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MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
1.1 Definition of Limit and Limit Theorems 3
1.1.1 Definition of Limit of Function 3
1.1.2. Limit Theorems 4
1.2 One-sided Limits 6
1.3 Infinite Limits 8
1.4 Limits at Infinity 11
Exercise 1.1 14
1.5 Indeterminate Forms 15
1.6 Continuity of Function 19
1.6.1 Continuity at a Point 19
1.6.2. Continuity on an Interval 20
Exercise 1.2 24

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MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

2
UNIT 1. LIMITS AND CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS OF SINGLE VARIABLE

Some of you may already be familiar with calculus of algebraic functions such as polynomial
functions, square root functions, and rational functions during your senior high school. However, for this
course, we will also consider calculus of transcendental functions which includes trigonometric and
inverse trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, among others. We start this
course guide with a fundamental concept in calculus which is the limit of a function. The concept of
limits forms the foundation of derivatives and integrals- the two most important concepts in calculus,
which we will discuss in the following units.

By the end of the unit, you should be able to do the following:

1. Apply limit theorems in evaluating limit of functions;

2. Investigate the behavior of a function using graphs;
3. Evaluate one-sided limit of functions;
4. Determine the limit of functions at infinity;
5. Decide on the continuity of a function; and
6. Classify discontinuity of a function.

This module is organized as follows. Section 1.1 will introduce you with the definition of limit and
provide some limit theorems which you can use to easily evaluate limits of functions. Section 1.2 will
deal with one-sided limits while Sections 1.3 and 1.4 will deal with infinite limits and limits at infinity
respectively. Transcendental functions will also be considered in the said sections. We end this unit
with the last two sections discussing indeterminate forms and continuity of functions.

1.1 Definition of and Theorems on Limit of Functions

1.1.1 Definition of Limit of a Function od

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The limit of a function is a fundamental concept in calculus. It describes the behavior of a

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function as its variable gets closer and closer to a specific point. The derivative and the definite integral
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are formally defined in terms of limits. Hence, it is significant in the study of calculus.

Intuitively, when we say “the limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 is 𝑳”, it means that “as 𝒙 gets
closer and closer to 𝒂, the function values of 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to 𝑳.” We use the notation
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙⟶𝒂
to mean, which is also read as,“the limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 equals 𝑳”.

To concretely illustrate the idea of limit, let us consider the function 𝒇 defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 .
Note that as 𝒙 gets closer and closer to 𝟐, the value of 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to 𝟒. One can verify
this fact by either looking at the graph of 𝒇 or by investigating the values of 𝒇(𝒙) for values of 𝒙 near 𝟐
like 𝟏. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 or 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟏. Then we write,

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟒.
𝒙⟶𝟐

𝒙+𝟏
TO DO: Consider 𝒇(𝒙) = .
𝒙−𝟏
• Investigate the values of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 gets near 1 both from the left and from the right.
𝒙+𝟏
• What can you say about the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ?
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙−𝟏

We state here the formal definition of limit.

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

Definition 1.1 (Limit of a Function)

Let 𝒇 be a function defined at every number in some open interval containing 𝒂, except possibly
at 𝒂 itself. Then, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 if for every 𝜺 > 0 (however small), there exists 𝜹 > 0such that if 𝟎 <
𝒙⟶𝒂
|𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝛿, then |𝒇(𝒙) − 𝑳| < 𝜀.

3
REMARKS:
• The inequalities 𝟎 < |𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝛿 and |𝒇(𝒙) − 𝑳| < 𝜀 measures the “closeness” that is referred
to when we say “𝒙 approaches 𝒂” or “𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳.
• The limit of the function at a number 𝒂 does not depend at the value of 𝒇(𝒙) when 𝒙 = 𝒂. In
fact, 𝒇 need not even be defined at 𝒂.

1.1.2. Limit Theorems

Now, instead of investigating function values or using the definition, which sometimes requires
tedious computations, we introduce here some limit theorems that we can use to easily evaluate the
limit of a function.

MUST REMEMBER!!! Theorem 1.1(Limit Theorems)

1. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳𝟏 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳𝟐 , then 𝑳𝟏 = 𝑳𝟐 . (uniqueness)

𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

2. If 𝒄 is a constant, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒄 = 𝒄.

𝒙⟶𝒂

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝒂 and for 𝒏 ∈ ℕ, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏 .

𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

4. If 𝒎 and 𝒃 are any constants, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒎𝒙 + 𝒃) = 𝒎𝒂 + 𝒃.

𝒙⟶𝒂

5. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑴, then

𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒇(𝒙) ± 𝒈(𝒙)) = 𝑳 ± 𝑴
𝒙⟶𝒂
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)) = 𝑳 ∙ 𝑴
𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) 𝑳
• 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( )= provided 𝑴 ≠ 𝟎
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝑴

𝒏 𝒏
6. If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳, 𝑳 > 0 and 𝒏 ∈ ℕ is even, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳. ed
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𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
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𝒏 𝒏
If 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝒏 ∈ ℕ is odd, then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

From the theorems above, it is immediate that for a polynomial function, say 𝑷(𝒙), computing
the limit is simply evaluating 𝑷(𝒙) at 𝒙 = 𝒂, i.e., ,𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝑷(𝒙) = 𝑷(𝒂).
𝒙⟶𝒂

ILLUSTRATION 1.1:

1. Consider the constant function 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒆, where 𝒆 is the Euler’s number. Let 𝒂 be any real
number. By the limit theorem for constants, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆 = 𝒆.
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂

2. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟓𝒙 + 𝟑), simply evaluate the function at 𝒙 = −𝟏. Hence,
𝒙⟶−𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟓𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟓(−𝟏) + 𝟑 = −𝟐.
𝒙⟶−𝟏

3. Consider the polynomial 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒), simply
𝒙⟶𝟐
evaluate the function at 𝒙 = 𝟐. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒) = 𝟐𝟑 − 𝟑 ∙ 𝟐𝟐 + 𝟒 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶𝟐

𝟐𝒙−𝟑
4. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ), we simply evaluate the limit of the numerator and the denominator.
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏
𝟐𝒙−𝟑 𝟕
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑) = −𝟕 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟓. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( )=− .
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝟓

𝟔
5. To compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟒 − + 𝝅𝟐 ), we simply compute for the limit term-by-term.
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟐

𝟔
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟑, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝟐, and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝝅𝟐 = 𝝅𝟐 .
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟓
𝟔
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟒 − + 𝝅 ) = 𝟑 − 𝟐 + 𝝅 = 𝟏 + 𝝅𝟐 .
𝟐 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟐

4
REMARK: As you might notice, evaluating the limit of a function seems like merely evaluating the
function at a certain number. However, that is not always the case. There may be times that after direct
𝟎
substitution, you will get , which we refer to as an indeterminate form. Also, you might get something
𝟎
𝒄
like , where 𝒄 is a nonzero constant. We will know more about these forms in the later sections. But
𝟎
for now, as long as we get a real number after a correct substitution, then we are sure that the value
that we obtained isthe limit of the given function.

TRY THIS! Compute the following limits.

𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−𝟏 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙−𝟏

𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝟏
2. 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏 5. 𝒙⟶− 𝒙𝟐
𝟐

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √ 𝒙 − 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟒

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Why Calculus? (Don’t Memorise): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBoAm4mZNxc

What is Calculus-Limits? (Don’t Memorise): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcavZVxE9Kk od

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Calculus Volume 1 (OpenStax Book): https://opentextbc.ca/calculusv1openstax/

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Unit in Limits and Continuity (Khan Academy):

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/dc-limits

Introduction to Limits and Estimating Limit Values from Graphs (Khan Academy):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riXcZT2ICjA
https://youtu.be/mols6pMKrto
https://youtu.be/l6FX_r_Tkls

Limit Properties (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/lSwsAFgWqR8

Limits by Direct Substitution (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/cfOcOgr0E7U

Limit Theorems (Tagalog/English, Sir Pen Math TV):

Part 1 (start at 4:25): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QQZqoxQIJ8&t=247s
Part 2 (correction on limit of nth root: provided L>0 when n is even):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfU5rSpWCyM

Limit Properties (Lecture and Exercises, Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsProperties.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsProperties.aspx
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

5
1.2 One-sided Limits

Now, it is often useful to consider the limit of a function as 𝒙 approaches a given number 𝒂 either
from the right or from the left. There are also some instances when a function may only have a limit
from the left or from the right. We may take 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙 as an example. Substitute real numbers from
the left of 𝟎, like −𝟒, to the given function. What is the answer?

We will see that there would be no real number answers when we substitute numbers from the left
of 𝟎 to 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙. Because of this, we will not find an open interval containing 𝟎 where 𝒇 is defined.
Hence, in this case, there is no sense in talking about the limit as 𝒙 approaches 𝟎.

However, we can instead take a look at the function values from the right of 𝟎. What happens to
𝒇(𝒙) when we consider values of 𝒙 from the right of and close to 𝟎?

We will see that from the right of 𝟎, the values of 𝒇(𝒙) also happens to approach 𝟎. In this case, we
say that the limit of 𝒇 from the right of 𝟎 is 𝟎. We call this type of limit a one-sided limit. The definition
is given below.

Definition 1.2 (One-Sided Limit)

Consider a real number 𝒂 and a function 𝒇.

Limit from the right

Let 𝒇 be defined from the right of 𝒂, i.e. on some open interval of the form (𝒂, 𝒄).
The limit of 𝒇 from the right of 𝒂 is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 approaches
𝒂 from the right. We denote this by

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂+
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Limit from the left

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Let 𝒇 be defined from the left of 𝒂, i.e. on some open interval of the form (𝒅, 𝒂).
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The limit of 𝒇 from the left of 𝒂 is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 approaches
𝒂 from the left. We denote this by
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳.
𝒙⟶𝒂−

MUST REMEMBER!!!

Theorem1.2. The 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) exists and is equal to 𝑳 if and only if 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) both exist and
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
both are equal to 𝑳.

ILLUSTRATION 1.2:

1. Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝒙 − 𝟐 with domain 𝑫𝒇 = [𝟐, +∞).

Note that 𝒇 is defined from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟐 but is undefined from the left of 𝒂 = 𝟐.

Now, from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟐, the function values approaches 𝟎. Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ √𝒙 − 𝟐 = 𝟎.
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙⟶𝟐

6
 𝟐
2. Consider the function 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝒙 + 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏 with domain 𝑫𝒈 = ℝ.
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 𝟏

We focus on the behavior of the function as 𝒙 approaches 𝒂 = 𝟏.

To obtain the limit from the right, we consider the function values from the right of 𝒂 = 𝟏.
This is given by the condition 𝒙 > 𝟏.
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+(𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

To obtain the limit from the left, we consider the function values from the left of 𝒂 = 𝟏.
This is given by the condition 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏.
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦−(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

Since 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒈(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒈(𝒙) both exist and are both equal to 𝟐, the theorem tells us that
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) also exists and that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐.
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

One-sided Limits using Graphs (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/nOnd3SiYZqM

Limits of Piecewise Function (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/2xdh0yKopB8

Limits using Graphs and Piecewise Function (Filipino, Numberbender):

https://youtu.be/tXxQpGFOdiI

One-sided Limits (Paul’s Online Notes): uc

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https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/OneSidedLimits.aspx
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Practice Problems on One-Sided Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/OneSidedLimits.aspx

Exercises on One-Sided Limits: https://www.shmoop.com/functions-graphs-limits/limits-one-

sided-exercises.html

Exercise on One-Sided Limits using Graphs: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-

ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-3/e/one-sided-limits-from-graphs

Exercises on One-Sided Limits (pdf):

https://online.math.uh.edu/Math1314-unpaid/ch2/s23/Sec_23_Exercises.pdf

Limits of Functions (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.2%3A_Limits_of_Functions

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.2E%3A_Limits_of_Functions_Exercises
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

7
1.3 Infinite Limits

It is also possible that 𝒇(𝒙) can increase or decrease

without bound. We discuss this case in this section. Consider
𝟏
the function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = whose graph is given at the
𝒙
right.
𝟏
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 does not exist. The function values
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙
𝟏
do not approach any particular value as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎.
𝒙

𝟎
However, we can still establish the behavior of the
function as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎+ and as 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎− .

𝟏
As 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎+ , the values of increases without bound.
𝒙
𝟏 𝟏
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ is of the form which means that the
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙 𝟎+
denominator approaches 0 through positive values.
𝟏
Hence, we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ = +∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
As 𝒙 ⟶ 𝟎− , the values decreases without bound. Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦− is of the form which
𝒙 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙 𝟎−
means that the denominator approaches 0 through negative values.
𝟏
Hence, we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦− = −∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙

REMARK: Infinite limits of the form 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = +∞ or 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −∞ describe the behavior of the
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
function. The limit 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) does not exist but the function values increases without bound
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(+∞) or decreases without bound (−∞).

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MUST REMEMBER!!!Theorems on Infinite Limits

Theorem 1.3. Let 𝒏 be a positive integer.

𝟏
i. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = +∞
𝒙⟶𝟎+ 𝒙𝒏

𝟏 +∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧
ii. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ={
𝒙⟶𝟎− 𝒙𝒏 −∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐝𝐝

Moreover, if 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒄 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟎, then

𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒙⟶𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) +
i. If 𝒄 > 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎+ , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = +∞. ( +)
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝟎
𝒇(𝒙) +
ii. If 𝒄 > 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎− , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −∞. ( −)
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝟎
+ 𝒇(𝒙) −
iii. If 𝒄 < 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎 , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −∞. ( +)
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝟎
− 𝒇(𝒙) −
iv. If 𝒄 < 0 and 𝒈(𝒙) ⟶ 𝟎 , then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = +∞. ( −)
𝒙⟶𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝟎
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

ILLUSTRATION 1.3:
𝟐𝒙−𝟏
To obtain 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + , note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 +(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏) = −𝟕 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + (𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟎. Note that 𝒙 + 𝟑
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
approaches 𝟎 through positive values as 𝒙 ⟶ −𝟑+ .

𝟐𝒙−𝟏 −𝟕 𝟐𝒙−𝟏 −𝟕
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + ( + ) = −∞. Similarly, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − ( − ) = +∞.
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑 𝟎 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑 𝟎

8
 We discuss here the behavior of some transcendental functions that we will encounter in the later
units, in relation to infinite limits. However, our discussion will only be limited to the investigation of the
behavior of the function using graphs.

We first consider the function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 whose graph is given below. The graph is
generated using the graphing calculator of desmos.com:

𝝅
𝟐

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By inspecting the graph, we will see that as 𝒙 get closer and closer to 𝟎 from the right, 𝒇(𝒙) gets
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closer and closer to 𝟎 also. Hence, we can say that

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶𝟎+

𝝅 𝝅 𝝅
Next, we look at the behavior of the function near . From the left of , as 𝒙 gets near , we
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
see that 𝒇(𝒙) increases without bound as indicated by the graph. To note this scenario, we write
𝝅 𝝅
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝝅−
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = +∞ . Also, observe that from the right of , as 𝒙 gets near , the values of 𝒇(𝒙) gets
𝒙⟶ 𝟐 𝟐
𝟐
smaller and smaller. Thus, we have

𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = −∞.

𝝅
𝒙⟶
𝟐

TO DO: Consider other trigonometric functions like 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙, 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙, and 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙. Observe the function values
𝝅
near 𝟎 and . You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. Determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝝅−
𝒇(𝒙), and
𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶
𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙).
𝝅
𝒙⟶
𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

9
 Next, we consider another transcendental function which is the logarithmic function defined by
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐧 𝒙. Recall that 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 if and only if 𝒙 = 𝒆𝒚 . The graph of the said function is given below:

Observe the behavior of the graph as 𝒙 gets near 𝟎 from the right. We can see that the function
value decreases without bound which is suggested by the part of the graph going down at the right of
the origin. Thus, we say
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 = −∞.
𝒙⟶𝟎

How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝐥𝐧 𝒙?

𝒙⟶𝟎

TO DO: Consider the logarithmic functions defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏 𝒙.Observe the
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function values near 𝟎. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. For each of the given functions,
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determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) if such values exist.

𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Introduction to Infinite Limits (Khan Academy):https://youtu.be/WS-76fFFICY

Infinite Limits Challenge (Khan Academy): https://www.khanacademy.org/math/calculus-all-

old/limits-and-continuity-calc/infinite-limits-review-calc/e/infinite-limits-challenge

Infinite Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/InfiniteLimits.aspx

Practice Problems on Infinite Limits (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/InfiniteLimits.aspx

Infinite Limits (Lecture and Practice Problems, Math Warehouse):

https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-infinite-skills.php

Infinite Limits (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

_2_Limits/2.4%3A_Infinite_Limits

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.4E%3A_Infinite_Limits_EXERCISES

1.4 Limits at Infinity

Next, we look at the case when 𝒙 increases or decreases without bound.

10
 Let 𝒇 be a function defined on the interval (𝒂, +∞). The limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙increases without
bound is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒇(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 ⟶ +∞.

Notation: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳

𝒙⟶+∞

Let 𝒈 be a function defined on the interval (−∞, 𝒃). The limit of 𝒈(𝒙) as 𝒙 decreases without
bound is 𝑳 if the function values 𝒈(𝒙) approaches 𝑳 as 𝒙 ⟶ −∞.

Notation: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳

𝒙⟶−∞

MUST REMEMBER!!! Theorem on Limits at Infinity

𝟏 𝟏
Theorem 1.4. Let 𝒏 be a positive integer. Then 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝒏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝒏

REMARK: In computing the limit at infinity of a quotient (of polynomials), simply divide both numerator
and denominator by 𝒙𝒏 – i.e. the term with the highest power. This is to obtain expressions of the form
𝟏
𝒙𝒏.

ILLUSTRATION 1.4:
𝒙+𝟐
1. To compute 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , identify the term with the highest power. This is obviously 𝒙.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟓−𝟑𝒙
𝒙+𝟐 𝟐
𝒙+𝟐 𝟏+ 𝟏 𝟐 𝟓
𝒙 𝒙
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟓−𝟑𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟓 =− since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 t pe
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= 𝟎 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟓−𝟑𝒙 𝟑 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙
ou

𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ −𝟑
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𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓
2. For 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , the term with the highest power is 𝒙𝟑 .
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 +𝒙𝟐 +𝟏
𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓 𝟏 𝟑 𝟓
𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓 − + 𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙 𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟑
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑 𝟐 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 𝟏 = = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 +𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 +𝒙 +𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏+ + 𝟑 𝟏
𝒙𝟑 𝒙 𝒙

We will discuss more about infinite limits and limits at infinity in Section1.5, which is on
indeterminate forms.

Just as in the previous section, we next turn our attention to limits at infinity involving
transcendental functions. Consider the inverse trigonometric function defined by 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙
𝝅 𝝅
with − ≤ 𝒚 ≤ . Recall that 𝒚 = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 if and only if 𝒙 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒚. The graph of the said function is
𝟐 𝟐
given below.
𝝅
𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝝅
−
𝟐

11
 𝝅
We notice that by looking at the graph, there are two horizontal asymptotes, namely 𝒚 = and
𝟐
𝝅 𝝅
𝒚 = − . This is also the reason why as 𝒙 increases without bound, 𝒇(𝒙) gets closer and closer to .
𝟐 𝟐
𝝅
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = . How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙?
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟐 𝒙⟶−∞

TO DO: Consider 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙. Observe the function values as 𝒙 gets near 𝟎 and as 𝒙
approaches +∞ and −∞. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. Determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙), 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙),
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙), and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙).
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶−∞

We close this section by considering the exponential function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙 . We give its
graph below:

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Observe the behavior of the function as 𝒙 decreases without bound, i.e., as 𝒙 approaches −∞.
What happens to 𝒇(𝒙)? We can see that the function values approach 𝟎 in this case. Thus, we have
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝒙⟶−∞

How about 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 ? Try to evaluate it.

𝒙⟶+∞

𝟏 𝒙
TO DO: Consider the exponential functions defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 and 𝒇(𝒙) = ( ) . Observe the function
𝟐
values as 𝒙 increases or decreases without bound. You may use a graphing ulitilty for this. For each of
the given functions, determine 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙).
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶−∞
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

12
TRY THIS!

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒 𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶ 𝟎 𝒙𝟐 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟖
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒙+𝟏
2. 𝒙⟶𝟐 𝟐−𝒙 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏

B. For the following conditional functions, properly implement rules on one-sided limits to determine
whether the limit at the indicated point exists or does not exist.
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 1
𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 1

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)

𝒙⟶𝟏+ 𝒙⟶𝟏− 𝒙⟶𝟏

𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −2
2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 2
−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙)

𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐− 𝒙⟶−𝟐

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SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Introduction to Limits at Infinity (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/eh_ATp0hbB0

Exercise on Limits at Infinity of Quotients (Khan Academy):

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-15/e/limits-at-infinity-
where-x-is-unbounded

Limits at Infinity (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityI.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityII.aspx

Exercises on Limits at Infinity (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityI.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/LimitsAtInfinityII.aspx

Limits at Infinity (Numberbender): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdC5S5N6Fwo

Limits at Infinity (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.5%3A_Limits_at_Infinity
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.5E%3A_Limits_at_Infinity_EXERCISES

13
EXERCISE 1.1 Limit at a point & limit at infinity (for Sections 1.1 to 1.4)

Name: _________________________________________ MATH 27 Section: _______

A. Compute the following limits. Properly implement rules on computing limit at a point.
Pay attention to infinite limits and limits at infinity.
If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏)

𝒙⟶−𝟏

𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √ 𝟓 − 𝒙
𝒙⟶𝟓−

𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦+
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙−𝟏

𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒
5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦−
𝒙⟶ 𝟎 𝒙𝟐

𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐
6. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏
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𝒙+𝟏
7. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏
_________________________

B. For the following conditional functions, properly implement one-sided limits rules to determine
whether the limit at the indicated point exists or does not exist.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 1
𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 1

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)

𝒙⟶𝟏+ 𝒙⟶𝟏− 𝒙⟶𝟏

𝟒
𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ 𝟎
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟑𝒙−𝟐
𝟐
𝒙 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 0
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒈(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙)
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎− 𝒙⟶𝟎

𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −2
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

3. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 2

−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙)

𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐− 𝒙⟶−𝟐

~ end of Exercise 1.1 ~

14
1.5 Indeterminate Forms
𝟎 ∞
In this section, we will consider limit forms and which are examples of indeterminate forms.
𝟎 ∞
Note that aside from the two forms, there also other indeterminate forms which will be discussed when
we talk about L’Hopital’s Rule.

There are different methods to resolve indeterminate forms. But for this section, we will only
consider the simple method of simplifying expressions by removing common factors either by factoring
or by rationalizing.

𝟎
Now, for rational functions, if we encounter an indeterminate form , this indicates that the
𝟎
numerator and the denominator has a common factor.

𝟎
MUST REMEMBER!!! How to deal with ?
𝟎

𝟎
To resolve the indeterminate form , we simply cancel the common factors in the numerator
𝟎
and denominator or rationalize the numerator or denominator, whichever is applicable, then proceed
by using the basic limit theorems given in Theorem 1.1.

ILLUSTRATION 1.5:

𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 𝟎
1. The limit 𝐥𝐢𝐦 is of the form which is an indeterminate form.
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎

𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 (𝒕+𝟏)(𝒕−𝟐) 𝒕+𝟏

Note that = (𝒕−𝟐)(𝒕+𝟐) = provided 𝒕 ≠ 𝟐.
𝒕𝟐 −𝟒 𝒕+𝟐 w
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𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐
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So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = .

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𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒
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Alternatively, the solution can be written simply as:

𝒕𝟐 − 𝒕 − 𝟐 𝟎 (𝒕 + 𝟏)(𝒕 − 𝟐) 𝒕+𝟏 𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = .
𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕 − 𝟒 𝟎 𝒕⟶𝟐 (𝒕 − 𝟐)(𝒕 + 𝟐) 𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕 + 𝟐 𝟒

𝟎
REMARK: We inserted ( ) in the solution to indicate that the limit problem has indeterminate form
𝟎
𝟎 𝟎 𝒕𝟐 −𝒕−𝟐 𝟎
( ). Also, note that we did not put an equal sign “=” before ( ) because 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ≠ .
𝟎 𝟎 𝒕⟶𝟐 𝒕𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎

𝒙−𝟒 𝟎
2. The limit 𝐥𝐢𝐦 is of the form .
𝒙⟶𝟒 √𝒙−𝟐 𝟎

𝒙−𝟒 √𝒙+𝟐 (𝒙−𝟒)(√𝒙+𝟐)

Rationalizing the denominator, ∙ = = √𝒙 + 𝟐.
√𝒙−𝟐 √𝒙+𝟐 𝒙−𝟒

𝒙−𝟒 𝟎
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (√𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝟒 .
𝒙⟶𝟒 √𝒙−𝟐 𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟒
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

∞
Next, we consider the indeterminate form . The symbol ∞ may represent +∞ or −∞. This usually
∞
happens when we deal with limits at infinity problems that involves rational functions. Actually, some of
∞
the problems that we considered earlier in Section 1.4 has indeterminate form . We exclude those
∞
cases in the following discussion. Instead, we consider functions containing some radical expression in
the numerator or denominator.

15
 ∞
MUST REMEMBER!!! How to deal with ?
∞

To solve limit at infinity problems that involve square root functions with indeterminate
∞
form , we divide both the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝒏 , where 𝒏 is the highest power of 𝒙
∞
in the expression inside the square root. Simplify the resulting expression and use the fact that as
𝒙 ⟶ +∞,we have √𝑥 2 = |𝑥| = 𝑥 and as 𝒙 ⟶ −∞, we have √𝑥 2 = |𝑥| = −𝑥. Then use applicable
theorems from the previous sections.

ILLUSTRATION 1.6:

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
1. Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = .
𝟏−𝒙

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 +∞
We first compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , which is of the form .
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏−𝒙 −∞
To resolve this, we divide the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝟐 .
Note that √𝒙𝟐 = |𝒙|. Since we consider 𝒙 ⟶ +∞ which are through positive values, |𝒙| = 𝒙.

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝟐 𝟏
√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 ∞ √𝒙 −𝟏 √𝟏− 𝟐
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝟏
So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏−𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏−𝒙 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = = −𝟏.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏−𝒙 ∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ −𝟏 −𝟏
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 +∞
Next, we compute for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , which is of the form .
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏−𝒙 t pe
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+∞
To resolve this, we again divide the numerator and denominator by √𝒙𝟐 .
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|𝒙| = −𝒙.

√𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
The computation is similar above and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟏.
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏−𝒙

√𝒙𝟑 −𝟏
2. Solve for 𝐥𝐢𝐦 .
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙−𝟏

√𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝟏
√𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏 ∞ √ √𝟏 −
√𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏 ∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏 −
𝟏
√𝒙𝟑 𝒙√𝒙 √𝒙 𝒙√𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 +
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( − )=𝟎 .
𝒙⟶+∞ √𝒙 𝒙√𝒙
Thus,
𝟏
√𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏 ∞ √𝟏 − 𝟑 𝟏
𝒙
𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 𝟏 (𝟎+ ) = +∞.
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏 ∞ 𝒙⟶+∞ −
√𝒙 𝒙√𝒙
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

We can see here that the technique that we learned so far is a little limiting, especially for the
∞
case of . But there is no need to worry because we will soon introduce a more efficient way of dealing
∞
with indeterminate forms when we talk about derivatives in the next Unit, which is the L’Hopital’s Rule.

16
 We give here a preview of Unit 2. As mentioned earlier, limit is the basis of derivatives. And so,
we discuss here how to solve derivatives of functions using limits, whose form is indeterminate.

The Derivative as Limit Problem

𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
The derivative of a function is defined in terms of limit i.e. 𝒇′(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 . In computation,
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉
𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
𝐥𝐢𝐦 is an indeterminate form. We provide an example and some exercise items related to
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉
this.

ILLUSTRATION 1.7:

Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒. Use the definition of derivative to solve for the 𝒇′(𝒙).

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙) (𝒙 + 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝟑(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝟒 − (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒)

We start with the expression =
𝒉 𝒉
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙𝒉 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟑𝒉 − 𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒
=
𝒉
𝟐𝒙𝒉 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝟑𝒉
=
𝒉
= 𝟐𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑.
𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 .
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 𝒉⟶𝟎

Thus, 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑.
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TRY THIS!

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 √𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓 𝒙+𝟐
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟔 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒 −𝟏
√ 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 − 𝟑
3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓

B. Solve for 𝒇′(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙.

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

17
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Limits by Factoring(Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/EAa3J_nDkoI

Exercise on Limits by Factoring (Khan Academy):

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-limits-new/ab-1-6/e/two-sided-limits-
using-algebra

Limits by Rationalizing (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/yVWxxQ7SMOw

Strategy in Finding Limits (Khan Academy, includes flowchart): https://youtu.be/ZaLw1cunN3s

Computing Limits Notes and Practice Problems (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/ComputingLimits.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/ComputingLimits.aspx

Techniques in Solving Limits (Filipino, Numberbender):https://youtu.be/jcJdM6QuNs0

Solving Limits by Factoring (Filipino, Numberbender): https://youtu.be/j7Fs4eTjunA

Indeterminate Limits (Math Warehouse):

https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-indeterminate-factorable.php
https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/limits-indeterminate-rationalizing.php

Techniques for Computing Limits (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.3%3A_Limit_Laws_and_Techniques_for_Computing_Limits
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.3E%3A_Limit_Laws_and_Techniques_for_Computing_Limits_EXERCISES sio
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Evaluating Limits (Math is Fun): https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/limits-evaluating.html

How to Find Any Limit (NancyPi, Summative video):

Part 1 https://youtu.be/nJZm-zp639s
Part 2 https://youtu.be/v9fQ_QeCHpI

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

18
1.6 Continuity of Function

Another important concept in calculus is continuity of a function. Many statements in mathematics

use this concept as an assumption (see for example Mean Value Theorem or Intermediate Value
Theorem). Geometrically, a function that is continuous at a point 𝒂 has NO BREAK, HOLE, JUMP OR
GAP at 𝒂. Roughly speaking, a continuous function has a “continuous” graph i.e. you can draw the
graph over its domain without lifting your pen from the paper.. We first consider continuity at a point
whose definition is given below.

1.6.1 Continuity at a Point

Definition 1.3 (Continuity of a Function at a Point)

A function 𝒇 is continuous at 𝒂 if the following conditions are satisfied:

i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the Conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) fails to hold, the function 𝒇 is discontinuous at 𝒂.

If the function 𝒇 is discontinuous at 𝒂 but Condition (ii) is satisfied, then 𝑓 has a removable
discontinuity at 𝒂. Otherwise, if Condition (ii) is not satisfied, then 𝒇 has an essential discontinuity
at 𝒂.

MUST REMEMBER!!!
A removable discontinuity at 𝒂 is resolved by redefining the function at 𝒙 = 𝒂 so that the
resulting function is continuous. An essential discontinuity is usually a jump or an infinite
discontinuity.
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ILLUSTRATION 1.8:
𝟓 − 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐
1. Determine if the function defined by𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 is continuous at 𝟐.
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐

i. 𝒇 is defined at 𝟐 since 𝒇(𝟐) = 𝟐𝟐 − 𝟏 = 𝟑

ii. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ (𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏) = 𝟑

𝒙⟶𝟐+ 𝒙⟶𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− (𝟓 − 𝒙) = 𝟑

𝒙⟶𝟐− 𝒙⟶𝟐

So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) exists and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑

𝒙⟶𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐

iii. From (i) and (ii), 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝟐) = 𝟑.

𝒙⟶𝟐

Thus, the function 𝒇 is continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟐.

𝒙+𝟑
2. Determine if the function defined by 𝒈(𝒙) = is continuous at −𝟑.
𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟔

Note that 𝒈 is not defined at −𝟑. Immediately, 𝒈 is discontinuous at −𝟑.

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙+𝟑 𝟎 𝒙+𝟑 𝟏 𝟏
Yet, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =− .
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟔 𝟎 𝒙⟶−𝟑 (𝒙+𝟑)(𝒙−𝟐) 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙−𝟐 𝟓

Since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) exists, the function has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑.
𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙+𝟑
𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≠ −𝟑
By redefining the function as 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙 +𝒙−𝟔
𝟏
, we obtain a continuous function.
− 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑
𝟓

19
 𝒙 + 𝟑 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎
3. Determine if the function defined by 𝒉(𝒙) = { is continuous at 𝟎.
𝟒 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟎

Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ (𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟑 but 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝟒 = 𝟒.

𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟎

So, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) does not exist.

𝒙⟶𝟎

Hence, 𝒉 is discontinuous at 𝒂 = 𝟎 and the discontinuity is essential.

If we are going to look at the graph of 𝒉, we will see that there is a “jump” at 𝒙 = 𝟎. This is a case
of a jump discontinuity.

We provide here some useful theorems about continuity of some classes of functions.

MUST REMEMBER!!!

Theorem 1.5
a. If 𝒇 and 𝒈 are functions that are continuous at a number 𝒂, then 𝒇 + 𝒈, 𝒇 − 𝒈 and 𝒇 ∙ 𝒈
𝒇
are continuous at 𝒂, and so is , provided 𝒈(𝒂) ≠ 𝟎.
𝒈
b. A polynomial function is continuous at every number.
c. A rational function is continuous over its domain.
d. The function defined by 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑷(𝒙), where 𝑷(𝒙) is a polynomial function, is
continuous for all 𝒙 such that 𝑷(𝒙) > 0.

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TRY THIS! Determine whether the following function is continuous or not at a given point 𝒂. Classify its
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discontinuity and redefine the function if necessary.

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1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = 𝟎

𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = at 𝒂 = 𝟏
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

3. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑

𝒙+𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
4. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
5. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝟐
6. 𝒉(𝒙) = { 𝟑𝟐− 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐 at 𝒂 = 𝟐
𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐

1.6.2 Continuity on an Interval

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

Next, we consider continuity on an interval which is also based on the previous section. We give the
definition below.

Definition 1.4 (Continuity of a Function on an Open Interval)

A function 𝒇 is said to be continuous on an open interval(𝒂, 𝒃) if and only if 𝒇 is continuous
at every number in (𝒂, 𝒃). If there exists at least one number in (𝒂, 𝒃) wherein 𝒇 is discontinuous,
then 𝒇 is said to be discontinuous on (𝒂, 𝒃).

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REMARK: In showing continuity on an open interval, we can use the results in Theorem 1.5.

ILLUSTRATION 1.9:
𝒙+𝟏
Consider the function 𝒇(𝒙) = . Determine if 𝒇 is continuous on a) (−𝟏, 𝟏) and b) (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎).
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

Note that the domain of 𝒇 is ℝ − {−𝟏, 𝟏}. Thus, by Theorem 1.5, 𝒇 is continuous at every number
in ℝ − {−𝟏, 𝟏}. In other words, 𝒇 is discontinuous only at −𝟏 and 𝟏. Since(−𝟏, 𝟏) does not contain −𝟏
and 𝟏, then 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟏, 𝟏). However, since 𝟏 is in (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎), then it follows that 𝒇 is
discontinuous on (𝟎, 𝟏𝟎).

Next, we consider one-sided continuity which we will use in determining continuity of functions
on non-open intervals.

Definition 1.5 (Right-Hand and Left-Hand Continuity)

A function 𝒇 is said to continuous from the right at the number 𝒂 if and only if the following
three conditions are satisfied:

i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the Conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) fails to hold,the function 𝒇 is discontinuous from the
right at 𝒂.
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A function 𝒇 is said to continuous from the left at the number 𝒂 if and only if the following
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three conditions are satisfied:

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i) 𝒇(𝒂) exists;
ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) exists; and
𝒙⟶𝒂
iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒂) .
𝒙⟶𝒂

If at least one of the Conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) fails to hold, the function 𝒇 is discontinuous from the
left at 𝒂.

Now, we are ready to define continuity on closed and half-open intervals.

Definition 1.6 (Continuity on Non-Open Interval)

A function 𝒇 is said to continuous on the closed interval [𝒂, 𝒃] if and only if it is continuous
on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃), as well as continuous from the right at 𝒂 and continuous from the left at 𝒃.
On the other hand, 𝒇 is said to continuous on the half-open interval [𝒂, 𝒃) if and only if it is continuous
on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃), as well as continuous from the right at 𝒂. Moreover, 𝒇 is said to continuous
on the half-open interval (𝒂, 𝒃] if and only if it is continuous on the open interval (𝒂, 𝒃), as well as
continuous from the left at 𝒃.
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

REMARK: The previous definition suggests that a function is continuous on the closed interval [𝒂, 𝒃] if
and only if it is both continuous on [𝒂, 𝒃) and on (𝒂, 𝒃].

21
ILLUSTRATION 1.10:
Show that the function 𝒉 defined by 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 is continuous on the closed interval
[−𝟐, 𝟐].

To be able to show that 𝒉 is continuous on [−𝟐, 𝟐], we need to show three things: first, that 𝒉
is continuous on the open interval (−𝟐, 𝟐); second, that 𝒉 is continuous from the right at -𝟐; and lastly,
that 𝒉 is continuous from the left at 𝟐.

By Theorem 1.5 d, 𝒉 is continuous whenever 𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 > 𝟎, i.e. when−𝟐 < 𝒙 < 𝟐. Thus, 𝒉 is
continuous on(−𝟐, 𝟐).
Now, 𝒉(−𝟐) = 𝟎. Hence,𝒉(−𝟐) exists. Also, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟎. Thus,
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) exists, and we see that, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒉(−𝟐).Therefore, 𝒉 is continuous from the right at -
𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝟐.
Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− √𝟒 − 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟎 which is also equal to 𝒉(−𝟐). Hence, 𝒉 is continuous
𝒙⟶𝟐 𝒙⟶𝟐
from the left at 𝟐, and consequently, 𝒉 is continuous on [−𝟐, 𝟐].

REMARK:Notice that in the previous example,𝒉 is discontinuous at– 𝟐 and 𝟐 because 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒉(𝒙) and
𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒉(𝒙) do not exist. Although both −𝟐 and 𝟐 are included in the interval [−𝟐, 𝟐], we were still able
𝒙⟶𝟐
to conclude that 𝒉 is continuous on the said interval, mainly because, we are only concerned with the
numbers from the right of and near −𝟐, but not −𝟐 actually. The same goes for the numbers from the
left of and near 𝟐. Therefore, it is NOT ALWAYS TRUE that if a function is discontinuous at a number
in a closed interval, then the function is automatically discontinuous on the given interval. This means
that if we notice that a function has a point of discontinuity, most especially on the endpoint of the
closed interval, we CANNOT conclude right away that the given function is discontinuous. re
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TRY THIS! Determine whether the following function is continuous or not on a given interval.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, 𝟔]

𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = on (−𝟏, 𝟏)
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

𝒙−𝟏
3. 𝒈(𝒙) = on [−𝟏, 𝟏]
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

4. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]

5. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on [−𝟑, 𝟎)

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
6. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓]
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
7. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
8. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on [−𝟑, 𝟐)
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

22
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

Continuity at a Point (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/3KMqU5j7irw

https://youtu.be/TdVDqWOR3dU
https://youtu.be/LVqv8PBR1is
https://youtu.be/X51CaI4tfQg
https://youtu.be/NVGBq_V-F6U

Continuity on an Interval (Khan Academy): https://youtu.be/ENIQiqxFpBc

https://youtu.be/DCWeH62w-NA
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/dc-limits/dc-limits/dc-interval-
continuity/e/continuous-functions--graphs?modal=1

Continuity at a Point (The Organic Chemistry Tutor): https://youtu.be/WT7oxiiFYt8

Continuity at a Point (Paul’s Online Notes):

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/Continuity.aspx
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Problems/CalcI/Continuity.aspx

Continuity (Math Warehouse): https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/continuity/

Continuity (Notes and Exercises, Libretexts):

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.6%3A_Continuity

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter
_2_Limits/2.6E%3A_Continuity_EXERCISES
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Exercises on Continuity: https://www.math-exercises.com/analysis-of-functions/continuity-of-

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a-function

Continuity (OpenStax Book): https://opentextbc.ca/calculusv1openstax/chapter/continuity/

~ END OF UNIT 1 ~
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

23
EXERCISE 1.2. Indeterminate forms & continuity (for Sections 1.5 to 1.6)

Name: _________________________________________ MATH 27 Section: _______

A. Compute the following indeterminate forms by either factoring or rationalizing.

0 ∞
Make sure to first indicate whether the form is or . Show your solutions.
0 ∞

𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟑 √𝒙−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟔

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B. Determine whether the following functions are continuous at the specified point.
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Show the verification of continuity requirements (i), (ii) and (iii).

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟏
𝒙 + 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = { −𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟏 at −𝟏 2. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟐 at 𝟐
𝟐
𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟏 𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐
𝒙𝟐 +𝟏

MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

C. Using the definition of a derivative, compute for the derivative of the function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝒙𝟐 .

~ end of Exercise 1.2 ~

24
 REFERENCES
Louis Leithold.(1997). The Calculus 7 of a Single Variable, 7th sub-edition. Harper Collins Publishers.

Ron Larson & Bruce H. Edwards. (2016). Calculus, 10th Edition. Philippines: Cengage Learning Asia
Pte. Ltd.

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MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

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 ANSWERS TO TRY THIS ITEMS

TRY THIS! P. 5
Compute the following limits.

1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) = (−𝟏)𝟑 + 𝟑(−𝟏)𝟐 − (−𝟏) + 𝟏 = −𝟏 + 𝟑 + 𝟏 + 𝟏 = 𝟒

𝒙⟶−𝟏

𝒙𝟐 −𝟒 𝟎𝟐 −𝟒 −𝟒
2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = = = −𝟒
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝟎𝟐 +𝟏 𝟏

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √ 𝒙 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟒 − 𝟐 = √ 𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟒

𝟐𝒙−𝟑 𝟐(−𝟐)−𝟑 −𝟒−𝟑 −𝟕 𝟕

4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = = = =
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙−𝟏 −𝟐−𝟏 −𝟑 −𝟑 𝟑

𝟏
𝟐𝒙−𝟏 𝟐(−𝟐)−𝟏 −𝟏−𝟏 −𝟐
5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝟏 = 𝟏 𝟐
= 𝟏 = 𝟏 = −𝟐(𝟒) = −𝟖
𝒙𝟐
𝒙⟶− (− ) 𝟒 𝟒
𝟐 𝟐

TRY THIS! P. 13

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙+𝟒 𝟒
1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( + ) = +∞
𝒙⟶ 𝟎+ 𝒙𝟐 𝟎
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𝟑𝒙−𝟖 −𝟐
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𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( + ) = −∞
ed

2.
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𝒙⟶𝟐− 𝟐−𝒙 𝟎
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𝟏 𝟑
𝟑−𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝟑−𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟐 𝟎−𝟐
𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟐
3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = = −𝟐
𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝒙𝟐 +𝟏 𝒙⟶+∞ 𝟏+ 𝟐 𝟏+𝟎
𝒙𝟐 𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝒙+𝟏 𝒙+𝟏 + 𝟎+𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙𝟐 𝒙𝟑
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = =𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟑 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝟏− 𝟑 𝟏−𝟎
𝒙𝟑 𝒙

B. For the following conditional functions, properly implement rules on one-sided limits to
determine whether the limit at the indicated point exists or does not exist.
𝟑
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = {𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟏
𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > 𝟏

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ (𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟐 − 𝟑(𝟏𝟐 ) = 𝟐 − 𝟑 = −𝟏

𝒙⟶𝟏+ 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦−(𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙) = 𝟏𝟑 − 𝟐(𝟏) = 𝟏 − 𝟐 = −𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙⟶𝟏

𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟐
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

2. 𝒉(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 −𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝟐

−𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙≥𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 +(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐) = (−𝟐)𝟐 − 𝟐 = 𝟒 − 𝟐 = 𝟐

𝒙⟶−𝟐+ 𝒙⟶−𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝟐 = 𝟐
𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝟐 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝟐

𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐 𝒙⟶−𝟐
26
TRY THIS! P. 17

A. Compute the following limits. If the limit does not exist, write “The limit does not exist.”

𝟑𝒙𝟐 +𝒙 𝟎 𝒙(𝟑𝒙+𝟏) 𝟑𝒙+𝟏 𝟏

1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟎) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟐
𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐𝒙 𝒙⟶𝟎 𝟐

𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝒙−𝟏𝟓 𝟎 (𝟐𝒙−𝟓)(𝒙+𝟑) 𝟐𝒙−𝟓 𝟐(−𝟑)−𝟓 𝟏𝟏

2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = =−
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐𝒙+𝟔 𝟎 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐(𝒙+𝟑) 𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

√ 𝟐𝒙−𝟏−𝟑 𝟎 √ 𝟐𝒙−𝟏−𝟑 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 (𝟐𝒙−𝟏)−𝟗 𝟐𝒙−𝟏𝟎

3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 𝟎 𝒙⟶𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑)

𝟐𝒙−𝟏𝟎 𝟐(𝒙−𝟓) 𝟐 𝟐 𝟏
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = =
𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 (𝒙−𝟓)(√𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑) 𝒙⟶𝟓 √𝟐𝒙−𝟏+𝟑 𝟔 𝟑

𝟏 𝟑 𝟑
√𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟑 +∞ √𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟑 √𝟐− 𝟐 √𝟐− 𝟐
√𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐
𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 −𝟏 +∞ 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ 𝒙 − 𝟏
|𝒙| |𝒙| |𝒙| −𝒙 −𝒙
𝟑
√𝟐− 𝟐
𝒙 √𝟐
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 (+∞) = 𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ −𝒙+
𝒙

𝟏 𝟏 𝟐
𝒙+𝟐
−∞ 𝒙+𝟐 + 𝟎+𝟎 𝟎
𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝒙𝟐
5. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅ 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = = =𝟎
𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒 −𝟏 +∞ 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝒙𝟒 −𝟏 𝒙⟶−∞ √𝟏− 𝟏 √𝟏−𝟎 𝟏
√𝒙𝟒 𝒙𝟒

B. Solve for 𝒇′(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙.

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𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐 − 𝒙 ⇒ 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) = √𝟐 − (𝒙 + 𝒉) = √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉
Thus,

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙) √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − √𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟎
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( )
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 𝟎
√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − √𝟐 − 𝒙 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ⋅
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙
𝟐 𝟐
(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉) − (√𝟐 − 𝒙) 𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 − (𝟐 − 𝒙)
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙) − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙) 𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉(√𝟐
−𝒉 −𝟏
= 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉⟶𝟎 𝒉(√𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙) 𝒉⟶𝟎 √𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝒉 + √𝟐 − 𝒙
−𝟏 𝟏
= =−
√𝟐 − 𝒙 + √𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟐√𝟐 − 𝒙

TRY THIS! P. 20
Determine whether the following function is continuous or not at a given point 𝒂. Classify its discontinuity
and redefine the function if necessary.
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = 𝟎
𝒇 is continuous at 𝟎 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟑 = 𝒇(𝟎) .
𝒙⟶𝟎

𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = at 𝒂 = 𝟏
𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

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 𝒙−𝟏 𝟏
𝒈 has a removable discontinuity at 𝟏 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = but 𝒈(𝟏) does not exist. We redefine
𝒙⟶𝟏 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏 𝟐
𝒙−𝟏
𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙≠𝟏
the function as: 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙 𝟏−𝟏
𝒊𝒇 𝒙=𝟏
𝟐

3. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒉 has an essential discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 + 𝟑 does not exist because 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − √𝒙 + 𝟑
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
does not exist.

𝒙+𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
4. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝒇 has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏 but 𝒇(−𝟑) does not exist. We
𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙+𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < −𝟑
redefine the function as: 𝒇(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > −𝟑
−𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟑

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < −𝟑
5. 𝒈(𝒙) = { 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 = −𝟑 at 𝒂 = −𝟑
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑

𝒈 has a removable discontinuity at −𝟑 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = −𝟏 but 𝒈(−𝟑) = 𝟏, which means
𝒙⟶−𝟑
𝒙+𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < −𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) ≠ 𝒈(−𝟑) . We redefine the function as: 𝒈(𝒙) = {𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 > −𝟑
𝒙⟶−𝟑
−𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟑
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6. 𝒉(𝒙) = { 𝟑𝟐− 𝒙 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 < 𝟐 at 𝒂 = 𝟐

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𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≥ 𝟐

𝒉 is continuous at 𝟐 since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒉(𝒙) = −𝟏 = 𝒉(𝟐) .

𝒙⟶𝟐

TRY THIS! P. 22
Determine whether the following function is continuous or not on a given interval.

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, 𝟔]
𝒇 is continuous everywhere since it is a polynomial function. Thus, 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟓, 𝟔].

𝒙−𝟏
2. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐 on (−𝟏, 𝟏)
𝒙 −𝟏
𝒈 is continuous everywhere except at −𝟏 and 𝟏 since it is a rational function. Thus, 𝒈 is
continuous on (−𝟏, 𝟏) since it is an open interval that does not include both −𝟏 and 𝟏.

𝒙−𝟏
3. 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝟐 on [−𝟏, 𝟏]
𝒙 −𝟏
We saw from #2 that 𝒈 is continuous on (−𝟏, 𝟏). We are left to determine if 𝒈 is continuous
from the right at −𝟏 and from the left at 𝟏. However 𝒈(−𝟏) does not exist which automatically
allows us to conclude that 𝒈 is not continuous from the right at −𝟏. Hence, 𝒈 is not continuous
MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

on [−𝟏, 𝟏].

4. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]

𝒉 is not continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑] since 𝒉 is not continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑) because it contains
numbers wherein 𝒉(𝒙) does not exist, −𝟒 for example.

5. 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝒙 + 𝟑 on [−𝟑, 𝟎)

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 Note that 𝒉 is continuous on (−𝟑, 𝟎) since 𝒉 is continuous at every number on the given open
interval. Also, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + √𝒙 + 𝟑 = 𝟎 = 𝒉(−𝟑) . Thus, 𝒉 is continuous from the right at −𝟑 and
𝒙⟶−𝟑
consequently, 𝒉 is continuous on [−𝟑, 𝟎).

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
6. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓]
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
By inspection, we will see that the piecewise function are polynomial functions which means
they are continuous everywhere as individual functions. Thus, we only need to check continuity
at −𝟑, which is the endpoint indicated in the conditions of the function, because we might get
two different values upon evaluating the limit form the left and right of −𝟑 . Note that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙⟶−𝟑
does not exist since 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟖 but 𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏. Hence, 𝒇 is discontinuous at −𝟑.
𝒙⟶−𝟑 𝒙⟶−𝟑
Therefore, 𝒇 is discontinuous on (−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓) and consequently, 𝒇 is discontinuous on [−𝟏𝟎, 𝟓].

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
7. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on (−𝟓, −𝟑]
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
By considering only 𝒙 ∈ (−𝟓, −𝟑), we can use the subfunction 𝒇𝟏 (𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟐, which is a linear
function, to be able to conclude that 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑). Moreover, from #6,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 − 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏, which is equal to 𝒇(−𝟑). Thus, 𝒇 is continuous from the left at −𝟑, and
𝒙⟶−𝟑
consequently, 𝒇 is continuous on (−𝟓, −𝟑].

𝒙 + 𝟐 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 ≤ −𝟑
8. 𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝟐 on [−𝟑, 𝟐)
𝒙 − 𝟏 𝐢𝐟 𝒙 > −𝟑
From #6 and #7, we can see that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 + 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟖 ≠ 𝒇(−𝟑). Thus, 𝒇 is not continuous from the
𝒙⟶−𝟑
right at −𝟑, and consequently, 𝒇 is not continuous on [−𝟑, 𝟐).

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MATH 27 MODULE 1 (IMSP,UPLB)

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