11

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Limits and Continuity of a
function
Basic Calculus – Grade 11
Quarter 3 – Module 1: Limits and Continuity of a Function
First Edition, 2021

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 11

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Limits
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home.
Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are
carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons
in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing
this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s
assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of
each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your
learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We
trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher
are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering
the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before
performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your
teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

ii
 Let Us Learn!

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master how to formulate and solve accurately situational problems
involving circular functions. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are also arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can
be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This module has three lessons.

• Lesson 1: The Limit of a Function: Theorems and Examples

At the end of the first lesson, you are expected to:

1. illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values and the
graph of the function (STEM_BC11LCIIIa-1);
2. distinguish between lim 𝑓(𝑥) and f(c) (STEM_BC11LCIIIa-2);
𝑥→𝑐
3. illustrate the limit laws (STEM_BC11LCIIIa-3) and;
4. apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions
(polynomial, rational, and radical) (STEM_BC11LCIIIa-4).

• Lesson 2: Limits of some transcendental functions and some

indeterminate forms

At the end of second lesson, you are expected to:

1. compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric
functions using tables of values and graphs of the functions
(STEM_BC11LCIIIb-1) ; and
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
2. illustrate limits involving the expressions , , , and
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
using of values (STEM_BC11LCIIIb-2).

• Lesson 3: Continuity of a function

At the end of the third lesson, you are expected to:

1. illustrate continuity of a function at a number
(STEM_BC11LCIIIc-1);
2. determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not
(STEM_BC11LCIIIc-2);
3. illustrate continuity of a function on an interval
(STEM_BC11LCIIIc-3); and
4. solve problems involving continuity of a function
(STEM_BC11LCIIId-3).

1
 Lesson

1 The Limit of a Function

Let Us Try!
Directions: Read the following questions comprehensively. Choose
the letter of the correct answer.

1. Consider a constant c which the variable x will approach and the

limit, to be denoted by L, is the unique real value that f(x) will
approach as x approaches c. How do we denote this?
a. lim f(c) = 𝐿 b. lim 𝑥 = 𝐿 c. lim f(x) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
2. What is a reasonable estimate for lim 𝑔(𝑥) based on the graph
𝑥→1
provided below?

a. -1.9
b. -1.4
c. 1
d. The limit does not exist.

3. lim(𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 4)
𝑥→2
a. 5 b. 9/2 c. 0 d. 11/2
4. lim3 −√2𝑥 + 4
𝑥→
2

a. −√6 b. −√7 c. 1 d. −√2

𝑥−4
5. lim − 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+8
𝑥→1
a. 1 b. -18/19 c. 0 d. −√2
6. It is the limit theorem which states that if you are taking the limit
of the product of two functions then it is equal to the product of the
limits of those two functions.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem

2
 7. It is the limit theorem which states that the limit of the sum of two
functions is the sum of the limits.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem
8. It is the limit theorem which states says that the limit of a quotient
of functions is equal to the quotient of the limits of the individual
functions, provided the denominator limit is not equal to 0.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem

Let Us Study

THE LIMIT OF THE FUNCTION

Limits are the backbone of calculus, and calculus is called the

Mathematics of Change. The study of limits is necessary in studying change
in detail. The evaluation of a particular limit is what underlies the
formulation of the derivative and the integral of a function. For starters,
imagine that you are going to watch a basketball game. When you choose
seats, you would want to be as close to the action as possible. You would
want to be as close to the players as possible and have the best view of the
game, as if you were in the basketball court yourself. Take note that you
cannot be in the court and join the players, but you will be close enough to
describe clearly what is happening in the game. This is how it is with limits
of functions. We will consider functions of a single variable and study the
behavior of the function as its variable approaches a particular value (a
constant). The variable can only take values very, very close to the constant,
but it cannot equal the constant itself. However, the limit will be able to
describe clearly what is happening to the function near that constant.

Consider a function f of a single variable x. Consider a constant c which

the variable x will approach (c may or may not be in the domain of f). The
limit, to be denoted by L, is the unique real value that f(x) will approach as x
approaches c. In symbols, we write this process as
lim f(x) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
The limit of f(x) as x approaches c in L.

3
LOOKING AT THE TABLE OF VALUES

Example 1:
lim(1 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2

Here, f(x)=1+3x and the constant c, which x will approach, is 2. To

evaluate the given limit, we will make use of a table to help us keep track of
the effect that the approach of x toward 2 will have on f(x). On the number
line, x may approach 2 in two ways: through values on its left and through
values on its right. We first consider approaching 2 from its left or through
values less than 2. Remember that the values to be chosen should be close to
2.

Based on the table of values above, we can see that;

lim− (1 + 3𝑥) = 7
𝑥→2

Now we consider approaching 2 from its right or through values

greater than but close to 2.

Based on the table of values above, we can see that;

lim+ (1 + 3𝑥) = 7
𝑥→2

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 2, the values of
f(x) get closer and closer to 7. Such that;

4
 lim (1 + 3𝑥) = lim−(1 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2+ 𝑥→2

This behavior can be shown no matter what set of values, or what

direction, is taken in approaching 2. In symbols,

lim(1 + 3𝑥) = 7
𝑥→2

If we are going to

Example 2:
lim (𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→−1

We start again by approaching -1 from the left.

Now approach -1 from the right.

The tables show that as x approaches -1, f(x) approaches 2.

lim (𝑥 2 + 1) = 2
𝑥→−1

Example 3:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) if
𝑥→4

In this case, when x approaches 4 from the left, the values taken
should be substituted in f(x)=x +1. Indeed, this is the part of the function
which accepts values less than 4. So,

5
when x approaches 4 from the right, the values taken should be substituted
in 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4)2 + 3. So,

Observe that the values that f(x) approaches are not equal, namely, f(x)
approaches 5 from the left while it approaches 3 from the right. In such a
case, we say that the limit of the given function does not exist (DNE). In
symbols,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸

𝑥→4

LOOKING AT THE GRAPH OF 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

If one knows the graph of f(x), it will be easier to determine its limits
as x approaches given values of c.
Consider again Example 1
f(x) = 1 + 3x. Its graph is a straight
line with slope 3 and intercepts
(0,1) and (1/3,0). Look at the graph
in the vicinity of x =2 .
You can easily see the points
(from the table of values in page 4)
(1,4), (1.4,5.2), (1.7,6.1), and so on,
approaching the level where y =7 .
The same can be seen from the
right (from the table of values in
page 4). Hence, the graph clearly
confirms that
lim(1 + 3𝑥) = 7
𝑥→2

6
 Recall Example 3

We can see from the graph that f(x) has no limit as x approaches 4.
The two separate parts of the function move toward different y-levels (y =5
from the left, y =3 from the right) in the vicinity of c =4.

THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION AT 𝒄 VERSUS THE VALUE OF THE

FUNCTION AT 𝒄

Critical to the study of limits is the understanding that the value of

lim f(𝑥) may be distinct t from the value of the function at x = c, that is, f(c).
𝑥→𝑐
The limit may be evaluated at values not included in the domain of f. So, it
must be clear to a student of calculus that the exclusion of a value from the
domain of a function does not prohibit the evaluation of the limit of that
function at that excluded value, provided of course that f is defined at the
points near c.

Consider,
lim(1 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2

with the table of values of;

7
 We concluded that lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7. In this example f(x) and f(2) are equal.
𝑥→2
Notice that the same holds for the next examples discussed:

But this is not always the case. Let us consider the function

In contrast to the example above, the entries are now unequal:

This does not affect the existence of the limit as it shows that lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
and 𝑓(𝑐) may be distinct.

ILLUSTRATION OF LIMIT THEOREMS

Determining the limit using the table of values and graphs requires a lot
of work. In this part we will compute the limit of a function using Limit
Theorems. There are eight (8) theorems to be discussed.
In the following statement, 𝑐 is a constant, and 𝑓 and 𝑔 are functions which
may or may not have 𝑐 in their domains.

Theorem 1. The limit of a constant is itself. If k is any constant,

then,
lim 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→𝑐
For example,
i. lim 2 = 2
𝑥→𝑐
ii. lim −3.14 = −3.14
𝑥→𝑐
iii. lim 789 = 789
𝑥→𝑐
Theorem 2. The limit of 𝒙 as 𝒙 approaches c is equal to c. This may
be thought of as the substitution law because x is simply substituted
by c.
lim 𝑥 = 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
For example,
i. lim 𝑥 = 9
𝑥→9
ii. lim 𝑥 = 0.005
𝑥→0.005

8
 iii. lim 𝑥 = −10
𝑥→−10

For the remaining theorems, we will assume that the limits of f and g
both exist as x approaches c and that they are L and M, respectively.
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Theorem 3. The Constant Multiple Theorem. This says that the limit
of a multiple of a function is simply that multiple of the limit of the
function.
lim 𝑘 · 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 · lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 · 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then

𝑥→𝑐
i. lim 8 · 𝑓(𝑥) = 8 · lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 8 · 4 = 32
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
ii. lim −11 · 𝑓(𝑥) = −11 · lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −11 · 4 = −44
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
3 3 3
iii. lim · 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 · lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 · 4 = 6
𝑥→𝑐 2 𝑥→𝑐

Theorem 4. The Addition Theorem. This says that the limit of a sum
of functions is the sum of the limits of the individual functions.
Subtraction is also included in this law, that is, the limit of a difference
of functions is the difference of their limits.

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
i. lim (𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 + (−5) = −1
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
ii. lim (𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 − (−5) = 9
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Theorem 5. The Multiplication Theorem. This is similar to the

Addition Theorem, with multiplication replacing addition as the
operation involved. Thus, the limit of a product of functions is equal to
the product of their limits.
lim (𝑓(𝑥) · 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) · lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 · 𝑀
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example
Lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5 . Then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Lim (𝑓(𝑥) · 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) · lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 · (−5) = −20
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

9
Note:
- The Addition and Multiplication Theorems may be applied to sums,
differences, and products of more than two functions.
- The Constant Multiple Theorem is a special case of the
Multiplication Theorem. Indeed, in the Multiplication Theorem, if
the first function f(x) is replaced by a constant k, the result is the
Constant Multiple Theorem.

Theorem 6. The Division Theorem. This says that the limit of a

quotient of functions is equal to the quotient of the limits of the
individual functions, provided the denominator limit is not equal to 0.

lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
lim =
𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝐿
= , provided M ≠ 0
𝑀

For example,
i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 4 4
lim = = =−
𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) −5 5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

ii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 0
lim = = =0
𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) −5
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

iii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, it is not possible to evaluate

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
since the limit is DNE.

Theorem 7. The Power Theorem. This theorem states that the limit of
an integer power p of a function is just that power of the limit of the
function.
𝑝 𝑝
lim(𝑓(𝑥)) = lim(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝐿𝑝
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
For example,
i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 43 , then
𝑥→𝑐
3 3
lim(𝑓(𝑥)) = lim(𝑓(4)) = 43 = 64
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
ii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 , then
−2
𝑥→𝑐
−2 −2 1 1
lim(𝑓(𝑥)) = lim(𝑓(4)) = 4−2 = =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 42 16
10
 Theorem 8. The Radical/Root Theorem. This theorem states that if
n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is just the
nth root of the limit of the function, provided the nth root of the limit is
a real number. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that if n is even,
the limit of the function must be positive.
𝑛 𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝐿
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example,
i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then
𝑥→𝑐

lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 = 2

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

ii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −4, then it is not possible to evaluate since

𝑥→𝑐
the √−4 is not a real number.

LIMITS OF ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS (POLYNOMIAL, RATIONAL, AND

RADICAL FUNCTIONS)

Using the Limit Theorems, we evaluate the limits of the polynomial

functions.

Example 1:

lim(𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4) = lim 𝑥 2 + lim 3𝑥 + lim 4 (T4)

𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= lim 𝑥 2 + lim 3𝑥 + 4 (T7, T3, T1)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= (2)2 + 3(2) + 4 (T2)
= 14

Example 2:

lim(2𝑥 + 1) = lim 2𝑥 + lim 1 (T4)

𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= 2 lim 𝑥 + 1 (T3)
𝑥→1
= 2(1) + 1 (T2)
=3

Example 3:

lim (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1 ) = lim 2𝑥 3 − lim 4𝑥 2 + lim 1 (T4)

𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
= 2 lim 𝑥 3 − 4 lim 𝑥 2 + 1 (T3)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
= 2(−1)3 − 4 + 1 (T2)
= −5

11
Example 4:
1 lim 1
𝑥→1
lim = (T6)
𝑥→1 𝑥 lim 1
𝑥→1
1
=
1
=1

Example 5:
(𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2) lim (𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2)
𝑥→1
lim = (T6)
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1 lim (𝑥 2 +1)
𝑥→1
lim (𝑥−3)·lim (𝑥−2)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (T5)
2
(lim 𝑥−lim 3)(lim 𝑥 2 −lim 2)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (T4)
2
(1−3)(12 −2)
=
2
=1

THEOREM: Let f be a polynomial of the form.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑐 𝑛−1 +𝑎𝑛−2 𝑐 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑐 + 𝑎0
If c is a real number, then
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

Proof. Let c be any real number. Remember that a polynomial is

defined at any real number. So,
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑐 𝑛−1 +𝑎𝑛−2 𝑐 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑐 + 𝑎0
Now apply the limit theorems in evaluating lim 𝑓(𝑥):
𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
= lim 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + lim 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + lim 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + lim 𝑎1 𝑥 + lim 𝑎0
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
= 𝑎𝑛 lim 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 lim 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 lim 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 lim 𝑥 + 𝑎0
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
= 𝑓(𝑐)

So, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑐

Example 6:

Evaluate lim (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1)

𝑥→−1

12
 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)3 − 4(−1)2 + 1
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1) − 4(−1) + 1
= −5

𝑓(𝑥)
THEOREM: Let h be a rational function of the form ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) where f and g
are polynomial functions. If c is a real number and g(c)≠0, then
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
lim ℎ(𝑥) = lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑐)

Example 7:

1−5𝑥
Evaluate lim 1+3𝑥 2+4𝑥 4
𝑥→1

1−5𝑥 1−5(1) −4 1
lim =1+3(1)2+4(1)4 = = −2
𝑥→1 1+3𝑥 2 +4𝑥 4 8

Using the Limit Theorems, we evaluate the limits of the radical functions.

Example 8:

Evaluate lim √𝑥
𝑥→1
Note that lim 𝑥 = 1 > 0. Therefore, by the radical/Root rule,
𝑥→1

lim √𝑥 = √ lim 𝑥 = √1 = 1
𝑥→1 𝑛→∞

Example 9:

3
Evaluate lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6
𝑥→−2
Since the index of the radical sign is odd, we do not have to worry that
the limit of the radicand is negative. Therefore, the Radical/Root Rule
implies that
3 3 3
lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6 = 3√ lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6) = √4 − 6 − 6 = √−8 = −2
𝑥→−2 𝑥→−2

Example 10:
lim √2𝑥+5
Evaluate 𝑥→2
1−3𝑥

First, note that lim(1 − 3𝑥) = −5 ≠ 0. Moreover, lim(2𝑥 + 5) = 9 > 0.

𝑥→2 𝑥→2
Thus, using the Division and Radical Rules of Theorem 1, we obtain

13
INTUITIVE NOTIONS OF INFINITE LIMITS
We investigate the limit at a point c of a rational function of the form
𝑓(𝑥)
where f and g are polynomial functions with 𝑓(𝑐) ≠ 0 and 𝑔(𝑐) = 0. Note
𝑔(𝑥)
that Theorem 3 does not cover this because it assumes that the denominator
is nonzero at c.

Observe that as x approaches 0 from the left, the value of the function
increases without bound. When this happens, we say that the limit of f(x) as
x approaches 0 from the left is positive infinity, that is,
lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞
𝑥→0

14
 Again, as x approaches 0 from the right, the value of the function
increases without bound, so lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→0
Since lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞, we may conclude that
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞.
𝑥→0

This time, as x approaches 0 from the left, the value of the function
decreases without bound. So, we say that the limit of f(x) as x approaches 0
from the left is negative infinity, that is, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0

15
 As x approaches 0 from the right, the value of the function also
decreases without bound, that is, lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞, we are able to conclude that
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0
We now state the intuitive definition of infinite limits of functions:
The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is positive infinity, denoted by
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→𝑐

if the value of f(x) increases without bound whenever the values of x get
closer and closer to c. The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is negative infinity,
denoted by,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→𝑐
if the value of f(x) decreases without bound whenever the values of x get
closer and closer to c.

Note:
1. Remember that ∞ is NOT a number. It holds no specific value. So,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ or lim 𝑓 (𝑥) = −∞ describes the behavior of the function
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
near x = c, but it does not exist as a real number.
2. Whenever lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞ or lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞, we normally see the
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
dashed vertical line x=c. This is to indicate that the graph of y = f(x) is
asymptotic to x = c, meaning, the graphs of y = f(x) and x = c are very
close to each other as x-values approach c. In this case, we call x = c a
vertical asymptote of the graph of y = f(x).

Let Us Practice

You did great on your first day! Now, let’s try what you have learned.
Are you ready?

16
Activity 1.1 Guided Practice
1. Complete the following tables of values to investigate lim(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4)
𝑥→1
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0.5 1.6
0.7 1.35
0.95 1.05
0.995 1.005
0.9995 1.0005
0.99995 1.00005

Solution: Solution:
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0.5 3.25 1.6 3.36
0.7 3.09 1.35 3.1225
0.95 3.0025 1.05 3.0025
0.995 3.000025 1.005 3.000025
0.9995 3.00000025 1.0005 3.00000025
0.99995 3.000000003 1.00005 3.000000003

1
2. Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 whose graph is shown below.

What can be said about

lim 𝑓(𝑥)? Does it exist or not?
𝑥→0
Why?

Answer:
The function 1/x approaches to x=0, however both sides are
asymptotic to the said value which means that the graphs get closer
and closer to the value but these will never touch it. The graph coming
from the left approaches a value up to negative infinity while the
graph coming from the right approaches to value up to positive
infinity. Both sides will not have the same value of limit (positive and
negative infinity), therefore the limit of the function does not exist.

17
 Note:
For the cases of graphs that are asymptotic to a specific point, the
limit will not exist simply because THERE IS NO SPECIFIC RESULT
THAT THE FUNCTION WILL APPROACH TO (this is more
comprehensive using table of values). The discussion of the “limit of
infinity” will be discussed more in the deeper content of Calculus.

Activity 1.2 Guided Practice

Direction: Assume the following:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 1, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim ℎ(𝑥) = 2

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Direction: Compute the following limits:

1. lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐
2. lim(3 · 𝑔(𝑥) + 5 · ℎ(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐
3. lim √𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

Solution:

1. lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 1 + (−1) = 0

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
2. lim(3 · 𝑔(𝑥) + 5 · ℎ(𝑥)) = lim(3 · 𝑔(𝑥)) + lim(5 · ℎ(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
= (3(−1)) + (5(2))
= -13 + 10
= -3
3. lim √𝑔(𝑥) = √−1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 √−1 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟.
𝑥→𝑐

Let Us Practice More

Very good! You made it this far. Let us continue rolling!

Activity 2.1 Independent Practice

Direction: Evaluate each of the following:

1. lim(𝑥 + 4)√2𝑥 + 5
𝑥→2
2. lim(3𝑥 + 4)2
𝑥→3
3. lim(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→2

18
 3
4. lim(2x + √𝑥 − 4)
x→8
√3𝑥
5. lim 𝑥√𝑥+1
𝑥→3

Activity 2.2 Independent Practice

Direction: Determine the following limits.

3
1. lim(1 + √𝑥) (2 − 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 3 )
𝑥→1
𝑡 2 −1
2. lim 𝑡 2 +3𝑡−1
𝑡→1
3
2𝑧+𝑧 2
3. lim ( 𝑧 2+4 )
𝑧→2
𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
4. lim 𝑥 3 −6𝑥 2−7𝑥+1
𝑥→0
4−3𝑦 2 −𝑦 3
5. lim
𝑥→0 6−𝑦−𝑦 2

Let Us Remember
Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Direction: Determine whether the statement is True or False. If it is false,

explain what makes it false, or provide a counterexample.

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) both exist, then lim(𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)) always exists.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) both exist, then lim(𝑓(𝑥) · 𝑔(𝑥)) always exists.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑓(𝑥)
3. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) both exist, then lim 𝑔(𝑥) always exists.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
4. The limit of an integer power p of a function is just that power of the
limit of the function.
𝑛
5. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists and n is a natural number, then lim √𝑓 (𝑥), always
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
exists.

Let Us Assess

It is amazing how you were able to study and answer the activities! Now it
is time to try the fruit of your journey by answering the assessment below.

1. What is a reasonable estimate for lim 𝑔(𝑥) based on the graph

𝑥→1
provided below?

19
 a. -1.9
b. -1.4
c. 1
d. The limit does not
exist.

2. lim(𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 4)
𝑥→2
a. 5 b. 9/2 c. 0 d. 11/2
3. lim −√𝑥 + 3
𝑥→3

𝑎. −√6 b. −√7 c. 1 d. −√2

−𝑥−3
4. lim3 𝑥 2 +𝑥+1
𝑥→
2

a. 1 b. -9/8 c. 0 d. −√2
5. Consider a constant c which the variable x will approach and the limit,
to be denoted by L, is the unique real value that f(x) will approach as x
approaches c. How do we denote this?
a. lim f(c) = 𝐿 b. lim 𝑥 = 𝐿 c. lim f(x) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
6. It is the limit theorem which states that if you are taking the limit of
the product of two functions then it is equal to the product of the
limits of those two functions.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem
7. It is the limit theorem which states that the limit of the sum of two
functions is the sum of the limits.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem
8. It is the limit theorem which states says that the limit of a quotient of
functions is equal to the quotient of the limits of the individual
functions, provided the denominator limit is not equal to 0.
a. The Addition Theorem
b. The Multiplication Theorem
c. The Division Theorem

20
 Let Us Enhance

Direction: Fill in the table of values for each value of x to determine the limit
of the given function.

Direction: From the table, determine the following limits

𝑥−5 𝑥
1. lim− 𝑥−3 4. lim− 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+9
𝑥→3 𝑥→3
𝑥−5 𝑥
2. lim+ 𝑥−3 5. lim+ 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+9
𝑥→3 𝑥→3
𝑥−5 𝑥
3. lim 𝑥−3 6. lim 𝑥 2−6𝑥+9
𝑥→3 𝑥→3

Let Us Reflect

In mathematics, a limit is the value that a function "approaches" as

the input "approaches" some value. Limits are essential to calculus and
mathematical analysis, and are used to define continuity, derivatives, and
integrals. Limits are not just restricted to calculus operations to define
derivatives and integrals, but they also have a broad range of practical
utility in physical sciences. Real-life limits are used any time you have some
type of real-world application approach a steady-state solution. Just like, if
you drop an ice cube in a glass of warm water and measure the temperature
with time, the temperature eventually approaches the room temperature
where the glass is stored. Measuring the temperature is a limit again as time
approaches infinity.

21
 Limits of Some
Lesson Transcendental
2 Functions and Some
Indeterminate Forms
Let Us Try!

A. Directions: Fill in the table of values to compute the limits of the

exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. The first value
is already done for you.
1. lim 𝑒 𝑥+4
𝑥→0
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-1 20.08553692 1 148.4131591
-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001
-0.00001 0.00001
2. lim log(𝑥 + 6)
𝑥→1
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 0.7781512504 2 0.903089987
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001
0.99999 1.00001
3. lim cos 2𝑥
𝑥→0
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-1 -0.4161468365 1 -0.4161468365
-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001
-0.00001 0.00001

22
 B. Directions: By observing the table of values, determine the limits
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
involving the expressions , , .
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
sin (1−𝑥 2 )
1. lim
𝑥→1 1−𝑥 2
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 0.841470984 2 0.047040002
0.5 0.90885168 1.5 0.759187695
0.9 0.993994184 1.1 0.992666189
0.99 0.999933999 1.01 0.999932666
0.999 0.999999 334 1.001 0.999999332
0.9999 0.999999993 1.0001 0.999999993
What is the limit of the function?

a. 1 b. 0 c. 0.8
1−cos(𝑡 2 −2)
2. lim
𝑡→2 𝑡 2 −2
𝑡 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)
1 -0.4596976941 3 0.03515682081
1.5 0.1243503132 2.5 0.34025588
1.9 0.6454618831 2.1 0.723697662
1.99 0.7038132157 2.01 0.7118598857
1.999 0.7076686025 2.001 0.7084734963
1.9999 0.7080331498 2.0001 0.7081136394
What is the limit of the function?
a. 1 b. 0 c. 2

Let Us Study

LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL, LOGARITHMIC, AND TRIGONOMETRIC

FUNCTIONS

Real-world situations can be expressed in terms of functional

relationships. These functional relationships are called mathematical
models. In applications of calculus, it is quite important that one can
generate these mathematical models. They sometimes use functions that
you encountered in precalculus, like the exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions. Let’s recall these functions and their corresponding
graphs.

1. If 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1, the exponential function with base b is defined by

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , 𝑥 ∈ ℝ
2. Let 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1. If 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥 then 𝑦 is called the 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑏,
denoted 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥

23
EVALUATING LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

First, we consider the natural exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where e

is called the Euler number and has the value of 2.718281…

Example 1: Evaluate lim 𝑒 𝑥 .

𝑥→0

We start by approaching the number 0 from the left of through the

values less than but close to 0.

From the table presented above, lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. Let us consider

𝑥→0
approaching 0 from its right or through values greater than but close to 0.

The table above shows that as the values of x get closer and closer to
0, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 1. So, lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. Combining the
𝑥→0
two one-sided limits allows us to conclude that lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→0

We can use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 to determine its limit as x

approaches 0. The figure below is the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .

24
EVALUATING LIMITS OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Consider the natural logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. We can recall

ln 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥. It is the inverse of the natural exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 .

Example 1: Evaluate lim ln 𝑥

𝑥→1

Construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. We first approach the

number 1 from the left of through values less than but close to 1.

lim ln 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→1−

Let us know consider approaching 1 from its right or through values

greater than but close to 1.

25
 lim ln 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→1+

As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get
closer and closer to 0. In symbols, lim ln 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1

Consider the common logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = log10 𝑥. Recall that

𝑓(𝑥) = log10 𝑥 = log 𝑥

Example 2: Evaluate lim log 𝑥

𝑥→1

Construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥. We first approach the
number 1 from the left or though the values less than but close to 1.

Let us now consider approaching 1 from its right or through values

greater than but close to 1.

As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get
closer and closer to 0. In symbols, lim log 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1

26
 Consider the graphs of both the natural and common logarithmic
functions. We can use the following graphs to determine their limits as x
approaches 1.

The figure helps verify our observations that

lim ln 𝑥 = 0 and lim log 𝑥 = 0. Based on the
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
figure, we have
1. lim ln 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→e
2. lim log 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→10
3. lim ln 𝑥 = ln 3 = 1.09
𝑥→3
4. lim log 𝑥 = log 3 = 0.47 … .
𝑥→3
5. lim+ ln 𝑥 = −∞
𝑥→0
6. lim+ log 𝑥 = −∞
𝑥→0

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Example 4: Evaluate lim sin 𝑥

𝑥→0
Construct the table of values for f(x) = sin 𝑥. We first approach 0 from
the left or through the values less than but close to 0.

Consider approaching 0 from its right or through values greater than

but close to 0.

As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get
closer and closer to 0. In symbols, lim sin 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→0

27
 We can also fin lim sin 𝑥 by using the graph of the sine function.
𝑥→0
Consider the graph of f(x) = sin 𝑥.

The graph validates our observation in Example 4 that lim sin 𝑥 = 0. Also,
𝑥→0
using the graph, we have the following:
1. limπ sin 𝑥 = 1 3. Limπ sin 𝑥 = −1
𝑥→ 𝑥→−
2 2
2. lim sin 𝑥 = 0 4. Lim sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→𝜋 𝑥→−𝜋

SOME SPECIAL LIMITS

THREE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

We will determine the limits of three special functions: namely,

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
𝑓(𝑡) = , 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ(𝑡) = . We start by evaluating the function
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
sin 𝑡
𝑓(𝑡) = .
𝑡

sin 𝑡
Example 1: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡
sin 𝑡
Construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑡) = . We first approach the
𝑡
number 0 from the left or through values less than but close to 0.

Consider the values approaching 0 from the right or through values

greater than but close to 0.

28
 sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡
Since lim− and lim+ are both equal to 1, we conclude that lim =1.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
sin 𝑡
The graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = below confirms that the y-values approach 1 as t
𝑡
approaches 0.

1− cos 𝑡
Now, consider the function 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡

1−cos 𝑡
Example 2: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡
1− cos 𝑡
Construct the table of values for 𝑔(𝑡) = . We first approach the number
𝑡
1 from the left or through the values less than but close to 0.

Now we consider approaching 0 from the right or through values

greater than but close to 0.

29
 1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡
Since lim− = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim+ = 0, we conclude that lim = 0.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
1−cos 𝑡
Below is the graph 𝑔(𝑡) = . We see that the y-values approach 0
𝑡
as t tends to 0.

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Consider the special function ℎ(𝑡) 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
Example 3. Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
Construct the table of values for ℎ(𝑡) . We first approach the
𝑡
number 0 from the left or through the values less than but close to 0.

Consider the values approaching 0 from the right or through values

greater than but close to 0.

30
 𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Since lim− = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim+ = 1, we can conclude that lim = 1.
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1
The graph of ℎ(𝑡) below confirms that lim = 1.
𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡

0
INDETERMININATE FORM 0

There are functions whose limits cannot be determined immediately

using the Limit Theorems we have so far. In these cases, the functions must
be manipulated so that the limit, if it exists, can be calculated. We call such
limit expressions indeterminate forms.

0
Definition of Indeterminate Form of Type 0
𝑓(𝑥)
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0 , then lim 𝑔(𝑥) is called an indeterminate
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
0
form of type 0.

0
Note: Remark 1: A limit that is indeterminate of type may exist. To
0
find the actual value, one should find an expression equivalent to the
original. This is commonly done by factoring or by rationalizing.

𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1
Example 1: Evaluate lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1
Solution. The limit of both the numerator and the denominator as x
approaches -1 is 0. Thus, this limit as currently written is an indeterminate
0
form of type . However, observe that (x + 1) is a factor common to the
0
numerator and the denominator, and

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 + 1)2
= = 𝑥 + 1 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 ≠ −1.
𝑥+1 𝑥+1
Therefore,

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1
lim = lim (𝑥 + 1) = 0
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1 𝑥→−1

31
 𝑥 2 −1
Example 2: Evaluate lim
𝑥→1 √𝑥−1
𝑥 2 −1
Solution. Since lim 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 and lim √𝑥 − 1 = 0, then lim is an
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 √𝑥−1
0
indeterminate form of type 0. To find the limit, observe that if 𝑥 ≠ 1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛
𝑥2 − 1
√𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1)
· = = (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1)
√𝑥 − 1 √ 𝑥 + 1 𝑥−1
So we have,
𝑥2 − 1
lim = lim (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1) = 4
𝑥→1 √𝑥 − 1 𝑥→1

Let Us Practice

Activity 1.1 Guided Practice

Directions: Fill in the table of values to compute the limits of the
exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

1. lim(𝑒 𝑥−2 )
𝑥→1
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001

2. lim log(𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→1
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001

3. lim cos 3𝑥 + 1
𝑥→0
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-1 1
-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001

32
Activity 1.2 Guided Practice
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Directions: Illustrate limits involving the expressions , , using
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
tables of values.
sin(1−𝑥)
1. lim ( )
𝑥→1 1−𝑥
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001

What is the limit of the function?

1−cos(𝑡+2)
2. lim ( )
𝑡→1 𝑡+2
𝑡 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001

What is the limit of the function?

𝑒 𝑡−1 −1
3. lim ( )
𝑡→1 𝑡−1
𝑡 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001

What is the limit of the function?

Let Us Practice More

Activity 2.1 Independent Practice

Direction: Evaluate the following limits by constructing their respective
tables of values.

33
 𝑡
1. lim
𝑡→0 sin 𝑡
sin (2𝑡)
2. lim
𝑡→0 2𝑡
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡
3. lim ·
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡
1−cos 𝑡
4. lim
𝑡→0 sin 𝑡

Activity 2.2 Independent Practice

Direction: Evaluate the limit by making its table of values.

1. lim+ ln(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1
2. lim+ (𝑥 − ln 𝑥)
𝑥→0

Let Us Remember
Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.
Directions: Write TRUE is the statement is true and rewrite the sentence to
its correct form if the sentence is false.

TRUE OR FALSE
1. In the natural expression 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , e is called the exponential
number.
2. When a number approaches to zero from the left, the values should be
more than 0.
3. When a number approaches to zero from the right, the values should
be more than 0.
4. ln 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥 is the inverse of the natural exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 .
𝑓(𝑥)
5. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0 , then lim 𝑔(𝑥) is called an indeterminate
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
0
form of type 0.

Let Us Assess
It is amazing how you were able to study and answer the activities!
Now it is time to try the fruit of your journey by answering the assessment
below.

Directions: Fill in the table of values to compute the limits of the

exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. The first value is
already done for you.

1. lim 𝑒 𝑥+1
𝑥→0

34
 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-1 1
-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001
-0.00001 0.00001
2. lim log(𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→1
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001
0.99999 1.00001
3. lim cos 𝑥
𝑥→0
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-1 1
-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001
-0.00001 0.00001

Directions: By observing the table of values, determine the limits involving

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
the expressions , , .
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

sin (1−𝑥)
1. lim
𝑥→1 1−𝑥
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
0 2
0.5 1.5
0.9 1.1
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001
0.9999 1.0001
What is the limit of the function?

a. 1 b. 0 c. 0.8s
1−cos(𝑡 2 −1)
2. lim
𝑡→2 𝑡 2 −1
𝑡 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)
1 3
1.5 2.5

35
 1.9 2.1
1.99 2.01
1.999 2.001
1.9999 2.0001

What is the limit of the function?

a. 1 b. 0 c. 0.7

Let Us Enhance

Use table tables to evaluate the limits.

ln(𝑒 𝑋 )
1. lim 3. lim+ ln sin 𝑥
𝑥→3 𝑥−3 𝑥→0
sin 𝑥 1−cos 2𝑥
2. lim sin 4𝑥 4. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 4𝑥

Let Us Reflect

Limits are also used as real-life approximations to calculating

derivatives. It is very difficult to calculate a derivative of complicated
motions in real life situations. So, to make calculations, engineers will
approximate a function using small difference in the function and then try
and calculate the derivative of the function by having smaller and smaller
spacing in the function sample intervals. Example is, when designing the
engine of a new car, an engineer may model the gasoline through the car’s
engine with small intervals called a mesh, sine the geometry of the engine is
too complicated to get exactly with simply functions such as polynomials.
These approximations always use limits.

36
 Lesson
3
Continuity of a Function

Let Us Try!
Directions: Read the following questions comprehensively. Choose the letter
of the correct answer.

A. Determine if the given function is continuous or discontinuous.

𝑥2
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = − 2𝑥+4
a. Discontinuous b. Continuous
𝑥+1
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +𝑥+1
a. Discontinuous b. Continuous
𝑥+1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
a. Discontinuous b. Continuous

B. Assess if the statement is TRUE or FALSE.

4. Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.

a. TRUE b. FALSE
5. The absolute value function f(x)=|x| is continuous everywhere.
a. TRUE b. FALSE
6. A function is said to be continuous on an interval when the function is
defined at every point on that interval and undergoes interruptions,
jumps, or breaks.
a. TRUE b. FALSE

Let Us Study

CONTINUITY AT A POINT

We have observed from our previous lessons about Limits that there
function whose limits are not equal to the function value at x=c, meaning,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑐).

Note: lim 𝑓(𝑥) is NOT NECESSARILY the same as 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑐

37
LIMITS AND CONTINUITY OF A POINT

The limit of a function lim 𝑓(𝑥) a may turn out to be just the value of
𝑥→𝑐
f(x) at x=c. That is, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐). When this happens, we have an event of
𝑥→𝑐
some mathematical significance. The function f(x) is said to be continuous at
x=c.

This leads to the definition:

Definition: A function f(x) is continuous at x=c if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).

𝑥→𝑐

Note: The condition lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐). Implies three conditions.

𝑥→𝑐

Three Conditions of Continuity

A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = c if the following three
conditions are satisfied:
(i) 𝑓(𝑐) exists;
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and
𝑥→𝑐
(iii) 𝑓(𝑐) = lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

If one of these conditions is not met, f is said to be discontinuous at c.

Continuity at a point means that in drawing the graph of a function,

the point in question will be traversed. We start by graphically illustrating
what it means to be continuity at a point.

Example 1: Consider the graph below

38
 To check if the function is continuous at x =1, use the given graph.
Note that one can trace the graph from the left side of the number x =1going
to the right side of x =1, without lifting one’s pen. This is the case here.

Therefore, the function is continuous at x =1 .

Example 2: Consider the graph of the function g(x) below.

Tracing the graph from the left of x=1 going to right of x=1, one finds
that s/he must lift her/his pen briefly upon reaching x=1, creating a hole in
the graph.

Therefore, the function is discontinuous at x=1.

Example 3: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 2 is continuous or not at x=1.

Solution. We must check the three conditions for continuity of a function.

a. If x=1, then f(1) = 0

b. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim(𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 2) = 13 + 12 − 2 = 0
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
c. 𝑓(1) = 0 = lim𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1

Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at x=1

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
Example 4: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous or not at x=0
𝑥−2

Solution. We must check the three condition for continuity of a function.

a. If x=0, then f(0) = 1

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
b. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim = lim(𝑥 + 1) = 1
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥−2 𝑥→0
c. 𝑓(0) = 1 = lim𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1

Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at x=1.

39
 𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4,
Example 5. Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = { is continuous
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4
or not at x=4.

Solution. Note that f is defined at x=4 since f(4) =3. However, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = 5
𝑥→4
while lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 .
𝑥→4

Therefore, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) DNE, and f is discontinuous at x=4.

𝑥→4

CONTINUITY ON AN INTERVAL

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY ON AN INTERVAL

A function is said to be continuous on an interval when the function is

defined at every point on that interval and undergoes no interruptions,
jumps, or breaks. Equivalently, if we can draw the entire graph of the
function on an interval without lifting our tracing pen, or without being
interrupted by a hole in the middle of the graph, then we can conclude that
the function is continuous on that interval.

There are two concepts to remember in determining whether a

function is continuous at the endpoints of closed intervals.

One-Sided Continuity
a. A function f is said to be continuous from the left at x = c if
𝑓(𝑐) = lim− 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
b. A function f is said to be continuous from the right at x = c if
𝑓(𝑐) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

Here are known facts on continuities of functions on intervals:

Continuity of Polynomial, Absolute Value, Rational and Square Root

Functions
1. Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.
2. The absolute value function f(x)=|x| is continuous everywhere.
3. Rational functions are continuous on their respective domains.
4. The square root function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 is continuous on [0,∞).

We first look at graphs of functions to illustrate continuity on an

interval.

40
Example 1: Consider the graph of the function f given below.

Using the given graph, determine if the function f is continuous on the

following intervals:

a. (-1,1) b. (∞,0) c. (0,+∞)

Solution. Remember that when we say “trace from the right side of 𝑥 = 𝑐”,
we are tracing not from 𝑥 = 𝑐 on the x-axis, but from the point (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐))
along the graph.

a. We can trace the graph from the right side of 𝑥 = −1 to the left side of
𝑥 = 1without lifting the pen we are using. Hence, we can say that the
function 𝑓 is continuous on the interval (−1,1).

b. If we trace the graph from any negatively large number up to the left side
of 0, we will not lift our pen and so, f is continuous on (−∞, 0).

c. For the interval (0,+∞), we trace the graph from the right side of 0 to any
large number, and find that we will not lift our pen. Thus, the function f is
continuous on (0,+∞).

Example 2: Consider the graph of the function h below.

41
 Determine using the given graph if the function f is continuous on the
following intervals:

a. (-1,1) b. [0.5,2]

Solution. Because we are already given the graph of h, we characterize the

continuity of h by the possibility of tracing the graph without lifting the pen.

a. If we trace the graph of the function ℎ from the right side of 𝑥 = 1 to the
left side of 𝑥 = 1, we will be interrupted by a hole when we reach 𝑥 = 0. We
are forced to lift our pen just before we reach 𝑥 = 0 to indicate that ℎ is not
defined at 𝑥 = 0 and continue tracing again starting from the right of 𝑥 = 0.
Therefore, we are not able to trace the graph of h on (-1,1) without lifting our
pen. Thus, the function h is not continuous on (-1,1).

b. For the interval [0.5,2], if we trace the graph from x =0 .5 to x =2, we do

not have to lift the pen at all. Thus, the function h is continuous on [0.5,2].

NOTE: If a function is given without its corresponding graph, we must find

other means to determine if the function is continuous or not on an interval.
Here are definitions that will help us:

A function is said to be continuous….

a. 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟. 𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒,
𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 ℝ.
b. 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑥 𝑖𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏).
c. 𝑜𝑛 [𝑎, 𝑏)𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑎.
d. 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏]𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑏.
e. 𝑜𝑛 [𝑎, 𝑏]𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛 [𝑎, 𝑏).
f. 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, ∞)𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑥 > 𝑎.
g. 𝑜𝑛 [𝑎, ∞)𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 (𝑎, ∞) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑎.
h. 𝑜𝑛 (−∞, 𝑏)𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑥 < 𝑏.
i. 𝑜𝑛 (−∞, 𝑏)𝑖𝑓 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑛 (−∞, 𝑏)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑏.

𝑥
Example 3: Determine the largest interval over which ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−1 is
continuous.
𝑥
Solution: Observe that the given rational function ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−1 is not defined
at x =1 and x =-1. Hence, the domain of h is the set ℝ\{-1,1}. As mentioned
at the start of this topic, a rational function is continuous on its domain.
Hence, h is continuous over ℝ\{-1,1).

42
Example 4: Determine the largest interval over which the function

𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2 is continuous.

Solution. Observe that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2 has function values only
if 𝑥 + 2 ≥ 0, that is if 𝑥 ∈ [−2, +∞). For all 𝑐 ∈ (−2, +∞),

𝑓(𝑐) = √𝑐 + 2 = lim √𝑥 + 2
𝑥→𝑐

Moreover, f is continuous from the right at -2 because

𝑓(−2) = 0 = lim+ √𝑥 + 2
𝑥→2

Therefore, for all 𝑥 ∈ [−2, +∞), the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2 is continuous.

Let Us Practice
Activity 1.1 Guided Practice
Direction: Read the given question below.
1. Given the graph of f(x) below, determine of f(x) is continuous at x=-2,
x=0, and x=3.

Activity 1.2 Guided Practice

Direction: Determine if the following functions are continuous at the given
value of x.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1
1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 2
𝑥−1
4. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1
𝑥+1
5. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1
𝑥 2 −1

43
 Let Us Practice More
Very good! You made it this far. Let us continue rolling!

Activity 2.1 Independent Practice

Direction: Find the intervals on which each function is continuous.
−𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1, 𝑥 < 1
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝑥
−2, 𝑥 ≥ 1

1, 𝑥 ≠ 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = {
3, 𝑥 = 5

44
Activity 2.2 Independent Practice
Directions: Find the intervals on which each function is continuous.
You may use graphing paper to sketch the function. See the provided
graph for reference.
2𝑥 − 10, 𝑥 < 2 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = { 2. 𝑓(𝑥) =
0, 𝑥 ≥ 2 𝑥+1

Let Us Remember
Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.
Direction: Fill in the necessary information on each sentence inside the box.

1. A function is said to be continuous everywhere if f is continuous at

every _________.
2. A function is said to be continuous on (a,b) if f is continuous at every
point x in _________.
3. A function is said to be continuous on [a,b) if f is continuous on (a,b)
and from the _________ at a.
4. A function is said to be continuous on (a,b] if f is continuous on (a,b)
and from the _________ at b.
5. A function is said to be continuous on _________ if f is continuous on
(a,b] and on [a,b).
6. A function is said to be continuous on (a,∞) if f is continuous at all
_________.
7. A function is said to be continuous on [a,∞) if f is continuous on (a,∞)
and from the _________ at a.
8. A function is said to be continuous on (-∞,b) if f is continuous at all
_________.
9. A function is said to be continuous on (-∞,b) if f is continuous on (-
∞,b)and from the _________ at b.
10. The symbol “ℝ" stands for __________.

45
 Let Us Assess
It is amazing how you were able to study and answer the activities!
Now it is time to try the fruit of your journey by answering the assessment
below.

Direction: Determine if the given function is continuous or discontinuous at

the indicated points.
6
1. 𝑔(𝑥) = a. z=-2 b. z=0 c. z=5
𝑧 2 −3𝑧−10

2𝑥, 𝑥 > 6
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = { a. x=4 b. x=6
𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6

Let Us Enhance
Direction: Provide the needed answers for the given question.

1. Recalling the concept of the Limit Theorems and the definition of

continuity, determine of the following function is continuous or
discontinuous at x= -1, x= 0, x= 3?
𝟒𝒙 + 𝟓
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝟗 − 𝟑𝒙

2. The graph of f(x) is given below. Based on the graph below, determine
where the function is discontinuous.

Let Us Reflect

The word “continuous” occurs often in common parlance and refers to

anything that has no breaks or gaps, as in “It has been raining continuously
for two hours.” In mathematics, however, “continuous” and “continuity”
have a precise technical meaning, which, while it includes the common
46
sense understanding of something without breaks or gaps, has many other
significant ramifications. In fact, continuity is one of the most important
concepts in mathematics. One might ask then why non-mathematicians
should care. The reason is that, on one hand, continuity is a pillar of
calculus - another being the idea of a limit - which is essential for the study
of engineering and the sciences, while on the other, it has far-reaching
consequences in a variety of areas seemingly unconnected with
mathematics. Moreover, the absence of continuity can sometimes spell
disaster.

Answer key to Activities

Answer Key
LESSON 1

C 8. real number C 8.
A 7. FALSE, positive 5. A 7.
B 6. TRUE 4. B 6.
A 5. is not equal to 0 C 5.
B 4. the denominator B 4.
C 3. FALSE, Only if 3. A 3.
B 2. TRUE 2. C 2.
C 1. TRUE 1. B 1.
Let us Try Let Us Remember Let Us Assess

LESSON 2

2. A
1. A
5. TRUE
Let us Try - B
TRUE 4.
the values TRUE 3.
through substituting FALSE 2.
Tables can be checked FALSE 1.
Let Us Try – A Let Us Remember

LESSON 3 10.real number

9. left continuous
8. x<b b. not
7. right 2. a. continuous
B 6. 6. x>a
A 5. 5. [a,b] continuous
A 4. 4. Left c. not
B 3. 3. Right b. continuous
B 2. 2. (a,b) continuous
A 1. 47
1. Real number 1. a. not
Let Us Try Let Us Remember Let Us Assess
 References

Basic Calculus, Learner’s Manual, D epartment of Education

Florentino T. Feliciano, Fausto B. Uy. Differential and Integral Calculus. Merriam and
Webster Bookstore, Inc. 3-19

Carlene Perpetua P. Arceo, Richard S. Lemence, Oreste M. Ortega, Jr. Teaching Guide For
Senior High School: Basic Calculus. EC-TEC Commercial. 2-63

48
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Telefax :(084) 216-3504

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