4. LIMITS
The most basic use of limit is to describe how a
function behaves as the independent variable
approaches to a given value.
OR
The limit of f(x) as x approaches a is the number L,
written as
lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)=L
5. 1. lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)=lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑐=c where c is a constant
2. lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑥 𝑛=𝑎 𝑛 where n is a positive integer
3. lim
𝑥→𝑎
[𝑓 𝑥 ± 𝑔 𝑥 ]=lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)+lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑔(𝑥)
4. lim
𝑥→𝑎
[𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑔 𝑥 ]=lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥).lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑔(𝑥)
5. lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑐𝑓(𝑥)=c.lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)
6. lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥)
=lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥)
if lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑔 𝑥 ≠0
7. lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑛
𝑓(𝑥)= 𝑛
lim
𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥)
PROPETIES OF LIMITS
7. Note:
In evaluating a limit of a quotient which reduces to
0
0
, simplify
the fraction . Just remove the common factor in the
nominator and denominator which makes the quotient
0
0
. To
do this, using factorization or rationalizing the nominator or
denominator.
11. Dividing Out Technique
1. Always start by seeing if the substitution method works.
2. If, when you do so, the new expression obtained is an
indeterminate form such as 0/0… try the dividing out
technique!
3. Because both the numerator an denominator are 0, you know
they share a similar factor.
4. Factor whatever you can in the given function.
5. If there is a matching factor in the numerator and
denominator, you can cross thru them since they “one out.”
6. With your new, simplified function attempt the substitution
method again. Plug whatever value x is approaching in for x.
7. The answer you arrive at is the limit.
13. Rationalizing
Sometimes, you will come across limits with radicals in fractions.
Steps
1. Use direct substitution by plugging in zero for x.
2. If you arrive at an undefined answer (0 in the denominator) see if
there are any obvious factors you could divide out.
3. If there are none, you can try to rationalize either the numerator or
the denominator by multiplying the expression with a special form
of 1.
4. Simplify the expression. Then evaluate the rewritten limit.
Ex:
14. LIMITS AT INFINITY
If the values of the variable increases without bound, then we
write x→ +∞. And if the values of the variable decreases
without bound, then we write x→ −∞.
The behavior of a function f(x) as x increases or decreases
without bound is sometimes called the
end behavior of the function.
For example,
lim
𝑥→−∞
1
𝑥
=0 and lim
𝑥→+∞
1
𝑥
=0