11 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BASIC CALCULUS
Quarter 3 – Module 1
The Limit of a Function
and Limit Laws
Basic Calculus – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 1: The Limit of a Function and Limit Laws
First Edition, 2020

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 11

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Module 1
The Limit of a Function
and Limit Laws
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Grade 11-Basic Calculus Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM)

Module on The Limit of a Function and Limit Laws!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher
or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

2
For the learner:

Welcome to the Grade 11-Basic Calculus Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM)

Module on The Limit of a Function and Limit Laws!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
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 will give you an idea of the skills or

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

This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
What I Know
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
What’s In the current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

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

This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
What’s More
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank
What I Have Learned sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will
What I Can Do help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

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 This is a task which aims to evaluate your
Assessment level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be given
Additional Activities to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a 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 the module.
3. Read the instruction 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!

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 I

LEARNING COMPETENCIES:
▪ Illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values and the
graph of the function (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-1)
▪ Distinguish between lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) and f(c)
𝑥→𝑐
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-2)
▪ Illustrate the limit laws (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-3)
▪ Apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions
(polynomial, rational, and radical) (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-4)

OBJECTIVES:
K: Illustrate the limit of a function;
S: Apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic
functions (polynomial, rational, and radical);
A: Develop the value of accuracy in evaluating
the limit of a function.

5
 I

PRE-ASSESSMENT
Multiple Choice. Read and analyze each item carefully and write the letter of the correct answer
on your activity sheets/notebook.
1. Given the table of values below. Which among the statements does NOT correctly
describe the values in the table?
x f(x) x f(x)
0.5 -3.5 1.5 -2.5
0.88 -3.12 1.17 -2.83
0.996 -3.004 1.003 -2.997
0.9999 -3.0001 1.0001 -2.9999
A. The table shows that as the value of x increases the value of f(x) also increases.
B. The table shows that as the value of x decreases the value of f(x) also decreases.
C. The table shows that as x approaches 1 from left or right, f(x) approaches -3.
D. The table shows that as the value of x decreases the value of f(x) increases.
2. This symbol, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 is read as
𝑥→𝑐
A. The limit of x to c as it approaches to f(x) is L.
B. The limit of f(x) as x approaches to c is L.
C. The limit of L as x approaches to c is f(x).
D. The limit of L as f(x) approaches to c is x.
𝑥 3 −3𝑥 2 +𝑥−3
For items 3-5, refer to the given. Let 𝑓(𝑥 ) = .
𝑥−3

3. Find f (2.99999).
x f(x)
2.7 8.29
2.85 9.12250000000001
2.995 9.97002499999939
2.99999

A. 9.999800 C. 9.900000000
B. 9.999999999 D. 9.9999400001
4. Given this table, what is f(x) if x = 3.3?
x f(x)
3.3
3.1 10.61
3.001 10.006000999997
3.00001 10.0000600003159

A. 10.0001 B. 10.51 C. 11.89 D. 11.99

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5. What do the tables in items 3 and 4 show based on their limit values?
A. The tables show that as x approaches 3 from the left or right, f(x) approaches to the
same value.
B. The tables show that as x approaches -3 from the left and 3 from the right, f(x)
approaches to the same value.
C. The tables show that as the value of x increases, f(x) decreases.
D. The tables show that as the value of x decreases, f(x) decreases.
6. Does the limit exist for this function as x approaches to 3?
A. Yes. Left hand limit only exist. C. Yes. Both hand limit exist .
B. Yes. Right hand limit only exist. D. No limit exist.
7. The Radical/ Root Theorem of the limit states that
A. if n is a negative 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. Thus,
if n is even, the limit of the function must be positive.
B. if n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is just the limit of the
function, provided the nth root of the limit is a negative number.
C. if n is a even 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. Thus,
if n is odd, the limit of the function must be negative.
D. 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. Thus,
if n is even, the limit of the function must be positive.
1
8. Given the table of values for f(x) = 𝑥2
x 1 2 5 10 100 1000 10000 1000000
f(x) 1 .25 .04 .01 0001 .0000001 .000000001 .000000000001

What observation do we get?

A. The value of x approaches to positive infinity.
B. As x increases without bound, f(x) approaches to 0.
C. As x increases without bound, f(x) approaches 0, and also as x decreases without
bound f(x) approaches 0.
D. As the value of x approaches to positive infinity, f(x) approaches to negative
infinity.
9. Which of the following expressions follow the limit of a constant?
A. lim 𝑥 = 2 C. lim 𝑥 2 = 4
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
B. lim −3.14 = 𝑐, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ D. lim 7 = 7, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
9𝑥 2 −1
10. Evaluate the lim1 .
𝑥→ 3𝑥−1
3
A. ∞ B. -∞ C. 2 D. 0

7
 Illustration of Limit of a Function using the
Lesson
Table of Values and Graph and Distinction
1 between lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) and f(c)
𝑥→𝑐

’s In

PRIOR-KNOWLEDGE
Complete the table of values below given the functions
f(x) = 2x + 5

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
f(x)

and f(x) = x2– 1

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
f(x)

Now using the table above, sketch the graph of the two functions. Based from the graph
of the two functions that you have sketched, reflect the following:
a. What happened to f(x) if x increases in value approaching 0? What value is the function
approaching then?
b. What happened to the function as the value of x decreases approaching 0? What value
is it approaching then?
c. Are the two values similar? So, what do you call this value of f(x)?

’s New

Activity 1. Try This!

Evaluate the limit of the following functions:
1. Find lim(1 + 3x).
x→2
2. If f(x) = 𝑥 2 +1, find lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→2

8
 is It

1.1. ILLUSTRATING THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION USING TABLE OF VALUES

AND GRAPH
Consider a function f of a single variable x. Consider a constant c which the variable x
will approach (c may or may not be in the domain of f). The limit, to be denoted by L, is the
unique real value that f(x) will approach as x approaches c. In symbols, we write this process
as 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳. This is read as, “The limit of f(x) as x approaches to c is L.”
𝒙→𝒄
To illustrate, let us consider lim (1 + 3𝑥). Here, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (1 + 3𝑥) and the constant c,
𝑥→2
which x will approach is 2. To evaluate the given limit, we will make use of the table to help
us keep track of the effect that the approach of x toward 2 will have on f(x).

x f(x)
1 4
1.4 5.2
1.7 6.1
1.9 6.7
1.95 6.85
1.997 6.991
1.9999 6.9997
1.9999999 6.9999997

Now, consider approaching 2 from its right or through values greater than but close to 2.
x f(x)
3 10
2.5 8.5
2.2 7.6
2.1 7.3
2.03 7.09
2.009 7.027
2.0005 7.0015
2.0000001 7.0000003

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 2, the values of f(x) get closer
and closer to 7. This behavior can be shown no matter what set of values, or what direction, is
taken in approaching 2. In symbols, it is written as
lim (1 + 3𝑥)= 7.
𝑥→2

9
 Consider again f(x) = 1+3x. Its graph is the straight line with slope 3 and intercepts
−1
(0,1) and ( 3 , 0). Look at the graph in the vicinity of x = 2. You can easily see the points (from
the table of values above (1,4), (1.4, 5.2), (1.7,6.1), and so on, approaching the level where
f(x) = 7. The same can be seen from the right . Hence, the graph clearly confirms that
lim (1 + 3𝑥)= 7.
𝑥→2

y
𝑦 = 1 + 3𝑥

(2, 7)

Example 1. Investigate lim (x 2 + 1) by constructing tables of values.

x→−1

Here, c = -1 and f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 1.

We start again by approaching -1 from the left.

x f(x)
-1.5 3.25
-1.2 2.44
-1.01 2.0201
-1.0001 2.00020001

Now, approach -1 from the right

x f(x)
-0.5 1.25
-0.8 1.64
-0.99 1.9801
-0.9999 1.99980001

The tables show that as x approaches -1, f(x) approaches 2.

Therefore,
lim (x 2 + 1) = 2.
x→−1

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 The graph of f(x)= x 2 + 1, is given below:

It can be seen from the graph that as values of x approach to -1, the values of
f(x) approach 2.

Example 2. Investigate lim|𝑥 | through a table of values.

x→0

Approaching 0 from the left and from the right, we get the following tables:

x |𝒙 | x |𝒙 |
-0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
-0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
-0.00009 0.00009 0.00009 0.00009
-0.00000001 0.00000001 0.00000001 0.00000001

Hence,
lim|𝑥 | = 0.
x→0
In this example, f(x) = |𝑥 |. The graph is presented below:

It can be seen from the graph that as values of x approach to 0, the values of f(x)
approach 0 also.

11
 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
Example 3. Investigate lim ( 𝑥−1
) by constructing tables of values. Here, c = 1 and
𝑥→1
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
f(x) = . Take note that 1 is not in the domain of f, but this is not a problem. In evaluating
𝑥−1
a limit, remember that we only need to go very close to 1, we will not go to 1 itself.

We now approach 1 from left.

x f(x)
1.5 -2.5
1.17 -2.83
1.003 -2.997
1.0001 -2.9999

Then, we approach 1 from the right.

x f(x)
0.5 -3.5
0.88 -3.12
0.996 -3.004
0.9999 -3.0001

The tables show that as x approaches to 1, f(x) approaches to -3. In symbols,

𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
lim ( ) = -3. Since f(x) = , the graph shows this way
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥−1

𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4 (𝑥−4)(𝑥−1)
Take note that f(x) = 𝑥−1
, then f(x) = 𝑥−1
. Thus, f(x) = x - 4, provided
x ≠ 1.Hence, the graph of f(x) is also the graph of y = x-1, excluding the point where x = 1.

12
1.2. DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) AND 𝒇(𝒄)
𝒙→𝒄
Is lim 𝑓(𝑥) always equal to 𝑓(𝑐)? To answer this question, consider the table of values
𝑥→𝑐
of the function 𝑓(𝑥) below.
The table of values as x approaches to the left or to the right of 2 is presented below.
x f(x)
1 4
1.4 5.2
1.7 6.1
1.9 6.7
1.95 6.85
1.997 6.991
1.9999 6.9997
1.9999999 6.9999997

x f(x)
3 10
2.5 8.5
2.2 7.6
2.1 7.3
2.03 7.09
2.009 7.027
2.0005 7.0015
2.00000001 7.00000003
We can conclude that lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7. While, 𝑓 (2) = 7. So, in this example,
𝑥→2
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(2) are equal. Notice that the same holds for the following examples as
𝑥→2
discussed.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) f(c)
𝒙→𝒄
lim x 2 +1=2 f(-1)=2
x→−1
lim |𝑥 |=0 f(0)=0
𝑥→0

This, however, is not always the case. Let us consider the function.
|𝑥 | 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 0
f(x) = {
2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 0

Does this in any way affect the existence of the limit? Not at all. This example shows
that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) and f(c) may be distinct.
𝒙→𝒄

13
 𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
Furthermore, consider the third example where f(x) = {
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4
We have,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) f(c)
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 f(4)=2
𝑥→𝑐

Once again, we see, that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) and f(c) are not the same.
𝒙→𝒄

’s More

Activity

Complete the following tables to investigate lim (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4).

𝑥→1
x f(x)
0.5
0.7
0.95
0.995
0.9995
0.99995

x f(x)
1.6
1.35
1.05
1.005
1.0005
1.00005

Answer the following questions.

1. What observations do you get from the result in the activity above?
2. Given the table of values. What does this show base on their limit values?
3. Describe the values of x in the two tables.

14
 Lesson Illustration of Limit Laws and their
2 Applications in Evaluating the Limit of
Functions

’s In

PRIOR-KNOWLEDGE
Lesson 1 showed us how limits can be determined through either a table of values or
the graph of a function. One might ask: Must one always construct a table or graph the function
to determine the limit? Filling in a table of values sometimes requires very tedious calculations.
Likewise, a graph may be difficult to sketch. However, these should not be reasons for a student
to fail to determine a limit.

In this lesson, we will learn how to compute the limit of a function using Limit
Theorems.

’s New

Activity 1: Construct the table of values to evaluate the following:

1. lim 𝑥 =
𝑥→1
2. lim 𝑥 2 =
𝑥→2
3. lim √𝑥 =
𝑥→4
4. lim 5 =
𝑥→−2

15
 is It

2.1 ILLUSTRATION OF LIMIT LAWS

The limit laws enable us to directly evaluate limits, without need for a table or a graph.
Let c is a constant, and f and g are functions which may or may not have c in their
domains.

LIMIT OF A CONSTANT

i. The limit of a constant is itself. If k is any constant, then,

lim 𝑘 = 𝑘.
𝑥→𝑐

Example: 1.a. lim 2 = 2

𝑥→𝑐
1.b. lim −3.14 = −3.14
𝑥→𝑐
1.c. lim 789 = 789
𝑥→𝑐

ii. The limit of x as x approaches c is equal to c. This may be thought of as the

substitution law because x is simply substituted by c.

lim 𝑥 = 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐

Example: 2.a. lim 𝑥 = 9

𝑥→9
2.b. lim 𝑥 = 0.005
𝑥→0.005
2.c. lim 𝑥 = −10
𝑥→−10

For the remaining theorems, we will assume that the limits of f and g both exist as x
approaches c and that they are L and M, respectively. In other words,

lim 𝑓(𝑐 ) = 𝐿, and lim 𝑔(𝑐 ) = 𝑀

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

iii. The Constant Multiple Theorem: This says that the limit of a multiple of a
function is simply that multiple of the limit of the function.

lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝐿.

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, let lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4. Then

𝑥→𝑐
a. lim 8 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 8 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 8 ∙ 4 = 32.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. lim −11 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = −11 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = −11 ∙ 4 = −44.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
3 3 3
c. lim 2 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 ∙ 4 = 6.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

16
 iv. The Addition Theorem: This says that 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 a difference of functions is the difference of their limits. In
symbols,
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

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
a. lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 + (−5) = −1.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. lim(𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 4 − (−5) = 9.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

v. The Multiplication Theorem: This is similar to the Addition Theorem, with

multiplication replacing addition as the operation involved. Thus, the limit of a
product of functions is equal to the product of their limits. In symbols,

lim (𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, let lim 𝑓(𝑥)=4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −5. Then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 4 ∙ (−5) = −20.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

v.a. Remark 1: The Addition and Multiplication Theorems may be applied to sums,
differences and products of more than functions.
Remark 2: The Constant Multiple Theorem is a special case of the Multiplication
Theorem. Indeed, in the Multiplication Theorem, if the first function f(x) is
replaced by a constant k, the result is the Constant Multiple Theorem.

17
 vi. The Division Theorem: This says that 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. In symbols,
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑔(𝑐) = = 𝑀, provided M ≠ 0.
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

For example,
a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 4
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑔(𝑐) = = = − 5.
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

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

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 0
𝑥→𝑐
= = − 5 = 0.
lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥)
c. If lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 0, it is not possible to evaluate lim 𝑔(𝑐), or we
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
may say that the limit DNE (does not exist).

vii. The Power Limit. This theorem states that the limit of an integer power p of a
function is just that power of the limit of a function. In symbols,

lim(𝑓(𝑥 ))𝑃 = lim(𝑓 (𝑥 ))𝑃 = 𝐿𝑃

For example, 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then

𝑥→𝑐
lim(𝑓(𝑥 ))3 = 43 = 64.
𝑥→𝑐
b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then
𝑥→𝑐
1 1
lim(𝑓(𝑥 ))−2 = 4−2 = 42 = 16.
𝑥→𝑐

viii. The Radical/ Root Theorem. This theorem states that 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. Thus, it is important to keep
in mind that if n is even, the limit of the function must be positive. In symbols,

𝑛
lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥)= 𝑛√lim 𝑓 (𝑥 )= √𝐿.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example,
a. If lim 𝑓(𝑥)=4, then lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥)= 𝑛√lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥)=-4, then it is not possible to evaluate lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) because

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥) and this is not a real number.
𝑥→𝑐

18
2.2 APPLICATION OF LIMIT LAWS IN EVALUATING THE LIMIT OF
ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
Recall the limit theorems. These theorems will be used in evaluating algebraic functions
and illustrated in the following examples.
Limits of Polynomial Functions
We start with evaluating of polynomial functions.
Example 1. Determine lim (2𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→1
Solution: From the theorems above,
lim (2𝑥 + 1) = lim 2𝑥 + lim 1 (Addition)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (2lim 𝑥) + 1 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→1
= 2(1) + 1 (lim 𝑥 = 𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
=2+1
= 3.
Example 2. Determine lim (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→−1
Solution: From the theorems above,
lim (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1) = lim 2𝑥 3 − lim 4𝑥 2 + lim 1 (Addition)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
= 2lim 𝑥 3 − 4 lim 𝑥 2 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
=2(−1)3 – 4(−1) + 1 2
(Power)
= -2-4+1
= -5.
4
Example 3. Evaluate lim (3𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 1).
𝑥→0
Solution. From the theorems above,
lim (3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − 1) =lim 3𝑥 4 - lim(2𝑥-lim 1 (Addition)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0
=3 lim 𝑥 4 - 2lim(𝑥-1 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
4
= 3(0) -2(0) – 1 (Power)
= 0 – 0 -1
= -1
Limits of Rational Functions
We will now apply the limit theorems in evaluating rational functions. In evaluating the
limits of such functions, recall from Theorem 1 the Division Rule, and all the rules stated in
Theorem 1 which have been useful in evaluating limits of polynomial functions, such as the
Additional and Product Rules.
1
Example 4. Evaluate lim𝑥→1 𝑥.
Solution: First, note that lim 𝑥 = 1. Since the limit of the denominator is nonzero, we can
𝑥→1
apply the Division Rule. Thus,
1 lim 1
lim 𝑥 = 𝑥→1 (Division)
𝑥→1 lim 𝑥
𝑥→1
1
=1
= 1.

19
 𝑥
Example 5. Evaluate lim
𝑥→2 𝑥+1
Solution: Start checking the limit of the polynomial function in the denominator.
lim (𝑥 − 1) = lim 𝑥 − lim 1
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
=2-1
=1
Since the limit of the denominator is not zero, it follows that
𝑥 lim 𝑥
lim 𝑥 − 1 = lim𝑥→2
( 𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
2
=1 (Division)
=2

(𝑥−3)(𝑥 2−2)
Example 6. Evaluate lim . First, note that
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1
lim (𝑥 2 + 1) = lim 𝑥 2 +lim 1
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
=1 + 1
= 2 ≠ 0.

Thus, using the theorem,

(𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2) lim (𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2)
𝑥→1
lim = (Division)
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1 lim (𝑥 2 +1)
𝑥→1
lim (𝑥−3)∙lim (𝑥 2 −2)
= 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
(Multiplication)
2
(lim 𝑥−lim 3)(lim 𝑥 2 −lim 2)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (Addition)
2
(1−3)(12 −2)
= 2
= 1.
Limits of Radical Functions
We will now evaluate limits of radical functions using limit theorems.
Example 7. Evaluate lim √𝑥.
𝑥→1
Solution. Note that lim 𝑥 = 1 > 0. Therefore, by the radical/root rule,
𝑥→1

lim √𝑥 = √lim 𝑥=√1=1

𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Example 8. Evaluate lim √𝑥 + 4.

𝑥→0
Solution. Note that lim (𝑥 + 4) = 4 > 0. Hence, by radical/root rule,
𝑥→0

lim √𝑥 + 4 =√lim (𝑥 + 4)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

=√4
=2

20
 3
Example 9. Evaluate lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6
𝑥→−2
Solution. Since the index of the radical sign in odd, we do not have to worry that the limit of
the radicand is negative. Therefore, the radical/root rule implies that
3
lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6 = 3√ lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6)
𝑥→−2 𝑥→−2
3
= √4 − 6 − 6
3
= √−8
= -2

’s More

Activity.
Use the limit theorems to evaluate the following, if the limit exist.
1. lim 𝑥
𝑥→12
2. lim 5
𝑥→2
3. lim (4𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→−3
4. lim 2𝑥 − 4
𝑥→3
5. lim (8 − 3𝑥 + 12𝑥 2 )
𝑥→2
2𝑥 2 −3𝑥+1
6. lim
𝑥→2 𝑥 3 +4

I Have Learned

Generalization
Directions: Reflect the learning that you gained after taking up the two lessons in this
module by completing the given statements below. Do this on your activity notebook. Do not
write anything on this module.
What were your thoughts or ideas about the topic before taking up the lesson?
I thought that _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
What new or additional ideas have you had after taking up this lesson?
I learned that (write as many as you can)
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
How are you going to apply your learning from this lesson?
I will apply
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
21
 I Can Do

Application (Performance Task)

In a short sized bondpaper folded crosswise, make a booklet then write the 8 Limit Laws
and give 2 examples of each. Each of the examples is worth 5 points. Examples should not be
copied from the given in the previous activities. Be guided with the rubrics in scoring your
output.
CREATIVE PROJECT ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
CATEGORY 5 4 3 2
Required Goes over and Includes all of Missing one or Missing one or
Elements above all the the required more of the more of the
required elements as required required
elements stated stated in the elements as elements as
in the directions/instru stated in the stated in the
directions/instru ctions directions/instru directions/instru
ctions ctions ctions
Creativity Exceptionally Thoughtfully A few original Shows little
clever and and uniquely touches enhance creativity,
unique in presented; the project to originality
showing deep clever at times show some and/or effort in
understanding in showing understanding understanding
understanding of the material the material
of the material
Neatness and Exceptionally Attractive and Acceptably Distractingly
Attractiveness attractive and particularly neat attractive but messy or very
particularly neat in design and may be messy poorly
in design and lay out at times and/or designed. Does
lay out show lack of not show pride
organization in work.
Mathematical No A few Several Many
Grammar and mathematical mathematical mathematical mathematical
Solution mistakes in the mistakes which mistakes which mistakes
project are not are distracting throughout the
distracting in in the project project. Clearly
the project not proofread.
Source: West Mark School. Retrieved from
https://www.westmarkschool.org/uploaded/photos/1617/Summer_Reading/Creative_Project_Asse
ssment_Rubric.pdf

22
Multiple Choice. Read and understand each statement. Write the letter of the correct answer
on your activity sheet/notebook.

1. Which defintion below illustrates the Constant Multiple Theorem which defines the limit of
a multiple of a function is simply that multiple of the limit of the function?
𝑃 𝑃
A. lim(𝑓 (𝑥 )) = lim(𝑓(𝑥 )) = 𝐿𝑃 .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
B. lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
C. lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
D. lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝐿.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
2. Which of the following illustrates the Multiplication Theorem?
𝑃 𝑃
A. lim(𝑓 (𝑥 )) = lim(𝑓(𝑥 )) = 𝐿𝑃 .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
B. lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
C. lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
D. lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝐿.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
3. This theorem says that the limit of a sum/difference of functions is the sum/difference of the
limits of the individual functions.
A. The Summing Up Theorem C. The Addition/Subtraction Theorem
B. Limitless Theorem D. The Add On Theorem
4. The Multiplication Theorem states that the limit of a product of functions is equal to the
product of their limits. It is shown in this symbol
A. lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 + 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
B. lim (𝑓(𝑐) ∙ 𝑔(𝑐)) = lim 𝑓(𝑐) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
C. lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑐) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑐 = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
D. lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
5. What is the limit of as x approaches 1 from left.
𝑥−1
A. 3 B. 1 C. -1 D. -3
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
6. What is the limit as x approaches 1 from right.
𝑥−1
A. 3 B. 1 C. -1 D. -3

23
7. Given the table of values below. What does this show base on their limit values?
x f(x) x f(x)
0.5 -3.5 1.5 -2.5
0.88 -3.12 1.17 -2.83
0.996 -3.004 1.003 -2.997
0.9999 -3.0001 1.0001 -2.9999
A. The table shows that as the value of x increases the value of f(x), decreases.
B. The table shows that as the value of x decreases the value of f(x), increases.
C. The table shows that as x approached 1 from left or right, f(x) approaches -3.
D. The table shows that as the value of x decreases the value of f(x) increases.
8. This symbol, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 is read as
𝑥→𝑐
A. The limit of x to c as it approaches to f(x) is L.
B. The limit of f(x) as x approaches to c is L.
C. The limit of L as x approaches to c is f(x).
D. The limit of L as f(x) approaches to c is x.
9𝑥 2 −1
9. Evaluate lim1 =
𝑥→ 3𝑥−1
3
A. ∞ B. -∞ C. 2 D. 0
𝑥 3 −8
10. Evaluate lim 𝑥2 −4 =
𝑥→0
A. 4 B. 2 C. 1 D. 0
11. The Division Theorem. This says that 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
𝑥→𝑐
A. lim 𝑔(𝑐) = = 𝑀, provided M = 0.
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
B. lim = = , provided M > 0.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑐) lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
𝑀

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿

𝑥→𝑐
C. lim 𝑔(𝑐) = lim 𝑔(𝑥)
= 𝑀, provided M < 0.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
D. lim = = , provided M ≠ 0.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑐) lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
𝑀

12. The Power Limit states that

A. the limit of an integer power p of a function is just that power of the limit of a
function.
B. the limit of an integer power p of a function is just the limit of the power of a function.
C. the limit of an integer power p of a function is just that power raised to another power
of the limit of a function.
D. the limit of a function power p of an integer is just that power of the limit of a
function.
13. Which among the following shows the limit of a constant given the symbol?
A. lim 12 = 12 C. lim 𝑐 = 64
𝑥→12 𝑥→64
B. lim −3.14 = 𝑐 D. lim 7 = 7
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

24
14. The limit of x as x approaches to c is equal to c. This may be thought of as the substitution
law because x is simply substituted by c. lim 𝑥 = 𝑐 as illustrated in the example below.
𝑥→𝑐
A. lim 𝑥 = 5 C. lim −10 = −10
𝑥→5 𝑥→−10
B. lim 0.005 = 𝑥 D. lim 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0.005 5→𝑥
15. The Radical/ Root Theorem states that
A. if n is a negative 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. Thus, it is
important to keep in mind that if n is even, the limit of the function must be positive.
B. 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. Thus, it is
important to keep in mind that if n is even, the limit of the function must be positive.
C. if n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is just the limit of the
function, provided the nth root of the limit is a negative number.
D. if n is a even 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. Thus, it is
important to keep in mind that if n is odd, the limit of the function must be negative.

25
 26
PRE-
ASSESSMENT
Lesson 1.
1. D Lesson 2. 1. D
What’s More
2. B What’s 2. C
Activity. More
3. D 3. D
x f(x) Activity.
4. C 0.5 3.25 4. D
0.7 3.09 1. 12
5. A 5. D
0.95 3.0025 2. 5
6. C 0.995 3.000025 6. D
0.9995 3.00000025 3. -10
7. B 0.99995 3.0000000025 7. C
4. 2
8. B 8. A
x f(x) 5. 50
9. D 9. C
1.6 3.36 1
1.35 3.1225 6.
10. C 4 10. B
1.05 3.0025
1.005 3.000025 11. B
1.0005 3.00000025
1.00005 3.0000000025 12. D
13. C
14. A
15. B
References

Arceo, Carlene P., Lemence, Richard S., et al. 2016. Basic Calculus Teaching Guide for
Senior High School. Quezon City. Commission on Higher Education, 2016.

https://msc.maths.nuim.ie/documents/DifferenceBetweenLimitAndFunctionValue.pdf
(accessed January 27, 2021).

https://faculty.bard.edu/~mbelk/math141/LimitsExercises.pdf?fbclid=IwAR14OwXR0ytwP-
T9sH8XNYpJbon4Gzcc7j-bEEXdTHa2uwmTJSbIe5Dtp6A(accessed January 27, 2021).

27
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

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Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: [email protected]
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