

Rodriguez, E. M. (2017). Conceptual Math and Beyond Basic Calculus.

Quezon City, Philippines: Brilliant Creations Publishing, Inc.

Written by: Checked by:

Engr. Florenei O. Rosaña Jesa P. Catadman, LPT

Teacher Math Coordinator

This learning kit is owned by and intended for students of St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo.
Page 14 of 14 Any unauthorized use and duplication is deemed subject to the violation of Copyright Laws