SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BASIC CALCULUS

Quarter 3 – Module 2
Limit Laws and Limits of Some
Transcendental Functions

i
Introductory Message
Welcome to the Mathematics 11 on Limit Laws and Limits of Some
Transcendental Functions.

This module was designed to provide you with opportunities for guided and
independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the
contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This part includes an activity that aims to
check what you already know about the
What I Know
lesson to take.
(Pretest)

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in
(Objectives) the module.

This is a brief drill or review to help you

What’s In link the current lesson with the previous
(Review/Springboard) one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways; a story,
What’s New
(Presentation of the Lesson) a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of
the lesson. This aims to help you discover
What is It
(Discussion) and understand new concepts and skills.

This section provides activities which will

What’s More help you transfer your new knowledge or
(Application) skill into real life situations or concerns.

What I Need to Remember This includes key points that you need to
(Generalization) remember.

This comprises activities for independent

What I Can Do practice to solidify your understanding and
(Enrichment Activities) skills of the topic.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your

Assessment level of mastery in achieving the learning
(Posttest) competency.

This contains answers to the following:

Answer Key • What I Know
• What’s In
• What’s More

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At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is the list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in this module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

About the Module

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
about laws of limits and limits of some transcendental functions. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language
used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This lesson is divided into different topics, namely:

Topic 1.1: The Limit Laws
Topic 1.2: Limits of Polynomial, Rational and Radical Functions
Topic 1.3: Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic, Trigonometric Functions and
Special Functions

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

• illustrate the limit laws

• apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions
• compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions
using table of values and graphs of the functions; and
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
• illustrate the limits involving the expressions , and .
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

iii
 What I Know (Pretest)

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write them on

a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is lim (𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4)?

𝑥→1

Ⓐ -12 Ⓑ -4 Ⓒ3 Ⓓ 10
2𝑥−6
2. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→3 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−3
1 1
Ⓐ undefined Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ0
4 2

𝑥 2 −4
3. What is lim ?
𝑥 → 2 𝑥 2 +4

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ0 Ⓒ8 Ⓓ∞

4. What is the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1 as x approaches 0?

Ⓐ -1 Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ5

sin 2𝑥
For numbers 5-6, refer to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = .
sin 𝑥

5. What is lim 𝑓(𝑥) ?

𝑥→0

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ2

6. What is lim𝜋 𝑓(𝑥) ?

𝑥→ 2

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ2

√𝑥−2
7. What is the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) = as x approaches 4?
𝑥−4
1 1 1 1
Ⓐ − Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ
2 4 2√2 2

1
 𝑥 2 −𝑥−12
For numbers 8-9, refer to the function defined by 𝑔(𝑥) = .
𝑥−4

8. Evaluate lim 𝑔(𝑥).

𝑥→4

1
Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ Ⓒ4 Ⓓ7
3

9. What value of 𝑥 the function has a hole?

1
Ⓐ Ⓑ2 Ⓒ4 Ⓓ8
8
1−cos 𝑥
10. What is lim ?
𝑥→0 𝑥

Ⓐ undefined Ⓑ -1 Ⓒ0 Ⓓ1

𝑥 3 −8
11. What is lim ?
𝑥 → 2 𝑥 2 −4

Ⓐ3 Ⓑ4 Ⓒ8 Ⓓ 12

12. Evaluate lim 4𝑥 .

𝑥 → −2

1
Ⓐ −8 Ⓑ Ⓒ8 Ⓓ 16
16

(𝑥−3)2 −9
13. Find lim .
𝑥→0 𝑥

Ⓐ undefined Ⓑ -12 Ⓒ -6 Ⓓ0
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14. The graph below shows 𝑓(𝑥) = − . What is lim 𝑓(𝑥) ?
𝑥 𝑥→0

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ∞

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 5𝑥
15. Find lim .
𝑥 → 0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 6𝑥

25 5
Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ6
36 6

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 Lesson Illustration of Limit Theorems
1

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o illustrate the limit theorems

What’s In

Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 and ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 8. Find the following:

𝑓(𝑥)
1. 𝑓(2) 3. √𝑓(2) 5.
ℎ(𝑥)

2. ℎ(2) 4. [ℎ(2)]2

What’s New

In the previous lessons, we have shown how limits can be determined through either
a table of values or a graph of function. Computing or filling in a table of values
sometimes requires very tedious computations. Graphing functions, however, may
also be difficult to sketch. These should not hamper us in finding the limits of a
function.

What is It

In this lesson we will be introducing the basic theorems on limits. These will enable
us to evaluate the limits directly without the need to use the previous procedures
using table or graph.

In the following statements, 𝑐 is constant, and 𝑓 and 𝑔 are functions which may or
may not have 𝑐 in their domains.

Limit Theorem 1: Limit of a Constant

The limit of a constant is itself. If 𝑘 is any constant, then,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒌 = 𝒌
𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
a. lim 5 = 5 c. lim 2.5 = 2.5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. lim 284 = 284 d. lim 𝜋 = 𝜋
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

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 Limit Theorem 2: Limit of Identity Function
The limit of 𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is equal to 𝑐.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝒄
𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
a. lim 𝑥 = 4 c. lim 𝑥 = −12
𝑥→4 𝑥→−12
b. lim 𝑥 = 0.003 d. lim 𝑥 = 𝜋
𝑥→0.003 𝑥→𝜋

Limit Theorem 3: The Constant Multiple Theorem

The limit of a multiple of a function is simply that multiple of a limit of a
function.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒌 ⋅ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒌 ⋅ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒌 ∙ 𝑳
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:

If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 8, then

𝑥→𝑐

a. lim 2 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 ∙ 8 = 16

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

b. lim −5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 ∙ 8 = −40

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

1 1 1
c. lim ( ) ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∙ 8 = 4
𝑥→𝑐 2 2 𝑥→𝑐 2

d. lim 2.5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 2.5 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2.5 ∙ 8 = 20

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Limit Theorem 4: The Addition Theorem

The limit of a sum of functions is the sum of the limits of the individual
functions. Subtraction is also included in this law, that is, the limit of the
difference of functions is the difference of their limits.

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

𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

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

𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −8, then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑎. lim[𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + (−8) = −5

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑏. lim[𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 − (−8) = 3 + 8 = 11

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

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 Limit Theorem 5: The Multiplication Theorem
This theorem is similar to Addition Theorem with multiplication replacing
addition operation. The limit of a product of functions is equal to the product of
their limits.
𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙) · 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳 ∙ 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Example:
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −8, then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 ∙ (−8) = −24

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Note: The Addition and Multiplication Theorems may be applied to sums, differences
and products of more than two functions.

Limit Theorem 6: The Division Theorem

The limit of a quotient of functions is equal to the quotient of the limits of the
individual functions provided the denominator limit is not equal to 0.
𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑳
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [ ] = 𝒙→𝒄 = ,𝑴 ≠ 𝟎
𝒙→𝒄 𝒈(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −2 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3, then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) −2 2

lim [ ] = 𝑥→𝑐 = =−
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 3 3
𝑥→𝑐

b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 5, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 0
lim [ ] = 𝑥→𝑐 = =0
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 5
𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥)
c. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0 then it is not possible to evaluate lim [ ].
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥)
Thus, we say that lim [ ] DNE
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥)

Limit Theorem 7: The Power Theorem

The limit of an integer power 𝑝 of a function is just that power of the limit of the
function.
𝒑
𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙)]𝒑 = [𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)] = 𝑳𝒑
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5, then
𝑥→𝑐
2
lim [𝑓(𝑥)]2 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] = 52 = 25
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2, then
𝑥→𝑐
−3 1 1
lim [𝑓(𝑥)]−3 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] = 2−3 = 3 =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 2 8

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 Limit Theorem 8: The Radical/Root Theorem
If 𝑛 is a positive integer, the limit of the 𝑛𝑡ℎ root of a function is just the 𝑛𝑡ℎ root
of the limit of the function provided the 𝑛𝑡ℎ root of the limit is a real number.
Always keep in mind that if 𝑛 is even then the limit of the function must be
positive.
𝒏 𝒏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒏√𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 16, then
𝑥→𝑐

lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √16 = 4

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −27, then

𝑥→𝑐
3 3
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = 3√ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √−27 = −3
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

c. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −9, then it is not possible to evaluate lim √𝑓(𝑥) because
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √−9 which is not a real number.
𝑥→𝑐

What’s More

1. Complete the following table. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

𝑐 lim 2021 lim 𝑥

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
-2
-4
1
2
0
12
√5
2. Assume the following:
2
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = , lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 9 , and lim ℎ(𝑥) = −5
𝑥→𝑐 5 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Compute the following limits:

𝑔(𝑥)
a. lim [5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] f. lim [ ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)]
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 (ℎ(𝑥))2

b. lim 3√𝑔(𝑥) g. lim [25 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)]

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

c. lim [ℎ(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] h. lim √−ℎ(𝑥) ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
ℎ(𝑥)
d. lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)] i. lim [ ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)]
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥)+ℎ(𝑥)
e. lim [ ] j. lim[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)]
𝑥→𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐

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 Lesson Limits of Polynomial, Rational and
2 Radical Functions

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

o apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions
(polynomial, rational and radical)

What’s In

Direction: Below are algebraic functions and you are to determine whether they are
polynomial, rational or radical functions. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper.
1
1. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥

2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 3
𝑥+1
3. ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥−2

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 1
5. 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 3
𝑥 2 −4
6. 𝑞(𝑥) =
𝑥+1
𝑥 2 +2
7. ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 −2
3
8. 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 4
10. 𝑞(𝑥) = 5

What’s New

In the previous lesson, we presented and illustrated the limit theorems. In this
lesson, we will show you how these limit theorems are used in evaluating algebraic
functions particularly in limits involving polynomial, rational and radical functions.

7
 What is It
Let us start this lesson with evaluating the limits of polynomial functions.
Example 1: Determine lim (4𝑥 + 3).
𝑥→2

Solution: From the previous theorems, we have

lim (4𝑥 + 3) = lim 4𝑥 + lim 3 (Addition)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= 4 lim 𝑥 + 3 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→2
= 4(2) + 3 (lim 𝑥 = 𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
=8+3
= 11
Example 2: Evaluate lim (4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1).
𝑥→−3

lim (4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1) = lim 4𝑥 3 − lim 3𝑥 2 + lim 2𝑥 − lim 1 (Addition)

𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3
= 4 lim 𝑥 3 − 3 lim 𝑥 2 + 2 lim 𝑥 − 1 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3
= 4(−3)3 − 3(−3)2 + 2(−3) − 1 (Power)
= −108 − 27 − 6 − 1
= -142
Example 3: Determine lim (2𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5).
𝑥→0

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

𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

= 2lim 𝑥4 + 4 lim 𝑥2 + 3 lim 𝑥 − 5 (Constant Multiple)

𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0
= 2(0)4
+ 4(0)2 + 3(0) − 5 (Power)
= 0+0+0−5
= −5
Now, we will apply the limit theorems in evaluating rational functions.
1
Example 4: Evaluate lim ( 2 ).
𝑥→−2 𝑥
1 lim 1
Solution: lim ( ) = 𝑥→−2
(Division)
𝑥→−2 𝑥 2 lim 𝑥 2
𝑥→−2

1
= (Power)
(−2)2
1
=
4
2𝑥
Example 5: Evaluate lim ( ).
𝑥→5 3𝑥−4

Solution: We start evaluating the limit of the polynomial function in the denominator.
If the limit of the denominator is zero then the limit does not exist (DNE).
So, this is our first step in evaluating limits of rational function. Thus,
lim (3𝑥 − 4) = 3(5) − 4 = 15 − 4 = 11
𝑥→5

Since the limit of the denominator is not zero, it follows that

2𝑥 lim 2𝑥 2 lim 𝑥 2 ∙ 5 10
lim ( ) = 𝑥→5 = 𝑥→5 = =
𝑥→5 3𝑥 − 4 lim (3𝑥 − 4) 11 11 11
𝑥→5

8
 (𝑥 2 −9)(𝑥+2)
Example 6: Evaluate lim [ ].
𝑥→1 𝑥−2

Solution: Again, we evaluate the limit of the denominator as 𝑥 approaches 1.

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

Since the limit of the denominator is not zero, then

(𝑥 2 − 9)(𝑥 + 2) lim [(𝑥 2 − 9)(𝑥 + 2)]

𝑥→1
lim [ ]=
𝑥→1 𝑥−2 lim (𝑥 − 2)
𝑥→1
(lim 𝑥2 − lim 9) (lim 𝑥 + lim 2)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
=
−1
(12 − 9)(1 + 2)
=
−1
(1 − 9)(3)
=
−1
(−8)(3)
=
−1
= 24

LIMIT THEOREM OF A POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION:

Let 𝑓 be a polynomial of the form

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

If 𝑐 is a real number, then

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

Proof. Let 𝑐 be any real number. Remember that a polynomial is defined at any real
number. So,

𝑓(𝑐) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑐 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑐 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑐 + 𝑎0

Now, we apply the limit theorems in evaluating lim 𝑓(𝑥):

𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim(𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 )

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

= lim 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + lim 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + lim 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + lim 𝑎1 𝑥 + lim 𝑎0

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

= 𝑎𝑛 lim 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 lim 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 lim 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 lim 𝑥 + lim 𝑎0

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

= 𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑐 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑐 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑐 + 𝑎0

Therefore, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).

𝑥→𝑐

9
Example 7: Evaluate lim (7𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3).
𝑥→−2

Solution: Our given function 𝑓(𝑥) = 7𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3 is a polynomial.

Plug in the value 𝑥 = −2, we get

𝑓(−2) = 7(−2)4 − 4(−2)3 + 5(−2)2 − 2(−2) + 3

= 7(16) − 4(−8) + 5(4) + 4 + 3
= 112 + 32 + 20 + 4 + 3
= 171
Therefore, from the theorem above
lim (7𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3) = 𝑓(−2) = 171
𝑥→−2

LIMIT THEOREM OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION:

𝑓(𝑥)
Let ℎ be a rational function of the form ℎ(𝑥) = where 𝑓 and 𝑔 are
𝑔(𝑥)
polynomial functions. If 𝑐 is a real number and 𝑔(𝑐) ≠ 0, then

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
lim ℎ(𝑥) = lim [ ]=
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑐)

3𝑥−2
Example 8: Evaluate lim 3 +4𝑥 2 −𝑥+1.
𝑥→−2 2𝑥

Solution: Since the denominator is not zero when evaluated at 𝑥 = −2, we may
apply theorem of rational function.

3𝑥 − 2 3(−2) − 2 −6 − 2 −8 8
lim = = = =−
𝑥→−2 2𝑥 3 2 3 2
+ 4𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1 2(−2) + 4(−2) − (−2) + 1 2(−8) + 4(4) + 2 + 1 3 3

3
Example 9: Evaluate lim √5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 10.
𝑥→−3

Solution: Since the index of the radical sign is odd, we do not have to worry that
the limit of the radicand is negative. The Radical/Root Rule implies that

3 3
lim √5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 10 = 3√ lim (5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 10) = √5(−3)3 − 3(−3)2 − 9(−3) + 10
𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3
3
= √5(−27) − 3(9) + 27 + 10
3
= √−135 − 27 + 37
3
= √−125
= −5

10
INTUITIVE NOTIONS OF INFINITE LIMITS

1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2. Note that the function is not defined at 𝑥 = 0 but
𝑥
we can check the behavior of the function as 𝑥 approaches 0 intuitively. We first
consider approaching 0 from the left.

To evaluate the given limit, we will make use of a table to keep track of the effect that
the approach of 𝑥 toward 0 will have of 𝑓(𝑥).
We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 1
-1 1 𝑓(1) = = =1
(−1)2 1
1
-0.75 1.777777778 𝑓(−0.75) = ≈ 1.777777778
(−0.75)2
1
-0.5 4 𝑓(−0.5) = =4
(−0.5)2
1
-0.01 10000 𝑓(−0.01) = = 10000
(−0.01)2
1
-0.001 1000000 𝑓(−0.001) = = 1000000
(−0.001)2
1
-0.0001 100000000 𝑓(−0.0001) = = 100000000
(−0.0001)2
1
-0.00001 10000000000 𝑓(−0.00001) = = 10000000000
(−0.00001)2
Observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0 from the left, the values of
𝑓(𝑥) increase without bound. We say that the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 0 from
1
the left is positive infinity. Thus, lim− 2 = +∞ .
𝑥→0 𝑥

Next, we consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 1
1 1 𝑓(1) = 2 = =1
(1) 1
1
0.75 1.777777778 𝑓(0.75) = ≈ 1.777777778
(0.75)2
1
0.5 4 𝑓(0.5) = =4
(0.5)2
1
0.01 10000 𝑓(0.01) = = 10000
(0.01)2
1
0.001 1000000 𝑓(0.001) = = 1000000
(0.001)2
1
0.0001 100000000 𝑓(0.0001) = = 100000000
(0.0001)2
1
0.00001 10000000000 𝑓(0.00001) = = 10000000000
(0.00001)2

11
Observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer
and closer to 0 from the right, the values
of 𝑓(𝑥) increase without bound. We say that
the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 0 from the
1
right is positive infinity. Thus, lim+ = +∞
𝑥→0 𝑥 2
1 1
Since lim− = +∞ and lim+ = +∞ then
𝑥→0 2
𝑥 𝑥→0 2
𝑥
1
lim = +∞ .
𝑥→0 𝑥 2

1
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = is shown at the right.
𝑥2

1
Now, consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = − 2. Again, the function is not defined at 𝑥 = 0
𝑥
but we can check the behavior of the function as 𝑥 approaches 0 intuitively. We first
consider approaching 0 from the left. We will make use of a table to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 0 will have of 𝑓(𝑥).

Consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 1
-1 -1 𝑓(1) = − 2 = − = −1
(−1) 1
1
-0.75 −1.777777778 𝑓(−0.75) = − ≈ −1.777777778
(−0.75)2
1
-0.5 −4 𝑓(−0.5) = − = −4
(−0.5)2
1
-0.01 −10000 𝑓(−0.01) = − = −10000
(−0.01)2
1
-0.001 −1000000 𝑓(−0.001) = − = −1000000
(−0.001)2
1
-0.0001 −100000000 𝑓(−0.0001) = − = −100000000
(−0.0001)2
1
-0.00001 −10000000000 𝑓(−0.00001) = − = −10000000000
(−0.00001)2
We observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0 from the left, the values
1
of 𝑓(𝑥) decrease without bound, that is, lim− − = −∞.
𝑥→0 𝑥2

12
Next, we consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 1
1 -1 𝑓(1) = − 2 = − = −1
(1) 1
1
0.75 −1.777777778 𝑓(0.75) = − ≈ −1.777777778
(0.75)2
1
0.5 −4 𝑓(0.5) = − = −4
(0.5)2
1
0.01 −10000 𝑓(0.01) = − = −10000
(0.01)2
1
0.001 −1000000 𝑓(0.001) = − = −1000000
(0.001)2
1
0.0001 −100000000 𝑓(0.0001) = − = −100000000
(0.0001)2
1
0.00001 −10000000000 𝑓(0.00001) = − = −10000000000
(0.00001)2

From the table above, we observe that as the

values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0 from the
right, the values of 𝑓(𝑥) decrease without bound.
We say that the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 0
from the right is negative infinity.
1 1
Thus, lim+ − = −∞. Since lim− − = −∞ and
𝑥→0 𝑥2 𝑥→0 𝑥2
1 1
lim − 2 = −∞ then lim − = −∞ .
𝑥→0+ 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥2

1
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = − is shown at the right.
𝑥2

1
Now, let us consider 𝑓(𝑥) = . We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the
𝑥
left (𝑥 < 0) .
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1
-1 −1 𝑓(−1) = = −1
−1
1
-0.75 −1.333333333 𝑓(−0.75) = ≈ −1.333333333
−0.75
1
-0.5 −2 𝑓(−0.5) = = −2
−0.5
1
-0.01 −100 𝑓(−0.01) = = −100
−0.01
1
-0.001 −1000 𝑓(−0.001) = = −1000
−0.001
1
-0.0001 −10000 𝑓(−0.0001) = = −10000
−0.0001

13
Observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0 from the left, the values of
1
𝑓(𝑥) decrease without bound, that is, lim− = −∞ .
𝑥→0 𝑥
Now, consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1
1 1 𝑓(1) = = 1
1
1
0.75 1.333333333 𝑓(0.75) = ≈ 1.333333333
0.75
1
0.5 2 𝑓(0.5) = =2
0.5
1
0.01 100 𝑓(0.01) = = 100
0.01
1
0.001 1000 𝑓(0.001) = = 1000
0.001
1
0.0001 10000 𝑓(0.0001) = = 10000
0.0001
We observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer
and closer to 0 from the right, the values of
𝑓(𝑥) increase without bound. The limit of 𝑓(𝑥)
as 𝑥 approaches 0 from the right is positive
1
infinity. Thus, lim+ = +∞ .
𝑥→0 𝑥
Since the two-sided limits are not equal, we
say that limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 0 does
not exist. In symbols, we have
1
lim DNE
𝑥→0 𝑥
1
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = is shown at the right.
𝑥

What’s More

Evaluate the following limits. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

(𝑥−4)(𝑥 2 +1)
1. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥 3 +3

3
2. lim √𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 15
𝑥→−6

√5𝑥+1
3. lim
𝑥→3 3−2𝑥

2−3𝑥
4. lim
𝑥→−1 1+2𝑥 2 +3𝑥 3 −4𝑥 4

5. lim (𝑥 5 + 2𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→2

14
 Lesson Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic
3 and Trigonometric Functions

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

o compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions
using table of values and graphs

What’s In
Direction: Determine whether the following are exponential, logarithmic or
trigonometric functions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 6. 𝑞(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥
2 𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 7. ℎ(𝑥) = ( ) − 4
3

3. ℎ(𝑥) = log 𝑥 8. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 cos 4𝑥 9. 𝑓(𝑥) = csc 𝑥
3 𝑥
5. 𝑔(𝑥) = ( ) 10. 𝑞(𝑥) = log 2𝑥
4

What’s New

In the previous lessons, we applied the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic
functions. In this lesson, we will compute the limits of some transcendental functions
using table of values and graphs. A transcendental function is non-algebraic
function. Examples of this type of function include exponential function,
trigonometric and the inverse functions of both.

What Is It

Evaluating Limits of Exponential Function

The number that is commonly used as a logarithmic base is the number e which was
named by the Swish mathematician Leonard Euler (1707-1783). We consider the
natural exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where 𝑒 is called the Euler number. The
1 𝑛
number represented by (1 + ) gets closer and closer to the irrational number 𝑒 
𝑛
2.71828 as n increases without bound.

15
Example 1: Evaluate lim 𝑒 𝑥 .
𝑥→0

Solution: To evaluate the given limit, we will make use of a table to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 0 will have of 𝑓(𝑥).
We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1
-1 0.367879445 (2.7182818)−1 ≈ ≈ 0.367879445
(2.7182818)1
1
-0.75 0.4723665565 (2.7182818)−0.75 ≈ ≈ 0.4723665565
(2.7182818)0.75
1
-0.5 0.6065306629 (2.7182818)−0.5 ≈ ≈ 0.6065306629
(2.7182818)0.5
1
-0.01 0.9900498339 (2.7182818)−0.01 ≈ ≈ 0.9900498339
(2.7182818)0.01
1
-0.001 0.9990004998 (2.7182818)−0.001 ≈ ≈ 0.9990004998
(2.7182818)0.001
1
-0.0001 0.999900005 (2.7182818)−0.0001 ≈ ≈ 0.999900005
(2.7182818)0.0001
1
-0.00001 0.9999900001 (2.7182818)−0.00001 ≈ ≈ 0.9999900001
(2.7182818)0.00001
Observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0 from the left, the values of
𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 1. Thus, lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0

Next, we consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 2.7182818 (2.7182818)1 ≈ 2.7182818
0.75 2.117 (2.7182818) 0.75 ≈ 2.117
0.5 1.648721262 0.5
(2.7182818) ≈ 1.648721262
0.01 1.010050167 (2.7182818)0.01 ≈ 1.010050167
0.001 1.0010005 (2.7182818)0.001 ≈ 1.0010005
0.0001 1.000100005 (2.7182818)0.0001 ≈ 1.000100005
0.00001 1.00001 (2.7182818)0.00001 ≈ 1.00001
Observe that as the values of 𝑥 get closer and
closer to 0 from the right, the values of 𝑓(𝑥) get
closer and closer to 1. We can write this as
lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0

Since lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 , then limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥

𝑥→0 𝑥→0
approaches 0 is equal to 1. In symbols, we have 𝒇(𝒙)
lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. 𝒚 approaches 1
𝑥→0
𝒙 𝒙
𝒇(𝒙)
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 is shown at the right.

16
Evaluating Limits of Logarithmic Function
Consider the natural logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. As a recall, ln 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥.
Moreover, ln 𝑥 is the inverse of the natural exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 .
Base e logarithms are called natural logarithms ( ln “ read as el en” ) represented by
irrational number. It is an irrational number whose value is approximately 2.718.
The natural logarithm of e is 1. log e x = ln x
Example 2: Evaluate lim ln 𝑥
𝑥→1
Solution: We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥 to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 1 will have of 𝑓(𝑥). We first consider values of 𝑥
approaching 1 from the left (𝑥 < 1) .
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
0.01 −4.605170186 𝑙𝑛 (0.01) ≈ −4.605170186
0.25 −1.386294361 𝑙𝑛 (0.25) ≈ −1.386294361
0.5 −0.6931471806 𝑙𝑛 (0.5) ≈ −0.6931471806
0.75 −0.2876820725 𝑙𝑛 (0.75) ≈ −0.2876820725
0.999 −0.00100050033 𝑙𝑛 (0.999) ≈ −0.00100050033
0.9999 −0.000100005 𝑙𝑛 (0.9999) ≈ −0.000100005
0.99999 −0.00001000005 𝑙𝑛 (0.99999) ≈ −0.00001000005
Intuitively, lim− ln 𝑥 = 0 . Now we consider approaching 1 from the right (𝑥 > 1).
𝑥→1

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
2 0.6931471806 𝑙𝑛 (2) ≈ 0.6931471806
1.50 0.4054651081 𝑙𝑛 (1.50) ≈ 0.4054651081
1.1 0.0953101798 𝑙𝑛 (1.1) ≈ 0.0953101798
1.01 0.00995033085 𝑙𝑛 (1.01) ≈ 0.00995033085
1.001 0.00099950033 𝑙𝑛 (1.001) ≈ 0.00099950033
1.0001 0.000099995 𝑙𝑛 (1.0001) ≈ 0.000099995
1.00001 0.00000999995 𝑙𝑛 (1.00001) ≈ 0.00000999995

Intuitively, lim+ ln 𝑥 = 0. As the values

𝑥→1
of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 1, the values
of 𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 0.
In symbols, lim ln 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1
𝒇(𝒙)
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥 is shown at the
right. 𝒙 𝒙
𝒚 approaches 0
𝒇(𝒙)

17
We now consider the common logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = log10 𝑥. As a recall, base
10 logarithms are called common logarithms which are commonly written without
the subscript 10. Thus, log10 𝑥 = log 𝑥.

Example 3: Evaluate lim log 𝑥.

𝑥→1
Solution: We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥 to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 1 will have of 𝑓(𝑥). We first consider values of 𝑥
approaching 1 from the left (𝑥 < 1).
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
0.1 −1 log (0.1) = −1
0.25 −0.6020599913 log (0.25) ≈ −0.6020599913
0.5 −0.3010299957 log (0.5) ≈ −0.3010299957
0.75 −0.1249387366 log (0.75) ≈ −0.1249387366
0.999 −0.00043451177 log (0.999) ≈ −0.00043451177
0.9999 −0.00004343161 log (0.9999) ≈ −0.00004343161
0.99999 −0.00000434296 log (0.99999) ≈ −0.00000434296

Intuitively, lim− log 𝑥 = 0 . Now we consider approaching 1 from the right (𝑥 > 1).
𝑥→1

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
2 0.3010299957 log (2) ≈ 0.3010299957
1.50 0.1760912591 log (1.50) ≈ 0.1760912591
1.1 0.04139268516 log (1.1) ≈ 0.04139268516
1.01 0.00432137378 log (1.01) ≈ 0.00432137378
1.001 0.00043407747 log (1.001) ≈ 0.00043407747
1.0001 0.00004342727 log (1.0001) ≈ 0.00004342727
1.00001 0.00000434292 log (1.00001) ≈ 0.00000434292

Intuitively, lim+ log 𝑥 = 0. As the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 1, the values of
𝑥→1
𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 0. In symbols, lim log 𝑥 = 0. The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥 is
𝑥→1
shown below.

𝒇(𝒙)
𝒚 approaches 0
𝒙 𝒙
𝒇(𝒙)

18
Evaluating Limits of Trigonometric Function
Example 4: Evaluate lim sin 𝑥.
𝑥→0

Solution: To evaluate the given limit, we will make use of a table to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 0 will have of 𝑓(𝑥).

We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
-1 −0.8414709848 𝑓(−1) = sin(−1) ≈ −0.8414709848
-0.75 −0.68163876 𝑓(−0.75) = sin(−0.75) ≈ −0.68163876
-0.5 −0.4794255386 𝑓(−0.5) = sin(−0.5) ≈ −0.4794255386
-0.01 −0.00999983333 𝑓(−0.01) = sin(−0.01) ≈ −0.00999983333
-0.001 −0.00099999983 𝑓(−0.001) = sin(−0.001) ≈ −0.00099999983
-0.0001 −0.00009999999 𝑓(−0.0001) = sin(−0.0001) ≈ −0.00009999999
-0.00001 −0.00001 𝑓(−0.00001) = sin(−0.00001) ≈ −0.00001

Intuitively, lim− sin 𝑥 = 0 . Now we consider approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).
𝑥→0

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 0.8414709848 𝑓(1) = sin(1) ≈ 0.8414709848
0.75 0.68163876 𝑓(0.75) = sin(0.75) ≈ 0.68163876
0.5 0.4794255386 𝑓(0.5) = sin(0.5) ≈ 0.4794255386
0.01 0.00999983333 𝑓(0.01) = sin(0.01) ≈ 0.00999983333
0.001 0.00099999983 𝑓(0.001) = sin(0.001) ≈ 0.00099999983
0.0001 0.00009999999 𝑓(0.0001) = sin(0.0001) ≈ 0.00009999999
0.00001 0.00001 𝑓(0.00001) = sin(0.00001) ≈ 0.00001
Intuitively, lim+ sin 𝑥 = 0. As the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0, the values of
𝑥→0
𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 0. In symbols, lim sin 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→0

The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 is shown below.

19
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 supports our observation in the previous example that
lim sin 𝑥 = 0. By just merely looking at the graph, we also have the limits of the
𝑥→0
following:

1. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = 1 6. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = −1

𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

2. lim sin 𝑥 = 0 7. lim sin 𝑥 = 0

𝑥→𝜋 𝑥→−𝜋

3. lim
3𝜋
sin 𝑥 = −1 8. lim3𝜋 sin 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

4. lim sin 𝑥 = 0 9. lim sin 𝑥 = 0

𝑥→2𝜋 𝑥→−2𝜋

5. lim
5𝜋
sin 𝑥 = 1 10. lim5𝜋 sin 𝑥 = −1
𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

Example 5: Evaluate lim cos 𝑥.

𝑥→0

Solution: To evaluate the given limit, we will make use of a table to keep track of the
effect that the approach of 𝑥 toward 0 will have of 𝑓(𝑥).

We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
-1 0.5403023059 𝑓(−1) = cos(−1) ≈ 0.5403023059
-0.75 0.7316888689 𝑓(−0.75) = cos(−0.75) ≈ 0.7316888689
-0.5 0.8775825619 𝑓(−0.5) = cos(−0.5) ≈ 0.8775825619
-0.01 0.9999500004 𝑓(−0.01) = cos(−0.01) ≈ 0.9999500004
-0.001 0.9999995 𝑓(−0.001) = cos (−0.001) ≈ 0.9999995
-0.0001 0.999999995 𝑓(−0.0001) = cos (−0.0001) ≈ 0.999999995

Intuitively, lim− cos 𝑥 = 1 . Now we consider approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).
𝑥→0

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) Solution
1 0.5403023059 𝑓(1) = cos (1) ≈ 0.5403023059
0.75 0.7316888689 𝑓(0.75) = cos (0.75) ≈ 0.7316888689
0.5 0.8775825619 𝑓(0.5) = cos (0.5) ≈ 0.8775825619
0.01 0.9999500004 𝑓(0.01) = cos (0.01) ≈ 0.9999500004
0.001 0.9999995 𝑓(0.001) = cos (0.001) ≈ 0.9999995
0.0001 0.999999995 𝑓(0.0001) = cos (0.0001) ≈ 0.999999995

Intuitively, lim+ cos 𝑥 = 1. As the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0, the values of
𝑥→0
𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 1. In symbols, lim cos 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0

20
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 is shown below.

The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 validates our observation in the previous example that
lim cos 𝑥 = 1. By just merely looking at the graph, we also have the limits of the
𝑥→0
following:
1. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0 6. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

2. lim cos 𝑥 = −1 7. lim cos 𝑥 = −1

𝑥→𝜋 𝑥→−𝜋

3. lim
3𝜋
cos 𝑥 = 0 8. lim3𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

4. lim cos 𝑥 = 1 9. lim cos 𝑥 = 1

𝑥→2𝜋 𝑥→−2𝜋

5. lim
5𝜋
cos 𝑥 = 0 10. lim5𝜋 cos 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→ 2 𝑥→− 2

SOME SPECIAL LIMITS

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Functions like 𝑓(𝑡) = , 𝑔(𝑡) = and ℎ(𝑡) = are some special functions.
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
These are important in the computation of the derivative of the sine, cosine and
natural exponential functions in the succeeding chapter.

The Three Special Functions

sin 𝑡
We start by evaluating the function 𝑓(𝑡) = .
𝑡

sin 𝑡
Example 1: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution: We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .

21
 𝒕 𝒇(𝒕) Solution
sin (−1)
-1 0.8414709848 𝑓(−1) =
≈ 0.8414709848
−1
sin (−0.75)
-0.75 0.90885168 𝑓(−0.75) = ≈ 0.90885168
−0.75
sin (−0.5)
-0.5 0.9588510772 𝑓(−0.5) = ≈ 0.9588510772
−0.5
sin (−0.01)
-0.01 0.9999833334 𝑓(−0.01) = ≈ 0.9999833334
−0.01
sin (−0.001)
-0.001 0.9999998333 𝑓(−0.001) = ≈ 0.9999998333
−0.001
sin (−0.0001)
-0.0001 0.9999999983 𝑓(−0.0001) = ≈ 0.9999999983
−0.0001
sin 𝑡
Intuitively, lim− = 1 . Now we consider approaching 0 from the right (𝑥 > 0).
𝑡→0 𝑡

𝒕 𝒇(𝒕) Solution
sin (1)
1 0.8414709848 𝑓(1) = ≈ 0.8414709848
1
sin (0.75)
0.75 0.90885168 𝑓(0.75) = ≈ 0.90885168
0.75
sin (0.5)
0.5 0.9588510772 𝑓(0.5) = ≈ 0.9588510772
0.5
sin (0.01)
0.01 0.9999833334 𝑓(0.01) = ≈ 0.9999833334
0.01
sin (0.001)
0.001 0.9999998333 𝑓(0.001) = ≈ 0.9999998333
0.001
sin (0.0001)
0.0001 0.9999999983 𝑓(0.0001) = ≈ 0.9999999983
0.0001

sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡

Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 1 then we conclude that lim = 1. The
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
sin 𝑡
graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = below confirms that the 𝑦 values approach 1 as 𝑡 approaches 0.
𝑡

sin 0 0
Note that we have a hollow point in our graph since = is indeterminate.
0 0
1−cos 𝑡
We now consider the second special function 𝑔(𝑡) = .
𝑡

22
 1−cos 𝑡
Example 2: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡
Solution: To evaluate the given limit, we will construct a table of values for
1−cos 𝑡
𝑔(𝑡) = . We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0) .
𝑡

𝒕 𝒈(𝒕) Solution
1 − cos(−1)
-1 −0.4596976941 𝑔(−1) = ≈ −0.4596976941
−1
1 − cos(−0.75)
-0.75 −0.3577481748 𝑔(−0.75) = ≈ −0.3577481748
−0.75
1 − cos(−0.5)
-0.5 −0.2448348762 𝑔(−0.5) = ≈ −0.2448348762
−0.5
1 − cos(−0.01)
-0.01 −0.00499995833 𝑔(−0.01) = ≈ −0.00499995833
−0.01
1 − cos(−0.001)
-0.001 −0.00049999995 𝑔(−0.001) = ≈ −0.00049999995
−0.001
1−cos(−0.0001)
-0.0001 −0.00005 𝑔(−0.0001) = = −0.00005
−0.0001
1− cos 𝑡
Intuitively, lim− = 0. Now, we consider approaching 0 from the right or through
𝑡→0 𝑡
values greater than but close to 0 (𝑥 > 0).
𝒕 𝒈(𝒕) Solution
1 − cos(1)
1 0.4596976941 𝑔(−1) = ≈ 0.4596976941
1
1 − cos(0.75)
0.75 0.3577481748 𝑔(−0.75) = ≈ 0.3577481748
0.75
1 − cos(0.5)
0.5 0.2448348762 𝑔(−0.5) = ≈ 0.2448348762
0.5
1 − cos(0.01)
0.01 0.00499995833 𝑔(−0.01) = ≈ 0.00499995833
0.01
1 − cos(0.001)
0.001 0.00049999995 𝑔(−0.001) = ≈ 0.00049999995
0.001
1−cos(0.0001)
0.0001 0.00005 𝑔(−0.0001) = = 0.00005
0.0001
1− cos 𝑡 1− cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡
Intuitively, lim+ = 0. Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 0 then we
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
1−cos 𝑡 1− cos 𝑡
conclude that lim = 0. The graph of 𝑔(𝑡) = below confirms that the 𝑦
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡
values approach 0 as 𝑡 approaches 0.

Note also that we have

a hollow point at (0,0)
in our graph since
1− cos 0 1−1 0
= = is
0 0 0
indeterminate.

23
 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Eventually, we consider the special function ℎ(𝑡) = .
𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Example 3: Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution: To evaluate the given limit, we will construct a table of values for
𝑒 𝑡 −1
ℎ(𝑡) = . We first consider values of 𝑥 approaching 0 from the left (𝑥 < 0)
𝑡

𝒕 𝒉(𝒕) Solution
(2.7182818)−1 −1
-1 0.632120555 ℎ(−1) ≈ ≈ 0.632120555
−1
(2.7182818)−0.75 − 1
-0.75 0.7035112581 ℎ(−0.75) ≈ ≈ 0.7035112581
−0.75
(2.7182818) −0.5 −1
-0.5 0.7869386742 ℎ(−0.5) ≈ ≈ 0.7869386742
−0.5
(2.7182818)−0.01 −1
-0.01 0.9950166147 ℎ(−0.01) ≈ ≈ 0.9950166147
−0.01
(2.7182818) −0.001 −1
-0.001 0.9995001562 ℎ(−0.001) ≈ ≈ 0.9995001562
−0.001
(2.7182818)−0.001 −1
-0.0001 0.9999499911 ℎ(−0.0001) ≈ ≈ 0.9999499911
−0.0001

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Intuitively, lim− = 1. Now, we consider approaching 0 from the right or through
𝑡→0 𝑡
values greater than but close to 0 (𝑥 > 0).
𝒕 𝒉(𝒕) Solution
(2.7182818)1 −1
1 1.7182818 ℎ(1) ≈ ≈ 1.7182818
1
(2.7182818)0.75 −1
0.75 1.489333333 ℎ(0.75) ≈ ≈1.489333333
0.75
(2.7182818) 0.5 −1
0.5 1.297442524 ℎ(0.5) ≈ ≈1.297442524
0.5
(2.7182818)0.01 −1
0.01 1.005016698 ℎ(0.01) ≈ ≈1.005016698
0.01
(2.7182818) 0.001 −1
0.001 1.000500156 ℎ(0.001) ≈ ≈1.000500156
0.001
(2.7182818)0.0001 −1
0.0001 1.000049991 ℎ(0.0001) ≈ ≈1.000049991
0.0001

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Intuitively, lim+ = 1. Since
𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1
lim− and lim+ are both equal to 1 then
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
we conclude that lim = 1.The graph of
𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
ℎ(𝑡) = at the right confirms that the 𝑦
𝑡
values approach 1 as 𝑡 approaches 0. Note
also that we have a hollow point at (0,1) in
𝑒 𝑡 −1 1−1 0
our graph since = = is indeterminate.
𝑡 0 0

24
THE INDETERMINATE FORM

In the previous lessons, we discussed about the Limit Theorems. There are functions
whose limits cannot be determined immediately using Limit Theorems, thus, the
functions must be manipulated so that the limit, if it exists, can be solved. This limit
expression is called indeterminate form.

0
Definition of Indeterminate Form of Type
0
𝑓(𝑥) 0
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, then lim is called an indeterminate form of type .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 0

𝑥 2 −1
Example 4. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1

Solution: The limit of both numerator and the denominator as x approaches -1 is 0,

(−1)2 −1 0 0
that is, = is an indeterminate form of type . To find the actual value, we
−1+1 0 0
will find an expression equivalent to its original. In this case, 𝑥 2 − 1 is a difference of
two squares which can be factored as (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1). Thus, we have:
𝑥 2 −1 (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
= = 𝑥 − 1 , when 𝑥 ≠ −1
𝑥+1 𝑥+1

Therefore,
𝑥 2 −1 (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
lim = lim = lim (𝑥 − 1) = -1-1= -2
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1 𝑥→−1 𝑥+1 𝑥→−1

𝑥 2 −1
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+1

25
 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−8
Example 5. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→4 √𝑥−2

Solution: The limit of both numerator and the denominator as x approaches 4 is 0,

42 −2(4)−8 0 0
that is, = is an indeterminate form of type . To find the actual value, we
√4−2 0 0
will find an expression equivalent to its original. In this case, we rationalize the
denominator by finding its conjugate to get rid of the radical. The conjugate of √𝑥 − 2
is √𝑥 + 2 . Thus, we have:

𝑥 2 −2𝑥−8 √𝑥+2 (𝑥−4)(𝑥+2)(√𝑥+2)

∙ = = (𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 2)
√𝑥−2 √𝑥+2 𝑥−4

So, we have

𝑥 2 −2𝑥−8 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−8 √𝑥+2

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

= lim (𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→4
= (4 + 2)(√4 + 2)
= (6)(4)
= 24

𝑥 2 −2𝑥−8
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) =
√𝑥−2

sin 3𝑥
Example 6. Plot the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = . Confirm the answer analytically by finding
sin 5𝑥
sin 3𝑥
lim .
𝑥→0 sin 5𝑥

Solution: The limit of both numerator and the denominator as 𝑥 approaches 0 is 0,

sin 3(0) 0
that is, = is indeterminate and 𝑓(0) does not exist, thus, the graph of 𝑓(𝑥)
sin 5(0) 0
sin 3𝑥
has a hole at the point where 𝑥 = 0. To find lim 𝑓(𝑥) we write the quotient in such
𝑥→0 sin 5𝑥
a way that it will be equivalent to any of the three special functions.

sin 3𝑥
sin 3𝑥 3( )
= 3𝑥
sin 5𝑥 sin 5𝑥
5( )
5𝑥
As 𝑥 approaches zero, so do 3𝑥 and 5𝑥. Hence

sin 3𝑥 sin 3𝑥 sin 5𝑥 sin 5𝑥

lim = lim lim = lim
𝑥→0 3𝑥 3𝑥→0 3𝑥 𝑥→0 5𝑥 5𝑥→0 5𝑥
=1 =1
Thus,
sin 3𝑥
sin 3𝑥 3 lim ( 3𝑥 ) 3(1) 3
lim = 𝑥→0
sin 5𝑥 = = .
𝑥→0 sin 5𝑥 5 lim ( ) 5(1) 5
𝑥→0 5𝑥

26
 3
The graph below shows the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches zero is or 0.6
5

sin 3𝑥
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) =
sin 5𝑥

1−cos 𝑥
Example 7. Plot the graph of ℎ(𝑥) = . Confirm the answer analytically by finding
sin 𝑥
1− cos 𝑥
lim .
𝑥→0 sin 𝑥

Solution: The limit of both numerator and the denominator as 𝑥 approaches 0 is 0,

1−cos(0) 0
that is, = is indeterminate and 𝑓(0) does not exist, thus, the graph of ℎ(𝑥)
sin(0) 0
has a hole at the point where 𝑥 = 0. If the numerator and denominator are divided
by 𝑥, then we have:

1−cos 𝑥 1−cos 𝑥
1− cos 𝑥 lim 𝑥 0
𝑥 𝑥→0
lim = lim sin 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 = =0
𝑥→0 sin 𝑥 𝑥→0 lim 𝑥 1
𝑥 𝑥→0

1− cos 𝑥
The graph of ℎ(𝑥) =
sin 𝑥

27
 What’s More

Part 1: Evaluate the following limits as 𝑥 approaches 0. Show graph of the function
2𝜋 2𝜋
on [− , ].
3 3

sin 4𝑥
a. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
sin 3𝑥
b. 𝑓(𝑥) =
sin 4𝑥

2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥 2𝜋 2𝜋
Part 2: Plot the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = on [− , ]. Confirm the answer analytically
𝑥2 3 3
2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
by finding lim .
𝑥→0 𝑥2

What I Need to Remember

sin 𝑎𝑥 sin 𝑎𝑥 𝑎
Given that 𝑓(𝑥 ) = sin 𝑏𝑥 , 𝑎, 𝑏 ≠ 0 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 lim sin 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑏
𝑥→0

Assessment (Posttest)

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write them on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. What is lim (𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 1)?

𝑥→2

Ⓐ1 Ⓑ7 Ⓒ 38 Ⓓ 71

√𝑥−2
2. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→4 𝑥−4
1 1
Ⓐ undefined Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ0
4 2

1
3. What is lim ?
𝑥 → 3 𝑥3

1 1
Ⓐ0 Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ3
27 3

4. What is the limit of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 3 as x approaches -1?

Ⓐ -7 Ⓑ -3 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ5

28
 𝑡𝑎𝑛3 𝑥
5. Below is the graph of ℎ(𝑥) = . What is lim ℎ(𝑥)?
𝑥3 𝑥→0

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ2

𝑥 2 −25
6. What is the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) = as x approaches -5?
𝑥+5

Ⓐ −10 Ⓑ 0 Ⓒ5 Ⓓ 10

𝑥 2 −9
For numbers 7-8, refer to the function defined by 𝑔(𝑥) = .
𝑥+3

7. Evaluate lim 𝑔(𝑥).

𝑥→−3

Ⓐ DNE Ⓑ −6 Ⓒ6 Ⓓ9

8. What value of 𝑥 the function has a hole?

Ⓐ −9 Ⓑ -6 Ⓒ -3 Ⓓ9

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
9. What is lim ?
𝑥→0 2𝑥
1
Ⓐ0 Ⓑ Ⓒ1 Ⓓ2
2
3
10. What is lim √𝑥 ?
𝑥→−27

Ⓐ undefined Ⓑ -3 Ⓒ0 Ⓓ1

11. Evaluate lim 3𝑥 .

𝑥→5

Ⓐ3 Ⓑ9 Ⓒ 81 Ⓓ 243

𝑥 3 +2𝑥 2 −3𝑥+5
12. What is lim ?
𝑥→0 𝑥 2 −3

5 5
Ⓐ −3 Ⓑ− Ⓒ Ⓓ5
3 3

29
 sin 𝑥
13. Below is the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = . What is lim 𝑓(𝑥) ?
sin 4𝑥 𝑥→0

1 1 1
Ⓐ Ⓑ Ⓒ Ⓓ4
8 5 4

(𝑥−2)2 −4
14. Find lim .
𝑥→0 𝑥

Ⓐ -4 Ⓑ -1 Ⓒ0 Ⓓ2

15. The graph below shows 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥. What is lim log 𝑥 ?
𝑥→1

Ⓐ −1 Ⓑ0 Ⓒ1 Ⓓ∞

30
 Answer Key

LESSON 1:
What’s In
1. 𝑓(2) = 22 − 4(2) + 4 = 4 − 8 + 4 = 0
2. ℎ(2) = 23 − 8 = 8 − 8 = 0
3. √𝑓(2) = √0 = 0
4. [ℎ(2)]2 = 02 = 0
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥−2)(𝑥−2) 𝑥−2
5. = =
ℎ(𝑥) (𝑥−2)(𝑥 2 +2𝑥+4) 𝑥 2 +2𝑥+4
What’s More
1.
𝑐 lim 2021 lim 𝑥
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
-2 2021 -2
-4 2021 -4
1 1
2021
2 2
0 2021 0
12 2021 12
√5 2021 √5

2.
2
a. lim [5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = 5 lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 ∙ = 2
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 5
3 3
b. lim √𝑔(𝑥) = 3√ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = √9
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

c. lim [ℎ(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim ℎ(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5 − 9 = −14

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
2
d. lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim ℎ(𝑥) = ∙ −5 = −2
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 5
𝑔(𝑥)+ℎ(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥)+lim ℎ(𝑥) 9 + (−5) 4 4 5 20
e. lim [ ] = 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
= 2 = 2 = ∙ = = 10
𝑥→𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 1 2 2
𝑥→𝑐 5 5
𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 9 2 9 2 18
f. lim [ ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑥→𝑐
2 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∙ = ∙ =
𝑥→𝑐 (ℎ(𝑥))2 (lim ℎ(𝑥)) 𝑥→𝑐 (−5)2 5 25 5 125
𝑥→𝑐
2
g. lim [25 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)] = lim 25 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim ℎ(𝑥) = 25 ∙ + (−5) = 10 − 5 = 5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 5

h. lim √−ℎ(𝑥) ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = √ lim −ℎ(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √− lim ℎ(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

2 2
= √−(−5) ∙ = √5 ∙ = √2
5 5
ℎ(𝑥) lim ℎ(𝑥) −5 5 5 25 225
i. lim [ ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑥→𝑐 ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 ∙ 9 = (− ∙ ) ∙ 9 = − ∙9=−
𝑥→𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
1 2 2 2
5

2
j. lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ lim ℎ(𝑥) = ∙ 9 ∙ −5 = −18
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 5

31
LESSON 2:
What’s In
1.rational 6. rational
2. polynomial 7. rational
3. rational 8. radical
4. polynomial 9. polynomial
5. radical 10. polynomial
What’s More
lim (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 2 + 1)
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 2 + 1) 𝑥→−1
1. lim =
𝑥→−1 𝑥3 + 3 lim (𝑥 3 + 3)
𝑥→−1
lim (𝑥−4)∙ lim (𝑥 2 +1)
= 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
lim 𝑥 3 + lim 3
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

( lim 𝑥 − lim 4) ( lim 𝑥 2 + lim 1)

𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
=
(−1)2 + 3
(−1−4)[(−1)2 +1]
=
(−1)3 +3

(−5)(1 + 1)
=
−1 + 3
−10
=
2
= −5
3 3 3
2. lim √𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 15 = 3√ lim (𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 15) = √(−6)2 + 8(−6) − 15 = √36 − 48 − 15
𝑥→−6 𝑥→−6
3
= √−27 = −3

lim √5𝑥 + 1 lim (5𝑥 + 1)

√𝑥→3
√5𝑥 + 1 𝑥→3 √5(3) + 1 √16 4
3. lim = = = = =−
𝑥→3 3 − 2𝑥 lim (3 − 2𝑥) 3 − 2(3) 3−6 −3 3
𝑥→3
2 − 3𝑥
4. lim
𝑥→−1 1 + 2𝑥 2+ 3𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 4
Solution:
Computing for the value of f at x = −1, we get
2−3(−1) 2+3 5 5 5
= = = = =−
1+2(−1)2 +3(−1)3 −4(−1)4 1+2(1)+3(−1)−4(1) 1+2−3−4 −4 4

5. lim (𝑥 5 + 2𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→2
Solution:
Computing for the value of f at x = 2, we get

= 25 + 2(2)4 − 4(2)3 + 5(2)2 − 6(2) + 1

= 32 + 2(16) − 4(8) + 5(4) − 12 + 1
= 32 + 32 − 32 + 20 − 11
= 41

32
LESSON 3:
What’s In
1. trigonometric 6. logarithmic
2. exponential 7. exponential
3. logarithmic 8. trigonometric
4. trigonometric 9. trigonometric
5. exponential 10. logarithmic
What’s More
sin 4𝑥
Part 1: a. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥

Solution:
sin 4𝑥 sin 4𝑥 sin 4𝑥
lim = lim 4 = 4 lim = 4∙1 =4
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 4𝑥 𝑥→0 4𝑥

sin 3𝑥
b. 𝑓(𝑥) =
sin 4𝑥

Solution:
sin 3𝑥
sin 3𝑥 3 lim ( 3𝑥 ) 3∙1 3
𝑥→0
lim = sin 4𝑥 = =
𝑥→0 sin 4𝑥 4 lim ( 4𝑥 ) 4∙1 4
𝑥→0

33
 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
Part 2: Plot the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = . Confirm the answer analytically by finding
𝑥2
2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
lim .
𝑥→0 𝑥2

Solution: The limit of both numerator and the denominator as 𝑥 approaches 0 is 0,

2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥 0
that is, = which is indeterminate and 𝑔(0) does not exist, thus, the graph of
𝑥2 0
sin 𝑥
ℎ(𝑥) has a hole at the point where 𝑥 = 0. We apply trigonometric identity tan 𝑥 = .
cos 𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 2 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥 1
lim =2 lim 2 = 2 lim = 2 lim = 2 lim ∙ lim ∙ lim 2
𝑥→0 𝑥2 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥2 𝑥→0 𝑥 2 ∙𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
= 2∙1 ∙1 ∙1
=2

2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
The graph of 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥2

34
References

Textbooks

Balmaceda, et. al. Teaching Guide for Senior High School Basic Calculus.
(Commission on Higher Education, 2016)

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. (Pearson Educational Asia Pte. Ltd., 2002)
ISBN 981-4119-21-0

Purcell, Edwin J; Varberg, Dale. Calculus with Analytic Geometry. (National

Book Store, Inc. 1984), ISBN 971-08-2107-5

Websites:

https://www.britannica.com/science/transcendental-function, accessed on March

15, 2021

https://www.graphfree.com/

https://www.symbolab.com/

Congratulations!
You are now ready for the next module. Always remember the following:

1. Make sure every answer sheet has your

▪ Name
▪ Grade and Section
▪ Title of the Activity or Activity No.
2. Follow the date of submission of answer sheets as agreed with your
teacher.
3. Keep the modules with you and return them at the end of the school year
or whenever face-to-face interaction is permitted.

35