Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 1

Sample Problems
1. Compute each of the following limits.
2 6
a) lim 3x4 c) lim ( 2x5 ) e) lim x g) lim 4x3
x!1 x!1 x!1 3 x!1

2 6
b) lim 3x4 d) lim ( 2x5 ) f) lim x h) lim 4x3
x! 1 x! 1 x! 1 3 x! 1

2. Compute each of the following limits.

1 5 8 5x3 2x + 4
a) lim d) lim 7+ g) lim
x!1 x x! 1 2x3 x x!1 x2

1 5 12 5x3 2x + 4
b) lim e) lim 2x3 + 1 + h) lim
x! 1x x!1 x x4 x!1 x3

5 3x 2 5x3 2x + 4
c) lim f) lim i) lim
x!1 2x3 x! 1 x x!1 x4

3. Compute each of the following limits.

a) lim ( 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10) c) lim ( 2x5 + 8x6 )

x! 1 x! 1

b) lim ( 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10) d) lim ( 2x5 + 8x6 )

x!1 x!1

4. Compute each of the following limits.

x + x2 6 x2 + 9 x3 9x + 1
a) lim b) lim c) lim
x! 1 6x + 5x2 + 2x3 x!1 5x + 2x2 3 x! 1 3x2 2x 15

Practice Problems
1. Compute each of the following limits.
3 15 1 8
a) lim x c) lim x e) lim 4x9 g) lim ( 7x10 )
x!1 8 x!1 3 x!1 x!1

3 15 1 8
b) lim x d) lim x f) lim 4x9 h) lim ( 7x10 )
x! 1 8 x! 13 x! 1 x! 1

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 2

2. Compute each of the following limits.

3 2 3x5 + 2x 5
a) lim g) lim 5x m) lim
x!1 x5 x!1 x+3 x!1 x2
3 2 3x5 + 2x 5
b) lim h) lim 5x n) lim
x! 1 x5 x! 1 x+3 x! 1 x2
2 5 5x 3 4x8 + x3 x+7
c) lim 1 + 4 i) lim o) lim
x!1 x 3x x!1 x x!1 x4
2 5 5x 3 4x8 + x3 x+7
d) lim 1 + 4 j) lim p) lim
x! 1 x 3x x! 1 x x! 1 x4
5 7 1 3x
e) lim 3+ k) lim
x!1 x3 6x x!1 2x
5 7 1 3x
f) lim 3+ l) lim
x! 1 x3 6x x! 1 2x

3. Compute each of the following limits.

1 6 1
a) lim ( 7x5 + x3 ) c) lim 120x5 x e) lim 8x4 3x3 x+2
x! 1 x! 1 4 x! 1 5
1 6 1
b) lim ( 7x5 + x3 ) d) lim 120x5 x f) lim 8x4 3x3 x+2
x!1 x!1 4 x! 1 5
4. The graph of a polynomial function is shown on the picture below. What can we state about this
polynomial based on its end-behavior?

5. Compute each of the following limits.

1 2 11 3x2 1
a) lim d) lim 3 + g) lim
x! 1 x x!1 x x4 x! 1 5x2 3x + 2
5 2x2 + 3x + 1 20x 2x2 42
b) lim e) lim h) lim
x! 1 2x3 x!1 3x2 5x + 2 x! 1 5x3 20x2 105x
3
5 3x + 2x + 1
c) lim 2 f) lim
x! 1 x3 x! 1 5x 3

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 3

Sample Problems - Answers

1. a) 1 b) 1 c) 1 d) 1 e) 1 f) 1 g) 1 h) 1

2. a) 0 b) 0 c) 0 d) 7 e) 1 f) 3 g) 1 h) 5 i) 0

3. a) 1 b) 1 c) 1 d) 1

1
4. a) 0 b) c) 1
2

Practice Problems - Answers

1. a) 1 b) 1 c) 1 d) 1 e) 1 f) 1 g) 1 h) 1

3 3
2. a) 0 b) 0 c) 1 d) 1 e) 3 f) 3 g) 1 h) 1 i) 5 j) 5 k) l)
2 2
m) 1 n) 1 o) 1 p) 1

3. a) 1 b) 1 c) 1 d) 1 e) 1 f) 1

4. Since lim f (x) = 1 and lim f (x) = 1, the polynomial is of odd degree and has a positive
x! 1 x!1
leading coe¢ cient.

2 3
5. a) 0 b) 0 c) 2 d) 3 e) f) 1 g) h) 0
3 5

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 4

Sample Problems - Solutions

1. Compute each of the following limits.

a) lim 3x4
x!1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity, we should think of x as a very
large positive number. Then 3x4 is very large, and also positive because it is the product of …ve
positive numbers.
3x4 = 3 x x x x
positive positive positive positive positive

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim 3x4 = 1.

x!1

b) lim 3x4
x! 1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches negative in…nity, we should think of x
as a very large negative number. Then 3x4 is very large, and also positive because it is the product
of one positive and four negative numbers.

3x4 = 3 x x x x
positive negative negative negative negative

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim 3x4 = 1

x! 1

c) lim ( 2x5 )
x!1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity, we should think of x as a very
large positive number. Then 2x5 is very large, and also negative because it is the product of one
negative and …ve positive numbers.

2x5 = 2 x x x x x
negative positive positive positive positive positive

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim ( 2x5 ) = 1

x!1

d) lim ( 2x5 )
x! 1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches negative in…nity, we should think of x
as a very large negative number. Then 2x5 is very large, and also positive because it is the product
of six negative numbers.

2x5 = 2 x x x x x
negative negative negative negative negative negative

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim ( 2x5 ) = 1

x! 1

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 5

2 6
e) lim x
x!1 3
Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity, we should think of x as a very
2 6
large positive number. Then x is very large, and also negative because it is the product of one
3
negative and six positive numbers.
2 6 2
x = x x x x x x
3 3 positive positive positive positive positive positive
negative

2 6
So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim x = 1
x!1 3

2 6
f) lim x
x! 1 3
Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches negative in…nity, we should think of
2 6
x as a very large negative number. Then x is very large, and also negative because it is the
3
product of seven negative numbers.
2 6 2
x = x x x x x x
3 3 negative negative negative negative negative negative
negative

2 6
So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim x = 1
x! 1 3

g) lim 4x3
x!1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity, we should think of x as a very
large positive number. Then 4x3 is very large, and also positive because it is the product of four
positive numbers.
4x3 = 4 x x x
positive positive positive positive

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim 4x3 = 1

x!1

h) lim 4x3
x! 1

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches negative in…nity, we should think of x
as a very large negative number. Then 4x3 is very large, and also negative because it is the product
of one positive and three negative numbers.

4x3 = 4 x x x
positive negative negative negative

So the answer is 1. We state the answer: lim 4x3 = 1

x! 1

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 6

2. Compute each of the following limits.

1
a) lim
x!1 x

Solution: This is a very important limit. Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity,
we should think of x as a very large positive number. The reciprocal of a very large positive number
is a very small positive number. This limit is 0.

1
b) lim
x! 1 x

Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches negative in…nity, we should think of
x as a very large negative number. The reciprocal of a very large negative number is a very small
negative number. This limit is 0.

5
c) lim
x!12x3
Solution: Since the limit we are asked for is as x approaches in…nity, we should think of x as a very
large positive number. We divide 5 by a very large positive number. This limit is 0.

5 8
d) lim 7+
x! 1 2x3 x
Solution: This limit is 7 since the other two terms aproach zero as x approaches negative in…nity.
Using mathematical notation,
5 8 5 8
lim 7+ = lim + lim 7 + lim =0 7+0= 7
x! 1 2x3 x x! 1 2x3 x! 1 x! 1 x

5 12
e) lim 2x3 + 1 +
x!1 x x4
Solution: This limit is 1 since the …rst term approaches negative in…nity, the second term ap-
proaches 1 and the other two terms aproach zero as x approaches in…nity. Using mathematical
notation,

5 12 5 12
lim 2x3 + 1 + = lim 2x3 + lim 1+ lim + lim = 1+1+0+0 = 1
x!1 x x4 x!1 x!1 x!1 x x!1 x4

3x 2
f) lim
x! 1 x
Solution: This problem is similar to the previous problems after a bit of algebra. We simply divide
by x and then the limit becomes familiar.

3x 2 3x 2 2
lim = lim = lim 3 =3
x! 1 x x! 1 x x x! 1 x

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 7

5x3 2x + 4
g) lim
x!1 x2
Solution:
5x3 2x + 4 5x3 2x 4 2 4
lim = lim + 2 + 2 = lim 5x + 2
x!1 x2 x!1 x 2 x x x!1 x x
2 4
= lim ( 5x) + lim + lim = 1+0+0= 1
x!1 x!1 x x!1 x2

5x3 2x + 4
h) lim
x!1 x3
Solution:
5x3 2x + 4 5x3 2x 4 2 4
lim = lim + + = lim 5 + = 5
x!1 x3 x!1 x3 x3 x3 x!1 x2 x3

5x3 2x + 4
i) lim
x!1 x4
Solution:
5x3 2x + 4 5x3 2x 4 5 2 4
lim = lim + 4 + 4 = lim + 4 =0
x!1 x4 x!1 x 4 x x x!1 x x 3 x

3. Compute each of the following limits.

a) lim ( 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10)
x! 1

Solution: The …rst term, 2x5 approaches in…nity and the secomd term, 8x4 approaches negative
in…nity. This does not give us enough information about the entire polynomial. A limit like this is
called an indeterminate. We will bring this expression to a form that is not an indeterminate. In
this case, factoring out the …rst term does the trick.
In case of a polynomial, the limits at in…nity and negative in…nity are
completely determined by its leading term. Recall that the leading term is the highest degree
term.
lim 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10 = lim 2x5
x! 1 x! 1

Here is the computation showing why this is true. We …rst factor out the entire leading term.

4 7 5
lim 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10 = lim 2x5 1+ 2
+ 5
x! 1 x! 1 x x x
4 7 5
= lim 2x5 lim 1 + 2
+ 5
x! 1 x! 1 x x x
= lim 2x5 1 = lim 2x 5
x! 1 x! 1

We can now easily determine that this limit is 1. (See problem number 1.)

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 8

b) lim ( 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10)

x!1

Solution: In case of a polynomial, the limits at in…nity and negative in…nity are
completely determined by its leading term. Recall that the leading term is the highest degree
term.
lim 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10 = lim 2x5
x!1 x!1

Here is the computation showing why this is true. We …rst factor out the entire leading term.

47 5
lim 2x5 8x4 + 7x3 10 = lim 2x5 1+ 2
+ 5
x!1 x!1 xx x
4 7 5
= lim 2x5 lim 1 + 2
+ 5
x!1 x!1 x x x
= lim 2x5 1 = lim 2x 5
x!1 x!1

We can now easily determine that this limit is 1. (See problem number 1.)

c) lim ( 2x5 + 8x6 )

x! 1

Solution: In case of a polynomial, the limits at in…nity and negative in…nity are
completely determined by its leading term.

lim 2x5 + 8x6 = lim 8x6 = 1 because

x! 1 x! 1
1 1
lim 2x5 + 8x6 = lim 8x6 2x5 = lim 8x6 1 = lim 8x6 lim 1
x! 1 x! 1 x! 1 4x x! 1 x! 1 4x
6 6
= lim 8x 1 = lim 8x
x! 1 x! 1

We can now easily determine that this limit is 1. (See problem number 1.)

d) lim ( 2x5 + 8x6 )

x!1

Solution: In case of a polynomial, the limits at in…nity and negative in…nity are
completely determined by its leading term.

lim 2x5 + 8x6 = lim 8x6 = 1 because

x!1 x!1
1 1
lim 2x5 + 8x6 = lim 8x6 2x5 = lim 8x6 1 = lim 8x6 lim 1
x!1 x!1 x!1 4x x!1 x!1 4x
= lim 8x6 1=1
x!1

We can now easily determine that this limit is 1. (See problem number 1.)

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 9

4. Compute each of the following limits.

x + x2 6
a) lim =0
x! 1 6x + 5x2 + 2x3
Solution: The numerator approaches in…nity and the denominator approaches negative in…nity. This
does not give us enough information about the quotient. A limit like this is called an indeterminate.
We will bring this expression to a form that is not an indeterminate. Let us rearrange the polynomials
in the rational function given. Then we will factor out the leading term in the numerator and
denominator.
1 6
2 x2 1 +
x +x 6 x x2
lim = lim
x! 1 2x3 + 5x2 + 6x x! 1 6
2x3 1 + 5 +
x
We now express the limit of the product as the product of two limits
1 6 61
x2 1 + 2 1+
x x2 x x2
x
lim = lim lim
x! 1 6 x! 1 2x3 x! 1 6
2x3 1+5+ 1+5+
x x
The …rst expression can be simpli…ed and thus has a limit we can easily determine its limit. The
second expression, although looks unfriendly, is always going to approach 1.
61
2 1+
x x2
x 1
lim lim = lim 1=0 1=0
x! 1 2x3 x! 1 6 x! 1 2x
1+5+
x
The entire computation should look like this:
1 6 1
6
2 x2 1 + 2 1+
x +x 6 x x2 x x2
x
lim = lim = lim lim
x! 1 2x3 + 5x2 + 6x x! 1 6 x! 1 2x3 x! 1 6
2x3 1+5+ 1+5+
x x
1
= lim 1=0 1=0
x! 1 2x

x2 + 9 1
b) lim 2
=
x!1 5x + 2x 3 2
Solution: Both numerator and denominator approach in…nity. This does not give us enough
information about the quotient. A limit like this is called an indeterminate. We will bring this
expression to a form that is not an indeterminate. Let us rearrange the polynomials in the rational
function given. Then we will factor out the leading term in the numerator and denominator.
9 9
2 x2 1 + 1+
x +9 x2 x2 x2
lim = lim lim = lim
2
x!1 2x + 5x 3 x!1 3 5 x!1 5 x!1 2x2 3
2x2 1+ 1+
2x 2 2x 2x 2x2
9
1 1+ 2 1 1
= lim lim x = 1=
x!1 2 x!1 5 3 2 2
1+ 2
2x 2x
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011
Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 1 page 10

x3 9x + 1
c) lim = 1
x! 1 3x2 2x 15
Solution:
9 1 9 1
3 x3 1 + 1 +
x 9x + 1 x2 x3 x3 x2 x3
lim = lim = lim lim
x! 1 3x2 2x 15 x! 1 2 5 x! 1 3x2 x! 1 2 5
3x2 1 1
3x x2 3x x2
x3 x
= lim 1= lim 1= 1 1= 1
x! 1 3x2 x! 1 3

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2009 Last revised: May 21, 2011

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 2 page 1

Sample Problems
Compute each of the following limits. Show all steps, using correct notation.
0 1
22x+1 B1 1 C
1.) lim 2x 7.) lim 13.) lim x @
x!1 x!1 3x 1 x!1 5 1A
5
x
22x+1 cos x
2.) lim 2x 8.) lim 14.) lim
x! 1 x! 1 3x 1 x!1 x
1
2
x x+
3.) lim 9.) lim (3x+1 3x ) 15.) lim x
x!1 3 x!1 x!1 1
x
x
x p
2 3 x+2 2x + 2 x
4.) lim 10.) lim p 16.) lim
x! 1 3 x!1 5 x + 1 x!1 2x 2 x

2x+3 p p p p
5.) lim 11.) lim 2x 1 2x 17.) lim 3x 1 3x + 1
x!1 3x+1 x!1 x! 1
p
2x+3 x
6.) lim x+1 12.) lim p p
x! 1 3 x!1 x+1 2x

Practice Problems
Compute each of the following limits. Show all steps, using correct notation.

23x 1
22x+3 x
1.) lim 6.) lim 11.) lim p p
x!1 5x 1 x! 1 4x 1 x!1 x 1+ x+1
p
23x 1
2x+3 3x 1
x
2.) lim 7. ) lim 12.) lim p p
x! 1 5x 1 x!1 7x 2 x! 1 x+1 2x
0 1
22x+3 22x+3 3x 1
B1 1 C
3.) lim 8.) lim 13.) lim x @
x!1 5x 1 x!1 7x 2 x!1 a 1A
a
x

22x+3 p p 0:5x + 0:5 x

4.) lim 9.) lim x+1 x 14.) lim
x! 1 5x 1 x!1 x!1 0:5x 0:5 x

22x+3 1 1 sin x cos x

5.) lim 10.) lim p p 15.) lim p
x!1 4x 1 x!1 x+1 x x!1 x2 + 1

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: August 15, 2010

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 2 page 2

Sample Problems - Answers

1.) 1 2.) 0 3.) 0 4.) 1 5.) 0 6.) 1 7.) 1 8.) 0 9.) 1
3 1 p 1
10.) 11.) 0 12.) p = 1 2 13.) 14.) 0 15.) 1 16.) 1
5 1 2 25

17.) unde ned

Practice Problems - Answers

1.) 1 2.) 0 3.) 0 4.) 1 5.) 32 6.) 32 7. ) 0 8.) 1 9.) 0

1
10.) 0 11.) 1 12.) unde ned 13.) 14.) 1 15.) 0
a2

Sample Problems - Solutions

Let a > 0: Then the limit of the exponential function f (x) = ax is as follows.

Case 1. If a > 1, then lim ax = 1 and lim ax = 0

x!1 x! 1
Case 2. If 0 < a < 1, then lim ax = 0 and lim ax = 1
x!1 x! 1

y y

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

x x

a>1 0<a<1

1.) lim 2x and 2.) lim 2x

x!1 x! 1
Solution: Since 2 > 1; these limits are 1 and 0; i.e. lim 2x = 1 and lim 2x = 0.
x!1 x! 1

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: August 15, 2010

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 2 page 3

x x
2 2
3.) lim and 4.) lim
x!1 3 x! 1 3
x x
2 2 2
Solution: Since < 1; these limits are 0 and 1, i.e. lim = 0 and lim = 1.
3 x!1 3 x! 1 3
2x+3
5.) lim x+1
x!1 3
Solution: We start by re-writing the exponential expressions. The goal is to bring it into a form where
there is only one exponential expression involving x:
x
2x+3 2x 23 2x 8 8 2
x+1
= x 1
= x
=
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
x x
2x+3 8 2 8 2 2
Thus lim x+1 = lim = lim =0 since <1
x!1 3 x!1 3 3 3 x!1 3 3
2x+3
6.) lim
x! 1 3x+1
x x
2x+3 2x+3 8 2 8 2
Solution: lim x+1
= lim x+1
= lim = lim =1
x! 13 x! 1 3 x! 1 3 3 3 x! 1 3
22x+1
7.) lim x 1
x!1 3
Solution: We start by re-writing the exponential expressions. The goal is to bring it into a form where
there is only one exponential expression involving x:
x x
22x+1 22x 21 (22 ) 2 4x 6 4
= x = = = 6
3x 1 3 1 3x 3
1
3x
3 3
2x+1 x x
2 4 4 4
Thus lim x 1 = lim 6 = 6 lim =1 since >1
x!1 3 x!1 3 x!1 3 3
22x+1
8.) lim x 1
x! 1 3
x x
22x+1 4 4
Solution: lim x 1 = lim 6 = 6 lim =0
x! 1 3 x! 1 3 x! 1 3
9.) lim (3x+1 3x )
x!1
Solution: lim (3x+1 3x ) = lim (3x 3 3x ) = lim (3 3x 3x ) = lim (2 3x ) = 2 lim 3x = 1
x!1 x!1 x!1 x!1 x!1
p
3 x+2
10.) lim p
x!1 5 x + 1
p 1 p
Solution: Since lim x = 1; clearly lim p = 0: We will use this fact; we factor out x from both
x!1 x!1 x
numerator and denominator.
p 2 2
p x 3+ p 3+ p
3 x+2 x x 3
lim p = lim = lim =
x!1 5 x + 1 x!1 p 1 x!1 1 5
x 5+ p 5+ p
x x

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: August 15, 2010

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 2 page 4

p p
11.) lim 2x 1 2x
x!1
Solution: We will transform this expression by multiplying it by 1, written as a fraction with numerator
and denominator both being the conjugate of the expression.
p p p p
p p 2x 1 2x 2x 1 + 2x
lim 2x 1 2x = lim p p
x!1 x!1 1 2x 1 + 2x
(2x 1) (2x) 1
= lim p p = lim p p =0
x!1 2x 1 + 2x x!1 2x 1 + 2x

p
x
12.) lim p p
x!1 x+1 2x p
Solution: We factor out x from both numerator and denominator.
p p
x x 1
lim p p = lim p = lim r
x!1 x+1 2x x!1 p x+1 p x!1 x+1 p
x p 2 2
x x
p p
1 1 1 1+ 2 1+ 2
= lim r = p = p p =
x!1 1 p 1 2 1 2 1+ 2 1
1+ 2
x
p
= 1 2

0 1
B1 C 1
13.) lim x @
x!1 5 1A
5
x
Solution: We just need to simplify the complex fraction. As it turns out, this problem boils down to a
type we have already seen.
0 1 0 1
B1 1 C B1 1 C 1 x (5x 1) 5x
x@ = x@ A=x =x
5 1A 5 5x 1 5 5x 1 5 (5x 1)
5
x x
5x 1 5x 1 x
= x =x =
5 (5x 1) 25x 5 25x 5

Thus 0 1
B1 1 C x x ( 1) 1
lim x @ = lim = lim =
x!1 5 1A x!1 25x 5 x!1 5 25
5 x 25
x x

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: August 15, 2010

Lecture Notes Limits at In…nity - Part 2 page 5

cos x
14.) lim
x!1 x
1
Solution: This problem can be solved by the sandwich principle. Consider the limits lim and
x!1 x
1
lim . These limits are both zero. Furthermore, since
x!1 x

1 cos x 1 for all x, we also have

1 cos x 1
for all positive x
x x x
cos x 1 1
Our function f (x) = is ’locked’between g (x) = and h (x) = : Since these both approach
x x x
cos x cos x
zero, so must the function f (x) = : Thus lim = 0.
x x!1 x
1
x+
15.) lim x
x!1 1
x
x
1
Solution: We will factor out x from both numerator and denominator, and use the fact that lim k = 0
x!1 x
for all positive integers k..

1 1 1
x+ x 1+ 1+
x = lim x2 x2 = 1
lim = lim
x!1 1 x!1 1 x!1 1
x x 1 1
x x2 x2

2x + 2 x
16.) lim
x!1 2x 2 x
Solution: First, lim 2x = 1 (and so 2x is large) and lim 2 x = 0 (and so 2 x is small). With that in
x!1 x!1
1
x+
mind, this limit is similar to lim x . The solution also will be similar. We will factor out 2x from
x!1 1
x
x
both numerator and denominator.

1 1 1
2x + 2x 1 + 1+
x
2 +2 x
2x = lim (2x )2 22x = 1
lim x = lim = lim
x!1 2 2 x x!1 1 x!1 1 x!1 1
2x x 2x 1 1
2 (2x )2 22x

p p
17.) lim 3x 1 3x + 1
x! 1
Solution: When x ! 1; then we may assume it is negative. Then the expressions under the square
root are negative and the function is not de…ned. Thus, there is no limit at negative in…nity. The
answer is: unde ned.

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: August 15, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 1

Sample Problems
Compute each of the following limits.
1 p
1.) lim (3x2 5x + 2) 7.) lim + 13.) lim 2 x 1
x!2 x! 3 x2 9 x!1
p
x+4 3 1 x+2
2.) lim 8.) lim 14.) lim
x!5 x 5 x! 3 x2 9 x!0 x3 5x2
1 1
x2 4x 5 x
3.) lim x 6 9.) lim 15.) lim
x!6 x 6 x!5 x2 25 x!0 5x3 x4
x2 4x 5
4.) lim (2x jx 7j) 10.) lim+
x!7 x!5 x2 25
1 x2 4x 5
5.) lim 11.) lim
x!2 x2 9 x!5 x2 25
1 x2 4x 5
6.) lim 12.) lim
x! 3 x2 9 x! 5 x2 25

Practice Problems
1 x2 + 3x 1
1.) lim p 8.) lim 15.) lim+ p
x!8 x+1 3 x! 3 9 x2 x!15 x 15
1 x2 + 3x 1
2.) lim+ p 9.) lim + 16.) lim p
x!8 x+1 3 x! 3 9 x2 x!15 x 15
1 x2 + 3x
3.) lim p 10.) lim +
x!8 x+1 3 x! 3 9 x2
1 1
x2 + 3x
4.) lim+ 11.) lim+ x2 4
x!2 9 x2 x!4 x 16
p
x2 + 3x x 2
5.) lim 12.) lim
x!3 9 x2 x!4 x 4
p
x2 + 3x x+1 2
6.) lim+ 13.) lim+
x!3 9 x2 x!3 3 x
p
x2 + 3x x+1 2
7.) lim 14.) lim
x!3 9 x2 x!3 3 x

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 2

Sample Problems - Answers

Compute each of the following limits.
1 1 1
1.) 4 2.) 3.) 4.) 14 5.) 6.) 1 7.) 1 8.) unde ned
6 36 5
3 3 3
9.) 10.) 11.) 12.) unde ned 13.) unde ned 14.) 1 15.) 1
5 5 5

Practice Problems - Answers

1
1.) 1 2.) 1 3.) unde ned 4.) 2 5.) 1 6.) 1 7.) unde ned 8.)
2
1 1 1 1 1 1
9.) 10.) 11.) 12.) 13.) 14.) 15.) 1 16.) unde ned
2 2 128 4 4 4

Sample Problems - Solutions

1.) lim (3x2 5x + 2)

x!2

Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 2 into the expression.

3 22 5 2 + 2 = 12 10 + 2 = 4

Since the result is a well-de…ned number, we have a two-sided limit:

lim 3x2 5x + 2 = 4 is the left-hand side limit, and

x!2
lim 3x2 5x + 2 = 4 is the right-hand side limit, and thus
x!2+
lim 3x2 5x + 2 = 4 is the two-sided limit.
x!2

p
x+4 3
2.) lim
x!5 x 5
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 5 into the expression.
p
5+4 3 3 3 0
= = unde…ned
5 5 0 0

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 3

This is not the end of the problem. Our result does not indicate that the limit doesn’t exist. This
expression is an indeterminate. In case of an indeterminate, we have to manipulate the expression
until it is in a form so that we can evaluate the limit. The methods of manipulation depends on the given
problem. In this case, p we will use the conjugate of the numerator. We will multiply both numerator
and denominator by x + 4 + 3.
p p p p p
x+4 3 x+4 3 x+4+3 x+4 3 x+4+3
lim = lim p = lim p
x!5 x 5 x!5 x 5 x + 4 + 3 x!5 (x 5) x + 4 + 3
p 2
x+4 32 x+4 9 x 5
= lim p = lim p = lim p
x!5 (x 5) x + 4 + 3 x!5 (x 5) x + 4 + 3 x!5 (x 5) x + 4 + 3
1
= lim p
x!5 x+4+3
Although we did not change the value of this expression (after all we only multiplied it by 1), this is no
longer an indeterminate. We substitute x = 5 into this new expression:
1 1 1 1
p =p = =
5+4+3 9+3 3+3 6
Since the result is a well-de…ned number, we have a two-sided limit:
1 1 1 1 1 1
lim p = p = p = is the left-hand side limit, lim+ p = is the
x!5 x+4+3 5+4+3 9+3 6 x!5 x +p4 + 3 6
1 1 x+4 3 1
right-hand side limit, and thus lim p = is the two-sided limit. Thus lim = .
x!5 x+4+3 6 x!5 x 5 6
1 1
3.) lim x 6
x!6 x 6
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 6 into the expression.
1 1
6 6 = 0 = unde…ned
6 6 0
This expression is an indeterminate. We only simplify this complex fraction.
1 1 6 x 6 x
lim x 6 = lim 6x 6x = lim 6x = lim 6 x 1
= lim
(x 6) 1
= lim
1
x!6 x 6 x!6 x 6 x!6 x 6 x!6 6x x 6 x!6 6x x 6 x!6 6x
We substitute x = 6 into this new expression:
1 1 1
lim = =
x!6 6x 6 6 36
Thus we have a two-sided limit:
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
lim x 6 = , lim x 6 = , and so lim x 6 =
x!6 x 6 36 x!6+ x 6 36 x!6 x 6 36

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 4

4.) lim (2x jx 7j)

x!7

Solution: Recall the de…nition of f (x) = jxj …rst.

x if x 0
jxj =
x if x < 0
We will compute the left limit, lim (2x jx 7j) …rst. As x approaches 7 from the left, x is less than
x!7
7. Thus x 7 is negative and so jx 7j = (x 7).

lim (2x jx 7j) = lim (2x [ (x 7)]) = lim (2x + x 7) = lim (3x 7) = 3 7 7 = 14
x!7 x!7 x!7 x!7

We will now compute the right limit, lim+ (2x jx 7j). As x approaches 7 from the right, x is greater
x!7

than 7. Thus x 7 is positive and so jx 7j = x 7.

lim (2x jx 7j) = lim+ (2x (x 7)) = lim+ (2x x + 7) = lim+ (x + 7) = 7 + 7 = 14

x!7+ x!7 x!7 x!7

Because the left-hand side limit equals to the right-hand side limit, there is a two-sided limit and it is 14.
lim (2x jx 7j) = lim+ (2x jx 7j) = 14 =) lim (2x jx 7j) = 14
x!7 x!7 x!7

1
5.) lim
x!2 x2 9
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 2 into the expression.
1 1 1 1
2
= = =
2 9 4 9 5 5
1 1
Thus lim 2 = . (although the problem did not ask us to …nd them, our computation shows
x!2 x 9 5
1 1
that the right-hand side limit is also , and thus the two-sided limit also exists and is .)
5 5
1
6.) lim 2
x! 3 x 9
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 3 into the expression.
1 1 1
2
= = unde…ned
3 9 9 9 0
This is not a case of an indeterminate. If we divide 1 by a very small number, the result is a very large
number. Thus, the answer is either 1 or 1: The ambiguity results from the fact that if a number
is very close to zero, it may be a small negative or a small positive number. We just have to …nd out
which one it is. x ! 3 means that x is very close to 3; and that x is less than 3.
x2 9 = (x + 3) (x 3)
x< 3 add 3 x< 3 subtract 3
x+3<0 x 3< 6
the factor x + 3 is negative the factor x 3 is negative (since less than 6)
2
As x approaches 3 from the left, x 9 = (x + 3) (x 3) is positive since both factors are negative.
Thus the limit is 1:

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 5

1
7.) lim +
x! 3 x2 9
1
Solution: When we substitute x = 3 into the expression (see previous problem) we get : This means
0
that the answer is either 1 or 1; and we only have to …gure out which one. Keep in mind that
x ! 3+ means that x is very close to 3; and that x is greater than 3.

x2 9 = (x + 3) (x 3)

x> 3 add 3 x> 3 subtract 3

x+3>0 x 3> 6
the factor x + 3 is positive the factor x 3 is negative. Although
x 3 is greater than 6; but is also close
to 6 and so must be negative.
2
As x approaches 3 from the right, x 9 = (x + 3) (x 3) is negative since one factor is positive and
the other is negative. Thus the limit is 1:
1
8.) lim
x! 3 x2 9
Solution: We have worked out the one-sided limits in the previous problems. Our results were
1 1
lim = 1 and lim + = 1
x! 3 x2 9 x! 3 x2 9
1
Since these limits are not equal, the two-sided limit does not exist. lim = unde ned
x! 3 x2 9
x2 4x 5
9.) lim
x!5 x2 25
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 5 into the expression.

52 4 5 5 25 20 5 0
= = unde…ned
52 25 25 25 0
0
This expression is an indeterminate. In case of a indeterminate in a rational function, we must
0
factor both numerator and denominator and cancel common factors. If a polynomial takes a zero at
x = 5; it is then divisible by x 5. Thus both numerator and denominator are divisible by x 5: Once
we cancelled all common factors, the expression will no longer be an indeterminate.

x2 4x 5 (x 5) (x + 1) x+1
lim 2
= lim = lim
x!5 x 25 x!5 (x 5) (x + 5) x!5 x + 5

We can now substitute x = 5 into this new expression

5+1 6 3
= =
5+5 10 5

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 6

x2 4x 5
10.) lim+
x!5 x2 25
Solution: We actually have the answer to this question. In the previous problem, the expression was
…rst an indetermiate. After cancellation, we were able to substitute x = 5 and that indicates a two-sided
x2 4x 5 3
limit. Thus lim+ 2
= .
x!5 x 25 5
x2 4x 5
11.) lim
x!5 x2 25
Solution: Since the left-hand side limit and right-hand side limit (worked out in the previous problems)
both exist and they are equal, we have a two-sided limit

x2 4x 5 3 x2 4x 5 3 x2 4x 5 3
lim 2
= and lim+ 2
= =) lim 2
=
x!5 x 25 5 x!5 x 25 5 x!5 x 25 5

x2 4x 5
12.) lim
x! 5 x2 25
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 5 into the expression.

( 5)2 4 ( 5) 5 25 + 20 5 40
= = unde…ned
( 5)2 25 25 25 0

This is not a case of an indeterminate. If we divide 1 by a very small number, the result is a very large
number. Thus, the answer is either 1 or 1 on either sides of 5. We have to compute the left-hand
and right-hand limits separately. Let us …rst simplify this expression:

x2 4x 5 (x 5) (x + 1) x+1
lim = lim = lim
x! 5 x2 25 x! 5 (x 5) (x + 5) x! 5 x + 5

Let us now compute the left-hand side limit. x ! 5 means that x is very close to 5; and that x is
less than 5.
x< 5 add 5 x< 5 add 1
x+5<0 x+1< 4
the factor x + 5 is negative the factor x + 1 is negative
x+1
As x approaches 5 from the left, is positive since both numerator denominator are negative.
x+5
x2 4x 5
Thus the left-hand side limit is 1; i.e. lim = 1.
x! 5 x2 25
Now for the right-hand limit: x ! 5+ means that x is very close to 5; and that x is greater than
5.
x> 5 add 5 x> 5 add 1
x+5>0 x+1> 4
the factor x + 5 is positive the factor x + 1 is negative. Although
x + 1 is greater than 4; but is also close
to 4 and so must be negative.

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 7

x+1
As x approaches 5 from the right, is negative since the numerator is negative and the denominator
x+5
x2 4x 5
is positive. Thus the right-hand side limit is 1; i.e. lim + = 1. Because of the two
x! 5 x2 25
x2 4x 5
one-sided limits are not equal, the two-sided limit does not exist. lim = unde ned.
x! 5 x2 25
p
13.) lim 2 x 1
x!1

Solution: When we substitutepx = 1; the result is zero. However, we do not have a two-sided limit. As
x approaches 1 from the left, x 1 is unde…ned since x 1 is negative. Thus
p p
lim 2 x 1 = unde ned and lim+ 2 x 1 = 0
x!1 x!1
p
thus lim 2 x 1 = unde ned :
x!1

x+2
14.) lim
x!0 x3 5x2
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 0 into the expression.
0+2 2
= unde…ned
03 5 0 0
The one-sided limits are 1 or 1: Let us bring the expression …rst in a more convenient form, where
both numerator and denominator are factored. Also, if there is cancellation, that makes the problem
easier.
x+2 x+2
lim 3 = lim
x!0 x 5x2 x!0 x2 (x 5)
We compute …rst the left-hand side limit. As x approaches 0 from the left, it is very close to zero,
and it is also less than zero. Then x + 2 is positive, x 5 is negative, and x2 is positive. Thus
x+2
lim 2 = 1: As x approaches 0 from the right, it is very close to zero, and it is also greater
x!0 x (x 5)
x+2
than zero. Then x + 2 is positive, x 5 is negative, and x2 is positive. Thus lim+ 2 = 1.
x!0 x (x 5)
x+2
Thus the two-sided limit exists and lim 2 = 1
x!0 x (x 5)
x
15.) lim
x!0 5x3 x4
Solution: Let us …rst substitute x = 0 into the expression.
0 0
= unde…ned
5 03 04 0
0
This expression is an indeterminate. In case of a indeterminate in a rational function, we must
0
factor both numerator and denominator and cancel common factors. Both numerator and denominator

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010

Lecture Notes Two-sided Limits page 8

are clearly divisible by x: Once we cancelled all common factors, the expression will no longer be an
indeterminate.
x x x 1
lim = lim = lim = lim 2
x!0 5x3 x4 x!0 x4 + 5x3 x!0 x3 (x + 5) x!0 x (5x 1)

We substitute x = 0 into this new expression:

1 1
= unde…ned
02 (5 0 1) 0

This is no longer an indeterminate, the one-sided limits are 1 or 1: We separately compute these
limits. First, the left-hand side limit: If x is less than zero and close to zero, then 1 is negative, x2
1 x
is positive, and 5x 1 is negative. Thus 2 is positive, and so lim 3
= 1: For the
x (5x 1) x!0 5x x4
right-hand side limit: If x is greater than zero and close to zero, then 1 is negative, x2 is positive, and
1 x
5x 1 is negative. Thus 2 is positive, and so lim+ 3 = 1: Then the two-sided limit
x (5x 1) x!0 5x x4
is also 1.

c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2010 Last revised: December 29, 2010