Limits

Module 1
Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret engineering or physical science problems

into mathematical equations in the form of a function.
2. Solve problems using the concept of a function.
3. Evaluate the limit of a function.
4. Evaluate the limit of a function using the theorems of
limits

Limits
Introduction

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Calculus
- is a branch of mathematics which started to develop in 17th century.

Isaac Newton Wilhelm Leibniz

- created calculus independently of each other and amazingly at

about the same time.
Introduction
Calculus

The word “calculus” is derived from Calculus roughly means a

the latin word for stone or pebble. “method of calculation”.

Introduction
Functional
Notation

Limits
Function
- is a certain law of correspondence.

For instance, consider the formula for the area of circle

A = πr2
For each value assigned to r , there corresponds a value of A.

A = f(r)

Functional Notation
Function
- Is a certain law of correspondence.

In general, if there is a relation between two variables x and y such

that for each value of x, there corresponds a value of y, then y is said
to be a function of x. Symbolically,

y = f(x)

Functional Notation
Example 1
Test your familiarity with functional notation.

The area of a rectangle is 6 sq. in. Express the

perimeter P of the rectangle as a function of the
length x of one side

Functional Notation
Limit of a
Function

Limits
Limit of a Function

➢ Familiarity with the limit concept is absolutely essential for a

deeper understanding of the calculus.
➢ Consider the function defined by the equation

f(x) = 3x + 1

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Limit of a Function

f(x) = 3x + 1
by assigning some values to x near, but not equal, to a specific number, say 2.

x 1.500 1.890 1.999 2.009 2.050 2.160 2.300

f(x) 5.500 6.670 6.997 7.027 7.150 7.480 7.900

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Limit of a Function

f(x) = 3x + 1

x 1.500 1.890 1.999 2.009 2.050 2.160 2.300

f(x) 5.500 6.670 6.997 7.027 7.150 7.480 7.900

In other words, “3x+1 approaches the number 7 as a limit when x

approaches 2”.

3x + 1 --> 7 as x --> 2
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Limit of a Function
3x + 1 --> 7 as x --> 2
✓ We may also say that “the limit of 3x + 1 as x approaches 2 is 7.”

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Definition of the Limit of a Function

Definition. Let f(x) be any function and let a and L be numbers. If we

can make f(x) as close to L as we please by choosing x sufficiently
close to a then we say that the limit of f(x) as x approaches a is L or
symbolically.

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Theorems
on Limits

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 Theorems on Limits

- To evaluate the limit, we just need to concern ourselves with the

behavior of f(x) as x approaches a. The value f(x) at x=a itself does
affect the value of L at all. However, if
1. f(x) is defined at x = a and
2. f(x) is continuous at x = a

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Example 2
Limit of a Well-Behaved Function.

Evaluate the limit

Ans. -2

Theorems on Limits
Theorems on Limits

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Theorems on Limits

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Theorems on Limits

Let c be a real number in

the domain of the given
trigonometric function.

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Example 3
Limit of a Well-Behaved Function.

Evaluate the limit

Ans. -1

Theorems on Limits
Example 4
Limit of a Well-Behaved Function.

Evaluate the limit

Ans. 4

Theorems on Limits
Example 5
Limit of a Trigonometric Function.

Evaluate the limit

Ans.
(2+√2)/2

Theorems on Limits
Practice
Test your skills in theorems on limits

Evaluate the limit

Ans. 15

Theorems on Limits
What if you come up with an indeterminate solution?

Limits
We’ll find out next meeting!

Limits