I.

Limits and Continuity

1. Limit of a Function
-if the given function is a polynomial or a rational function with a nonzero
denominator, then we can evaluate the limits using
direct substitution.

2. Indeterminate Forms
-there are certain cases wherein we cannot use the direct substitution method in
determining the value of a limit. For example, if we have

Through a direct substitution technique, we get a value of. In other

words, this is an indeterminate form. Note that this does not equal 1 (we cannot simply
cancel out both the numerator and the denominator).

What to do?
-rewrite the fraction so that the new numerator and denominator do not have 0 as their
limits. One way is to divide out like factors or to use the rationalizing technique
(eliminating radicals).
-If numerator and denominator do not have common factors, rationalize the term by
conjugation (make sure sign in the middle is opposite)
 3. One Sided Limits
-it is possible for a function to approach different values as x approaches c from the left and
from the right. These left-hand and right-hand limits are called one-sided limits.
-Theorem: When the limit from the left is not equal to the limit from the right, the
(two-sided) limit does not exist.
-This theorem is useful in analyzing piecewise-defined functions, especially those functions
whose "partition" points include the number c (i.e., the graph of f is different to the left of c from
that to the right of c).
 4. Infinite Limits
-when certain limits do not exist at certain points
-the vertical asymptote occurs at a number at which the denominator is 0 (but the numerator is
not 0). Numerator=non-zero Denominator=zero
 5. Limits at Infinity
-But often we also want to know the behavior of f(x)
as x increases or decreases without bound. In this case, we are interested in the end behavior
of the function. These would be limits at infinity.

If exponent of denominator is greater, f(x)=0 HA is 0

If exponent of numerator is greater, f(x)= +/- infinity. No HA
If exponents are equal, divide the coefficients. HA is result
 6. Continuity

This means that for a function to be continuous, it has to satisfy these three properties.
If even one of these properties weren't satisfied, then the function is not continuous.

Always remember: if , then c is continuous.

Remarks:
a. A function is continuous on the open interval (a,b) if it is continuous at each point on the
interval.
b. If one or more of the three conditions in the definition fails, then the function is
discontinuous at x=c
c. A function that is continuous on the entire real number line (-inf, +inf) is continuous
everywhere.
Equate functions to each other then plug in 5
Derivatives and Differentiation Properties

1. Derivatives
-If the limit does not exist, we say that the function is non-differentiable
-If a function f is differentiable at x=c, then this means that there is a tangent line to the graph at
that point.
-bring down exp, minus 1 the exponent
Marginal Analysis