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AP Calculus AB/BC All Study Guides AP Calculus AB/BC Unit 1 – Limits and Continuity Topic: 1.2

Unit 1 – Limits and

Continuity
ap calculus ab/bc review
1.2 Defining Limits and Using
Limit Notation
Verified for the 2025 AP Calculus AB/BC exam • 4 min read • Last Updated on June 18, 2024

In this study guide, we’ll review how limits can be defined and how to use limit
notation. Understanding limits is like peeking into the future of a function as it
approaches a specific value. By the end of this reading, you’ll have a strong grasp of
this critical AP Calculus skill. Let's get started by breaking down the key aspects of
defining limits and using different notation forms.

Defining a Limit
At its core, a limit is the y-value of a function, f (x), when it approaches the value x.
Commonly, it is notated as lim f (x) = C , which is read as “the limit of f (x) as x
x→a
approaches a”.

The visual below breaks down the different parts of the equation, which is how we
represent limits analytically:

The notation indicates that as x approaches a, the function f(x) approaches the
correct number C.

Image Courtesy of Study.com

This notation tells us that as x gets closer and closer to the value a, the function f(x)
inches closer and closer to the real number C . Remember that the limit is not equal

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to C , but rather gets closer and closer to it.

Representing Limits Numerically & Graphically

Limits can also be expressed numerically and graphically. Numerically, you might
create a table of values approaching C from both sides. Graphically, you can observe
how the function approaches a certain height as x gets closer to C .

Representing Limits Numerically

Consider the following function:

x2 − 1
f (x) =
x−1
We're interested in finding the limit of this function as x approaches 1.

Let's set up a table of values where x approaches 1 from both the left and the right
side:

Approaching from the left (x → 1− ) Approaching from the left (x → 1+ )

0.9 1.1

0.99 1.01

0.999 1.001

0.9999 1.0001

Notice how we’re getting as closer as possible to the value 1 from both the right and
left sides. Now, let’s calculate the corresponding values of f (x) by plugging each of
these x values in.

Viewing the Limit from the Left Side

For x → 1− :

When plugging in x = 0.9…

0.92 − 1 0.81 − 1 −0.19
f (0.9) = = = = 1.9
0.9 − 1 −0.1 −0.1
When plugging in x = 0.99…

0.992 − 1 0.9801 − 1 −0.0199

f (0.99) = = = = 1.99
0.99 − 1 −0.01 −0.01

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When plugging in x = 0.999…

0.9992 − 1 0.998001 − 1 −0.001999

f (0.999) = = = = 1.999
0.999 − 1 −0.001 −0.001
When plugging in x = 0.9999…
0.99992 − 1 0.99980001 − 1 −0.00019999
f (0.9999) = = = = 1.9999
0.9999 − 1 −0.0001 −0.0001
We can already see that as x gets closer and closer to 1, f (x) approaches and gets
closer to 2.

Viewing the Limit from the Right Side

For x → 1+ :

When plugging in x = 1.1…

1.12 − 1 1.21 − 1 0.21

f (1.1) = = = = 2.1
1.1 − 1 0.1 0.1
When plugging in x = 1.01…
1.012 − 1 1.0201 − 1 0.0201
f (1.01) = = = = 2.01
1.01 − 1 0.01 0.01
When plugging in x = 1.001…

1.0012 − 1 1.002001 − 1 0.002001

f (1.001) = = = = 2.001
1.001 − 1 0.001 0.001
When plugging in x = 1.0001…
1.00012 − 1 1.00020001 − 1 0.00020001
f (1.0001) = = = = 2.0001
1.0001 − 1 0.0001 0.0001
We can also see that as x gets closer to 1 from the right side, f (x) gets closer to 2!
This suggests that:

x2 − 1
lim =2
x→1 x − 1

This numerical representation really shows you how the function approaches a
particular value as x gets arbitrarily close to the specified value.

We’ll get into estimating limit values from tables in key topic 1.4! This just
gives you an idea of how limits can be represented numerically.

Representing Limits Graphically

Consider the linear function f (x) = 2x + 3. We want to investigate the limit of this
function as x approaches 1, or lim 2x + 3. As x approaches 1, let's visualize how the
x→1
function behaves graphically.

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Graph displaying the function f(x) = 2x+3

Image Courtesy of GraphSketch.com

As x approaches 1 from the left x → 11− and from the right x → 11+ , the function
values smoothly progress along the straight line, converging towards a specific y-
value. This limit statement indicates that as x gets arbitrarily close to 1, the function
lim 2x + 3 approaches the value 5.
x→1

We’ll get into estimating limits from graphs more in the next key topic!

Remember, limits are not just numbers; they signify behavior and tendencies. They
describe how a function behaves near a point, rather than at a specific point.

Defining Limits: Practice Problems

When you go through these two practice problems, think of going through two
different steps:

1. Substitute the value into the limit.

2. Evaluate the limit.

Go ahead and give it a try!

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1. Consider the function f (x) = 3x − 1. What is the value of lim f (x)?

x→2

A. 3

B. 5

C. 6

D. 7

2. Consider the function f (x) = x − 5. What is the value of lim f (x)?

x→−3

A. -8

B. 8

C. 9

D. 1

Defining Limits: Solutions to Practice Problems

1. To solve this question, follow these steps:

1. Substitute the value: lim f (x) = lim (3x − 1)

x→2 x→2

2. Evaluate the limit: Substitute x = 2 : lim (3x − 1) = 3(2) − 1 = 6 −

x→2
1=5

Therefore, the correct answer is: B) 5

2. To solve this question, follow these steps:

1. Substitute the value: lim f (x) = lim (x − 5)

x→−3 x→−3

2. Evaluate the limit: Substitute x = −3 : lim (x − 5) = (−3) − 5 =

x→−3
−8

Therefore, the correct answer is: A) -8

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