LESSON 2: Limits of Laws

What are laws and why are they created? For sure there will be lots of explanation
about it, one of which is that, it is a rule that is meant to be followed for greater good.
The Limit lesson has its own laws as well and it was made because of the advantages
it can provide in solving the limits of different functions.

Solve for the limit of the given item using the table of values. Write your solution on
a separate sheet of paper. (Use calculator whenever necessary)

𝑥2−𝑥−6
Given: lim ( )
𝑥→3 𝑥−3

Table A. (for x values that approaches 3 from the left)

𝑥 2.8 2.9 2.99

Table B. (for 𝑥 values that approaches 3 from the right)

𝑥 3.001 3.01 3.1

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Read and follow the steps in solving the limit of a function using these different
methods. Fill in the blanks to complete the solution of the given. Copy and answer
the table on a separate sheet of paper.
𝑥2−𝑥−6
Given: lim ( )
𝑥→3 𝑥−3

Steps Solution
1. Observe the given function. Since
it is a rational function, check
whether its numerator or 𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6 = (𝑥 + )(𝑥 − )
denominator is factorable.

2. Since the numerator is factorable,

it is evident that (𝑥 − 3) can be
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
lim [ ]
divided. 𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 3)

3. What is left is just (𝑥 + 2), since

it is a polynomial function;
direct substitution is lim(𝑥 + 2)
applicable because it has no 𝑥→3
domain restrictions.

4. Perform the operation.

[(3) + 2] =

5. Indicate the final answer. 𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6

lim ( )=
𝑥→3 𝑥 −3

2
 What is Limit Laws

Limit laws are used as alternative ways in solving the limit of a function without
using table of values and graphs.

Below are the different laws that can be applied in various situations to solve for the
limit of a function.

A. The limit of a constant is itself. If k is any constant, then,

𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒌) = 𝒌
𝒙→𝒄
Example:
1. lim(5) = 5
𝑥→𝑐

2. lim(−9) = −9
𝑥→𝑐

B. The limit of 𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is equal to c. That is,

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝑪
𝒙→𝒄

Examples:
1. lim (𝑥) = 8
𝑥→8

2. lim (𝑥) = −2
𝑥→−2

 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. In other words,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

C. The Constant Multiple Theorem. The limit of a constant 𝑘 times a function is

equal to the product of that constant and its function’s limit.
[𝒌 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙)] = 𝒌 ∙ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒌 ∙ 𝑳
𝒙→𝒄

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 Examples: If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 , then
𝑥→𝑐
1. lim 5 . 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 . lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 . 3 = 15
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

2. lim (−9) . 𝑓(𝑥) = (−9) . lim 𝑓(𝑥) = (−9) . 3 = −27

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

D. The Addition theorem. The limit of a sum of functions is the sum of the limits
of the individual functions.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [ 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙) ] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳 + 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −4, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim ( 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + (−4) = −1
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −2, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim( 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5 + (−4) = −9
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

E. The Subtraction Theorem. The limit of a difference of functions is the

difference of the limits of the individual functions.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [ 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳 − 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −4, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim ( 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 − (−4) = 7
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −2, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim ( 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5 − (−4) = −1
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

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F. The Multiplication Theorem. The limit of a product of functions is the product
of the limits of the individual functions.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [ 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝑳 ∙ 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄

Examples:

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −4, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim( 𝑓(𝑥) . 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) . lim 𝑔(𝑥) = (3)(−4) = −12
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −2, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim ( 𝑓(𝑥) . 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) . lim 𝑔(𝑥) = (−5)(−4) = 20
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

G. The Division Theorem. The limit of a quotient of functions is the quotient of

the limits of the individual functions, provided that the denominator is not equal
to zero.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑳
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [𝒇(𝒙) ] = 𝒙→𝒄
= , 𝑴≠𝟎
𝒙→𝒄 𝒈(𝒙) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) 𝑴
𝒙→𝒄
Examples:

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −6, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥)

lim [ ] = 𝑥→𝑐 = 3 = −1
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) −6 2
𝑥→𝑐

2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 7, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 0

lim [ ] = 𝑥→𝑐 = =0
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 7
𝑥→𝑐

H. The Power Theorem. The limit of an integer power 𝑝 of a function is just that
power of the limit of the function.
𝒑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 [𝒇(𝒙)]𝒑 = [𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)] = (𝑳)𝒑
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄
Examples:
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1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3, then
𝑥→𝑐
4
lim [𝑓(𝑥)]4 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] = (3)4 = 81
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

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 2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −4, then
𝑥→𝑐
3
lim[𝑓(𝑥)]3 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] = (−4)3 = −64
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

I. The Radical/Root Theorem. 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 that the
𝑛𝑡ℎ root of the limit is a real number.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒏√𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒏 (𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒏√𝑳

𝒙→𝒄
√ 𝒙→𝒄
Examples:

1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 8, then

𝑥→𝑐
3
lim 3√𝑓(𝑥) = 3 (lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √8 = 2
√ 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥→𝑐

2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 64, then

𝑥→𝑐

lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √( lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √64 = 8

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

More examples:

1. Find: lim(𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 3)
𝑥→4
Solution:
Steps Solution

1. Apply Addition Law Theorem. lim(𝑥2) + lim(4𝑥) + lim(−3)

𝑥→4 𝑥→4 𝑥→4
2
2. Apply Power Theorem on the
first term.
[lim 𝑥] + lim(4𝑥) + lim(−3)
𝑥→4 𝑥→4 𝑥→4
2
3. Apply Multiplication Theorem
on the second term.
[lim 𝑥] + 4 [lim 𝑥] + lim(−3)
𝑥→4 𝑥→4 𝑥→4
4. Apply the limit of 𝑥 as 42 + 4(4) + lim(−3)
𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is equal to c. 𝑥→4

5. Apply the limit of a constant is

the constant itself. 42 + 4(4) + (−3)

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6. Simplify. 16 + 16 − 3 = 29

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 𝑥+5
2. Solve: lim ( 𝑥+2 )
𝑥→1

Solution:
Steps Solution
lim(𝑥 + 5)
𝑥→1
1. Apply Division Theorem.
lim(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→1

lim(𝑥) + lim(5)
2. Apply Addition Theorem on the 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
numerator and denominator. lim(𝑥) + lim(2)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

1 + lim(5)
3. Apply the limit of 𝑥 as 𝑥→1
𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is equal to c. 1 + lim(2)
𝑥→1

4. Apply the limit of a constant is (1) + 5

the constant itself. (1) + 2

6
5. Simplify. =𝟐
3

3. Determine: lim(√66 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→2

Solution:
Steps Solution

1. Apply Radical/Root Theorem. √lim(66 − 𝑥)

𝑥→2

2. Apply Subtraction Theorem. √lim 66 − lim 𝑥

𝑥→2 𝑥→2

3. Apply the limit of a constant is

the constant itself and the limit
of 𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is equal √66 − 2
to c.

4. Simplify. √64 = 𝟖

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 𝑥−3
4. Evaluate: lim ( )
𝑥→3 𝑥2−𝑥−6
Solution:

Steps Solution
(𝑥−3) 1
1. Factor the denominator then lim [ ]=lim [ ]
simplify.
𝑥→3 (𝑥+2)(𝑥−3) 𝑥→3 (𝑥+2)
lim(1)
𝑥→3
2. Apply Division Theorem.
lim(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→3

lim(1)
3. Apply Addition Theorem on 𝑥→3
the denominator. lim(𝑥) + lim(2)
𝑥→3 𝑥→3

4. Apply the limit of a constant

is the constant itself and the 1
limit of 𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 3+2
𝑐 is equal to c.

𝟏
5. Simplify.
𝟓

𝑥2+4𝑥−21
( )
𝑥+7
𝑥→𝑐

10
 Assessment No 2

Solve for the limit of the following items. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. lim(10)
𝑥→6

A. 11 B. 10 C. 9 D. 8

2. lim(𝑥2 − 3𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→5

A. 11 B. 10 C. 9 D. 8
𝑥2−25
3. lim ( )
𝑥→10 𝑥−5

A. 18 B. 17 C. 16 D. 15

4. lim[(𝑥 − 4) (𝑥 + 6)]
𝑥→3

A. - 8 B. 9 C. -9 D. 8

5. lim [(4)(𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 5)]

𝑥→−2

A. - 36 B. 30 C. - 32 D. 34

6. lim(9)
𝑥→5

A. 11 B. 10 C. 9 D. 8

7. lim(𝑥2 − 3𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→5

A. 11 B. 10 C. 9 D. 8

𝑥2−36
8. lim ( )
𝑥→6 𝑥−6

A. 14 B. 12 C. 13 D. 15
11
 9. lim[(𝑥 − 4) (𝑥 − 2)]
𝑥→1

A. - 3 B. 6 C. -6 D. 3

10. lim [(2)(𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 5)]

𝑥→−2

A. - 6 B. 0 C. -2 D. 4

11. lim(𝑥3 + 𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 3)3

𝑥→2

A. 0 B. -1 C. 1 D. -2

(𝑥+2)(𝑥+1)
12. lim [ ]
𝑥→1 (𝑥−1)

A. 0 B. DNE C. 1 D. No answer

13. lim √𝑥 + 3
𝑥→−3

A. 1 B. 3 C. 0 D. 2

14. lim[𝑥(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)]

𝑥→3

A. 16 B. 13 C. 15 D. 12

2𝑥−10
15. lim ( )
𝑥→5 𝑥2−2𝑥−15

1 1
A. 2 B. C. 5 D.
4 2

12
Evaluate the limit of the following items. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. lim (√𝑥−5 )
𝑥→25 𝑥−25

𝑥 3+3𝑥2+10𝑥+104
2. lim (
√ )
𝑥→4 𝑥2−12

13