ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОЕ АГЕНТСТВО ПО ОБРАЗОВАНИЮ

Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования

«ТОМСКИЙ ПОЛИТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ»

V.V. Konev

LIMITS OF SEQUENCES AND FUNCTIONS

WorkBook

Рекомендовано в качестве учебного пособия

Редакционно-издательским советом
Томского политехнического университета

Издательство
Томского политехнического университета
2009
UDС 517

V.V. Konev. Limits of Sequences and Functions. Workbook. Tomsk: TPU

Press, 2009, 36 pp.

Reviewed by: V.A. Kilin, Professor of the Higher Mathematics

Department, TPU, D.Sc.

© Konev V.V. 2001-2009

© Tomsk Polytechnic University, 2001-2009
 To the Student

Mathematical tools of engineering science are based on differential

calculus and integral calculus. The concept of the limit is essential for
calculus. Limits express the concepts of infinite small and infinite large
quantities in mathematical terms.
The workbook is prepared for students who study calculus and want to
broaden and methodize their knowledge. It will help you to develop
problem-solving skills and to focus your attention on important problems
of calculus. The topics are presented in the same order as in textbook [1].
The problems concern three content areas: Limits Sequences, Limits of
Functions, and Continuity of Functions.
Solving problems try to use graphs that help you with visualization. They
also help to explain and to interpret the evaluation of limits.
The tests will reveal your knowledge and skills, your abilities in
interpreting symbols, justifying statements and constructing proofs.
After you complete this supplement you should be able to evaluate
indeterminate forms, to know the most important limits, to operate with
infinitesimal quantities and infinite large variables, and to use standard
techniques of taking limits.
To pass the final test with the excellent mark, you should be able to solve
basic problems, demonstrate full understanding of all topics, and give a
significant portion of the answer successfully. Minor calculation errors are
admissible.

3
 Contents
To the Student ………………………………………………………. 3
Contents……………………………………………………………... 4
SEQUENCES
Problem 1 (a–l): A Few Terms of a Sequence ……………………… 5
Problem 2 (a–h): The General Term of a Sequence ………………... 6
Problem 3 (a–c): Upper Bounds and Lower Bounds ……………… 6
LIMITS OF SEQUENCES
Problems 4–8: Proofs ……………………………………………… 7
Problems 9–11: Order of Smallness of a Variable ………………… 8
Problems 11–15: Increasing Order of a Variable …………………. 8
Problems 16–23: Number e ……………………………………….. 9
LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS
Problems 1–11: Proofs ……………………………………………. 11
Problems 12–28: Evaluation of the Limit ………………………….. 13
Problems 29–34: Evaluation of the Limit by the Helpful Rule ……. 16
Problems 35–46: Infinitesimal Functions ………………………….. 17
Problems 47–51: Infinite Large Functions ………………………… 20
THE MOST IMPORTANT LIMITS
sin x
Problems 1–16: lim = 1 ……………………………………… 22
x →0 x
Problems 17–21: Approximate Calculations …………………. 24
1
Problems 22–32: lim (1 + x) x = e …………………………………. 25
x →0

ln(1 + x )
Problems 33–46: lim = 1 ………………………………… 27
x →0 x
ex −1
Problems 47–52: lim = 1 …………………………………… 29
x →0 x
(1 + x ) n − 1
Problems 53–58: lim = n …………………………….. 30
x →0 x
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS
Problems 1–17: Points of Discontinuity …………………………… 31

References…………………………………………………………… 35

4
 SEQUENCES

SEQUENCES
0! = 1
n ! = 1⋅ 2 ⋅ 3 ⋅K⋅ n
( 2n ) !! = 2 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 6 ⋅ K ⋅ 2n
( 2n − 1) !! = 1 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 5 ⋅ K ⋅ ( 2n − 1)

Problem 1: Write down a few terms of the below sequences given by their
general terms.
a) an = ( −1) n +1 (2n − 1) ⇒ {an } =
1
b) bn = ( −1) n +1 ⇒ {bn } =
2n
2n
c) cn = ⇒ {cn } =
n!
( −1) n +1 3n
d) xn = ⇒ { xn } =
( 2n − 1) !
( −1) n +1 4 n
e) yn = ⇒ { yn } =
( 2n − 1)!!
( −1) n 5n
f) zn = ⇒ {z n } =
( 2n )!!
n +1
g) pn = ⇒ { pn } =
n+3
n
h) qn = ⇒ {qn } =
n +22

n!
i) rn = ⇒ {rn } =
n2
n!
j) sn = ⇒ {sn } =
3n
n
1
k) tn = ∑ =
k =1 k ( k + 1)

{tn } =
5
SEQUENCES
n
1
l) un = ∑ =
k =1 k ( k + 2 )

{un } =

Problem 2: Find the general terms of the below sequences given by a few
first terms.
2 3 4 5
a) {an } = , , , , K ⇒ an =
5 6 7 8

1 2 2 32 4 2
b) {bn } = , 2 , 3 , 4 , K ⇒ bn =
2 2 2 2

1 2 3 4
c) {cn } = , − , , − , K ⇒ cn =
3 4 5 6
1 3 5 7 9
d) {d n } = , , , , , K ⇒ dn =
4 8 12 16 20
1 1 1 1 1
e) {xn } = 1, , , , , ,K ⇒ xn =
2 6 24 120 720
f) { yn } = 2, 0, 6, 0, 10, 0, 14, K ⇒ yn =

g) {zn } = 0, 2, 0, 4, 0, 6, 0, 8, 0, 10, K ⇒ zn =

h) {tn } = 1, 0, − 1, 0, 1, 0, − 1, 0, K ⇒ tn =

Problem 3: Given a sequence, find the least upper bound and the greatest
lower bound, if they exist.
1
a) {( −1) n +1 }
2n
( −1) n 3n
b) { }
( 2n − 1) !
n +1
c) { }
n+3

6
 SEQUENCES

Limits of Sequences
If for any arbitrary small number δ > 0
there exists a number N such that
the condition n > N implies the inequality
| xn − a |< δ ,
then a is the limit of a sequence {xn } ,
lim xn = a .

n+2
Problem 4: Give the formal proof of the fact that lim = 1.
n→∞ n + 3

Solution:

1
Problem 5: Prove that { } is an infinitesimal sequence.
n+5
Solution:

n
Problem 6: Prove that { } is an infinite large sequence.
n +1
Solution:

1 1
Problem 7: Show that infinitesimal variables and 2 are
n + 5n + 6
2
n − 3n + 7
equal asymptotically as n → ∞ .
Solution:

1 5
Problem 8: Show that infinitesimal variables and have the same
n 2
4n + n
2

order of smallness as n → ∞ .
Solution:

7
SEQUENCES
In Problems 9 through 11 find the order of smallness of the given
1
infinitesimal variable with respect to as n → ∞ .
n
3
Problem 9: ~
4n 2

n
Problem 10: ~
5n + 2n + 1
2

5n + 8
Problem 11: ~
n 2 + 4n + 7

In Problems 12 through 15 find the increasing order of the given infinite

large variable with respect to n as n → ∞ .
Which quantities can be neglected in the below expressions?
Problem 12: n 5 + 3n 4 + 9n + 11 ~

Problem 13: 3
n 9 + 2n 6 + 5n + 7 ~

n 3 + 6n 2 − 5n + 100
Problem 14: ~
n 2 + 2n + 9

n 3 + 6n 2 − 5n + 100
Problem 15: ~
n 2 + 2n + 9

8
 SEQUENCES

Number e
1
lim (1 + ) n = e
n→∞ n
In Problems 16 through 23 apply the above statement to evaluate the
limit of the given variable as n → ∞ .
3
Problem 16: lim (1 + ) n =
n→∞ n

1 n
Problem 17: lim (1 − ) =
n→∞ 3n

1 n 2 + 2n
Problem 18: lim (1 − ) =
n→∞ 3n

1 5n
Problem 19: lim (1 + ) =
n→∞ 4n 2

2n − 3 4 n
Problem 20: lim (1 + ) =
n→∞ n + 5n + 1
2

n2
n
Problem 21: lim (1 + 2 ) n +1 =
n→∞ n + 3n − 2

5n + 4 − 3n +1
Problem 22: lim ( ) =
n→∞ 5n + 2

2 n − 1 5n
Problem 23: lim ( ) =
n→∞ 2n + 7

9
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

LIMITS of FUNCTIONS
Let a function f ( x ) be defined in some neighborhood of a point x = a ,
including or excluding a .
A number A is called the limit of f ( x ) as x tends to a,
if for any arbitrary small number ε > 0 there exists a number δ > 0
such that the inequality x − a < δ implies
| f ( x ) − A |< ε .

f ( x ) is an infinitesimal function as x → a , if lim f ( x ) = 0 .

x→a
f ( x ) is an infinite large function as x → a , if lim f ( x ) = ∞ .
x→a

Problem 1: Give the formal proof that lim x 2 = 9 . Then, use some values of
x →3
ε to find δ (ε ) .
Solution:

x+4 5
Problem 2: (i) Prove that lim = .
x →1 x + 3 4
(ii) Setting ε = 0.01 and ε = 0.001 find the corresponding values of δ (ε ) .
Solution:

Problem 3: By contradiction, prove that lim x 2 ≠ 5 .

x →2

Solution:

10
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

A function f ( x ) has an infinite limit as x tends to a,

if for any arbitrary large number E > 0
there exists a number δ = δ ( E ) > 0 such that
the inequality x − a < δ implies
f ( x) > E .

x −1
Problem 4: Prove that f ( x ) = is an infinitesimal function as x → 1 .
x +1
Solution:

x −1
Problem 5: Prove that f ( x ) = is an infinite large function as x → −1 .
x +1
Solution:

x+2 1
Problem 6: Prove that lim = − .
x → −2 x 2 − 4 4
Solution:

x+2
Problem 7: Prove that lim = ∞.
x→2 x 2 − 4

Solution:

11
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

A number A is the limit of f ( x ) as x → ∞ ,

if for any arbitrary small number ε > 0
there exists the corresponding number ∆ = ∆ (ε ) > 0
such that the inequality x > ∆ implies
| f ( x ) − A |< ε .

1
Problem 8: Prove that f ( x ) = is an infinitesimal function as x → ∞ .
x +1
Solution:

x
Problem 9: Prove that lim = 1.
x→∞ x + 1

Solution:

x2
Problem 10: Prove that f ( x ) = is an infinite large function as x → ∞ .
x +1
Solution:

Problem 11: Prove that:

(i) y = 2 x is an infinite large function as x → +∞ , lim 2 x = +∞ ;
x → +∞

(ii) y = 2 is an infinitesimal function as x → −∞ , lim 2 x = 0 .

x
x → −∞

Solution:

12
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

1. lim c f ( x ) = c lim f ( x ) .
x →a x →a
If there exist both limits, lim f ( x ) and lim g ( x ) , then there exist the limits of
x→ a x→ a
the sum, product and quotient of the functions:
2. lim ( f ( x ) ± g ( x )) = lim f ( x ) ± lim g ( x ) .
x→a x→a x →a

3. lim ( f ( x ) ⋅ g ( x )) = lim f ( x ) ⋅ lim g ( x ) .

x→a x→a x→a

f ( x ) lim
x →a
f ( x)
4. lim = (if lim g ( x ) ≠ 0 ).
x →a g ( x) lim g ( x ) x→a
x →a

In Problems 12 through 28 evaluate the limit of the given function.

Hints. Use the following algebraic transformations:
– factor the numerator and denominator of a fraction to cancel the
common factors;
– reduce the sum of (or difference between) fractions to the common
denominator; then apply the previous hint.
4 − x2
Problem 12: lim =
x →2 x − 2

x −1
Problem 13: lim =
x →1 x −1

x 3 − 27
Problem 14: lim =
x →3 9 − x 2

13
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

x2 + 7x + 6
Problem 15: lim 2 =
x → −1 x − 2 x − 3

x2 − 4x + 4
Problem 16: lim =
x → 2 ( x 2 − 2 x )( x 2 − 5 x + 6)

x2 − 6x + 9
Problem 17: lim 2 =
x → 3 ( x − 3 x )( x + 1)

( x 2 − 3x )( x + 1)
Problem 18: lim =
x →3 x2 − 6x + 9

x+3−2
Problem 19: lim =
x →1 x −1

12 − x − 3
Problem 20: lim =
x →3 9 − x2

6− x −2
Problem 21: lim =
x →2 x +7 −3

14
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS
3
x +8 −2
Problem 22: lim =
x →1 x −1

⎛ 1 1 ⎞
Problem 23: lim ⎜ 2 − 2 ⎟=
x → 2⎝ x − x − 2 x + x −6⎠

⎛ 1 1 ⎞
Problem 24: lim ⎜ 2 − 2 ⎟=
x → 0⎝ x + x x − 3x ⎠

⎛ 1 2 ⎞
Problem 25: lim ⎜ − 2 ⎟=
x → − 1⎝ x + 1 x −1⎠

tan 2 3x
Problem 26: lim =
x → 0 1 − cos 2 3 x

4 x 2 + 5x + 1
Problem 27: lim =
x→∞ 3x 2 − x

x3 − 2x2 + 4x + 1
Problem 28: lim =
x → ∞ 5x 3 + 7 x 2 − x

15
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

1. If f ( x ) is a bounded function and

α (x ) is an infinitesimal function as x tends to a, then
f ( x )α ( x ) is an infinitesimal function.
2. The sum of any finite number of infinitesimal functions is an
infinitesimal function.

Helpful Rule:
f ( x ) = A + infinitesi mal as x → a
⇔
lim f ( x ) = A
x →a

In Problems 29 through 34 apply the above rule to evaluate the limits of

the given functions.
5x + 1
Problem 29: lim =
x→∞ x

2x −1
Problem 30: lim =
x→∞ x + 3

1
Problem 31: lim =
x→∞ 2 x 2

4x − 1
Problem 32: lim =
x→∞ 2 x 2

3x 2 + 4 x − 1
Problem 33: lim =
x→∞ 2x2

x 3 + 3x 2 + 4 x − 1
Problem 34: lim =
x →∞ 2x2

16
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

α (x ) and β ( x ) are infinitesimal functions of the same order of smallness

as x tends to a,
if lim α ( x ) = 0 , lim β ( x ) = 0 , and
x→a x→a
α ( x)
0 <| lim |< ∞ .
x→a β ( x)

α ( x) ~ β ( x)
Infinitesimal functions α (x ) and β ( x ) are equivalent as x tends to a,
α ( x)
if lim = 1.
x→a β ( x)

An infinitesimal function α ( x ) has a higher order of smallness

with respect to β ( x ) as x tends to a,
α ( x)
if lim = 0.
x→a β ( x)

α ( x ) is an infinitesimal of the n-th order with respect to β ( x )

as x tends to a,
if α ( x ) and ( β ( x )) are infinitesimal functions of the same order:
n

α ( x)
0 <| lim |< ∞ .
x → a ( β ( x )) n

Problem 35: Prove that

1 1
α ( x) = and β ( x ) =
x+5 3x + 8
are infinitesimal functions of the same order as x → ∞ .
Solution:

Problem 36: Prove that

1 1
α ( x) = and β ( x ) = 2
x +2 2
4x − 7
are infinitesimal functions of the same order as x → ∞ .
Solution:

17
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

Problem 37: Prove that

1 1
α ( x) = and β ( x ) =
x2 + 2x + 5 3x 2 − x + 8
are infinitesimal functions of the same order as x → ∞ .
Solution:

Problem 38: Prove that

α ( x ) = x 2 − 9 and β ( x ) = 6 x − 18
are equivalent infinitesimal functions as x → 3 .
Solution:

Problem 39: Prove that

α ( x ) = 2 x 2 − 5 − 4 and β ( x ) = 3 x − 9
are equivalent infinitesimal functions as x → 3 .
Solution:

Problem 40: Prove that

α ( x ) = x 2 − 9 and β ( x ) = 6 x − 18
are equivalent infinitesimal functions as x → 3 .
Solution:

Problem 41: Prove that

α ( x) = x 2 − 4 x + 4
is an infinitesimal function of the second order of smallness with respect to
α ( x) = x − 2
as x → 2 .
Solution:

18
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

Problem 42: Find the order of smallness of the infinitesimal function

α ( x) = 6 x 2 + 5x + x
with respect to
β ( x ) = x as x → 0 .
Solution:

Problem 43: Find the order of smallness of the infinitesimal function

α ( x) = 6 x 2 + 5x + x
with respect to
β ( x ) = x as x → 0 .
Solution:

Problem 44: Find the order of smallness of the infinitesimal function

α ( x) = 6 x 2 + 5x + x
with respect to
β ( x ) = x − x as x → 0 .
Solution:

Problem 45: Let α ( x ) = 3x 2 + 7 x + x .

Which terms of α ( x ) are negligible quantities with respect to x as x → 0 ?
Which terms of α ( x ) are negligible quantities with respect to x as x → +∞ ?
Solution:

Problem 46: Compare with each other the orders of smallness of the
infinitesimal functions
α ( x ) = 2 x 3 + 5x + 3 x
and
β ( x) = x3 − 4 x + x .
Which terms of α ( x ) and β ( x ) are negligible quantities with respect to x as
x → 0?
Solution:

19
LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

α (x ) and β ( x ) are infinite large functions of the same increasing order

as x → a ,
if lim α ( x ) = ∞ , lim β ( x ) = ∞ , and
x→a x→a
α ( x)
0 <| lim |< ∞ .
x→a β ( x)

α ( x) ~ β ( x)
Infinite large functions α ( x ) and β ( x ) are equivalent as x → a ,
α ( x)
if lim = 1.
x→a β ( x)

An infinite large function α ( x ) has a higher increasing order

with respect to β ( x ) as x tends to a,
α ( x)
if lim = ∞.
x→a β ( x)

α ( x ) is an infinite large function of the n-th increasing order

with respect to β ( x ) as x tends to a,
if α ( x ) and ( β ( x )) n are infinite large functions of the same order:
α ( x)
0 <| lim |< ∞ .
x → a ( β ( x )) n

Problem 47: Prove that

α ( x) = x 2 + 2 x + 5
and
β ( x ) = 3x 2 − x + 8
are infinite large functions of the same order as x → ∞ .
Solution:

20
 LIMITS of FUNCTIONS

Problem 48: Prove that

1 1
α ( x) = and β ( x ) =
x2 − 9 6 x − 18
are equivalent infinite large functions as x → 3 .
Solution:

Problem 49: Prove that

1
α ( x) =
x2 − 4x + 4
is an infinite large function of the second increasing order with respect to
1
α ( x) =
x−2
as x → 2 .
Solution:

Problem 50: Determine whether or not

1
α ( x) =
6 x 2 + 5x + x
is an infinite large function of a higher increasing order with respect to
1
β ( x) =
x− x
as x → 0 .
Solution:

Problem 51: Compare with each other the increasing orders of the infinite
large functions
1 1
α ( x) = 3 and β ( x ) = .
2 x + 5x + 3 x x3 − 4x + x
Which terms in the denominators of α ( x ) and β ( x ) are negligible quantities
with respect to x as x → 0 ?
Solution:

21
The Most Important Limits

The Most Important Limits

sin x
1. lim = 1.
x →0 x

sin x ~ x ,
tan x ~ x ,
arcsin x ~ x ,
arctan x ~ x ,
x2
cos x ~ 1 −
2
as x → 0
In Problems 1 through 16 evaluate the limit of the given function.
sin 2 x
Problem 1: lim =
x →0 5x

sin 4 x
Problem 2: lim =
x → 0 sin 3 x

tan 4 x
Problem 3: lim =
x → 0 tan 3 x

sin 5 8 x
Problem 4: lim 2 =
x → 0 3 x tan 3 4 x

3 arcsin 5 x
Problem 5: lim =
x → 0 4 sin 3 x

2 arctan 6 x
Problem 6: lim =
x → 0 3 arcsin 2 x

sin 2 x − cos2 x
Problem 7: lim =
x→
π tan 2
x − 1
4

22
 The Most Important Limits
1 − cos 6 x
Problem 8: lim =
x → 0 sin 2 5 x

1
Problem 9: lim x 3 sin =
x→∞ 4x2

1 − cos 2 x
Problem 10: lim =
x → 0 tan x (1 − cos x )

sin(π x ) − 1
Problem 11: lim =
x →1 2 2x −1

tan(π x )
Problem 12: lim =
x→ 3 x − 3

tan x − 1
Problem 13: lim =
x→π 4 x −π 4

cos 2 x − cos 6 x
Problem 14: lim =
x→ 0 x

cos2 3x − cos2 x
Problem 15: lim =
x→0 x2

sin 5 x − sin 3x
Problem 16: lim =
x→ 0 2x

23
The Most Important Limits

Problem 17: Calculate approximately sin 15° . Compare your result with the
exact value
sin 15° = 0,25881904 5102520762 3488988376 24...
Do not forget to transform the degrees to the radian measure of angle before
calculating!
Solution:

Problem 18: Calculate approximately cos 80° . Compare your result with the
exact value
cos 80° = 0,17364817 7666930348 8517166267 693...
Solution:

Problem 19: Calculate approximately sin 60° . Compare your result with the
exact value
cos 60° = 0,86602540 3784438646 7637231707 5294...
Solution:

Problem 20: Calculate approximately tan 15° . Compare your result with the
exact value
tan 60° = 0,26794919 2431122706 4725536584 9413...
Solution:

Problem 21: Calculate approximately cot 80° . Compare your result with the
exact value
cot 80° = 0,17632698 0708464973 4710903868 6862...
Solution:

24
 The Most Important Limits

2. lim (1 + x) x = e,
x →0

1
lim (1 + ) x = e ,
x→∞ x
(e = 2.71828…).
If α (x ) and β ( x ) are infinitesimal functions as x → a , then
1 ln(1+α ( x ))
lim
β ( x) β ( x)
lim (1 + α ( x )) =e x→ a
.
x→ a

In Problems 22 through 32, apply the above formulas to evaluate the

limit of the given function.
5x
⎛ x⎞
Problem 22: lim ⎜1 + ⎟ =
x → 0⎝ 2⎠

2x
⎛ 4x ⎞
Problem 23: lim ⎜1 − ⎟ =
x → 0⎝ 3 ⎠

−2 x + 3
⎛ x⎞
Problem 24: lim ⎜1 + ⎟ =
x → 0⎝ 4⎠

3x
⎛ x − 2⎞
Problem 25: lim ⎜ ⎟ =
x → ∞⎝ x ⎠

25
The Most Important Limits
3x +5
⎛ x +2⎞
Problem 26: lim ⎜ ⎟ =
x → ∞⎝ x ⎠

x
⎛ x − 4⎞
Problem 27: lim ⎜ ⎟ =
x → ∞⎝ x + 3 ⎠

7x
⎛ 5x − 2 ⎞
Problem 28: lim ⎜ ⎟ =
x → ∞⎝ 5 x + 2 ⎠

7 x+4
⎛ 5x + 2 ⎞
Problem 29: lim ⎜ ⎟ =
x → ∞⎝ 5 x − 2 ⎠

3x
Problem 30: lim ( 2 x − 3) − 2
x =
x→2

x
Problem 31: lim ( x 2
− 8) 3
x − =
x →3

−1

=
2
Problem 32: lim ( cos 6 x ) x
x →0

26
 The Most Important Limits

ln(1 + x )
3. lim = 1,
x →0 x
ln(1 + x ) ~ x as x → 0 .
IN PROBLEMS 33 THROUGH 46, APPLY THE ABOVE FORMULAS
TO EVALUATE THE LIMITS OF THE GIVEN FUNCTIONS.
ln(1 + 4 x )
Problem 33: lim =
x →0 6x

ln 1 − 7 x
Problem 34: lim =
x →0 5x

ln(1 + 2 sin 3x )
Problem 35: lim =
x →0 4x

ln(1 + 2 tan 3x )
Problem 36: lim =
x →0 4x

ln(1 − 3 arcsin 5 x )
Problem 37: lim =
x →0 8 tan 3x

ln( x − 3)
Problem 38: lim =
x→4 x−4

Problem 39: lim x ⋅ (ln( x − 4) − ln x ) =

x → +∞

27
The Most Important Limits
Problem 40: lim x ⋅ (ln( x − 4) − ln x ) =
x → +∞

Problem 41: lim x ⋅ (ln( x + 3) − ln( x + 1)) =

x → +∞

Problem 42: lim x ⋅ (ln x + 5 − ln x − 2 ) =

x → +∞

x+5
Problem 43: lim ( x ⋅ ln )=
x→∞ x−2

3x 2 + 5
Problem 44: lim ( x ⋅ ln 2
)=
x →∞ 3x 2 − 2

ln(cos 4 x )
Problem 45: lim =
x → 0 2 arctan 6 x

ln( 2 − cos 4 x + 3x − x 2 + 4 x tan 2 x )

Problem 46: lim =
x →0 5 x − 4 x 2 + x 3 arcsin 3x

28
 The Most Important Limits

ex −1
4. lim = 1,
x →0 x
e x − 1 ~ x as x → 0 .
In Problems 47 through 52, apply the above formulas to evaluate the
limit of the given function.
e5 x − 1
Problem 47: lim =
x → 0 3x

e x −1
Problem 48: lim =
x→ 0 2 x − x

e arcsin 4 x − 1
Problem 49: lim =
x→ 0 3x

e x − e2
Problem 50: lim =
x→ 2 x − 2

e 3 x − cos 6 x
Problem 51: lim =
x → 0 x + x 2 + 2 sin x

2 tan 5 x − 4 ln(1 + 7 x ) − 4 arcsin x

Problem 52: lim =
x →0 3x 2 − 6 arctan 3x + e 4 x − 1

29
The Most Important Limits

(1 + x ) n − 1
5. lim =n,
x →0 x
(1 + x )n − 1 ~ nx as x → 0 .
In Problems 53 through 58, apply the above formulas to evaluate the
limits of the given functions.
1 + 7x −1
Problem 53: lim =
x →0 2x

1 − 3 sin 4 x − 1
Problem 54: lim =
x →0 5x

4
1 + 2 tan 6 x − 1
Problem 55: lim =
x →0 3 sin 2 x

5
1 − 3x − 1
Problem 56: lim =
x →0 1 + 5x − 1

(1 − 4 x )50 − 1
Problem 57: lim =
x →0 8x

4
1 + 2 x + 3x − cos 6 x
Problem 58: lim =
x →0 sin 5 x − x 2

30
 CONTINUITY of FUNCTIONS

CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS
A function f ( x ) is continuous at a point a, if
lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = f ( a ) .
x→ a −0 x→ a +0

A point a is the point of discontinuity of the first kind, if the jump

| lim f ( x ) − lim f ( x ) |
x→ a −0 x→ a +0
is a finite non-zero number.
Otherwise, the point a is point of discontinuity of the second kind.
A point a is the point of removable discontinuity, if
lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) ≠ f ( a ) .
x→ a −0 x→ a +0

Properties of Continuous Functions

1. The sum of a finite number of continuous functions is
a continuous function.
2. The product of a finite number of continuous functions is
a continuous function.
3. The quotient of two continuous functions is a continuous function
except for the points where the denominator is equal to zero.

All elementary functions are continuous in their domains.

In Problems 1 through 34 test the given functions for continuity.

If there exist points of discontinuity, determine their kind.
If some point is a point of removable discontinuity, redefine the function
at that point by the supplementary condition to include that point into
the domain of the function.
Problem 1: f ( x ) = x 2 − 3x + 5

Conclusion and Explanation:

31
CONTINUITY of FUNCTIONS

Problem 2: f ( x ) = 2 sin x + e 3 x

Conclusion and Explanation:

Problem 3: f ( x ) = 5 arctan 3x − 4 x 2 + 1

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 4: f ( x ) =
x−2

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 5: f ( x ) = sin( )
x−2

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 6: f ( x ) = e 2
x −

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 7: f ( x ) =
1 + e 3− x

Conclusion and Explanation:

32
 CONTINUITY of FUNCTIONS

1
Problem 8: f ( x ) =
ex − e

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 9: f ( x ) = 1
3+ 2 4
x −

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 10: f ( x ) = 5 x +1
3 + 2 x −4

Conclusion and Explanation:

1
Problem 11: f ( x ) = x
4 3
x + −1

Conclusion and Explanation:

x
Problem 12: f ( x ) = x
4 3
x + −1

Conclusion and Explanation:

33
CONTINUITY of FUNCTIONS

⎧4 x, if x ≤ 2
Problem 13: f ( x ) = ⎨ 2
⎩ x , if x > 2

Conclusion and Explanation:

⎧ x + 3, if x < 0
⎪
Problem 14: f ( x ) = ⎨3 − x, if 0 ≤ x ≤ 3
⎪ 2
⎩ x − 8, if x > 3

Conclusion and Explanation:

⎧sin x, if x < 0
⎪
Problem 16: f ( x ) = ⎨2, if 0 ≤ x < 4
⎪
⎩ x , if x ≥ 4

Conclusion and Explanation:

⎧
⎪5 x , if x < 0
⎪ π
⎪
Problem 17: f ( x ) = ⎨ tan x, if 0 ≤ x ≤
⎪ 4
⎪ π −4 π
|
⎪⎩ 4 − x |, if x >
4

Conclusion and Explanation:

34
 References

1. V.V. Konev. Limits of Sequences and Functions. Textbook. Tomsk.

TPU Press, 2009, 100p.
2. D. Cohen. Precalculus. Minneapolis/St. Paul, N.Y., Los Angeles,
San Francisco. 1997.
3. V.V. Konev, The Elements of Mathematics. Textbook. Tomsk. TPU
Press, 2009, 140p.
4. V.V. Konev. Mathematics, Preparatory Course. Textbook. Tomsk.
TPU Press, 2009, 104p.
5. K.P. Arefiev, O.V. Boev, A.I. Nagornova, G.P. Stoljarova, A.N.
Harlova. Higher Mathematics, Part 1. Textbook. Tomsk, TPU Press,
1998, 97p.
6. V.V. Konev, Higher Mathematics, Part 2. Textbook. The Second
Edition. Tomsk. TPU Press, 2009. 138p.
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Interactive Approach. 1999.
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15. Mathematics for Scientific and Technical Students. H.G. Davies,
G.A. Hicks. 1998.
16. Mathematics for Engineers. A Modern Interactive Approach. A.
Croft, R. Davison, 1999.
17. V.V. Konev. Linear Algebra, Vector Algebra and Analytical
Geometry. Textbook. Tomsk: TPU Press, 2009, 114 pp.

99
18. V.V. Konev. The Elements of Mathematics. Workbook, Part 1.
Tomsk. TPU Press, 2009, 54p.
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Tomsk. TPU Press, 2009, 40p.
20. V.V. Konev. Higher Mathematics, Part 2. Workbook. Tomsk. TPU
Press, 2009, 72p.
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22. V.V. Konev, Mathematics, Preparatory Course: Geometry and
Trigonometry, Workbook. Tomsk. TPU Press, 2009, 34p.
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Mathematics Using MatLab, v. 4. PWS Publishing Company, 1997.

100
Valery V. Konev, Associate Professor of the Higher Mathematics Department,
TPU, Ph.D.

Limits of Sequences and Functions

Workbook

Reviewed by: V.A. Kilin, Professor of the Higher Mathematics Department. TPU,
D.Sc.