Limits and Continuity

PRELIM
Limits and Continuity
I. Definition of a the Limit of a
Function
Suppose f(x) becomes arbitrarily close to
some particular, finite value L as x becomes
arbitrarily close to some value a . Then, we
say "L is the limit of f as x approaches a" ,
and we write this as
lim f ( x)  L
xa

• The limit must be independent of direction.

• The value that f(x) approaches must be finite.

Limits and Continuity
I. Definition of a the Limit of a Function
Direction Independence Fails No Finite Value

* limits does not exist in these functions.

Limits and Continuity
II. Properties of Limits
1. Sum Rule

2. Constant Function Rule

3. Constant Multiple Rule

4. Product Rule

5. Quotient Rule
Limits and Continuity
II. Properties of Limits
6. Power Rule

7. Limit of an Exponential Function

8. Limit of a Logarithmic Function

9. Squeeze Theorem
 0/0,
Limits and Continuity Try these:
Factoring,
Expanding,
III. Evaluating Sub in the
Common
Limits limiting
Denominator,
value
Trigo Identities,
Steps on evaluating Is the Conjugates, etc.
the limits of a answer
function.
That’s the undefined?
no yes
final answer!
Indeterminate such as ∞-
Non-zero/0,
∞ or ∞/ ∞,
Deduce if it
Try Factoring or divide by
is +∞ or - highest power in the
∞ denominator.
Limits and Continuity
III. Evaluating Limits
Examples: Evaluate the following Limits.

3x  2 x 1 2
1. lim 2 4. lim
x 0 2 x  4 x  1 x 0 x ( x  1)

2. lim 2
4 x  25.
x 1 6 x  x  2
lim
x 
 xx 
2

1 x 2 sin x  5 x
3.
lim 6. lim
x 1 1  x
x  3x  1
Limits and Continuity
IV. One-sided Limits and Continuity

• One sided limits

lim f ( x)  lim f ( x)
xa xa
Limits and Continuity
IV. One-sided Limits and Continuity
• Continuity

- a function f is continuous at c if:

1. f (c) is defined.
2. lim f ( x) exists.
xc
3.
lim f ( x)  f (c)
x c
Limits and Continuity
IV. One-sided Limits and Continuity
• Continuity

Find where the ff. functions are discontinuous:

x 3 x2  9
1. f ( x)  2 2. f ( x)  2
x 9 3x  2 x  8
Limits and Continuity
V. Infinite Limits; Vertical Asymptotes
 Vertical asymptotes occur when a function is undefined (usually the
zeros of the denom.)
 At a vertical asymptotes, the limit of the function is +/- infinity ( does
not exist)
 At the asymptote, the function increases or decreases without
bound.
 The exception is when you can cancel common factors - YOU get a
hole instead of an asymptote
lim f ( x)  lim f ( x)
 Also, if xa xa
Limits and Continuity
V. Infinite Limits; Vertical Asymptotes
• Vertical Asymptotes
Limits and Continuity
V. Infinite Limits; Vertical Asymptotes
Example: Find the vertical asymptotes of each
function.

1. 1.
1 2.
f ( x) 
x 1

2.
4
f ( x) 
( x  2) 3
Limits and Continuity
VI. Limits at Infinity; Horizontal Asymptotes

To find the limit of a function when x approaches +/- infinity, we

find the horizontal asymptotes.

lim
Tellsf you
( x)the end behavior
x 
of the graph.
Limits and Continuity
VI. Limits at Infinity; Horizontal Asymptotes
How do we find the horizontal asymptotes?
Compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
• Degrees equal: It’s the ratio of the leading coefficients.
• Degree of numerator is greatest: No asymptote. The function is
unbounded at the ends. (Goes on forever to infinity)
• Degree of denominator is greatest: y = 0 (x-axis) is horizontal
asymptote.
Limits and Continuity
VI. Limits at Infinity; Horizontal
Asymptotes
Example: Find the Horizontal asymptotes.
2x 1
lim
x  x  1
1. 1. 2.

2x  5
lim 2
2. x  3 x  1
Limits and Continuity
Seat Work:
1. Evaluate 3. Determine the Vertical Asymptote of each limit.
each function.

t 2  2t x 1
f (t )  4 f ( x)  2
t  16 x  2x 1
2. Find where the ff. functions are 4. Determine the Horizontal Asymptote
discontinuous: of each function as x approaches
infinity.

3  2x2 2 x3  5
lim lim 2
x  3 x  1 x  3 x  1