UNIT Limits and

CLASS NOTES /
1 Continuity
GUIDED PRACTICE
CHA AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
CHA Topic: 1.1
AP CALCULUS AB AVON
Introducing HIGH
Calculus: CanSCHOOL
Change Occur at MR. RECORD
Day: 2
2 Section Number: 1.1 Introducing Calculus: Can Change Occur at
an Instant? Day: 2
2
Learning Objective CHA-1.A: Interpret the rate of change at an instant inan Instant?
terms of average rates of change over
intervals containing that instant.

THINK ABOUT IT The concept of average velocity is fairly

intuitive. For example, the distance from Mr. Record’s driveway in
Avon, IN is exactly 700 miles from the Florida/Alabama border.
If it takes him 10 hours to make the trip, what is his average velocity?

What assumption could you make about Mr. Record’s driving if the above
assumption is true?

Example 1: Suppose a ball is dropped from the top story of the Burj Khalifa in
Dubai, UAE, 2717 feet from the ground. Find the velocity after 5 seconds.

By conducting experiments in the late 1500’s from

atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Galileo discovered
that the distance traveled by a freely falling object is
directly proportional to the square of the time it has
been falling.
In this case, the distance the ball has fallen, s(t), after t
seconds, can be given by
s(t ) = 16t 2
We can compute the instantaneous velocity at t = 5 by
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, completed in
computing the average velocity over a short time
2009, is the world’s tallest building. interval, for example t = 5 to t = 5.1 .
Use your calculator to obtain three other estimates that are progressively more
accurate for the instantaneous velocity at time t = 5 . Fill in the table below with your findings.
Quick TI-Nspire Tutorial
s( t ) − s(5) When evaluating a function for
t s(t) several values of x (or in this
t −5 case, t), it can be helpful to store
the function in your calculator.
One of the many ways to do this
is using the /t buttons to
access Ï.
Next, you can enter multiple values for t by using the “such that”
notation, |, found by pressing /= and using braces, {}.

1
AP® CALCULUS AB FREE RESPONSE QUESTION

2018 AB/BC 4 (No calculator allowed)

Scan the QR Scan the QR
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t Code above to
2 3 5 7 10 watch a video watch a video
(years) covering the covering the
Introduction and solution to 2018
H (t ) Example 1 AB/BC 4 and
1.5 2 6 11 15 the Conclusion
(meters) of the lesson.

The height of a tree at time t is given by a twice differentiable function, H, where H (t ) is

measured in meters and t is measured in years. Selected values of H (t ) are given in the table
above.
(a) Use the data in the table to estimate H (6) . Using correct units, interpret the meaning of
H (6) in the context of the problem.
* Note: The term “twice differentiable” and the functions with the symbols H (6) are concepts that will be taught later. For now,
think of H (6) as asking for an instantaneous rate of change approximation using an appropriate average rate of change.

The following tables illustrate the powerful questions that calculus can answer. Many of these you will learn in
Calculus AB (Calculus 1) but others will not be discussed until Calculus BC (Calculus 2) or beyond.

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
2 Topic: 1.2 Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation Day: 2

2 Topic: 1.4 Estimating Limits from Tables

Learning Objective LIM-1.A: Represent limits analytically using correct notation.
Learning Objective LIM-1.C: Estimate limits of functions.

x3 − 1
y

THINK ABOUT IT Consider the function f ( x) = , x 1 4

x −1
3
Look at its graph to the right.
2
What is 𝑓(𝑥) approaching as x approaches 1?
Use your fingers and trace along the graph on both 1
x

sides of x = 1. Do your fingers seem to come to a place where they are -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5

“fairly close” together? -1

-2

-3
The question above can be rewritten symbolically as
-4
x3 − 1
lim -5
x →1 x − 1

We can find the above limit numerically (Using a Table of Values)

Complete the table below for the function given above. Round all decimals to three places.

x .9 .99 .999 1 1.001 1.01 1.1

f(x)

Quick TI-Nspire Tutorial

There are two ways to generate a table of values.
Method 1: Go to a Graph Scratchpad. (Press » twice). Press e to bring up function entry line.
After entering the function, press ·. Press / + T to bring up the table. Your screen will now be
split. You may have to change the setting of the table my pressing b,
Option 2: Table; Option 5: Edit Table Settings… change Independent from “Auto” to “Ask.”

I’ll show you Method 2 later.

The informal definition of a limit is read like this: “what is happening to y as x gets close to a certain number.”

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Think About
It Activity 3
ACTIVITY.
( x3 + 4)2 − x 6
Graph the following function f ( x) = using Desmos from either your laptop or mobile app.
x3
Take a closer look at the behavior of the function when x becomes very large. Change your X-Axis Window to
0 < X < 100,000.
To get an even better look, change your Y-Axis Window to 7 < Y < 9.
By this time, you probably notice some very erratic behavior happening.

( x3 + 4)2 − x6
What do you predict lim would be?
x → x3

Add a Table to your left pane and confirm your answer to the limit above.
Use the table below.

x 1 10 100 1000 10,000

f ( x)

x 100,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 100,000,000 1,000,000,000

f ( x)

( x3 + 4)2 − x6
What is the lim ?
x → x3
Later in the Unit (Topic 1.15), we will more formally discuss looking at the behavior of functions as x → 

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
2 Topic: 1.3 Estimating Limit Values from Graphs Day: 3
Learning Objective LIM-1.C: Estimate limits of functions.

Limit Notation and One-Sided Limits

If we want to find the limit of f (x) as x approaches some value of c from the left hand side, we will write lim− f ( x) .
x →c

If we want to find the limit of f (x) as x approaches some value of c from the right hand side, we will write lim+ f ( x) .
x →c

In order for a limit to exist at c, lim− f ( x) must equal lim+ f ( x) and we say lim f ( x) = L.
x →c x →c x →c

In order for a limit to exist, the function must be approaching the same y-value as the x approaches some value c
from either the left or the right side. If this does not happen, we say that the limit does not exist (DNE) as x
approaches c.

Examples 1-7: For each graph of f (x), find the required information.

a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____ a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____
x →1 x →1 x →1 x →1

c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (1) = _____ c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (1) = _____
x →1 x →1

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Examples 1-4.

a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____ a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim− f ( x) = _____
x →1 x →1 x →1 x →1

c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (1) = _____ c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (1) = _____
x →1 x →1

5
 a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____ a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____
x →0 x →0 x →2 x →2

c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (0) = _____ c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (2) = _____
x →0 x→2

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Examples 5-7

a.) lim− f ( x) = _____ b.) lim+ f ( x) = _____

x →− 2 x →− 2

c.) lim f ( x) = _____ d.) f (−2) = _____

x →− 2

Using Technology to Find Limits

Use a graphing utility, when necessary, to find each limit.
x
Example 8: Find lim .
x →0
x +1 −1 Scan the QR
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Examples 8-11

1 x  2 x
Example 9: Find lim f ( x ) if f ( x) =  . Example 10: Find lim .
x→ 2
0 x = 2 x →0 x

6
  1
Example 11: Find lim  sin  .
x →0
 x

Why Limits Fail to Exist

It is very important to understand the reasons why limits may fail to exist.

3 Reasons Why Limits Fail To Exist at x = c

1. f(x) approaches a different number from the right side of c than it approaches from the left side
side of c. This often called a “jump” discontinuity and happens often with piecewise function.
2. f(x) either increases and/or decreases without bound as x approaches c.
(This means the function approaches either  or − . See: Definition of Vertical Asymptote)
3. f(x) oscillates between two fixed values as x approaches c.

Activity In Examples 8-11, you discovered that two of those limits do not exist.
Discussing with your table partner, determine which of the three reasons from the box on the previous page
properly explain why those limits do not exist.

The limit in example number ________ does not exist because of reason number __________.
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MCQ #5

AP® CALCULUS AB MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2014 BC MCQ #5

The figure to the right shows the graph of the function f. Which of the
following statements are true?
I. lim− f ( x) = f (2)
x→2

II. lim− f ( x) = lim+ f ( x)

x →6 x →6

III. lim f ( x) = f (6)

x →6

(A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only (E) I, II and III

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 1.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Day: 4
1 Properties of Limits
Learning Objective LIM-1.D: Determine the limits of functions using limit theorems.

Properties of Limits
Let b and c be real numbers and n be a positive integer. Also let f and g be functions such that
lim f ( x) = L and lim g ( x) = K .
x →c x →c

1. Scalar Multiple limbf ( x) = bL

x →c Note: It cannot be emphasized enough
2. Sum/Difference lim f ( x)  g ( x) = L  K that the limit properties to the left do not
x →c

lim f ( x)  g ( x) = L  K
apply if either or both lim f ( x) and
3. Product x→c
x →c
lim g ( x) fail to exist.
f ( x) L x →c
4. Quotient lim =
x →c g ( x ) K That is, we cannot add, subtract,
multiply or divide with a “d.n.e.” result.
lim  f ( x) n = L n
m m
5. Power
x →c

Example 1: Consider the graphs of the functions f ( x) and g ( x) given below. Find each of the
following limits using a pair of one-sided limits when necessary.

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a.) lim  f ( x) g ( x) b.) lim  f ( x) + f ( x + 3)

x →3 x →3

c.) lim  f ( x) f ( x − 1) d.) lim  f ( x) + g ( x + 1)

x →6 x →3

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Operations on Limits and Limits of Composite Functions
The standard rule for finding the limit of a composite function looks something like this:

Rule for Limits of Composite Functions

x →a x →a
( x →a
)
If lim g ( x) = K and f ( x) is continuous at x = K , then lim f ( g ( x) ) = f lim g ( x) .

We will expand upon the idea of continuity later in the unit. For now, think of f (x) is continuous at x = K if
f (x) has no holes, breaks or asymptotes at x = K.
While useful, this rule can be very problematic if the inner function’s limit does not exist or if the outer function
is not continuous at the value of the inner function’s limit.

Example 2: Consider the graphs of the functions f ( x) and g ( x) given below. Find each of the
following limits.

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a.) lim f ( f ( x) ) b.) lim f ( g ( x) )

x →1 x →3

c.) lim g ( f ( x) )
x →7

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 1.6 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Day: 5
1 Manipulations
1 Topic: 1.7 Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits
Learning Objective LIM-1.E: Determine the limits of functions using equivalent expressions for the function or the
squeeze theorem.

Evaluating Basic Limits Analytically

The following rules outline how to evaluate the limit of some rather simple functions.

Basic Limit Rules

Let b and c be real numbers and n be a positive integer.
1. 2. 3.

Evaluate each of the following limits analytically.

Example 1: Find lim 5 Example 2: Find lim ( 4 x 2 + 3)
x →3 x →2

x2 + x + 4
Example 3: Find lim Example 4: Find lim sin x
x →1 x +1 
x→
2

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Functions That Agree At All But One Point

Examples 1- 4

Let c be a real number and let for all in the open interval containing c.
Then .

Factor and Cancel Problems

x2 + x − 6 x3 −1
Example 5: Find lim Example 6: Find lim
x → −3 x+3 x →1 x −1
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Examples 5 & 6

10
Conjugate Problem “Fraction Action Problem”
1 1
−
x +1 − 1
Example 7: Find lim Example 8: Find lim x + 3 3
x →0 x x →0 x

A Problem with “x +h”

4( x + h)2 − 3( x + h) + 2 − 4 x 2 + 3x − 2
Example 9: Find lim
h →0 h

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Example 7

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Example 8
A Problem with a Piecewise Function
3x 2 − 1, x  2
Example 10: Find lim f ( x) for f ( x) = 
x→2
5 x + 2, x  2

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Example 9 Example 10

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 1.8 Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Day: 6
3 Theorem
Learning Objective LIM-1.E: Determine the limits of functions using equivalent expressions for the function or the
squeeze theorem.

Trigonometric Limits – Analytic Approach

Before we discuss trigonometric limits, we first must familiarize ourselves with “The Squeeze Theorem”

The Squeeze Theorem

If h( x)  f ( x)  g ( x) for all x in an open interval
containing c, except possibly at c itself, and if
lim h( x) = L = lim g ( x) ,
x→c x→c

then lim f ( x) exists and is equal to L.

x→c

This theorem is used to prove the following two special trigonometric limits.

Special Trigonometric Limits

sin x x
1. lim =1 lim =1
x →0 x x →0 sin x
or
1 − cos x cos x − 1
2. lim =0 lim =0
x →0 x x →0 x

Proof of Special Trigonometric Limit #1 Above

A sector of a circle is used in this proof.

12
 tan x sin 4 x
Example 1: Find lim Example 2: Find lim
x →0 x x →0 x

1 − cos 2 x
Example 3: Find lim
x →0 x

Example 4: Let h( x) = − x2 , f ( x) = x2  cos(10 x) , and g ( x) = x2 .

a. Use the Squeeze Theorem to show that lim f ( x) = 0 .

x →0

b. Use your TI calculator to sketch a graph of h( x), f ( x) and g ( x) on the same coordinate axes using a
window of  −1,1 x  −1,1 . Sketch the result as accurate as possible below.
.

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Example 2 Example 3

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

2 Topic: 1.9 Connecting Multiple Representations of Day: 7

Limits
Answer each of the following problems in this Four Corner Activity.
f ( x) = x 2 − 3 x − 28
g ( x) = x + 4
h( x) = −2 x + 4
Use the functions above to evaluate the following limits.
If a limit does not exist, write “dne.”

f ( x)
𝟏. lim
x →− 4 g ( x)
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥), shown above, has a vertical
asymptote at 𝑥 = 6. Use the graph to evaluate the
g ( x) following limits. If a limit does not exist, write dne.
𝟐. lim
x→ 7 f ( x)
1. lim f ( x) 2. lim f ( x)
x→2 x →−1

g ( x) 3. lim− f ( x) 4. lim f ( x)
𝟑. lim+ x →−1 x→ 6
x →− 4 h( x )
Topic:
Limits
Sketch a graph that meets the
following guidelines. 1. Which limit from the upper right corner does not
1. lim− g ( x) = 2, lim+ g ( x) = −1, g (1) = 0 exist for the same reason as Problem 2 on the
x →1 x →1
upper left corner?

2. Sketch a graph of the limit described in the first

problem from the top left corner.

lim h( x) = −, lim h( x) = +

x → 2− x → 2+
2.
lim h( x) = 2, lim h( x) = − 2
x →− x →
3. Using Problem 1 from the bottom left corner,
explain the difference between finding
g (1) and lim g ( x).
x →1

14
 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topics: 1.10, 1.11 Exploring Types of Discontinuities Day: 8
3 Defining Continuity at a Point
Topics: 1.12, 1.13 Confirming Continuity on an Interval
1 Removing Discontinuities
Learning Objective LIM-2.A: Justify conclusions about continuity at a point using the definition.
Learning Objective LIM-2.B: Determine intervals over which a function is continuous.
Learning Objective LIM-2.C: Determine values of x or solve for parameters that make discontinuous functions
continuous, if possible.

Eroded pedestrian bridge in Southeast Collapsed Hwy US 36 north of Denver, CO, Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, Lower Keys Florida.
Texas from Hurricane Harvey, Fall Summer 2019
2017

TIP: Continuity implies “no interruptions” in the graph.

Three Examples of Discontinuities of a Function 3 Criteria of Continuity

over an interval (a, b) In order for a function, f(x)
to be continuous at a point,
1. f (c) is undefined 2a. lim f ( x) does not exist 3. lim f ( x)  f (c)
x→c x →c x = c, the following three
conditions must be met.
1.

2.

or 2b.

3.

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Introduction to
Continuity

15
AP® CALCULUS AB FREE RESPONSE QUESTION

2011 AB 6 (No calculator allowed)

1 − 2sin x, for x  0
Let f be a function defined by f ( x) =  −4 x . (a.) Show that f is continuous at x = 0.
 e , for x  0

You may recall from College Algebra or Pre-calculus that discontinuities fall into two categories:

____________________ and _____________________ .

ACTIVITY Use the following word bank below and to the right to fill in the 5 boxes in the table below.

Word Bank
Discontinuities
corner removable cusp
Graphical hole increasing oscillate
Type
Description concave up asymptote concave down
jump periodic nonremovable

Example 1: The graph above is f ( x) . Determine all x-values where f ( x) is not continuous and classify each
as removable or non-removable.

16
 x 2 + 3x − 40
Example 2: Consider g ( x) = . List the x-values where g ( x) is not continuous and classify each
x 2 − 3x − 10
type of discontinuity. Write the intervals over which the function g ( x) is continuous.

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Example 3: Consider the piece-wise defined function for h( x) below. Determine all x-value(s) where h( x) is
discontinuous and classify each as removable or non-removable.

2 x − 1 x  −2
 2
x − 9 − 2  x  1
h( x ) = 
3x + 2 1  x  3
4 x − 1 x  3

Example 4: The piece-wise function for k ( x) is below. Find the values for a and b that makes k ( x) continuous
everywhere. Be sure to use the definition of continuity and demonstrate proper notation.

 x2 − 4
 x−2 x2

k ( x) = ax 2 + bx + 3 2 x3
2 x − a + b x3
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Example 4

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topics: 1.14 Connecting Infinite Limits and Vertical Day: 9
3 Asymptotes
Learning Objective LIM-2.D: Interpret the behavior of functions using limits involving infinity.

Infinite Limits
Consider the following functions:
1 1
f ( x) = and g ( x) =
x −1 (x − 1)2

Example 1: Find each limit and confirm the result with the graphs above.

a. lim− f ( x) = d. lim− g ( x) =
x →1 x →1

b. lim+ f ( x) = e. lim+ g ( x) =
x →1 x →1

c. lim f ( x) = f. lim g ( x) =
x →1 x →1

What do limits that produce results of infinity or negative infinity say about the function?

Vertical Asymptotes

Definition of Vertical Asymptotes

If lim− f ( x) =  or −  or lim f ( x) =  or −  , then x = c is a vertical asymptote.
x →c x →c +

18
Example 2: Determine all of the equations that represent vertical asymptotes for each of the given functions.

x2 + 1 x2 + 2x − 8
a. f ( x) = 2 b. f ( x) =
x −1 x2 − 4

TIP. It is likely that by now, you have discovered that for fairly simple rational functions, finding the location
of any vertical asymptote can be done without actually finding the value, c, that x should approach to ensure a
limit that approaches either positive ∞ or negative ∞.
It is possible to find the asymptotes, by reducing the rational function to its simplest form and then setting any
denominator factors equal to zero.

Example 3: Determine the vertical asymptotes for each.

1
a. f ( x) = b. f ( x) = cot x
2( x − 1)

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Examples 1-3

Example 4: Find each limit to the best of your ability without using a calculator.
Hint: Try making a table of values allowing x to get closer to 1 on the appropriate side of 1.
1 1
a. lim− b. lim+
x →1 x − 1 x →1 x − 1

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19
A Limit Humor
A teacher was explaining to her class the concept of infinite limits and used
the following example in her lesson
1
lim+ =
x →8 x − 8 .
Feeling that her students seemed to understand what was going on, she
called upon a student to tackle the problem:
1
lim+ =
x →5 x − 5

After contemplating the problem for a while the student came to the board
and happily and confidently wrote the answer as
1
lim+ =
x →5 x − 5

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 LIM AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topics: 1.15 Connecting Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Day: 9
2 Asymptotes
Learning Objective LIM-2.D: Interpret the behavior of functions using limits involving infinity.

3x 2
ACTIVITY Consider the following function and graph it on your TI calculator: f ( x) =
x2 + 1

For convenience, a table of values for the above function would yield the following:
x − − 100 − 10 − 1 0 1 10 100  Fill in the blanks below.
As x →  f ( x) → ____ and
f(x) 3 2.99997 2.97 1.5 0 1.5 2.97 2.9997 3 as x → − f ( x) → ____

Therefore, we can say what

Limits At Infinity pair of limit statements?
_________________
The concept of limits as x approaches infinity means the following:
“what happens to y as x gets infinitely large.” We are interested in
what is happening to the y-value as the curve gets farther and farther _________________
to the right.
We can also talk about limits as x approaches negative infinity. This means what is happening to the
y-value as the curve gets farther and farther to the left.

The terminology we use are the following: lim f ( x) and lim f ( x) .

x → x →−

Note that it makes no sense to talk about lim+ f ( x) and lim − f ( x) .

x → x →−

Examples 1-5: For each graph of f (x), find the given limit.

Example 1) Example 2)

a.) lim f ( x) = _____ b.) lim f ( x) = _____ a.) lim f ( x) = _____ b.) lim f ( x) = _____
x →− x → x →− x →

21
 Example 4)
Example 3)

a.) lim f ( x) = _____ b.) lim f ( x) = _____ a.) lim f ( x) = _____ b.) lim f ( x) = _____
x →− x → x →− x →

Example 5) A Video for some problems very similar to

Examples 1-5 can be seen by scanning the
QR Code to the right.

a.) lim f ( x) = _____ b.) lim f ( x) = _____

x →− x →

Limit at Infinity Theorem

If is a rational number, then

.

If is a rational number, such that is defined for all x, then

.

Example 6: Evaluating a Limit at Infinity

 2 
Evaluate lim  5 − 2 
x →
 x 

22
Example 7: Evaluating a Limit at Infinity
2x −1
Evaluate lim
x → x + 1

Example 8: A Comparison of Three Rational Functions

Find each of the following limits.
2x + 5 2 x2 + 5 2 x3 + 5
a. lim 2 b. lim 2 c. lim
x → 3 x + 1 x → 3 x + 1 x → 3 x 2 + 1

NOTE: Would it have made any difference in either example above if x approached − ?

Guidelines for Finding Limits at  of Rational Functions

1. If the degree of the numerator is LESS THAN the degree of the denominator, then the limit of
the rational function is ____________.

2. If the degree of the numerator is EQUAL TO the degree of the denominator, then the limit of
the rational function is _______________________________________________________.

3. If the degree of the numerator is GREATER THAN the degree of the denominator, then the
limit of the rational function ________________________________________________.

Do you remember a shortcut from College Algebra or Pre-Calculus?

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Example 9: A Function Where the Results Differ
Find each of the following limits.
3x − 2 3x − 2
a. lim b. lim
x →
2x2 + 1 x →− 
2 x2 + 1

Horizontal Asymptotes
Definition of a Horizontal Asymptote
The line y = L is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f ( x) if
lim f ( x) = L or lim f ( x) = L
x →− x →

Example 10: Finding Horizontal Asymptotes

Determine the equation of the horizontal asymptote, if any, of the graph of each function.

4x + 5 4x2 + 5 4 x3 + 5
a. f ( x) = b. f ( x) = c. f ( x) =
2x2 + 1 2x2 + 1 2x2 + 1

Example 11: Finding Horizontal Asymptotes

Determine the equation of any horizontal asymptote, if any, of the graph of the given function below.

8x −1
f ( x) =
2 x2 + 1

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Example 12: Finding Horizontal Asymptotes
Determine the equation of any horizontal asymptote, if any, of the graph of the given function below.

sin x
f ( x) =
x

AP® CALCULUS AB MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

2012 AB MCQ #21 (No calculator allowed)

The line y = 5 is a horizontal asymptote to the graph of which of the following functions?

sin(5 x) 1 5x 20 x 2 − x
(A) y= (B) y = 5x (C) y = (D) y = (E) y =
x x−5 1− x 1 + 4 x2

2008 AB MCQ #19 (No calculator allowed)

5 + 2x
What are all horizontal asymptotes of the graph of y = in the xy-plane?
1 − 2x

(A) y = 1 only (B) y = 0 only (C) y = 5 only (D) y = −1 and y = 0 (E) y = −1 and y = 5

Here is a similar AP-style problem to 2008 #19.

3e x + 7e− x
What are all horizontal asymptotes of the graph of y = in the xy-plane?
e x + e− x

(A) y = 3 only (B) y = 0 only (C) y = 7 only (D) y = 3 and y = 7 (E) y = 3 and y = 0

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Oblique (Slant) Asymptotes
Although slant asymptotes are not likely to ever be tested on the AP Exam, we will spend a moment discussing
them.

Definition of an Oblique (Slant) Asymptote

f ( x)
If a function is of the form h( x) = where f (x) and g(x) have no common factors, the degree of g(x)
g ( x)
is 1 or greater and the degree of f (x) exceeds the degree of g(x) by exactly 1, then the function has an oblique
asymptote.
The equation for that asymptote is always of the form:

y = the non-remainder portion of the quotient when polynomial long division is used to divide
f (x) by g(x).

Example 13: Finding Oblique Asymptotes

Determine the equation of the oblique asymptote, if any, of the graph of each function.

x2 − 6 x + 4
f ( x) =
x−2

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 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topics: 1.16 Working with the Intermediate Value Day: 10
3 Theorem (IVT)
Learning Objective FUN-1.A: Explain the behavior of a function on an interval using the Intermediate Value
Theorem.

The Intermediate Value Theorem

One of the first important “existence theorems” that we will study in calculus is called the Intermediate
Value Theorem. Like all existence theorems we will study, the IVT relies on the continuity of a function.

The Intermediate Value Theorem

If f is continuous on the closed interval  a, b and k is any number between f (a) and f (b) , there is at
least one number c in  a, b such that f (c) = k.

Example 1: The function f ( x) is continuous on the interval  −3,9 , with f (−3) = 0 and f (9) = −12 . Which
of the following must be true concerning the existence of a value, c, by the Intermediate Value Theorem for the
function f ( x) .

(A) f (c) = 0 for some value. c, on ( −3,9 ) (B) f (c) = −13 for some value. c, on  −3,9
(C) f (c) = −10 for some value. c, on  −3,9 (D) f (c) = 1 for some value. c, on  −3,9

Example 2: Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show the polynomial function f ( x) = x3 + 2 x − 1
has a zero on the interval [0,1].

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Example 3:
AP® CALCULUS AB FREE RESPONSE QUESTION

2007 AB 3 (Graphing calculator permitted)

x f ( x) f ( x) g ( x) g ( x)
1 6 4 2 5
2 9 2 3 1
3 10 −4 4 2
4 −1 3 6 7

The functions f and g are differentiable (and continuous)* for all real numbers, and g is strictly increasing. The
table above gives the values of the functions and their first derivatives at selected values of x. The function h is
given by h( x) = f ( g ( x) ) − 6.
* Note: The term “differentiable” and the functions with the symbols f ( x) and g ( x) are concepts that will be taught later. They
are not pertinent to the question below, however. Those ideas are required to answer the other parts of this FRQ.
The fact that the functions f and g are both continuous was not provided in the question in 2007. We will discuss the
connection between differentiability and continuity later in the course.

(a) Explain why there must be a value r for 1  r  3 such that h(r ) = −5.

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covering
Examples 1-3

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