Module 2

Calculus 1
Limits and Continuity

Prepared by

Nick Wais Sibaen

Mathematics-Physics-Statistics Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Benguet State University

Contact Information of the Subject Teacher

E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: Nick Wais Sibaen Mobile: 0910 296 8446 (SMART)
 Calculus 1
Limits and Continuity
Nick Wais Sibaen

Instructions

✓ This module presents the following topics:

➢ An Intuitive Approach to Limits
➢ Formal Definition of a Limit
➢ Properties of Limits
➢ Strategies of Computing Limits
➢ Limits of Algebraic Functions at Infinity
➢ Limits of Transcendental Functions at Infinity
➢ Special Limits
➢ Continuity

✓ This module also includes Summative Test 2. Answers to this test is due on February 19, 2021.
The submission of answers will be through a google form. This means that summative test 2 will
be converted to a google form, from which you will indicate/provide answer 2. The link for this
google form will be posted on February 19, 2021.

✓ Google Meets will be scheduled to support this module. The google meets will primarily discuss
parts of the module that the students find difficult or confusing. These meets will allow students
to ask their questions in preparation to answering the summative test. Also, we will show the
solution for the Practice Exercises included in the module. The schedule of the meets will be
posted in our Facebook Messenger Group Chat.
 Chapter 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

2.1. Limits

An Intuitive Approach to Limits

Before we formally define a limit, we first look at them intuitively. This intuitive approach to
learning limits will help us appreciate and fully understand the mathematical definition which will be
presented later in this chapter.

Example 2.1.1

Let us consider the following function and focus at what happens to it if we set the value of 𝑥 = 1.

x −1
f ( x) =
x2 −1
The value of the function at 𝑥 = 1 is

1−1 2−0 0
𝑓(1) = 1 == =
1 −1 1−1 0
which is in indeterminate form. What we do now is observe the values of the function not exactly at 𝑥 = 1
but at 𝑥 values that are very near 1. For example, at the left side of 1 (we are imagining from the number
line), the numbers that we may consider near it are 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, 0.999 and the numbers that are close to
it from the right side of 1 are 1.1, 1.05, 1.01, 1.001. To help you visualize, consider the figure below.

| | | | | | | | |
0.99 0.999 1.001 1.01
0.9 0.95
1 1.05 1.1

Let us now evaluate the function at these numbers.

f ( 0.9 ) =
( 0.9 ) − 1 = −0.1  0.5263
( 0.9 ) − 1 −0.19
2

f (1.1) =
(1.1) − 1 = 0.1  0.4762
(1.1) − 1 0.21
2

f ( 0.95 ) =
( 0.95 ) − 1 = −0.05  0.5128
( 0.95 ) − 1 −0.0975
2

f (1.05 ) =
(1.05 ) − 1 = 0.05  0.4878
(1.05) − 1 0.1025
2

f ( 0.99 ) =
( 0.99 ) − 1 = −0.01  0.5025
( 0.99 ) − 1 −0.0199
2

f (1.01) =
(1.01) − 1 = 0.01  0.4975
(1.01) − 1 0.0201
2

f ( 0.999 ) =
( 0.999 ) − 1 = −0.001  0.5003
( 0.999 ) − 1 −0.001999
2

f (1.001) =
(1.001) − 1 = 0.001  0.4998
(1.001) − 1 0.002001
2

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 Summarizing these results in a table, we have
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
𝑥 is approaching 0.9 0.5263
1 from the left 𝑓(𝑥) is approaching
0.95 0.5128 1/2 from the left

0.99 0.5025
0.999 0.5003
1 indeterminate 1/2 Limit of 𝑓(𝑥) as x approaches 1
from the left and right
1.001 0.4998
𝑥 is approaching
1.01 0.4975 𝑓(𝑥) is approaching
1 from the right 1.05 0.4878 1/2 from the right

1.1 0.4762

As shown above, the function is indeterminate if we evaluate it at exactly 𝑥 = 1. However, when we

choose x values not equal to 1, but very close to it, the y-values of the function exist. If fact, when we choose
numbers from the left of 1, as the 𝑥 −values come closer to 1, the y-values or 𝑓(𝑥) also seem to be getting
closer and closer to a particular number which is ½. The observation is the same when we take numbers
that are still close to 1, but from the right side of it.

The number that 𝑓(𝑥) approaches (becomes closer and closer to) when we take x-values close to 1
from both sides of it is called “the limit of 𝒇(𝒙) as 𝒙 approaches 1”. Again, although the function is
indeterminate at 𝑥 = 1, the function is rather existing when we choose 𝑥 values around 1. Mathematically,
we write
1
lim f ( x) = .
x →1 2

Let us look at the graph of 𝑓(𝑥).

The “hole” on the graph indicates that the function is undefined at 𝑥 = 1 yet we see that when we
choose x-values close to 1 from both sides, the function approaches a particular value called the limit of the
function as x approaches 1.

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Example 2.1.2

Let us consider another function.

x
g ( x) =
x−2
2 2
At 𝑥 = 2, 𝑔(2) = = is undefined. Now, let us identify whether 𝑔(𝑥) approaches a certain
2−2 0
limit as 𝑥 approaches 2. To do this, let us choose 𝑥 values that are sufficiently close to 2 from both sides.
Let us evaluate the function in these 𝑥 values.

g (1.7 ) =
(1.7 ) = 1.7  −5.67 g ( 2.3) =
( 2.3) = 2.3  7.67
(1.7 ) − 2 −0.3 ( 2.3) − 2 0.3
g (1.8 ) =
(1.8) = 1.8 = −9 g ( 2.2 ) =
( 2.2 ) = 2.2  11
(1.8 ) − 2 −0.2 ( 2.2 ) − 2 0.2
g (1.9 ) =
(1.9 ) = 1.9 = −19 g ( 2.1) =
( 2.1) = 2.1  21
(1.9 ) − 2 −0.1 ( 2.1) − 2 0.1
g (1.99 ) =
(1.99 ) = 1.99 = −199 g ( 2.01) =
( 2.01) = 2.01  201
(1.99 ) − 2 −0.01 ( 2.01) − 2 0.01
g (1.999 ) =
(1.999 ) = 1.999 = −1999 g ( 2.001) =
( 2.001) = 2.001  2001
(1.999 ) − 2 −0.001 ( 2.001) − 2 0.001
Summarizing these results in a table, we have
𝒙 𝒈(𝒙)
1.7 -5.67
𝑥 is approaching 1.8 𝑔(𝑥) is approaching
-9 infinity from the left
2 from the left
1.9 -19
1.99 -199
1.999 -1999 −∞
2 undefined The Limit of 𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 2
+∞ from the left and right DOES NOT
2.001 2001 EXIST.
2.01 201 𝑔(𝑥) is approaching
𝑥 is approaching infinity from the right
2 from the right 2.1 21
2.2 11
2.3 7.67

From our evaluation of the function 𝑔(𝑥) with 𝑥 values at the left of 2, we observe that the
corresponding y-values are decreasing as 𝑥 gets closer to 2. If we choose a number closer to 2 than 1.999,
we would have a y-value that is less than -1 999. With this behavior of 𝑔(𝑥), we say that the limit of 𝑔(𝑥) as
𝑥 approaches 2 from the left is negative infinity. We have the same observation with what happens to 𝑔(𝑥)
when we choose 𝑥 values close to 2 but from the right of 2. As 𝑥 becomes closer and closer to 2, 𝑔(𝑥) is
consistently increasing. We say that the limit of 𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 2 from the right is positive infinity.
Infinities are not really numbers, but more of a description of something that is indefinitely increasing or
decreasing. That is why, when this happens during limit evaluation, we say that the limit does not exist
(DNE). Mathematically written, we have

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 x
lim DNE .
x →2 x−2

Notice that in this statement, we did not put an equal sign between DNE and the limit expression.
Let us also consider the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) to support this result.

At 𝑥 = 2, there is no graph for the function 𝑔(𝑥). In fact, 𝑥 = 2 is an asymptote. If we look at the
graph just from the right of 𝑥 = 2, it is extending indefinitely to the positive y-axis. Also, if we look at the
graph to the left of 2, it is extending indefinitely down to the negative y-axis.

Example 2.1.3

Here is another function with a different case.

Given h( x) = x + 2 x , evaluate lim x + 2 x .
2 2

x3 + x 2 x →0
x3 + x 2
Since 𝑥 is approaching 0, let us choose numbers that are close to 0 from the left and right side.

Left of 0: -0.1, -0.01, -0.001

Right of 0: 0.1, 0.01, 0.001

The values of ℎ(𝑥) at these x-values are as follows:

( −0.1) + 2 ( −0.1) ( 0.1) + 2 ( 0.1)

2 2

h(−0.1) =  −2.002776 h(0.1) =  2.002271

( −0.1) + ( −0.1) ( 0.1) + ( 0.1)
3 2 3 2

( −0.01) + 2 ( −0.01) ( 0.01) + 2 ( 0.01)

2 2

h(−0.01) =  −2.000025 h(0.01) =  −2.000025

( −0.01) + ( −0.01) ( 0.01) + ( 0.01)
3 2 3 2

( −0.001) + 2 ( −0.001) ( 0.001) + 2 ( 0.001)

2 2

h(−0.001) =  −2.0000003 h(0.001) =  2.0000003

( −0.001) + ( −0.001) ( 0.001) + ( 0.001)
3 2 3 2

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 Summarizing these results in a table, we have
𝒙 𝒉(𝒙)
𝑔(𝑥) is approaching
𝑥 is -0.1 -2.002776 infinity from the left
approaching -0.01 -2.000025
0 from the left
-0.001 -2.0000003 The Limit of ℎ(𝑥) DOES NOT
0 indeterminate -2 EXIST since limits from each
2 side are not equal
𝑥 is 0.001 2.0000003
approaching 0.01 2.000025 𝑔(𝑥) is approaching
0 from the right
0.1 infinity from the right
2.002271

For this particular function, the limit from each sides of 𝑥 = 0 exists. For example, if we choose x-
values close to 0 from the left, ℎ(𝑥) approaches -2. In like manner, if we choose numbers close to 0 from
the right, the function approaches 2. However, to say that the limit of ℎ(𝑥) in general exists, the limits from
both sides must exist at the same time, are EQUAL. That is why we still say that lim ℎ(𝑥) DNE.
𝑥→0

When we specify that 2 and -2 are limits from a specific side, such limits are called one-sided limits.
While the general limit of ℎ(𝑥) does not exist as 𝑥 approaches 2, the one-sided limits do exist. We write

x2 + 2x x2 + 2 x
lim− = −2 and lim+ =2
x →0
x3 + x 2 x →0
x3 + x 2

For one-sided limits, we write “-” and “+” as a superscript

of the constant that 𝑥 approaches to indicate that it is a left-
handed and right-handed limit respectively. Let us have the graph
of ℎ(𝑥) and verify the results we had. From the right of 0, the
graph is indeed approaching 2 while from the left of 0, the graph
is approaching -2.

For the three functions we used above, we evaluated their

limits at x-values where the function is either undefined or
indeterminate but what if the function does have a value at a
point where the limit is evaluated? The idea of limit discussed
above still holds. We illustrate this with the following example.

Example 2.1.4

Given 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1, evaluate lim 𝑝(𝑥)

𝑥→5
We start by choosing x-values close to 5 from both sides.

x-values at the left of 5: 4.9, 4.99, 4.999

x-values at the right of 5: 5.1, 5.01, 5.001

Then the values of 𝑝(𝑥) at these x-values are as follows.

p ( 4.9 ) = ( 4.9 ) − 3 ( 4.9 ) + 1 = 10.31 p ( 5.1) = ( 5.1) − 3 ( 5.1) + 1 = 11.71
2 2

p ( 4.99 ) = ( 4.99 ) − 3 ( 4.99 ) + 1 = 10.9301 p ( 5.01) = ( 5.01) − 3 ( 5.01) + 1 = 11.0701

2 2

p ( 4.999 ) = ( 4.999 ) − 3 ( 4.999 ) + 1 = 10.993001 p ( 5.001) = ( 5.001) − 3 ( 5.001) + 1 = 11.007001

2 2

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 Summarizing these results in a table, we have
𝒙 𝒑(𝒙) 𝑝(𝑥) is approaching
𝑥 is 4.9 10.31 11 from the left
approaching
5 from the left 4.99 10.9301
4.999 10.993001 11
The Limit of 𝑝(𝑥) is 11
5 11
11
𝑥 is 5.001 11.007001
approaching
5 from the right
5.01 11.0701 𝑝(𝑥) is approaching
11 from the right
5.1 11.71

For this particular example, the limit is the same as the value of the function at the x-value we are
evaluating from (𝑥 = 5). Sometimes, this happens. In fact, for any polynomial, the limit as 𝑥 approaches “a”
is just the value of the polynomial at “a”.

Example 2.1.5

Next, we consider a piecewise function whose graph is given below.

Evaluate the following.

lim q( x) lim+ q( x) lim q( x) lim q( x)
x →−3 x →−3 x →−2 x →−1

lim q( x) lim q( x) lim q( x) lim q( x) lim q( x)

x →0 x →1 x →1− x →1+ x →2

Answer Reason
1. lim q( x) DNE Since the first question is a general limit, limits from both sides must
x →−3
exist and are equal. From the right, the graph is approaching “-1”. This
is the reason why our answer in item 2 is -1, because we are evaluating a
2. lim q( x) = −1 one-sided limit. However, if we look at the left of 𝑥 = −3, the function
x →−3+
has no value since we cannot see any graph. If the function has no value
for all x-values at the left of -3, the limit could not exist as well.
3. lim q( x) = 0 Since there is no break whatsoever at 𝑥 = −2, the limit is the y-value
x →−2 corresponding to it.

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 4. lim q( x) = 1 Since there is no break whatsoever at 𝑥 = −1, the limit is the y-value
x →−1 corresponding to it.
5. lim q( x) = 0 Since there is no break whatsoever at 𝑥 = 0, the limit is the y-value
x →0 corresponding to it.
6. lim q( x) DNE This is another example of “the limit of both sides exists but are not
x →1
equal” situation. For item 6, the break at 𝑥 = 1 would quickly tell us
7. lim q( x) = 1 that the limit does not exist. Diving in deeper, we see that from the left,
x →1−
as we get nearer to 𝑥 = 1, 𝑝(𝑥) gets nearer to 𝑦 = 1. Similarly, from
8. lim q( x) = 2
x →1+ the right, as we get closer to 𝑥 = 1, 𝑝(𝑥) approaches 2.
9. lim q( x) = 2 Although 𝑝(𝑥) is not defined at 𝑥 = 2, the limit still exists. From both
x →2 sides, if we choose x-values near 2, the y-values also approach 2.

Formal Definition of a Limit

For your information, the limit definition we provided earlier is not the formal definition. We
presented it that way to facilitate understanding for students. The precise mathematical definition of a limit
is provided below.

Definition of a Limit

Let be a function defined on an interval that contains , except possibly at ,

Then we say that

If for every number there is some number such that

whenever

Let us interpret the definition above with an illustration. We start by picking any number  that is
greater than zero and then add and subtract it to L. The two horizontal lines (blue lines) correspond with
this numbers ( L +  and L −  ). Then there exist another number  greater than zero which we need to
be determined that would allow us draw two horizontal lines at a −  and a +  .

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 Let us identify a number x between a −  and a +  . Then its distance from a will be less than
the distance of either a −  or a +  from a . This is what the statement x − a   mean.

For the particular number x that we have identified, the corresponding y-value or f ( x) will be
closer to L than either L +  and L −  . This is what the statement f ( x) − L   mean.

Properties of Limits

The following properties are information about the behavior of limits that hold true for any
function/s. These are statements that were mathematically proven. In this course however, we will simply
present them without the proof.

1. lim c = c for any constant c

x→a
If the function we are evaluating from is just a constant function, then the limit as x approaches
a is the same constant.
For instance, lim 5 = 5 ; lim 12 = 12 ; lim  =  .
x→ 2 x →b x →−3
2. lim cf ( x) = c lim f ( x)
x →a x →a
If the function has a constant multiplied to it, the constant can be factored out.
For instance, lim 3 ( x − x ) = 3lim ( x − x ) .
2 2
x→2 x→2

3. lim  f ( x)  g ( x)  = lim f ( x)  lim g ( x)

x →a x →a x →a

This property can be used to break the limit of a sum or difference of two functions into
several smaller limits.
For instance, lim ( x − x ) = lim x − lim x .
2 2
x→2 x→2 x→2

This property can be extended to sum or difference of three or more functions.

4. lim  f ( x)  g ( x)  = lim f ( x)  lim g ( x)
x →a x →a x →a

The limit of a product of two functions is the same as the product of the limits of each factor.
For instance, limx→2
(
( x 2 − x ) x3 + x = lim )
x→2
(
( x 2 − x ) lim
x→2
)
x3 + x  .


5. lim  f ( x)  = x →a
lim f ( x )
where g ( x)  0
x→a
 g ( x )  x→a
lim g ( x )
The limit of a quotient is equal to the quotient of the limits of the two functions being divided.
x2 − x lim ( x 2 − x )
= x→2 .
( )
For instance, limx→2
x + x lim x + x
3 3
x→2
n
lim  f ( x )  =  lim f ( x ) 
n
6. where n is any real number
x →a  x →a 
The limit of a power is equal to the power of a limit.
9

For instance, lim ( x − 2 )9  = lim ( x − 2 )  .

x →2    x →2 
7. lim x = a
x →a

If limit of the single-term polynomial as x approaches a is “a”.

For instance, lim x = 2 ; lim y = −4
x →2 y →−4

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 8. lim x n = a n where n is any real number
x →a

This is a combination of property 6 and 7.

For instance, lim x3 = 23 = 8
x →2

Example 2.1.6

Use a combination of the properties of limits to evaluate the following: lim ( 3 x 2 − 4 x + 1) .

x→2

Solution
(
lim 3 x 2 − 4 x + 1
x→2
)
x→2
(
)
= lim 3 x 2 − lim ( 4 x ) + lim1
x→2 x→2
applying property 3

= 3 lim ( x ) − 4 lim x + lim 1

2
applying property 2
x→2 x→2 x→2

x→2
( )
* lim x 2 = 2 2 = 4 applying property 8

* lim x = 2 applying property 7

x →2

* lim1 = 1 applying property 1

x→ 2
= 3 4 − 4  2 +1 consolidating
= 12 − 8 + 1 simplifying
=5 simplifying

Example 2.1.7
Use a combination of the properties of limits to evaluate the following: lim
x →4
( x ) ( 5x 3
)
−8 .
Solution
( ) ( 5 x − 8)
lim x
x →4
3

= lim ( x )  lim ( 5 x − 8 ) 3
applying property 4
x →4 x →4

= lim ( x )   lim ( 5 x ) − lim 8 3

applying property 3
x →4  x →−1  x →−1

( )
= lim x 2  5 lim x3 − lim8 ( )
1 1
x is the same as x2 applying property 2
x →4  x →4 x →4 

*
x →4
( )
lim x 2 = 4 2 = 4 = 2
1 1
applying property 8

x→4
( )
* lim x 3 = 43 = 64 applying property 8

* lim8 = 8 applying property 1

x→ 4

= 2  5  64 − 8 consolidating

= 2  320 − 8 = 2(312) = 624 simplifying

Example 2.1.8
Use a combination of the properties of limits to evaluate the following: lim x + 5 .
x →−3 x − 7

Solution
x+5
lim
x →−3 x − 7

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 lim ( x + 5 )
= x →−3 applying property 5
lim ( x − 7 )
x →−3

lim x + lim 5
= x →−3 x →−3 applying property 3
lim x − lim 7
x →−3 x →−3

* lim x = −3 applying property 7

x →−3

* lim 5 = 5 applying property 1

x→−3

* lim 7 = 7 applying property 1

x→−3
−3 + 5
= consolidating
−3 − 7
−3 + 5 2 1
= = =− simplifying
−3 − 7 −10 5

Strategies in Computing Limits

1. Use the properties of limits whenever applicable.

2. For polynomial functions, the limit as 𝑥 approaches “a” is the value of the function at “a”. This
means that we simply need to substitute “a” to the function.
For example, given f ( x) = 4 x 4 − 5x3 + 3x 2 − x + 9

lim f ( x) = f (2)
x →2

Since
f (2) = 4 ( 2 ) − 5 ( 2 ) + 3 ( 2 ) − ( 2 ) + 9
4 3 2

= ( 4 16 ) − ( 5  8 ) + ( 3  4 ) − 2 + 9
= 43
it follows that
lim f ( x) = 43 .
x →2

Take note that using “direct substitution” to evaluate a limit is applicable for some functions only.
Also, when the answer that we get after substitution is undefined or indeterminate, we investigate further
because most of the time, the limit exists. This idea was explained earlier.

3. Check that the function is simplified. It is always easier to work with simplified expressions
especially for the case of rational functions.

Example 2.1.9
Evaluate lim x − 1 .
2

x →1 x − 1

Note that directly substituting “1” to the function gives us an indeterminate form.

(1)
2
−1 0
= is indeterminate
1 −1 0

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 Instead of directly substituting, let us try simplifying it first.

x 2 − 1 ( x + 1)( x − 1)
= applying “factoring” for difference of two squares:
x −1 x −1
𝑎2 − 𝑏2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏)
= x +1 simplifying

The original limit is then reduced as

x2 −1
lim = lim ( x + 1) .
x →1 x − 1 x →1

Since 𝑥 + 1 is a polynomial, we can apply substitution to evaluate the limit.

lim ( x + 1) = (1) + 1 = 2
x →1
Example 2.1.10
Evaluate lim x − 27 .
3

x →3 x−3
Again, direct substitution of “3” to the expression is

( 3) − 27 = 27 − 27 = 0
3

( 3) − 3 3−3 0

which is in indeterminate form. However, if we simplify the expression first, we have

=
2
(
x 3 − 27 ( x − 3) x + 3 x + 9 ) applying “factoring” for difference of two cubes:
x −3 x −3
𝑎3 − 𝑏3 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 )
= x + 3x + 9
2

The limit is reduced and evaluated as follows.

x 3 − 27
lim = lim ( x 2 + 3 x + 9 ) = 32 + 3(3) + 9 = 27 .
x →3 x −3 x →3

Practice Exercise 1

Evaluate the following limits

1. lim ( x 3 − 2 x 2 + 5 x − 6 )
x→2

2. lim  3x − 6 
x →6
 x − 216 
3. lim+ ( 3 x − 6 )
x→2

4. lim ( 3 x − 6 )
x →2

5. lim  log x + 1 
x →10
 x
6. lim ( 3sin 2 x + cos 2 x )
x →

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Limit of Algebraic Functions at Infinity

By “limits at infinity”, we mean that the independent variable (usually 𝑥) approaches not a specific
constant (c) but one of the infinities. This means that 𝑥 is either continuously increasing (+∞), or
continuously decreasing (−∞). The phrases “continuously increasing/decreasing” and
“increasing/decreasing without bound” mean the same. Mathematically, we write

lim f ( x) and lim f ( x) .

x →+ x →−

For obvious functions such as our polynomial functions, when the independent variable is
increasing without bound, the values will behave similarly. That is, the y-values will either increase or
decrease without bound.

Example 2.1.11

Given the cubic function 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 , let us investigate what happens to the values of the function as 𝑥
approaches positive and negative infinity.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
1 1 -1 -1
10 1 000 -10 -1 000
100 1 000 000 -100 -1 000 000
1 000 1 000 000 000 -1 000 -1 000 000 000
10 000 1 000 000 000 000 -10 000 -1 000 000 000 000
100 000 1 000 000 000 000 000 -100 000 -1 000 000 000 000 000
⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮
+∞ +∞ −∞ −∞

We see that as 𝑥 We see that as 𝑥 decreases,

increases, the values of the values of the function
the function increase decrease even faster.
even faster.

The table above shows us that as 𝑥 approaches +∞, 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 approaches +∞ as well. Similarly, as 𝑥
approaches −∞, 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 approaches −∞. These statements are mathematically written as

lim x 3 = + and lim x 3 = − respectively.

x →+ x →−

In this section we will also show that it is not always the case that when the independent variable 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 approaches either of the infinities, it follows that the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) also approaches one of
the infinities. To illustrate, we consider another example.

Example 2.1.12

1
Consider ℎ(𝑥) = 2.
𝑥
Let us investigate first what happens to the function if 𝑥 is approaching the infinities.

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 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥)
1 1 -1 -1
10 0.1 -10 -0.1
100 0.01 -100 -0.01
1 000 0.001 -1 000 -0.001
10 000 0.0001 -10 000 -0.0001
100 000 0.00001 -100 000 -0.00001
⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮

+∞ 0 −∞ 0
We see that as 𝑥 We see that as 𝑥
increases, the values of decreases, the values of
the function approach the function approach the
the number 0. number 0.

From the above table, we see that as 𝑥 approaches infinity, the values of the function approaches
not the infinities but the number 0. We write
1 1
lim = 0 and lim 3 = 0 .
x →+ x 3 x →− x

What we illustrated in example 2.1.12 can be generalized as follows.

If 𝑟 is a positive rational number, and 𝑐 is a real number,

c
lim = 0. Property 9
x→+ xr
If 𝑟 is a positive rational number, 𝑐 is a real number, and 𝑥 𝑟 is defined at 𝑥 < 0,
c
lim = 0. Property10
x→− xr

Example 2.1.13

Evaluate the following.

2 −5  −3 1
2
a. lim b. lim 3 c. lim d. lim e. lim
x→+ x3 x→+ x→+ x9 x→+ x4 x→+ x11
x7
We answer the above limits by trying to apply property 9. We check first that the conditions are
satisfied before we do so. The exponent of 𝑥 in each limit is positive, the numerators are all real numbers,
and 𝑥 is approaching positive infinity. By property 9, the answer for the five limits is all the same — 0.

Property 10 is similar to property 9, except that we need to make sure that 𝑥 𝑟 is defined for
negative numbers (𝑥 < 0) since 𝑥 is approaching negative infinity. This means that we avoid cases such as
1 1 1 1
𝑥 2 , 𝑥 4 , 𝑥 2, 𝑥 6, etc. because we will have to take the square root, or cube root, or sixth root of a negative
𝑞
numbers which is a complex number (not a real number). In fact, if 𝑟 is of the form , 𝑞&𝑘 ∈ 𝑁, 𝑥 𝑟 is not
2𝑘
defined.

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Example 2.1.14

Evaluate the following.

−5 −5 
a. lim 3 b. lim 1 c. lim 1
x→− x→− x→−
x 7 x 2 x3
Answers
−5
=0
3
lim 3 use property 10; 𝑥 is approaching negative infinity; 𝑥 7 is defined for negative numbers
x→−
x 7

−5 1
lim 1
DNE use property 10; 𝑥 is approaching negative infinity; 𝑥 2 is NOT defined for negative numbers
x→−
x 2


=0
1
lim 1 use property 10; 𝑥 is approaching negative infinity; 𝑥 3 is defined for negative numbers
x→−
x 3

Evaluating Limit of Algebraic Functions at Infinity

To compute for the value of limits at infinity, we apply our knowledge on the different properties
presented earlier. Also, we take note that the argument is either of the infinities. We are simply looking at
the value of the function as x increases or decreases without bound.

Example 2.1.15

x→+
(
Evaluate lim 2 x − 3x + 1 .
3 2
)
Since we want to use properties 9 and 10 to evaluate a limit at infinity, we first need to make an
𝑐
extra step of transforming the function involved to expressions of the form 𝑟. For the case of the
𝑥
polynomial function 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 1, we do the transformation by factoring out the term with the highest
exponent.

(  
) 3 1 
lim 2 x3 − 3x 2 + 1 = lim  x3  2 − + 3  
x→+ x→+   x x 
Take note that we are only transforming our function and not changing it. We can check that
3 1
multiplying 𝑥 3 to 2 − + gives back 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 1. We proceed as follows.
𝑥 𝑥3
  3 1 
lim  x3  2 − + 3  
x→+   x x 
  3 1 
=  lim x3   lim  2 − + 3   applying property 4
 x→+   x→+  x x 
 1
=  lim x3   lim 2 − lim + lim 3 
3
applying property 3
 x→+   x→+ x→+ x x →+ x 

* lim x3 = + as 𝑥 increases without bound, 𝑥 3 also increases without bound.

x→+
𝑥: {1,2,3,4, … + ∞}
𝑥 3 : {1,8,27,64, … + ∞}

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 * lim 2 = 2 applying property 1
x→+
3
* lim =0 applying property 9
x→+ x
1
* lim =0 applying property 9
x→+ x3

Consolidating the results above, we have

 lim x3   lim 2 − lim 3 + lim 1 
 x→+   x→+ x→+ x x→+ x 3 

=  +  2 − 0 − 0
=  +  2 the product of 2 and numbers that are increasing without bound are
numbers that are still increasing without bound.
= + final answer

We now realize that the rules on using the four fundamental operations on numbers are not
applicable on infinities. The product of a constant and infinity such as 2 ⋅ ∞ is NOT "2∞" but just "∞".
Similarly, ∞ + ∞ ≠ 2∞ and ∞ − ∞ ≠ 0. The following lists the properties of infinity for your reference.
The number 𝑐 is any real number.

1. c =
2. + =
3.  −  → indeterminate
4.   (  c ) = 
5.   () = 
6.   0 → indeterminate
c
7. =0


8. = 
c

9. → indeterminate

10. 0 → indeterminate
  if c  1
11. c  = 
0 if 0  c  1
12. 0 = 0
13.   = 0
14. 1 → indeterminate

Example 2.1.15
 5 x 6 − 7 x3 
Evaluate lim  .
x →− 2 x 6 + x 2 

 

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 Our strategy to answer this limit is to transform the rational function so to involve expressions of the
1
𝑐 𝑥6
form . This will allow us use properties 9 and 10. To do this we multiply 1 to the entire function. This
𝑥𝑟
𝑥6
expression is actually equal to 1, so that multiplying it does not change the function. We used "𝑥 6 " because
this is the highest power of 𝑥.

 5 x 6 − 7 x3   5 x 6 − 7 x3 1 
lim   = lim   x6 
x→−  2 x 6 + x 2  x→−  2 x 6 + x 2 1 
   x6 
 5 x 6 7 x3 
 6 − 6 
= lim  x 6 x 2  multiplying
1
to both of the numerator and denominator
x→−  2 x x 
𝑥6

 6 + 6 
 x x 
 5 x 6 7x 3 
 − 
 x6 x63 
= lim   simplifying
x→− 2 x 6 x2 

 6 + 64 
 x x 

 7 
 5− 3 
= lim  x 
x→−  1 
 2+ 4 
 x 
7
lim 5 − lim
x→− x→− x 3
= applying properties 3 and 5
1
lim 2 + lim 4
x→− x→− x
5−0
= applying properties 1 and 9
2+0
5
= final answer
2

Example 2.1.16
 5 x7 
Evaluate lim  4 .
x →+  x − 5 
 
 5 x7   5 x7 1  1
lim  4  = lim  4  x7  multiply
x7
x→+  x − 5  x→+  x − 5 1  1
   x7  x7

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  5 x7 
 
= lim  x7  multiplying
1
to both of the numerator and denominator
x→+  5 
4 𝑥7
x
 − 
 x7 x7 
 5 x7 
 
 x7 
= lim   simplifying
x→+ x4
 − 7
5 
 x 7 3 x 

 
 5 
= lim  
x→+  1 5 
 − 
 x3 x 7 
lim 5
x→+
= applying properties 3 and 5
1 5
lim 3 − lim 7
x →+ x x→+ x
5
= applying properties 1 and 9
0−0
5
= is undefined
0
 5 x7 
 lim  4  DNE
x →+  x − 5 
 
Example 2.1.17
 2 x 
Evaluate lim  
x→+  3 x 2 + 9 
 
 2 x   2 x 12 
lim   = lim  2  1 2
3
√𝑥 and √𝑥 2 are the same as 𝑥 2 and 𝑥 3 respectively
x→+  3 x 2 + 9  x→+  3 
   x +9
 1
1  1
 2x 2 x3 
2 2

= lim  2  1  since the highest power of 𝑥 is

2
3
, we multiply
x3
1
x→+
 x + 9 23
3
 2
 x  x3
 2x 2 
1

 
 x 23 
= lim  2  multiplying
x→+
 x3 + 9 
 2 
 x3 

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  
 12 − 23 
2x
= lim   simplifying
x →+  9 
 1 + 32 
 x 
 
 − 12 
2x
= lim   simplifying
x →+  9 
 1 + 32 
 x 
 2 
 1 
= lim  x 
2
rewriting
x →+  9 
 1 + 32 
 x 
2
lim 1
x→+ 2
= x applying properties 3 and 5
9
lim 1 + lim 3
x→+ x→+
x2
0
= simplifying
1+ 0
=0 final answer
Example 2.1.18
 x2 − x 
Evaluate lim  .
x→−  x + 5 
 

 2 1 
  x 1 −  
x2 − x   x 
lim   = lim  factoring out 𝑥 2 from (𝑥 2 − 𝑥) and 𝑥 from 𝑥 + 5
x →−  x + 5  x→−   5  
   x 1 +  
 
x


 2 1 
 x 1− 
= lim  x  1
√𝑥 2 (1 − ) = √𝑥 2 ⋅ √(1 − )
1

x→−   5   𝑥 𝑥

 x 1 + x  
   

  1 
 x 1 −  
 x 
= lim  √𝑥 2 = |𝑥|
x →−   5 
 x 1 +  
 
x


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   1 
 − x 1 −  
 x 
= lim  Note that |𝑥| = {
𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 0
. Since 𝑥 → −∞, |𝑥| = 𝑥.
x→−   5  −𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
 x 1 +  
 
x


 1 
 − 1− 
= lim  x  −𝑥
= −1
x→−   𝑥
5
 1+ x 
 

1
− lim 1 − lim
x→− x→− x
= applying properties 3, 5, and 8
5
lim 1 + lim
x→− x→− x

− 1− 0
= applying properties 1, and 9
1+ 0

− 1
= simplifying
1
= −1 final answer

Practice Exercise 2

Evaluate the following limits

x→+
(
1. lim 7 x − 3x + x − 8
4 2
)
 4 x9 − 7 x3 + x 
2. lim  
x →− 
 x + 3x
5 9

 2 x 
3. lim  
x→+  3 x 2 + 9 
 

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Limit of Transcendental Functions at Infinity

Limit of exponential functions at infinity. We start by the following basic exponential functions.

1. lim e x = e + = + property 11
x→+

2. lim e x = e− = 0 property 12

x→−

3. lim e − x = e− = 0 property 13

x→+

4. lim e − x = e+ = + property 14

x→−
We may verify the following statements by looking at the graph of the exponential functions.

Properties 11 and 12 are illustrated by the graph at the left. As 𝑥 approaches the positive infinity,
the graph is extending indefinitely upward. This means that the function is approaching positive infinity.
However, as 𝑥 approaches negative infinity, the function is just getting nearer to the negative y-axis. There
will never be a chance, even if 𝑥 approaches negative numbers that are far to the left, will the function cross
the negative 𝑦 −axis. This is actually because the function is approaching a limit of zero.

The observation is similar with 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 −𝑥 . This function is approaching positive infinity is 𝑥
approaches negative infinity. However, if 𝑥 approaches positive infinity, the function is approaching zero.
Example 2.1.19
2 x 2 +1
Evaluate lim e .
x→+

To answer this, we need to know what does the exponent "2𝑥 + 1" approaches if 𝑥 is approaching
positive infinity. We do this by evaluating the limit of the exponent as 𝑥 approaches positive infinity.

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   1 
lim 2 x 2 + 1 = lim  x 2  2 + 2  
x→+ x→+   x 

( 
= lim x 2  lim 2 + lim 2 
x →+  x→+
)
1 
x→+ x 

= ( + )( 2 + 0 )
= +
The exponent goes to positive infinity when 𝑥 approaches positive infinity. This means that
+1
= e+ = + .
2
lim e2 x applying property 11
x→+

Example 2.1.20
7 x2 + x
Evaluate lim e x
.
x→−
√7𝑥 2 +𝑥
To answer this, we need to know what does the exponent " " approaches if 𝑥 is approaching
𝑥
negative infinity. In other words, we first evaluate the following limit.

 1
x2  7+ 
 x
lim 7 xx + x
2
= lim x
this problem is similar with the ones presented in e.g.2.1.17
x→− x→−
1
x 7+
= lim x
x
x→−
1
− x 7+
= lim x
x
x→−

1
= lim − 7 +
x→− x
1
=− lim 7 + lim
x→− x→− x

= − 7+0
=− 7
The exponent approaches −√7 when 𝑥 approaches negative infinity. This means that

7 x2 + x
1
lim e x = e− 7
or .
x→− e 7

Example 2.1.21
e3 x − 2e x
Evaluate lim .
x→− 5e 2 x + e3 x

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 Again, we will answer this by attempting to use properties 9 and 10. We first divide the numerator
and denominator by the highest exponent of 𝑒.
e3 x 2e x 2
3x
− 3x 1− 2x
lim e e = lim e
x→+ 5e 2 x e 3x x →+ 5
+ 3x x
+1
3x e
e e
2
lim 1 − lim
x→+ x→+ e 2 x
= applying properties 1, 3, and 5
5
lim + lim 1
x→+ e x x→+

lim 1 − 2 lim e −2 x
x →+ x→+
= rewriting
2
to 2𝑒 −2𝑥 and
5
to 5𝑒 −𝑥
5 lim e − x + lim 1
𝑒 2𝑥 𝑒𝑥

x →+ x→+
−
1 − 2e
= evaluating the individual limits
5e− + 1
1− 0
= 2𝑒 −∞ = 0 and 5𝑒 −∞ = 0 based from property 12 or 13
0 +1
1
= =1 final answer
1
Limit of logarithmic functions at infinity. Here are the limits of the common logarithmic function as
𝑥 approaches positive infinity and as 𝑥 approaches zero from the right. Take note that the limit of this
function as 𝑥 approaches negative infinity does not exist because this function is undefined for negative
numbers. We can verify these from the graph given below.

1. lim log x = − property 15

x→0+
2. lim log x = log ( + ) = + property 16
x→+

Moreover, properties 15 and 16 can be extended to natural logarithms so that we also have
3. lim ln x = − property 17
x→0+

(
Informally, this means that ln x → 0
+
) = −

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 4. lim ln x = ln ( + ) = + property 18
x→+

Example 2.1.22
Evaluate lim ln (3 x − 7 x + 3) .
2
x→+

To evaluate this limit, we need to know first whether the argument 3𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 3 is approaching
one of the infinities or it is approaching zero from the right.

 7 3 
lim (3 x 2 − 7 x + 3) = lim x 2  3 − + 2 
x→+ x→+  x x 

(x→+

)
 x→+
7
= lim x 2  lim 3 − lim + lim 2 
3 
x →+ x x →+ x 

= + ( 3 − 0 + 0 )
= +
The original problem is precisely
lim ln (3 x 2 − 7 x + 3) = ln ( +) = +
x→+

Example 2.1.23
 4 
Evaluate lim ln  2 .
x →− x −x
We investigate first what does the argument approaches if 𝑥 approaches −∞.
4 4
lim = lim factoring out 𝑥 2 from the denominator
x→− x −x
2 x→−  1
x 2 1 − 
 x
lim 4
x→−
= applying property 3, 4, and 5
 1
lim x 2  lim 1 − lim 
x→−  x→− x→− x 
4
= applying property 1 and 9
− (1 − 0 )
4
=
−
=0 final answer
This result means that as 𝑥 approaches −∞, the argument is approaching zero. At the same time,
4
as 𝑥 approaches −∞, the argument 2 is always positive. Therefore, we are evaluating the limit of a
𝑥 −𝑥
4
natural logarithmic function whose argument is approaching zero from the right. If we let 𝑡 = 2 , the
𝑥 −𝑥
original limit can be written as
 4 
lim ln  2  → lim+ ln ( t ) = −
x →−  x − x  t →0

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 Limit of trigonometric functions at infinity.
For the sine and cosine functions, we recall from the earlier chapter that these functions oscillate
between some interval as 𝑥 approaches ±∞. For example, the values of the function 𝑦 = 3 sin 𝑥 ranges
from -3 to 3 only. For this reason, the limit of this function DOES NOT EXIST.

For the tangent function, the limit does not exist as well. There is a cycle of values as 𝑥 approach
the infinities.
Special Limits

There are limits that are difficult to answer by merely using the properties we presented earlier.
Especially for some transcendental functions, computation of limits involving them requires a lot of
mathematical background such as geometry and knowledge other theorems. In this course, we are going to
present them without proof. The following are our special limits, special just because we cannot show that
they are true by merely using the properties. We will however support the limits by showing their graph.

sin x
1. lim =1
x→0 x

1 − cos x
2. lim =0
x→0 x

e x −1
3. lim =0
x →0 x

Example 2.1.24
 sin 5 x 
Evaluate lim  .
x →0  x 
WRONG WAY OF EVALUATING THIS LIMIT

 sin 5 x  sin ( 5  0 ) sin ( 0 ) 0

lim 
x→0  x 
= = = → indeterminate
0 0 0

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 To answer this limit, we will apply the first special limit. However, before we can use such special
limit, we need to make sure that the angle (or the expression after the sine notation) is the same as the
denominator. We notice that the argument of the “sine expression” in the numerator is “5𝑥” while the
5
denominator is 𝑥. We can resolve this by multiplying .
5

 sin 5 x   sin 5 x 5 
lim   = lim   
x →0  x  x →0  x 5 

 5sin 5 x 
= lim  
x →0  5x 

( ) 
= lim 5  lim
sin 5 x 
x →0  x →0 5 x 


= 5 (1)

=5
Example 2.1.25
 1 − cos 2 x 
Evaluate lim  .
x→0  x − x cos x 
 
WRONG WAY OF EVALUATING THIS LIMIT

 1 − cos 2 x  1 − ( cos(0) )2 1 − ( 0 )2 1
lim  = = = → undefined
x→0  x − x cos x  0 − 0 cos ( 0 ) 0 0
 
Before attempting to evaluate this limit, we will first try to think of ways to simplify the limit
argument.

 1 − cos 2 x   (1 − cos x )(1 + cos x ) 

lim   = lim  
x→0  x − x cos x  x→0  x (1 − cos x )
   

 (1 − cos x ) (1 + cos x ) 
= lim  
x→0  x (1 − cos x ) 
 

= lim (1 + cos x )
x→0

= 1 + cos ( 0 )

= 1+1
=2

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Practice Exercise 3

Evaluate the following limits

x 4 −3 x 2 +7
1. lim e
x→+
5 x2 − 2
2. lim e x
x→

e7 x − 9e x
3. lim
x→− 4e3 x + e7 x
4. lim ln (2 x + x − 7 x + 1)
5 3
x→+

 1 − cos x 
5. lim  
x→0  sin ( 7 x ) 
 

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 1.2. Continuity
A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if and only if the following three conditions are
satisfied.

1. 𝑓(𝑎) exists

2. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists

𝑥→𝑎

3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)

𝑥→𝑎

If at least one of the conditions is not satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 or 𝑓(𝑥)
has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
Example 2.2.1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) whose graph appears below.

Show whether or not 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑥 = 1, −1, 2.

a. at 𝑥 = 1

Check the first condition: 𝑓(1) = 2 Satisfied

Check the second condition: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 Satisfied

𝑥→1

Also take note that lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = 1

𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Check the third Condition: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎) → 1 ≠ 2 NOT Satisfied

𝑥→𝑎

Since condition 3 is not satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 1. Specifically,

since 𝑓(1) exists as well as lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 exists, 𝑓(𝑥) has a REMOVABLE discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1. In terms
𝑥→1
of the graph, the function is almost “continuous” except that there is a “hole” at 𝑥 = 1.

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 b. at 𝑥 = −1

Check condition 1: 𝑓(−1) = 1 Satisfied

Check condition 2: lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 NOT Satisfied

𝑥→1

Also take note that lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = −1

𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

No need to check condition 3 since condition 2 is not satisfied.

Since condition 2 is not satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at 𝑥 = −1. Specifically, since
𝑓(−1) exists but lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exists because lim + 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim − 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) has a JUMP
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
discontinuity at 𝑥 = −1. In terms of the graph, the function has a “break” at 𝑥 = −1.

c. at 𝑥 = 2

Check condition 1: 𝑓(2) = 1 Satisfied

Check condition 2: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 Satisfied

𝑥→2

Check Condition 3: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(2) = 1 Satisfied

𝑥→2

Since all conditions are satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑥 = 2.

Example 2.2.2

Show whether or not 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 2 is continuous at 𝑥 = 2.

Check condition 1: 𝑓(2) = √2 − 2 = 0 Satisfied

Check condition 2: lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 NOT Satisfied
𝑥→2
This is because lim− 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸
𝑥→2
Since condition 2 is not satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 2.
Example 2.2.3

Show whether or not 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 1 is continuous at 𝑥 = −3.

Check first condition 1: 𝑓(−3) = −44 Satisfied

Check condition 2: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −44 Satisfied

𝑥→−3

Check Condition 3: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(−3) = −44 Satisfied

𝑥→−3

Since all conditions are satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑥 = −3. In fact, for any
polynomial function, the three conditions of continuity are always satisfied. This means that any polynomial
function is continuous at any real number.

Example 2.2.4
1
Show whether or not 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at 𝑥 = 5.
𝑥−5

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 1 1
Check condition 1: 𝑓(5) = = is undefined Not Satisfied
5−5 0

Since condition 1 is not satisfied, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 5.

For rational functions like the function given in example 2.2.4, the point/s of discontinuity are the 𝑥
values where the denominator becomes zero.

Practice Exercise 4

Identify the point/s of discontinuity (if there exist) for the following functions.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 + 7
𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2
𝑥 −4
3. ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 3
1
4. Show whether or not the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √ is discontinuous at following point:
𝑥 2 −9
4.a. 𝑥 = 5
4.b. 𝑥 = 3
4.c. 𝑥 = −1

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 Summative Test 2
Limits
Name:____________________________________ Score:____/65
Course and Year:___________________________

A. Identify the limit by completing the table.

𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
x 𝑓(𝑥) = x 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−4 √𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2

4 0

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ________, x is an angle in radians lim 𝑓(𝑥) = _________

𝑥→4 𝑥→0

B. Identify the following limits based from the graph of 𝑓(𝑥).

Answer Answer
1. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 6. lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→−6 𝑥→−1
2. lim + 𝑓(𝑥) 7. lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→−5 𝑥→0
3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 8. lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→−5 𝑥→2
4. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 9. lim− 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→−4 𝑥→6
5. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 10. lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→−3 𝑥→6

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C. Compute the following limits using a combination of the “properties of limits” and “strategies of
computing limits” discussed above.
 x3 − 64 
1. lim  
x→4  x − 4 
 
2. lim 8 x − 1
3
x→ 12

x→5
(
3. lim 3x − 2 x − x + 4
3 2
)
 x3 − 1 
4. lim  
x→1  x 2 − 1 
 
 x − 10 x + 25 
2
5. lim  
x→5  x −5
 
6. (
lim x3 − 2 x 2
x→+
)
 x8 − 3 x 5 
7. lim  4 
x→+  x + 5 x8 
 
 5x2 − 3 
8. lim  
x→−  x − 9 
 
3
−1
9. lim e5 x
x→−
3
e5 x + 2 x x
10. lim 3
x→+ 4e x − e x
11. lim ln 5 x + 3x − 4
x→+
( 2
)
 5 
12. lim ln  
x →−  5 x 3 − x 
sin ( x )
13. lim
x →0 x
5x
14. lim
x→0 1 − cos x
D. Identify the point/s of discontinuity (if there are any).
1. f ( x) = 3x 2 − 7 x + 1
1
2. f ( x) = 3
x + 2 x − 5x − 6
2

3. f ( x) = 2 x − 8

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