1.

LIMITS

LIMIT OF A SEQUENCE. As consecutive points, given by the terms of the sequence

1, 3/2, 5/3, 7/4, 9/5, , 2-1/n (1)
are located on a number scale, it is noted that they cluster about the point 2 in such a
way that there are points of the sequence whose different from 2 is less than any
preassigned positive number, however small.

For example, the point 2001/1001 and all subsequent are at distance < 1/1000 from 2,
the point 20 000 001/10 000 001 and all subsequent points are at a distance < 1/10 000
000 from 2, and so on. This state of affairs is indicated by saying that the limit of the
sequence is 2.
If x is variable whose range is the sequence (1), we say that x approaches 2 as
limit or x tends to 2 as limit and write x 2.
The sequence (1) does not contain its limit 2 as a term. On the other hand, the
sequence 1, 1/2, 1, , 1, 5/6, 1, has 1 limit and every odd number term is 1. Thus, a
sequence may or may not reach its limit. Hereinafter, the statement x a will be
understood to imply x a, that is, it is to be understood that any given arbitrary
sequence does not contain its limit as a term.

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION. Let x 2 over the sequence (1); then f(x) = x2 4 over
the sequence 1, 9/4, 25/9, 49/16, , (2-1/n)2, Now let x 2 over the sequence
2.1, 2.01, 2.001, 2.0001, , 2 + 1/10n, (2)
then x2 4 over the sequence 4.41, 4.0401, 4.004001, , (2 + 1/10 n)2, It would
seem reasonable to expect that would approach 4 as limit however x may approach 2 as
limit. Under this assumption, we say the limit, as x approaches 2, of x2 is 4 and write

lim x 2 4
x 2

RIGHT AND LEFT LIMITS. As x 2 over the sequence (1), its value is always less
than 2. We say that greater than 2. We say that x approaches 2 from the right and write

x 2+. Clearly, the statement lim f ( x) exists implies that both the left limit lim f ( x)
x a xa

and the xlim

a
f ( x) exist and are equal. However, the existence of the right (left) limit
does not imply the existence of the left (right) limit.

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Example 1:
The function f ( x) 9 x 2 has the interval 3 x 3 as domain of definition.
If a is any number on the open interval 3 x 3, then lim 9 x 2 exists and is equal
x 3

3. First, let x approach 3 from the left; then lim 9 x

2
to 9 a2 . Now consider a
x 3

= 0. Next, let x approach 3 from the right; then lim 9 x

2
does not exist since for x
x 3

> 3, 9 x2 is imaginary. Thus, lim 9 x 2 does not exist.

x 3

Similarly, lim 9 x exists and is equal to 0 but lim 9 x and thus

2 2
x 3 x 3

lim 9 x 2
do not exist.
x 3

THEOREMS ON LIMITS. The following theorems on limits are listed for further
reference.

1. If f(x) =c, a constant, then lim f ( x) c

xa

2. If lim f ( x) A and lim g ( x) B , then:

xa x a

3. lim k . f ( x) kA , k being any constant.

xa

4. lim f ( x) g ( x) lim f ( x) lim g ( x) A B .

xa xa xa

5. lim f ( x ).g ( x) lim f ( x ). lim g ( x ) A.B .

xa xa xa

f ( x) lim f ( x) A
6. lim x a
, provided B 0.
x a g ( x) lim g ( x) B
x a

n f ( x ) n lim f ( x ) n A
7. lim
x a xa
, provided n
A is a real number.

SOLVED PROBLEMS
1. Determine the limit of each of the following sequences:
(a) 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, (d). 5, 4, 11/3, 7/2, 17/5,
(b) 1, 1/4, 1/9, 1/16, 1/25, (e). 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32,
(c) 2, 5/2, 8/3, 11/4, 14/5, (f). .9, .99, .999, .9999, .999 99,

(a) The general term is 1/n. As n rakes on the values 1, 2, 3, 4, in turn, 1/n
decrease but remains positive. The limit is 0.
(b) The general term is (1/n)2; the limit is 0.
(c) The general term is 3 1/n; the limit is 3.
(d) The general term is 3 + 2/n; the limit is 3.
(e) The general term is 1/2n; as in (a) the limit is 0.

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 (f) The general term is 1 1/10n; the limit is 1.

2. Describe the behaviour of y = x + 2 as x ranges over values of each of the

sequences of Prob. 1.
(a) y 2 over the sequence 3, 5/2, 7/3, 9/4, 11/5, , 2 + 1/n,
(b) y 2 over the sequence 3, 9/4, 19/9, 33/16, 51/25, , 2 + 1/n2,
(c) y 5 over the sequence 4, 9/2, 14/3, 19/4, 24/5, 5 - 1/n,
(d) y 5 over the sequence 7, 6, 17/3, 11/2, 27/5, , 5 + 2/n,
(e) y 2 over the sequence 5/2, 9/4, 17/8, 33/16, 65/32, , 2 + 1/2n,
1
(f) y 3 over the sequence 2.9, 2.99, 2.999, 2.9999, , 3 - ,
10 n

3. Evaluate

(a) lim 5 x 5 lim x 5.2 10

x2 x 2

(b) lim (2 x 3) 2 lim x lim 3

x2 x2 x2

2.2 3 7
(c) lim ( x 4 x 1) 4 8 1 3
2
x2

x 2 lim ( x 2) 1
(d) lim x 3
x 3 x 2 lim( x 2) 5
x 3

x 4 44
2
(e) lim 0
x 2 x2 4 4 4
(f) lim 25 x 2 lim(25 x 2 ) 9 3
x 4 x 4

Note. Do not assume from these problems that lim

x a
f ( x ) is invariably f(a). By f(a)

is meant the value of f(x) when x = a; x is never equal to a as x a.

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 2. CONTINUITY

A FUNCTION f(x) is said to be continuous at x = x0, if

(i) f(x0) is defined, lim f ( x) exists,
(ii) x (iii) xlim f ( x) f ( x0 )
x0 x0

lim f ( x) = 5 = f(2). The

For example f(x) = x2 + 1 is continuous at x = 2 since x x0

condition (i) implies that a function can be continuous only at points on its domain of
definition. Thus, f ( x) 4 x 2 is not continuous at x = 3 since f(3) is imaginary, i.e.
is not defined.
A function which is continuous at every point of an interval (open or closed) is
said to be continuous on that interval. A function f(x) is called continuous if it is
continuous at every point on its domain of definition. Thus, f(x)= x2 + 1 and all other
polynomials in x are continuous function; other examples are ex sin x, cos x.
If the domain of definition of a function is a closed interval a x b, condition
(ii) fails at the endpoints a and b. We shall call such a function continuous if it is

continuous on the open interval a < x < b, if xlim

a
f ( x) =f(a), and if lim f ( x) =f(b).
x b

Thus f ( x) 9 x 2 will be called a continuous function (see example 1, chapter 2).

The functions of elementary calculus are continuous on their domains of definition with
the possible exception of a number of isolated points.

A FUNCTION f(x) is said to be discontinuous at x = x0 if one or more of the conditions

for continuity fail there. The several types of discontinuity will be illustrated by
examples:
1
(a) f ( x) is discontinuous at x = 2 since
x2
(i) f(2) is not defined (has zero as denominator)
(ii) lim f ( x ) does not exist (equals x).
x 2

The function is discontinuous everywhere except at x = 2 where it is said to have an

infinite discontinuity. See Fig. 3-1.

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 Fig. 3-1 Fig. 3-2
x2 4
(b) f ( x) is discontinuous at x = 2 since
x2
(i) f(2) is not defined (both numerator and denominator are zero).
(ii) lim f ( x ) = 4
x 2

The continuity here is called removable since it may be removed by redefining the
x2 4
function as f ( x) , x 2; f(2) = 4. (Note that the discontinuity in (a) connot be so
x2

x2 4
removed since the limit also does not exist.) The graphs of f ( x) and g(x) = x +
x2
2 are identical except at x = 2 where the former has a hole. Removing the
discontinuity consists simply of properly filling the hole.

x 2 27
(c) f ( x ) , x 3; f(3) = 9 is discontinuous at x = 3 since
x3
(i) f(3) = 9, (ii) lim f ( x) 27 (iii) lim f ( x) f (3)
x 3 x 3

x 2 27
The discontinuity may be removed by redefining the function as f ( x ) ,
x3
x 3; f(3) = 27.

(d) The function of Problem 9, Chapter 1, is defined for all x > 0 but has discontinuities
at x = 1, 2, 3, arising form the fact that
lim f ( x) lim f ( x) (s any positive integer)
xs xs

These are called jump discontinuities

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 3. THE DERIVATIVE

INCREMENTS. The increment x of a variable x is the change in x as it increase from

one value x = x0 to another value x = x1 in its range. Here, x = x1 x0 and we may
write x1 = x0 + x.
If the variable x is given an increment x from x = x0 (that is, if x changes from
x = x0 to x = x0 + x) and a function a function y = f(x) is thereby given an increment
y = f(x0 + x) f(x0) from y = f(x0), the quotient
y change in y

x change in x
is called the average rate of change of the function on the interval between x = x0 and x
= x0 + x.

Example 1:
When x is given the increment x = 0.5 from x0 = 1, the function y = x2 + 2x is given
the increment y = f(1 + 0.5)2 f(1) = 5.25-3 = 2.25. Thus, the average rate of change
y 2.25
of y on the interval between x = 1 and x= 1.5 is 4.5
x 0.5

THE DERIVATIVE of function y = f(x) with respect to x at the point x = x0 is defined

as
y f ( x 0 x ) f ( x 0 )
lim lim
x 0 x x 0 x
Provided the limit exists. This limit is also called the instantaneous rate of change (or
simply, the rate of change) of y with respect to x at x = x0.

Example 2:
Find the derivate of y = f(x) = x2 + 3x with respect to x at x = x0. Use this to find the
value of derivative at (a) x0 = 2 and (b) x0 = -4.
y0 = f(x0) = x 02 + 3x0
y0 + y = f(x0 + x) = (x0 + x)2 + 3(x0 + x)
= x 0 + 2x0x + (x)2 + 3x0 + 3x
2

y = f(x0 + x) f(x0) = 2x0x + 3x + (x)2

y f ( x0 x) f ( x0 )
2 x0 3 x
x x
The derivative at x = x0 is
y
lim lim (2 x0 3 x) 2 x0 3
x 0 x x 0

(a) At x0 = 2, the value of the derivative is 2 . 2 + 3 = 7.

(b) At x0 = -4, the value of the derivative is 2(-4) + 3 = -5.

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IN FINDING DERIVATIVES it is customary to drop the subscribe 0 to obtain the
derivative of y = f(x) with respect to x as
y f ( x x) f ( x)
lim lim
x 0 x x 0 x
See note following problems 5 (c), Chapter 2.
The derivative of y = f(x) with respect to x may be indicated by any one of the
symbols
d dy d
y, , D x y , y ' , f ' ( x) or f (x)
dx dx dx

4. DIFFERENTIATION OF ALGEBRAIC FUNCTION

A FUNCTION is said to be differentiable at x = x0 if it has a derivative there. A

function is said to be differentiable on an interval if it is differentiable at every point of
the interval.
The functions of elementary calculus are differentiable, except possibly at certain
isolated points, on their intervals of definition.

DIFFERENTIATION FORMULAS. In this formulas u, v and w are differentiable

function of x.
d d m
1. (c ) 0, 10. ( x ) mx m 1
dx dx
d
2. (x ) 1 11.
dx
d m d
(u ) mu m 1 (u)
dx dx
dy 1
d d d
3. (u v ) (u) (v) 12. dx dx
dx dx dx
dy
d d dy dy du
4. (cu) c (u) 13.
dx dx dx du dx
d d d
5. (uv ) u (v) v (u)
dx dx dx
d d d d
6. dx(uvw) uv dx (w) uw dx ( v ) vw dx (u)

d u 1 d
7. dx c c dx (u), c 0

d c d 1 c d
8. dx u c dx u 2 dx (u)
u

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 d d
d u v dx (u) u dx ( v )
9. ,v 0
dx v v2
INVERSE FUNCTIONS. Let y = f(x) be differentiable on the interval a x b and
suppose that dy/dx does not change sign on the interval. Then from Fig. 5-1a and 5-1 b
the function assumes once and only once every value between f(a)= c and f(b) = d.
Thus, for each value of y on the respective interval, there corresponds one and only one
value of x and x is a function of y, say x = g(y). The function y = f(x) and x = g(y) are
called inverse functions.

Fig. 5-1a Fig. 5-1b

Example I:
(a) y = f(x) = 3x + 2 and x = g(y) = f (y-2) are inverse function
(b) When x 2 and y -1, y = x2 4x + 3 and x = 2 - y 1 are inverse function.
When x 2 and y -1, y = x2 4x+ 3 and x = 2 + y 1 are inverse function.
To find dy/dx, given x = g(y)
(a) Solve for y, when possible, and differentiate with respect to x; or
(b) Differentiate x = g(y) with respect to y and use

Example 2:
Find dy/dx, given x y 5
Using (a) : y = (x - 5)2 and dy/dx = 2(x 5)
dx 1 1 2 1 dy
Using (b): dy 2 y
2 y
; then 2 y 2( x 5) .
dx

DIFFERENTIATION OF A FUNCTION OF A FUNCTION. If y = f(u) and u=

g(x), then y = f{g(x)} is a function of x. If y is a differentiable function of u and if u is a
differentiable function of x, then y = f{g(x)} is differentiable function of x and the
derivative dy/dx may be obtained by one of the following procedures:
(a) Express y explicitly in terms of x and differentiate.

Example 3:
If y = u2 + 3 and u = 2x + 1, then y = (2x + 1)2 + 3 and dy/dx = 8x + 4.

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(b) Differentiate each function with respect to the independent variable and use the
formula (the chain rule).
Example 4:
dy du dy dy du
If y = u2 + 3 and u = 2x + 1, then 2u , 2 and 4u 8 x 4
du dx dx du dx

HIGHER DERIVATIVES. Let y = f(x) be a differentiable function of x and let its

derivative be called the first derivative of the function. If the first derivative is
differentiable, its derivative is called the second derivative of the (original) function
d2y
and is denoted by one of the symbols , y``, or f``(x). In turn, the derivative of the
dx 2
second derivative is called the third derivative of the function and is denoted by one of
d3y
the symbols , y ' ' ' , or f ' ' ' ( x);
dx 3
Note. The derivative of a given order at a point can exist only when the function
and all derivatives of lower order are differentiable at the pont.

5. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUE

INCREASING AND DECREASING FUNCTION. A function f(x) is said to be

increasing at x = x0 if for h, positive and sufficiently small, f(x0 h) < f(x0) < f(x0+h). A
function f(x) is said to be decreasing at x = x0 if for h, positive and sufficiently small,
f(x0 h) > f(x0) > f(x0+h)
If f` (x0) >0, then f(x) is an increasing function at x = x0; if f`(x0) < 0, then f(x) is
decreasing function at x = x0. If f`(x0) = 0, then f(x) is said to be stationary at x = x0.
A non-constant function is said to be an increasing (decreasing) function over
an interval if it is increasing (decreasing or stationary at every point of the interval.

This instruction material adopted from Calculus by Frank Ayres Jr.

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 Fig. 8-1

In Fig. 8-1, the curve y = f(x) is rising (the function is increasing) on the
intervals a < x < r and t < x < u; the curve is falling (the function is decreasing) on the
interval r < x < t. The function is stationary at x = r, x = s, and x = t; the curve has a
horizontal tangent at the points R, S, and T. The values of x, (r, s, and t), for which the
function f(x) is stationary (f`(x)=0) are more frequently called critical values for the
function and the corresponding points (R, S, and T) of the graph are called critical
points of the curve.

RELATIVE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUES OF A FUNCTION. A

function y = f(x) is said to have a relative maximum (relative minimum) value at x= x0 if
f(x0) is greater (smaller) than immediately proceeding and succeeding values of the
function.
In Fig. 8-1, R( r, f(r)) is relative maximum point of the curve since f(r) > f(x) on
any sufficiently small neighbourhood 0 < x - r < 8. We shall say that y = f(x) has a
relative maximum value (= f(r))when x = r. In the same figure, T (t, f(t)) is a relative
minimum point of the curve since f(t) < f(x) on any sufficiently small neighbourhood 0
< x - r < 8. We shall say that y = f(x) has a relative minimum value (=f(t)) when x = t.
Note that R joins an arch AR which is rising (f`(x)>0), and an arch RB which is falling
(f`(x)<0) while T joins an arch CT which is falling [f`(x) < 0] and an arch TU which is
rising [f`(x) > 0]. At S two arcs BS and SC both of which are falling are joined; S is
neither a relative maximum nor a relative minimum point of the curve.
If y = f(x) is differentiable on a x b and if f(x) has a relative maximum
(minimum) value at x = x0, where a < x0 < b, then f`(x0) = 0. For proof, see Prob. 18.
To find the relative maximum (minimum) values (hereinafter called maximum
(minimum) values) of function f(x) which, together with their first derivatives, are
continuous:

FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST

1. Solve f`(x) = 0 for the critical values.
2. Locate the critical values on a number scale, thereby establishing a number of
intervals.
3. Determine the sign of f`(x) on each interval.
4. Let x increase through each critical value x = x0; then
f(x) has a maximum value (=f(x0)) if f`(x) changes from + to -,
f(x) has a minimum value (=f(x0)) if f`(x) changes from - to +,
f(x) has neither a maximum nor a minimum value at x =x0 if f`(x) does not
change sign.

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A FUNCTION y = f(x), necessarily less simple than those of Problems 2-5, may have a
maximum or minimum value (f(x0) although f`(x0) does not exist. The value x = x0 for
which f(x) is defined but f`(x) does not exist will also be called critical vales for the
function. They, together with the values for which f`(x) = 0 are to be used in
determining the intervals of Step 2 above.
A final case in which f(x0) is a maximum (minimum) value although there is no
interval x0 8 < x < x0 on which f`(x) is positive (negative) and no interval x0 < x < x0
+ 8 on which f`(x) is negative (positive) will not be treated here.

DIRECTION OF BENDING. An arc of a curve y = f(x) is called concave upward if,

at each of its points, the arc lies above the tangent at the point. As x increases, f`(x)
either is of the same sign and increasing (as on the interval b< x < s of Fig. 8-1) or
changes sign from negative to positive (as on the interval c < x < u). In either case, the
slope f`(x) is increasing and f``(x) >0.
An arch of a curve y = f(x) is called concave downward if, at each of its points,
the arc lies below the tangent at the point. As x increases, f`(x) either is of the same sign
and decreasing (as on the interval s < x < c of Fig. 8-1) or changes sign from positive
to negative (as on the interval a < x < b). In either case, the slope f`(x) is decreasing
and f``(x) < 0.

A POINT OF INFLECTION is a point at which a curve is changing from concave

upward to concave downward, or vice versa. In Fig. 8-1, the points of inflection are B,
S, and C.
A curve y = f(x) has one of its points x = x0 as inflection point.

if f``(x0) =0 or is not defined and

if f``(x) changes sign as x increases through x = x0.

The latter condition may be replaced by f``(x0) 0 when f```(x0) exist.

A SECOND TEST FOR MAXIMA AND MINIMA, SECOND DERIVATE TEST

1. Solve f`(x) = 0 for the critical values.
2. For a critical value x = x0:
f(x) has a maximum value (=f(x0)) if f``(x0) <0
f(x) has a minimum value (=f(x0)) if f``(x0) > 0
In the later case, the first derivative method must be used.

6. RELATED RATES

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RELATED RATES. If a variable x is a function of time t, the time rate of change of x
is given by dx/dt.
When two or more variables, all functions of t, are related by an equation, the
relation between their rates of change may be obtained by differentiating the equation
with respect to t.
SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. Gas is escaping from a spherical balloon at the rate of 900 cm 3s-1. How fast is the
surface area shrinking when the radius is 360 cm?
At time t the sphere has radius r, volume V 43 r , and surface S = 4 r2.
3

dV dr dS dr dS / dt 2
Then 4r 2 , 8r , , and
dt dt dt dt dV / dt r
dS 2 dV 2
(900) 5cm 3 s 1
dt r dt 230

2. Water is running out a conical funnel at the rate of 5

cm3s-1. If the radius of the base of the funnel is 10 cm
and the altitude is 20 cm, find the rate at which the water
level is dropping when it is 5 cm from the top.
Let r be radius and h the height of the surface of the
water at time t, and V the volume of water in the cone.
By similar triangles, r/10 = h/20 or r = h. V = 1/3
1
r2h = 1 2 h and dV/dt= h2 dh/dt. When dV/dt =
3
-5

and h = 20 5 = 15, then dh/dt = -4/45 5cm3s-1.

3. Sand falling from a chute forms a conical pile whose altitude is always equal to 4/3
the radius of the base (a) How fast is the volume increasing when the radius of the
base is 1 m and is increasing at the rate of 1/8 cm s -1? (b) How fast is the radius
increasing when it is 2 m and the volume is increasing at the rate of 104 cm3s-1?
Let r = radius of base and h = height of pile at time t.
4 1 4 dV 4 dr
Since h r , v r 2 h r 2 , and r2
3 3 9 dt 3 dt
dr 1 dV 5000
(a) When r = 100 and , cm s 1
dt 8 dt 3
dV dr 3
(b) When r = 200 and 10 000 , cm s 1
dt dt 16

This instruction material adopted from Calculus by Frank Ayres Jr.

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4. One ship A is sailing due to south at 24 km h-1 and a second ship B, 48 km south of
A, is sailing due east at 18 km h-1 (a) At what rate are they approaching or
separating at the end of 1 hr? (b) At the end of 2 hr? (c) When do they cease to
approach each other and how far apart are they at that time?

This instruction material adopted from Calculus by Frank Ayres Jr.

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