CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

LESSON 1 LIMITS
OBJECTIVE 1 Define limits and identify its properties .
OBJECTIVE 2 Apply the different laws and properties in solving problems on limits
OBJECTIVE 3 • Discuss and solve problems on special limits

TRY THIS!

DIRECTION: Answer the following problems 3𝑥 −3−𝑥

e) lim
𝑥→∞ 3𝑥 + 3−𝑥
or question as your self assessment prior to
3. Evaluate
the discussion of the lesson.
a) lim− √16 − 𝑥 2
𝑥→4
1. Evaluate the limits of the following
functions: 𝑥 2−1
4. Let F(x) =
a) lim ( 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 8) |𝑥−1|
𝑥→2
𝑥−3
b) lim ( 𝑥 2 −9) a) Find lim+ 𝐹(𝑥)
𝑥→1
(2𝑥−1) 𝑥→1
c) lim b) Find lim− 𝐹(𝑥)
𝑥→1/2 8𝑥 3 −1 𝑥→1
𝑥 2 +4𝑥+3 c) Does lim 𝐹(𝑥) exist? Proove
d) lim 𝑥→1
𝑥→−1 𝑥 2+3𝑥+2
𝑥−4
e) lim √𝑥 2
𝑥→4 −16 5. Let
5𝑥
f) lim 5−𝑥 𝑥2 − 1
𝑥→0 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 1
√𝑥−1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = {|𝑥 − 1 |
g) lim 𝑥 2 −1 4, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→1

h) lim 3
√𝑥−1 Find lim− 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1
𝑥→1 √𝑥+1
2. Evaluate
2𝑥+3
a) lim ANSWERS TO TRY THIS!
𝑥→∞ 5𝑥+1
4𝑥+3 1
b) lim 1. (a) -4 (b) ¼ (c) 3 (d) 2 (e) 0 (f) 0 (g) ∞ (h) 0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2+3𝑥+2 2
𝑢 2. (a) (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) ∞, no limit (e) 1
5
c) lim
𝑢→∞ √𝑢 2+1 3. (a) 0
𝑢 2 + 5𝑥+6 4. (a) 2 (b) -2 (c) Yes
d) lim 5. -2
𝑢→∞ 𝑢+1

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 1

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

LET’S LEARN!

Calculus is an instrument that helps us understand how a change in one quantity is

related to a change in another. Differential Calculus studies on how a function changes as
its input changes and the “derivative” of a function is mathematical object use to describe
it. Thus, it will be necessary to see how the value f(x) of a function f behaves as the
argument x approaches a given number which leads to the idea of limit.
In finding the velocity of a moving object and the tangent to a curve, the concept of
a limit is fundamental tool can be used.
In this lesson we will study the different properties of limit as well as on how to
evaluate the limit of a given function as it approaches to a certain value of its argument.
Special limits will be also tackled in this lesson.
In this section we will also introduce the ideas of average and instantaneous rates
of change, and show that they are closely related to the slope of a curve at a point P on
the curve.

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION. The LIMIT (L) of a function for a given assigned value of the
independent variable (x) is the value from which the function behaves as the
argument x approaches to the given assigned value (a).

L = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝒂

“The limit of f(x) as x approaches to a is equal to L”

This notation is just shorthand. Other notation such as:

f(x) → L as x → a
This can also be read as “as f(x) approaches to L as x approaches to a”. This means
exactly the same thing in mathematics, even though they might be written, read and said a
little differently.
Another informal definition for limit of a function or L = lim 𝑓(𝑥) is:
𝑥→𝑎

“when the value of the function f(x) gets closer and closer to L as x gets closer
and closer to a but not exactly equal to a”.

If f(x) is a polynomial or a rational function and a is in the domain of f(x), then

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = f(a)
𝒙→𝒂

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 2

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

EXAMPLE 1.1
Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓).
𝒙→ 𝟐

Solution: Using Direct Substitution Property

𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓) = f(2)

𝒙→ 𝟐
= 2(2)2 -3(2) + 5
=8–6+5
𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓) = 7 (ans.)
𝒙→ 𝟐

Functions with the Direct Substitution Property are called continuous at a but
not all limits can be evaluated by direct substitution,
EXAMPLE 1.2
𝑥 2−4
Find the value of lim .
𝑥→ 2 𝑥−2

Solution:
If we try to compute f(2), the given f(x) is not defined when x = 2

Not all limits can be evaluated as f(a) or by simply substituting the value a
NOTE where x is approaching to the given functions. There are instances that if the
limit does not exist after applying f(a) , the limits can be obtain by
simplifying first the given function.

However, upon factoring the numerator, we observe that

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

Thus,
𝒙𝟐 −𝟒
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟒 (ans.)
𝒙→ 𝟐 𝒙−𝟐

EXAMPLE 1.3
𝑥 2−4
Find the value of lim ln|x|
𝑥→ −2 𝑥+2

Solution:
MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 3
CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

if we try to solve the limit of this by finding f(a) = f(-2)

𝑥 2 −4 −2−4
lim ln|x| = ln|−2|
𝑥→ −2 𝑥+2 −2+2

0
=0

Thus the Direct Substitution Property is not applicable, but you can see that the given f(x)
can be simplified first, since 𝑥 2 − 4 = (x+2)(x-2)
𝑥2 − 4 (x + 2)(x − 2)
lim ln|x| = lim ln|x|
𝑥→ −2 𝑥 + 2 𝑥→ −2 𝑥+2

= lim (x − 2) ln|x|
𝑥→ −2
= (-2-2)ln 2
𝒙𝟐 −𝟒
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧|𝐱| = −𝟒 𝐥𝐧 𝟐 (ans.)
𝒙→ −𝟐 𝒙+𝟐

FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES OF LIMITS:

1. If f is an identity function f(x) =x , then for any value of c (constant)

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝒄

𝒙→ 𝒄 𝒙→ 𝒄

EXAMPLE 1.4 Find the lim 𝑥

𝑥→5
Solution: Using Direct Substitution Property

lim 𝑥 = 5
𝑥→5

2. If ƒ is the constant function ƒ(x) = k (function with the constant value k), then for any
value of c

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒌 = 𝒌

𝒙→ 𝒄 𝒙→ 𝒄

EXAMPLE 1.5 Find the lim 8

𝑥→5

Solution: using the property

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→ 𝑐 𝑥→ 𝑐

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 4

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟖 = 𝟖
𝒙→𝟓

3. The LIMIT LAWS

If M, N, c, and k are real numbers and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑴 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑵
𝒙→ 𝒄 𝒙→ 𝒄

Then;
3.1. SUM RULE (The limit of a sum is the sum of the limits)

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝐟(𝐱) + 𝐠(𝐱)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) + 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) = 𝐌 + 𝐍

𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜

3.2. DIFFERENCE RULE

(The limit of a difference is the difference of the limits)

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝐟(𝐱) − 𝐠(𝐱)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) − 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) = 𝐌 − 𝐍

𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜

EXAMPLE 1.6 Solve the lim (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5)

𝑥→3
Solution: applying the sum and difference rule
lim (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5)= lim 𝑥 3 − lim 3𝑥 2 + lim 4𝑥 − lim 5
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3

= (3)3 − 3(3)2 + 4(3) − 5

= 7 (ans.)
3.3. CONSTANT MULTIPLE RULE
(The limit of constant times a function is the constant times the limit of the
function.)

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝐤 . 𝐟(𝐱)] = 𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐤 . 𝐌

𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜

EXAMPLE 1.7. Find the lim 3𝑥 2

𝑥→2

Solution: using the property

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒌𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→ 𝒄 𝒙→ 𝒄

lim 3𝑥 2 = 3 lim 𝑥 2
𝑥→2 𝑥→2

= 3(2)2

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 5

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙𝟐 = 𝟏𝟐
𝒙→𝟐

3.4. PRODUCT RULE

(The limit of a product is the product of the limits.)

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝐟(𝐱) . 𝐠(𝐱)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) . 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) = 𝐌 . 𝐍

𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜

EXAMPLE 1.8
Solution: applying the product rule
lim (𝑥 − 1)3 ( 2𝑥 2 − 5) = [ lim (𝑥 − 1)3 ] [ lim ( 2𝑥 2 − 5)]
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
 Using Direct Substitution Property
lim (𝑥 − 1)3 ( 2𝑥 2 − 5) = (−1 − 1)3 [2(−1)2 − 5]
𝑥→−1
= ( −8 )(−3)
= 24 (ans.)

3.5. QUOTIENT RULE. The limit of a quotient is the quotient of the limits
(provided that the limit of the denominator is not 0).

𝐟(𝐱) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) 𝐌

𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐱→ 𝐜 = 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐌 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 ≠ 𝟎
𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐠(𝐱) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) 𝐍
𝐱→ 𝐜

𝑥 4− 2𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2−5
EXAMPLE 1.9 Evaluate the lim
𝑥→1 𝑥 2−3𝑥+1
Solution: applying the quotient rule

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

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

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

(1)4 − 2(1)3 + (1)2 − 5

=
(1)2 − 3(1) + 1
−5
=
−1
= 𝟓 (𝐚𝐧𝐬. )

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 6

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

3.6. POWER RULE

𝐥𝐢𝐦 [𝐟(𝐱)]𝐧 = [𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐟(𝐱)]𝐧 = 𝐌 𝐧

𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜
where n is a positive integer

EXAMPLE 1.10 Solve the lim (𝑥 − 1)6

𝑥→−2
Solution: applying the power rule
lim (𝑥 − 1)6 = [( lim 𝑥 − 1)]6
𝑥→−2 𝑥→−2

= [(−2−1)]6
= (−3)6
= 𝟕𝟐𝟗 (𝐚𝐧𝐬. )
3.7. ROOT RULE

𝟏
𝐧
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐧√𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐧√𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐟(𝐱) = √𝐌 = 𝐌 𝐧
𝐱→ 𝐜 𝐱→ 𝐜

where n is a positive integer

EXAMPLE 1.11 Find the lim √4𝑥 2 − 3

𝑥→2
Solution: applying the root rule

lim √4𝑥 2 − 3 = √lim(4𝑥 2 − 3)

𝑥→2 𝑥→2

= √[4(2)2 − 3)]

= √𝟏𝟑 (ans.)

SPECIAL LIMITS

ONE SIDED LIMIT. Not all the time, limits are “for x → a.” There are some possible
variations on the concept of limit which introduce the definition of one sided limits.
If the limit of a certain function f(x) approaches to a single value on one side of a
function, it is classified as a one sided limit which can be either left or right hand limit.

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 7

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

For a function f(x), the left hand limit is defined as x approaches some value a from
the left, or negative, side: lim− 𝑓(𝑥) while the right hand limit is defined as x approaches
𝑥→ 𝑎
the same value a from the right, or positive, side: lim+ 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→ 𝑎

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = L
𝒙→𝒂−

Left-hand limit of f(x) as x approaches

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = L
𝒙→𝒂+

Right -hand limit of f(x) as x approaches

𝒙 → 𝒂− Indicates that we consider only values of that are less than 0.

NOTE 𝒙 → 𝒂+ Indicates that we consider only values of that are greater than 0
The limit is normal where the one-sided limits are equal.
However, if the one-sided limits are not equal, the normal limit does
not exist. It is possible that a function may not have one-sided limits
or normal limits.

Other Notation of Right hand limits:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) or 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓 (𝑥) or lim 𝑓(𝑥) or lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 + 𝑥 𝑎 𝑥→𝑎+ 0 𝑥→𝑎,𝑥>0

Other Notation of Left hand limits:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) or 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓 (𝑥) or lim 𝑓(𝑥) or lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 − 𝑥 𝑎 𝑥→𝑎− 0 𝑥→𝑎,𝑥<0

THEOREM. If both one-sided limits exist

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐋+ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐋−

𝐱→𝐚+ 𝐱→𝐚−

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = L ⇔ 𝐋+ = 𝐋−
𝒙→𝒂

Left-hand limit of f(x) as x approaches

If a function has both left- and right-limits at some x = a, then that function has a limit
at x = a if the left- and right-limits are equal

EXAMPLE 1.12

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 8

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

Find the 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝟓 − 𝟓𝒙.

𝒙→ 𝟏

Solution: We need to find the limit of the given function as x approaches to the left
values of 1(x< 1)

This an application only of limits approaching only in the left side of 1 because
values on the right side of x will make the limits imaginary.
Then,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝟓 − 𝟓𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝟓(𝟏 − 𝒙). .
𝒙→ 𝟏− 𝒙→ 𝟏
As x approaches to 1 on the left side, this x will get really closer to 1.
Thus,

𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝟓 − 𝟓𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝟓(𝟏 − 𝟏)

𝒙→ 𝟏− 𝒙→ 𝟏

= 0 (ans.)

EXAMPLE 1.13
|𝒙+𝟒|
Find the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − (𝒙 + 𝟓)
𝒙→ −𝟒 𝒙+𝟒

Solution: We need to find the limit of the given function as x approaches to the left
values of -4 (x< −4)

 The given function is simplified already so we need to analyze the limit of the given
function if x is approaching to – 4 on the left side.
 Direct Substitution Property is not applicable to this problem since it will result to a
𝟎
limit in a form which is not considered as a value of limits.
𝟎
−
 If 𝒙 → −𝟒 and will approach nearer to -4, for example – 4.1, - 4.01, -4.001
Then, if x = -4.1
|𝒙+𝟏| |−𝟒.𝟏+𝟒|
=
𝒙+𝟏 −𝟒.𝟏+𝟒
|−𝟎.𝟏|
=
−𝟎.𝟏
𝟎.𝟏
=
−𝟎.𝟏
|𝒙+𝟏|
= -1
𝒙+𝟏
|𝒙+𝟏|
 𝒙+𝟏 is approaching to -1 as x approaching to -4 on his left value. This will
give an existing limit

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 9

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐬,
|𝒙+𝟒|
𝐥𝐢𝐦 −(𝒙 + 𝟔) = -2 (ans.)
𝒙→ −𝟒 𝒙+𝟒
𝟕𝒙 − 𝟐, 𝑥 ≥ 𝟐
EXAMPLE 1.14 Evaluate the 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐟(𝐱) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐟(𝐱) if 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝐱→𝟐 𝐱→𝟐 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓, 𝑥 < 2
Solution:
 Solving 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐟(𝐱) , we need to consider 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟐 for 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐. Then,
𝐱→𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟐

𝐱→𝟐+ 𝐱→𝟐
= 𝟕(𝟐) − 𝟐
= 𝟏𝟒 − 𝟐
= 𝟏𝟎 (ans.)

 Solving 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐟(𝐱) , we need to consider 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 for 𝒙 < 2. Then,

𝐱→𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦−𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓

𝐱→𝟐− 𝐱→𝟐
= 𝟑( 𝟐) + 𝟓
= 𝟔+𝟓
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟏𝟏 (ans.)
𝐱→𝟐
Since 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐟(𝐱) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐟(𝐱) are not equal thus, the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) does not exist.
𝐱→𝟐 𝐱→𝟐 𝐱→𝟐

INFINITE LIMIT. If the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = ∞, this means that the values of f(x) tend to become
𝒙→𝒂
larger and larger (or “increase without to bound”) as becomes closer and closer to a.

Let f(x) be a function defined on both sides of a , except possibly at a itself. Then
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = ∞
𝒙→𝒂

means that f(x) can be made arbitrarily large by taking x sufficiently close to a , but
not equal to a

The symbol ∞ is not a number, but the expression 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = ∞, is usually read as:
𝒙→𝒂

 “the limit of f(x) , as approaches a, is infinity”

 “ f(x) becomes infinite as approaches ”
 “ f(x) increases without bound as approaches ”
Another sort of limit, for functions f(x) that become negatively large as gets close to
a , is defined
MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 10
CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

Let f(x) be a function defined on both sides of a , except possibly at a itself. Then
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = − ∞
𝒙→𝒂

means that f(x) can be negatively large by taking x sufficiently close to a , but not
equal to a

This can be read as “the limit of f(x) , as x approaches a , is negative infinity” or “

decreases without bound as approaches to a .”
𝑥 2 −99 √𝑥−3
EXAMPLE 1.15 Solve for the limits (a) lim & (b) lim
𝑥→10 𝑥−10 𝑥→3 𝑥 2 −9
𝑥 2 −99
a) lim
𝑥→10 𝑥−10
Solution: Using Direct Substitution Property

𝑥 2 − 99 (10)2 − 99
lim =
𝑥→10 𝑥 − 10 10 − 10
1
=
0
= ∞ 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭(𝐃𝐍𝐄) 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭(𝐚𝐧𝐬. )
√𝑥−3
b) lim
𝑥→3 𝑥 2 −9
Solution: In this case, the Direct Substitution Property is not applicable since it will result
𝟎
to a limit in a form which is not considered as a value of limits
𝟎
√𝑥−3 √3−3 0
lim = =
𝑥→3 𝑥 2 −9 9−9 0

 f(x) can be simplified such as;

√𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 − 3
lim = lim
𝑥→3 𝑥 2 − 9 𝑥→3 (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
1
(𝑥−3)2
= lim (𝑥+3)(𝑥−3)
𝑥→3

1
= lim 1
𝑥→3
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)2
MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 11
CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

1
= lim
𝑥→3 (𝑥 + 3)√𝑥 − 3
1
= (3+3)√3−3
1
0
= ∞ 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭(𝐃𝐍𝐄) 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭(𝐚𝐧𝐬. )

LIMIT AS x →∞ OF RATIONAL FUNCTION. To find the limit of rational function R(x) =

𝐚𝐧 𝐱𝐧 + …………+ 𝐚𝟏 𝐱+ 𝐚𝟎
𝐛𝐦 𝐱𝐦 + …………+ 𝐛𝟏 𝐱+ 𝐛𝟎

as x →∞, divide numerator and denominator by xm (the highest power of x

occurring in the denominator). This will result to a new function R(x)
𝐚𝐧 𝐱𝐧 + …………+ 𝐚𝟏 𝐱+ 𝐚𝟎
𝐱𝐦
R(x) = 𝐛 𝐱+ 𝐛
𝐛𝐦 + ………+ 𝟏 𝐦 𝟎
𝐱

𝐚𝐧 𝐱𝐧 + …………+ 𝐚𝟏𝐱+ 𝐚𝟎
𝐱𝐦
To evaluate the lim 𝐑(𝐱) = lim 𝐛 𝐱+ 𝐛 , use the property of
𝐱 →∞, 𝐱 →∞, 𝐛𝐦 𝐱𝐦 + ………+ 𝟏 𝐦 𝟎
𝐱

𝟏 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎
𝐱 →∞ 𝐱 𝐱 →∞ 𝐱 𝐧

𝟑𝐱𝟐 + 𝟐𝐱−𝟓
EXAMPLE 1.16 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐𝐱 𝟑 − 𝟑𝐱𝟐 +𝐱+𝟏
𝐱 →∞

Solution: Divide numerator and denominator by x3 (the highest power of x occurring in the
denominator)
1
3x 2 + 2x − 5 (3x 2 + 2x − 5) x3
lim = lim
x →∞ 2x 3 − 3x 2 + x + 1 x →∞ (2x 3 − 3x 2 + x + 1) 1
x3

3x2 2x 5
+ x3 − x3
x3
= lim (2x3 3x2 x 1
)
x →∞
− + x3 + x3
x3 x3
3 2 5
+ −
x x2 x3
= lim ( 3 1 1)
x →∞ 2− + x2 + x3
x

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 12

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

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

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

𝟑𝐱𝟓 − 𝟏
EXAMPLE 1.17 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝐱 →∞ 𝟒𝐱𝟓 +𝟓

Solution: Divide numerator and denominator by x3 (the highest power of x occurring in the
denominator)
1
𝟑𝐱 𝟓 − 𝟏 (𝟑𝐱 𝟓 − 𝟏) x5
lim = lim
x →∞ 𝟒𝐱 𝟓 + 𝟓 x →∞ (𝟒𝐱 𝟓 + 𝟓) 1
x5

3x5 1
−
x5 x5
= lim ( 4x5 5
)
x →∞
+
x5 x5

3x5 1
5 −
x5
= lim ( 4xx5 5
)
x →∞
+ x5
x5

1
3 − ∞5
= lim ( 5 )
x →∞ 4+ ∞5

3−0
=( )
4+ 0

𝟑𝐱 𝟓 − 𝟏 𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = (𝐚𝐧𝐬. )
𝐱 →∞ 𝟒𝐱 𝟓 + 𝟓 𝟒

√𝐱𝟒 +𝟏𝟎𝟎−𝟏𝟎
EXAMPLE 1.18 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝐱 →∞ 𝐱𝟐

Solution: Divide numerator and denominator by x2 (the highest power of x occurring in the
denominator)

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 13

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

1
√𝐱 𝟒 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎 − 𝟏𝟎 (√𝐱 𝟒 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎 − 𝟏𝟎) x2
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = lim 1
𝐱 →∞ 𝐱𝟐 x →∞ (𝐱 𝟐 )
x2

𝐱𝟒 +𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎
(√ − x2 )
𝐱𝟒
= lim 𝐱𝟐
x →∞
x2

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎
(√𝟏 + − x2 )
𝐱𝟒
= lim
x →∞ 1
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎
(√𝟏 + − ∞2 )
∞𝟒
= lim
x →∞ 1
(√𝟏 + 𝟎 − 𝟎)
=
1
√𝐱 𝟒 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎 − 𝟏𝟎
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏 (𝐚𝐧𝐬. )
𝐱 →∞ 𝐱𝟐

SQUEEZE OR SANDWICH THEOREM. If f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) when x is near a (except

possibly at a) and

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐡(𝐱) = 𝐋 , then

𝐱→ 𝐚 𝐱→ 𝐚
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) = 𝐋
𝐱→ 𝐚

𝐱𝟐 𝐱𝟐
EXAMPLE 1.19 Given that 1 − ≤ 𝒈( 𝒙) ≤ + 𝟏 for all x ≠ 0, find 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) , no matter
𝟐 𝟒 𝐱→ 𝟎
how complicated g is
Solution: Applying Squeeze or Sandwich theorem
 Solving the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱)
𝐱→ 𝐚

𝐱𝟐
lim f(x) = lim (1 − )
x→ a x→ 0 𝟐
𝟎𝟐
= 1−
𝟐
𝟎𝟐
= 1−
𝟐
MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 14
CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

= 1−0
𝐱𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟏 − ) = 𝟏(𝒂𝒏𝒔)
𝐱→ 𝟎 𝟐
 Solving the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐡(𝐱)
𝐱→ 𝐚
𝐱𝟐
lim h(x) = lim ( 𝟒 + 𝟏)
x→ a x→ a
𝟎𝟐
= 1−
𝟒
= 1−0
𝐱𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦( + 𝟏) = 𝟏(𝒂𝒏𝒔)
𝐱→ 𝟎 𝟒
 Since the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐡(𝐱) = 𝟏
𝐱→ 𝐚 𝐱→ 𝐚
 Thus, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐠(𝐱) = 𝟏 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐦
𝐱→ 𝟎

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 15

CHAPTER 2 – LIMITS & CONTINUITY DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

Prepared by:
ENGR. ZENDY D. MAÑAGO
EE Faculty

References:
1. Ayre, Frank Jr. and Elliott Mendelson. (2009). “Schaum’s Outlines: Calculus”. 5th
Ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2. Thomas, Christopher. (2006). “Introduction to Differential Calculus”.
Mathematics Learning Centre University of Sydney
3. Stewart, James. “Calculus: Early Transcendentals.5 thEdition”.Thomson Learning
Asia, Singapore. 2003.
4. Jungic , Veselin, Menz Petra and Randall Pyke. (2011). “Collection of Problems
in Differential Calculus”. Department Of Mathematics Simon Fraser University

MODULE 2: LIMITS ZDMAÑAGO 16