Unit 1: Rates of Change and Limits

1.3 – The Limit of a Function

We begin investigating limits by examining the behaviour of a rational function.

We know f(x) is undefined when x = 2, but what happens to the function when x
approaches 2?
x f(x)
1.9
1.99
1.999
2
2.001
2.01
2.1

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Unit 1: Rates of Change and Limits

In general, the limit of a function is written as and read as the limit of

f(x) as x approaches a, equals L. As the value of x gets closer to a, the value of
f(x) approaches L more and more closely, from either side of a, but not equal to
a.

One-Sided Limits

Left-hand Limits: denotes the limit as x approaches a from the

left-hand side

Right-hand Limits: denotes the limit as x approaches a from the

right-hand side

Two-Sided Limits

exists only if:

1)

2)

3)

If , then does not exist

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Unit 1: Rates of Change and Limits

Limits Can Be Found Graphically or Algebraically

Example #1 For the given functions, state the following limits.

a) b)

f(x)

f(x)

c) d)

e)

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Unit 1: Rates of Change and Limits

Example #2 Sketch the graph of any function that satisfies the given
conditions.

1)

2)

3)

4)

Continuity

A function f(x) is continuous at a number x = a if the following conditions are met:

1)

2)

3)

Remember: A function is continuous if you can draw its graph without lifting your
pencil. If the curve has holes or gaps, it is discontinuous, or has a discontinuity,
at the point at which the gap occurs.

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Unit 1: Rates of Change and Limits

Limits of a Sequence

Examine the terms of the infinite sequence:

The general term of this sequence is .

a) What happens to the value of each term as n increases?

b) What is the value of ?

Example #3 For each of the following sequence,

i. State the limit, if it exists. If it does not exist, explain why.

ii. Write a limit expression to represent the end behaviour of the
sequence.

a)

b)

Practice Questions: Text pg29-32, Q# 1-6, 8, 12-13, 16, 18

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