Evaluating Limits

When evaluating lim f (x) by directly substituting x = a into f (x), the possible outcomes are:
x!a

(i) unique nite number (i.e. f (a) )

0
(ii) =0
non-zero nite number

non-zero nite number +1

(iii) = ! check sign of each factor
0 1

nite number
(iv) =0
1

1 +1
(v) = ! check sign of each factor
non-zero nite number 1

0 1
(vi) ; ;1 1; 0 1; 00 ; 10 ; 11 ! these are indeterminate forms. Simplify using algebra or use L'Hospital's Rule.
0 1

Note: lim f (x) also may not exist. In this case we write d.n.e (does not exist).
x!a