Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

■ Constantin Dumitrescu ■ Florentin Smarandache ■

METHODS OF SOLVING
CALCULUS PROBLEMS

The Educational Publisher

Columbus, 2015
1
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

■C. Dumitrescu ■F. Smarandache ■ Methods of Solving Calculus

Problems
■ Theory and Exercises ■

2
 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

First imprint: Metode de calcul în analiza matematică

(in Romanian), INFOMED Publishing House,
Craiova, Romania, 1995

Translation to English by ANA MARIA BUZOIANU

(AdSumus Cultural and Scientific Society)

The Educational Publisher

Zip Publishing
1313 Chesapeake Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43212, USA
Email: [email protected]

Editura Ferestre
13 Cantemir str.
410473 Oradea, Romania

ISBN 978-1-59973-355-5

3
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

■ Constantin Dumitrescu ■ Florentin Smarandache ■

Methods of Solving Calculus

Problems
Theory and Exercises

The Educational Publisher

Columbus, 2015

4
 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Motto:
Love is the purpose, the sacred command of existence.
Driven by it, eagles search each other in spaces,
Female dolphins brace the sea looking for their grooms
Even the stars in the skies cluster in constellations.
(Vasile Voiculescu)

© Constantin Dumitrescu, Florentin Smarandache,

and the Publisher, 2015.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Contents
Foreword ..................................................................................................... 9
I. Sets Theory ...................................................................................... 11
Operations with sets ........................................................................... 11
1. The Intersection ......................................................................... 12
2. The Union ................................................................................... 12
3. The Difference............................................................................ 13
4. The Complement ....................................................................... 13
5. The Symmetrical Difference .................................................... 14
6. The Cartesian Product............................................................... 14
Methods for Proving the Equality of Two Sets ............................. 15
Properties of the Characteristic Function ....................................... 16
Exercises ............................................................................................... 17
II. Functions ......................................................................................... 31
Function definition ............................................................................. 31
Examples.......................................................................................... 34
The inverse of a function................................................................... 35
Examples.......................................................................................... 37
Observation ..................................................................................... 38
The Graphic of the Inverse Function ............................................. 38
Methods to show that a function is bijective ................................. 39
1. Using the definition ................................................................... 39
2. The graphical method................................................................ 39
3. Using the theorem...................................................................... 40
4. Using the proposition 1 ............................................................ 41
5. Using the proposition 2 ............................................................ 41
Exercises ............................................................................................... 42
Monotony and boundaries for sequences and functions ............. 48
Example ........................................................................................... 50
Methods for the study of monotony and bounding ..................... 53
Exercises .......................................................................................... 54

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

III. The limits of sequences and functions .................................. 61

The limits of functions ....................................................................... 61
Exercises .......................................................................................... 66
The limits of sequences ...................................................................... 71
Examples.......................................................................................... 72
Calculation methods for the limits of functions and sequences . 73
Joint methods for sequences and functions ............................... 73
Specific methods for sequences ................................................. 108
IV. Continuity and derivability..................................................... 146
Continuity ........................................................................................... 146
(A) Methods for the study of continuity .................................. 146
(B) Types of discontinuity points .............................................. 149
(C) The extension through continuity....................................... 149
(D) The continuity of composite functions ............................. 150
Derivability ......................................................................................... 154
(A) Definition. Geometric interpretation. Consequences ..... 154
(B) The derivation of composite functions .............................. 155
(C) Derivatives of order 𝑛........................................................... 158
(D) The study of derivability ...................................................... 158
(E) Applications of the derivative in economics ..................... 162
V. Fermat, Rolle, Lagrange, Cauchy Theorems ............................ 169
(A) Fermat’s theorem ....................................................................... 169
1. Enunciation ............................................................................... 169
2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation ................................ 169
(B) Rolle’s theorem ........................................................................... 172
1. Enunciation ............................................................................... 172
2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation ................................ 172
3. Consequences ........................................................................... 173
Methods for the study of an equation’s roots.............................. 177
1. Using Rolles’s theorem (its algebraic interpretation) ......... 177
2. Using Darboux’s properties ................................................... 177
3. Using Rolle’s sequence ............................................................ 177

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

4. The graphical method.............................................................. 178

5. Viette’s relations ....................................................................... 178
6. Using the theorem of the average ......................................... 179
(C) Lagrange’s Theorem .................................................................. 181
1. Enunciation ............................................................................... 181
2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation ................................ 181
3. The corollary of Lagrange’s Theorem .................................. 181
(D) Cauchy’s Theorem ..................................................................... 186
1.Enunciation ................................................................................ 186
2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation ................................ 186
VI. Equalities and Inequalities ..................................................... 189
Equalities ............................................................................................ 189
Inequalities ......................................................................................... 190
Method 1. Using Lagrange’s or Cauchy’s theorem. ................ 190
Method 2: The method of the minimum ................................. 192
Method 3: (Inequalities for integrals, without the calculation of
the integrals) .................................................................................. 193
Method 4: Using the inequality from the definition of convex
(concave) functions ...................................................................... 195
VII. Primitives .................................................................................. 204
Connections with other notions specific to functions................ 204
(A) Methods to show that a function has primitives .................. 209
(B) Methods to show that a function doesn’t have primitives .. 210
Logical Scheme for Solving Problems ...................................... 221
VIII. Integration ................................................................................ 222
Connections between integration and other notions specific to
functions ............................................................................................. 227
Methods to show that a function is integrable ............................. 229
Methods to show that a function is not integrable .................... 229
Examples........................................................................................ 229
Exercises ........................................................................................ 235
References ............................................................................................... 240

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Foreword

We rejoice expressing our gratitude towards all those who,

better or less known, along the years, have helped us to get to
this particular book. And they are many, many indeed whom
have helped us! Some provided suggestions, others, ideas; at
times, we have struggled together to decipher a certain elusive
detail; other times we learned from the perceptive or sometime
naïve questions of our interlocutors.
The coming into being of this book represents a very
good example of altruism, kindness and selflessly giving, of the
journey, made together, on the road to discovering life’s beauty.
He who thinks not only of his mother or father, of
himself or his family, will discover an even bigger family, will
discover life everywhere, which he will start to love more and
more in all its manifestations.
Mathematics can help us in our journey, stimulating and
enriching not just our mental capacity, our reasoning, logic and
the decision algorithms, but also contributing in many ways to
our spiritual betterment. It helps shed light in places we
considered, at first, fit only for an empirical evolution – our own
selves.
We offer this succession of methods encountered in the
study of high school calculus to students and teachers, to higher
education entry examination candidates, to all those interested, in
order to allow them to reduce as many diverse problems as
possible to already known work schemes.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We tried to present in a methodical manner, advantageous

for the reader, the most frequent calculation methods
encountered in the study of the calculus at this level.
In this book, one can find:
 methods for proving the equality of sets,
 methods for proving the bijectivity of functions,
 methods for the study of the monotonic sequences
and functions,
 mutual methods for the calculation of the limits of
sequences and functions,
 specific methods for the calculation of the limits of
sequences,
 methods for the study of continuity and
differentiation,
 methods to determine the existence of an equation’s
root,
 applications of Fermat’s, Rolle’s, Lagrange’s and
Cauchy’s theorems,
 methods for proving equalities and inequalities,
 methods to show that a function has primitives,
 methods to show that a function does not have
primitives,
 methods to show that a function is integrable,
 methods to show that a function is not integrable.

We welcome your suggestions and observations for the

improvement of this presentation.

C. Dumitrescu, F. Smarandache

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

I. Sets Theory
A set is determined with the help of one or more properties
that we demand of its elements to fulfill.
Using this definition might trick us into considering that any
totality of objects constitutes a set. Nevertheless it is not so.
If we imagine, against all reason, that any totality of objects is
a set, then the totality of sets would form, in its own turn, a set that
we can, for example, note with 𝑀. Then the family 𝜌(𝑀) of its
parts would form a set. We would thus have 𝜌(𝑀) ∈ 𝑀.
Noting with card𝑀 the number of elements belonging to 𝑀,
we will have:
𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝜌(𝑀) ≤ 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑀.
However, a theorem owed to Cantor shows that we always
have
𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑀 < 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝜌(𝑀).
Therefore, surprisingly maybe, not any totality of objects
can be considered a set.

Operations with sets

DEFINITION: The set of mathematical objects that we
work with at some point is called a total set, notated with 𝑇.
For example,
 drawing sets on a sheet of paper in the notebook, the
total set is the sheet of paper;
 drawing sets on the blackboard, the total set is the set
of all the points on the blackboard.
It follows that the total set is not unique, it depends on the
type of mathematical objects that we work with at some given point
in time.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

In the following diagrams we will represent the total set

using a rectangle, and the subsets of 𝑇 by the inner surfaces of this
rectangle. This sort of diagram is called an Euler-Venn diagram.
We take into consideration the following operations with
sets:

1. The Intersection
𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {𝑥 ∈ 𝑇 │ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵}
Because at a given point we work only with elements
belonging to 𝑇, the condition 𝑥 ∈ 𝑇 is already implied, so we can
write:
𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {𝑥 │ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵}

𝑨∩𝑩
More generally,

Let’s observe that:

𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 <===> 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵

2. The Union
𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 = {𝑥 │ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑜𝑟𝑥 ∈ 𝐵}

𝑨∪𝑩

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

As in the case of the intersection, we can consider:

We see that:
𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 <===> 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵

3. The Difference
𝐴 − 𝐵 = {𝑥 │ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵}

We retain that:
𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 − 𝐵 <===> 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵

4. The Complement
The complement of a set 𝐴 is the difference between the
total set and 𝐴.
𝐶𝑇 𝐴 = { 𝑥 | 𝑥 ∈ 𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴} = { 𝑥 | 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴}
The complement of a set is noted with 𝐶𝐴 or with 𝐴̅.

𝑪𝑨
Let’s observe that
𝑥 ∉ 𝐶𝐴 <===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴
More generally, we can talk about the complement of a set to
another, random set. Thus,

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

𝐶𝐴 𝐵 = { 𝑥 | 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴}
is the complement of set 𝐵 to set 𝐴.

5. The Symmetrical Difference

𝐴∆𝐵 = (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ (𝐵 − 𝐴)

𝑨∆𝑩
We have 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴∆𝐵 <===> 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 − 𝐵 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 − 𝐴 .

6. The Cartesian Product

𝐴 × 𝐵 = {(𝑥, 𝑦)│𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 ∈ 𝐵}
The Cartesian product of two sets is a set of an ordered
pairs of elements, the first element belonging to the first set and the
second element belonging to the second set.
For example, ℝ × ℝ = {(𝑥, 𝑦)|𝑥 ∈ ℝ , 𝑦 ∈ ℝ} , and an
intuitive representation of this set is provided in Figure 1.1.

By way of analogy, the Cartesian product of three sets is a

set of triplets:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝐴 × 𝐵 × 𝐶 = {(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)|𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 , 𝑦 ∈ 𝐵, 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶}.

An intuitive image of ℝ3 = ℝ × ℝ × ℝ is given in the figure
below.

More generally,
𝑛
𝑋 𝐴𝑖 = {(𝑋1 , 𝑋2 , … , 𝑋𝑛 )| 𝑋𝑖 ∈ 𝐴𝑖 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑖 ∈ ̅̅̅̅̅
1, 𝑛}.
𝑖=1

Methods for Proving the Equality

of Two Sets
The difficulties and surprises met on the process of trying to
rigorously define the notion of sets are not the only ones we
encounter in the theory of sets.
Another surprise is that the well-known (and the obvious, by
intuition) method to prove the equality of two sets using the
double inclusion is – at the level of a rigorous definition of sets –
just an axiom.
𝐴 = 𝐵 <===> 𝐴 ⊆ 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 ⊆ 𝐴 (1.1)
By accepting this axiom, we will further exemplify two
methods to prove the equality of sets:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(A) THE DOUBLE INCLUSION [expressed through the

equivalence (1.1)];
(B) UTILIZING THE CHARACTERISTIC FUNCTION
OF A SET.
We will first provide a few details of this second method that
is much faster in practice, hence more convenient to use than the
first method.
DEFINITION. We call a characteristic function of the set 𝐴
the function 𝜑𝐴 : 𝑇 ⟶ {0,1} defined through:
1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴
𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = {
0 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴
As we can observe, the numbers 0 and 1 are used to divide
the elements of the total set 𝑇 in two categories:
(1) one category contains those elements 𝑥 in which the
value of 𝜑𝐴 is 1 (the elements that belong to 𝐴);
(2) all the elements in which the value of 𝜑𝐴 is 0 (elements
that do not belong to 𝐴) belong to the second category.
Method (B) of proving the equality of two sets is based on
the fact that any set is uniquely determined by its characteristic
function, in the sense that: there exists a bijection from set𝝋(𝑻)
of the subsets of 𝑻 to the set 𝜸(𝑻) of the characteristic
functions defined on 𝑻 (see Exercise VII).
Hence,
𝐴 = 𝐵 <===> 𝜑𝐴 = 𝜑𝐵 .
(1.2)

Properties of the Characteristic

Function
𝜑1 ) 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥). 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥)
𝜑2 ) 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) + 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) − 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥)
𝜑3 ) 𝜑𝐴−𝐵 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) − 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥)
𝜑4 ) 𝜑𝐶𝐴 (𝑥) = 1 − 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥)

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝜑5 ) 𝜑𝐴∆𝐵 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) + 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) − 2. 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥)

𝜑6 ) 𝜑𝐴×𝐵 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) × 𝜑𝐵 (𝑦)
𝜑7 ) 𝜑𝐴2 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥)
𝜑8 ) 𝜑∅ (𝑥) ≡ 0, 𝜑 𝑇 (𝑥) ≡ 1
𝜑9 ) 𝐴 ⊆ 𝐵 <===> 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) ≤ 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) for any 𝑥 ∈ 𝑇.
Let’s prove, for example 𝜑1 ). For this, let’s observe that the
total set 𝑇 is divided by sets 𝐴 and 𝐵 in four regions, at most:
1) for the points 𝑥 that do belong to neither 𝐴, nor 𝐵, we
have 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) = 0 and 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥) = 0.
2) for the points 𝑥 that are in 𝐴 but are not in 𝐵, we have
𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = 1, 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥) = 0 .
3) if 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵,
the equalities follow analogously.
4) if 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴

Exercises
I. Using methods (A) and (B) show that:

SOLUTIONS:
(A) (the double inclusion)
Let’s notice that solving a mathematical problem requires we
successively answer two groups of questions:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(q) WHAT DO WE HAVE TO PROVE?

(Q) HOW DO WE PROVE?
Answering question (Q) leads us to a new (q) question. Thus,
for exercise 1, the answer to the question (q) is:
(r1): We have to prove an equality of sets,
and the answer to the question (Q) is:
(R1): We can prove this equality using two methods: using
the double inclusions or using the properties of the characteristic
function.
We choose the first method and end up again at (q). This
time the answer is:
(r2): We have to prove two inclusions,
and the answer to the corresponding question (Q) is:
(R2): We prove each inclusion, one at a time.
Then,
(r3): We have to prove one inclusion;
(R3): We prove that an arbitrary element belonging to the
“included set” belongs to the “set that includes”.
It is obvious that this entire reasoning is mental, the solution
starts with:
a) Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 − (𝐵 − 𝐶), irrespective [to continue we will read the
final operation (the difference)], <===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶 [we will
read the operation that became the last (the union)] <===>
𝑥∉𝐵 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and { 𝑜𝑟 <===> { 𝑜𝑟 (1.3)
𝑥∉𝐶 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐶
From this point on we have no more operations to explain
and we can regroup the enunciation we have reached in several
ways (many implications flow from (1.3), but we are only interested
in one - the conclusion of the exercise), that is why we have to
update the conclusion:
𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ (𝐴 − 𝐶) <===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 − 𝐵 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 − 𝐶.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

We observe from (1.3) that this conclusion follows

immediately, so the inclusion is proven.
For the second inclusion: Let 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ (𝐴 − 𝐶), [we
will read the final operation (the reunion)] <===>
𝑥 ∈𝐴−𝐵
{ 𝑜𝑟 <===> [we will read the operation that became the last]
𝑥 ∈𝐴 −𝐶
<===>
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 𝑥∉𝐵
{ 𝑜𝑟 <===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and { 𝑜𝑟 (1.4)
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐶 𝑥∉𝐶
We have no more operations to explain, so we will describe
in detail the conclusion we want to reach: 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 − (𝐵 ∩ 𝐶), i.e. 𝑥 ∈
𝐴 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶, an affirmation that immediately issues from (1.4).
5. (r1): We have to prove an equality of sets;
(R1): We prove two inclusions;
(r2): We have to prove an inclusion;
(R2): We prove that each element belonging to the included
set is in the set that includes.
Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 − (𝐴 − 𝐵) , irrespective [we will read the final
operation (the difference)], <===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 − 𝐵 [we will
read the operation that became the last] <===>
𝑥∉𝐴
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and { 𝑜𝑟 (1.5)
𝑥 ∈ 𝐵.
We have no more operations to explain, so we update the
conclusion:
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵.
We observe that (1.5) is equivalent to:
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴
{ 𝑜𝑟
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵.
The first affirmation is false, and the second one proves
that𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We will solve the same exercises using the properties of the

characteristic function and the equivalence (1.2).
1. We have to prove that 𝜑𝐴−(𝐵∩𝐶) = 𝜑(𝐴−𝐵)∪(𝐴−𝐶) ;
(r1): We have to prove an equality of functions;
(R1): As the domain and codomain of the two functions
coincide, we have to further prove that their values coincide, i.e.
(r2): 𝜑𝐴−(𝐵∩𝐶) (𝑥) = 𝜑(𝐴−𝐵)∪(𝐴−𝐶) (𝑥) for any 𝑥 ∈ 𝑇.
The answer to the corresponding (Q) question is
(R2): We explain both members of the previous equality.
𝜑𝐴−(𝐵∩𝐶) (𝑥) = [we will read the final operation (the
difference) and we will apply property 𝜑3 ] = 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) −
𝜑𝐴∩(𝐵∩𝐶) (𝑥) = [we will read the operation that became the last and
we will apply property𝜑1] =
𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) − 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥). 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥). 𝜑𝐶 (𝑥) (1.6)
The second member of the equality becomes successive:

5. In order to prove the equality 𝜑𝐴−(𝐴−𝐵) (𝑥) − 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥)

we notice that:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

II. Prove that:

SOLUTIONS.
Method (A) (the double inclusion)
1. Let 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) × (𝐶 ∩ 𝐷) , irrespective [we explain the
final operation (the scalar product)] <===> 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽), with 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 ∩
𝐵 and 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 ∩ 𝐷 <===>[we explain the operations that became the last
ones] <===> 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽) with 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 , 𝛼 ∈ 𝐵 and 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 , 𝛽 ∈ 𝐷
[we have no more operations to explain so we update the conclusion: 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 ×
𝐶) ∩ (𝐵 × 𝐷), so 𝑥 belongs to an intersection (the last operation)] <===
> 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽) with 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴, 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 and 𝛼 ∈ 𝐵, 𝛽 ∈ 𝐷 <===> 𝑥 ∈
𝐴 × 𝐶 and 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 × 𝐷.
3. Let 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) × 𝐶 , irrespective <===> 𝑥 ∈ (𝛼, 𝛽)
with 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 − 𝐵 and 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 <===> 𝑥 ∈ (𝛼, 𝛽) with 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 and
𝛼 ∉ 𝐵 and 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 [by detailing the conclusion we deduce the following steps]
<===> 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽), 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴, 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 and 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽), 𝛼 ∉ 𝐵, 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶
===> 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 × 𝐶 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 × 𝐶.
Reciprocally, let 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 × 𝐶) − (𝐵 × 𝐶) , irrespective
<===> 𝑥 = (𝛼, 𝛽) with (𝛼, 𝛽) ∈ 𝐴 × 𝐶 and × 𝐶 <===> 𝑥 =
(𝛼, 𝛽), 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 and

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

𝛼∉𝐵 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛼 ∉ 𝐵

{ 𝑜𝑟 <===> { 𝑜𝑟
𝛽∉𝐶 𝛼 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 ∈ 𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 ∉ 𝐶 (𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑠)
===> (𝛼, 𝛽) ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) × 𝐶.
Method (B) (using the characteristic function)

Explaining 𝜑(𝐴∆𝐵)∆𝐶 (𝑥), in an analogue manner, we obtain

the desired equality. If we observe that the explanation
of 𝜑(𝐴∆𝐵)∆𝐶 (𝑥) from above is symmetrical, by utilizing the
commutativity of addition and multiplication, the required equality
follows easily.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Equalities 4)-5) were easy to prove using the characteristic

function; they are, however, more difficult to prove using the first
method. The characteristic function is usually preferred, due to the
ease of use and the rapidity of reaching the result.

III. Prove the following equivalences:

SOLUTIONS:
1. r1: We have to prove an equivalence;
R1: We prove two implications;
r2: 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶 => 𝐴 ⊂ 𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶
R2: We prove that 𝐴 ⊂ 𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶 (two inclusions).
Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 irrespective [we have no more operations to
explain, therefore we will update the conclusion: 𝑥 ∈ 𝐶; but this is
not evident from 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴, but only with the help of the hypothesis]
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 =
> [𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶] =
>𝑥∈𝐶
Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 irrespective => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶 => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐶.
Reciprocally (the second implication):

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

r1: We have to prove that 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐶 (an inclusion)

R1: Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 irrespective (we explain the last
operation):
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐶 (𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠)
=> { 𝑜𝑟
𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐶(𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠)
5. r1: We have to prove an equivalence;
R1: We prove two implications;
r2: (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ 𝐵 = 𝐴 => 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐴;
R2: We prove the conclusion (an inclusion), using the
hypothesis.
Let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 irrespective => 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ 𝐵 => 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴
r3: We have to prove the implication: 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐴 => (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪
𝐵 = 𝐴;
R3: We prove an equality of sets (two inclusions).
For the first inclusion, let 𝑥 ∈ (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ 𝐵 irrespective [we
explain the last operation] =>
𝑥 ∈ 𝐴−𝐵 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵 (𝑎)
=> { 𝑜𝑟 => { 𝑜𝑟
𝑥∈𝐵 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 (𝑏)
[We have no more operation to explain, so we update the
conclusion]. We thus observe that from (a) it follows that 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴,
and from (b), with the help of the hypothesis, 𝐵 ⊂ 𝐴, we also
obtain 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴.
Method 2:

We have to prove two inequalities among functions.

Through the hypothesis, 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 < 𝜑𝐶 and, moreover 𝜑𝐴 < 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵
(indeed, 𝜑𝐴 < 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 <=> 𝜑𝐴 < 𝜑𝐴 + 𝜑𝐵 − 𝜑𝐴 𝜑𝐵 <=> 𝜑𝐵 (1 −
𝜑𝐴 ) > 0 – true, because the characteristic functions take two
values: 0 and 1).

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

It follows that 𝜑𝐴 < 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 < 𝜑𝐶 and, analogously 𝜑𝐵 <

𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 < 𝜑𝐶 .
Reciprocally, for the inverse implication, we have to prove
that: 𝜑𝐴∪𝐵 < 𝜑𝐶 , i.e.
𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) + 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) − 𝜑𝐴∩𝐵 (𝑥) < 𝜑𝐶 (x) (1.7)
in the hypothesis:
𝜑𝐴 < 𝜑𝐶 and 𝜑𝐵 < 𝜑𝐶 (1.8)
But 𝜑𝐴 , 𝜑𝐵 , 𝜑𝐶 can take only two values: 0 and 1. From
the eight possible cases in which (1.7) must be checked, due to (1.8),
there remain only four possibilities:

In each of these cases (1.7) checks out.

5. We have to prove that

But

For the direct implication, through the hypothesis, we

have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Consequently:
𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) = 0 => 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) < 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) (𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 1 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜑 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠)
{ 𝑜𝑟
1 − 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = 0 => 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = 1 𝑠𝑜 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) < 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥)
Reciprocally, if 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) < 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥), we cannot have 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥) =
1 and 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥) = 0, and from (1.9) we deduce:

- equality that is true for the three remaining cases:

IV. Using the properties of the characteristic function, solve

the following equations and systems of equations with sets:

SOLUTION:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

We have to analyze the following cases:

a) if 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵, we have:
𝜑𝐶(𝐴∩𝐵) (𝑥) = 1 and 𝜑𝐴∩𝐶𝐵 (𝑥) = 1 , so for (1.10) to be
accomplished we must have 𝜑𝑥 (𝑥) = 0. So, any point that doesn’t
belong to 𝐴 or 𝐵, doesn’t belong to 𝑋 either.
b) if 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∉ 𝐵, we have:
𝜑𝐶(𝐴∩𝐵) (𝑥) = 1 and 𝜑𝐴∩𝐶𝐵 (𝑥) = 1 , so for (1.10) to be
accomplished we must have 𝜑𝑥 (𝑥) = 1. Therefore, any point from
𝐴 − 𝐵 is in 𝑋.
c) if 𝑥 ∉ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 and for (1.10) to be accomplished, we
must have 𝜑𝑥 (𝑥) = 0, consequently no point from 𝐵 − 𝐴 is not in
𝑋.
d) if 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑥 ∈ 𝐵 we can have 𝜑𝑥 (𝑥) = 0 or 𝜑𝑥 (𝑥) =
1.
So any point from 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 can or cannot be in 𝑋. Therefore
𝑋 = (𝐴\𝐵) ∪ 𝐷, where 𝐷 ⊂ 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵, arbitrarily.

We have to analyze four cases, as can be seen from the

following table:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

So 𝑋 = (𝐴 − 𝐵) ∪ 𝐶.
V. Determine the following sets:

7. Let 𝑷 ∈ ℤ(𝒙) a 𝒏 degree polynomial and 𝒒 ∈ ℤ .

Knowing that 𝑷(𝒒) = 𝟏𝟓, determine the set:

INDICATIONS:
1. An integer maximal part is highlighted. This is obtained
making the divisions:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

10 is dividable by 2𝑛 + 1 <=> 𝑛 ∈ {0, 1, −2}

so 𝐸 ∈ ℤ <=> 27 is dividable by 2𝑥 + 1 and 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 11 +

27
is a multiple of 8 <=> 𝐴 ∈ {−14, −5, −2, −1, 0,1, 4, 13}.
2𝑥+1

so 𝑥 and 𝑦 are integer solutions of systems the shape of:

3𝑦 − 𝑥 − 1 = 𝑢
{ with 𝑢 and 𝑣 as divisors of 32.
3𝑦 + 𝑥 + 1 = 𝑣

𝑃(𝑥)
So 𝑥−𝑞 ∈ ℤ <=> 15 is dividable by 𝑥 − 𝑞.
8. Method 1: For 𝑎 ≠ −1 we have

so, we must have 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 3 > 0. As 𝑥1,2 = −3 ± 2√3, we

deduce:

𝑎2 −𝑎+1
Method 2: We consider the function 𝑓(𝑎) = and 𝐴 =
𝑎+1
𝑓(𝐷), with 𝐷 = ℝ{−1} the domain of 𝑓. 𝐴 is obtained from the
variation table of 𝑓.
VI. Determine the following sets, when 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℕ:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

where [𝑡] is the integer part of 𝑡.

SOLUTIONS: We use the inequalities: [𝑡] < 𝑡 < [𝑡] + 1, so:

VII. The application 𝑓: 𝒫(𝑇) ⟶ ℱ𝑇 defined through

𝑓(𝐴) = 𝜑𝐴 is a bijection from the family of the parts belonging to
𝑇 to the family of the characteristic functions defined on 𝑇.

SOLUTION: To demonstrate the injectivity, let 𝐴, 𝐵 ∈ 𝒫(𝑇)

with 𝐴 ≠ 𝐵. From 𝐴 ≠ 𝐵 we deduce that there exists 𝑥0 ∈ 𝑇 so
that:
a) 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑥0 ∉ 𝐵 or b) 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐵 and 𝑥0 ∉ 𝐴
In the first case 𝜑𝐴 (𝑥0) = 1, case 𝜑𝐵 (𝑥0 ) = 0, so 𝜑𝐴 ≠
𝜑𝐵 . In the second case, also, 𝜑𝐴 ≠ 𝜑𝐵 .
The surjectivity comes back to:

Let then 𝜑 ∈ ℱ𝑇 irrespective. Then for 𝐴 = {𝑥|𝜑(𝑥) = 1}

we have 𝜑 = 𝜑𝐴 .

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

II. Functions

Function definition
A function is determined by three elements 𝐷, 𝐸 and 𝑓, with
the following significations: 𝐷 and 𝐸 are sets, named the domain
and the codomain, respectively, of the function, and 𝑓 is a
correspondence law from 𝐷 to 𝐸 that causes:
each element 𝒙 ∈ 𝑫 to have one,
and only one corresponding element 𝒚 ∈ 𝑬. (F)
So we can say a function is a triplet (𝐷, 𝐸, 𝑓), the elements of
this triplet having the signification stated above.
We usually note this triplet with 𝑓: 𝐷 → 𝐸. Two functions
are equal if they are equal also as triplets, i.e. when their three
constitutive elements are respectively equal (not just the
correspondence laws).
To highlight the importance the domain and codomain have
in the definition of functions, we will give some examples below, in
which, keeping the correspondence law 𝑓 unchanged and modifying
just the domain or (and) the codomain, we can encounter all
possible situations, ranging from those where the triplet is a
function to those where it is a bijective function.
In order to do this, we have to first write in detail condition
(𝐹) that characterizes a function.
We can consider this condition as being made up of two sub
conditions, namely:
(𝑓1 ) each element 𝑥 from the domain has a corresponding element, in the
sense of “at least one element”, in the codomain.
Using a diagram as the one drawn below, the proposition can
be stated like this:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

“(At least) one arrow can be drawn from each point of

the domain.”

More rigorously, this condition is expressed by:

The second sub condition regarding 𝑓 in the definition of a

function is:
(𝑓2 ) the element from the codomain that corresponds to 𝑥 is unique.
For the type of diagram in fig. 2.1, this means that the arrow
that is drawn from one point is unique.
This condition has the equivalent formulation:
“If two arrows have the same starting point then they
also have the same arrival point.”
Namely,

.
Conditions (𝑓1 ) and (𝑓2 ) are necessary and sufficient for any
correspondence law 𝑓 to be a function. These conditions are easy to
use in practice.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

In Figure 2.1, the correspondence law from a) satisfies (𝑓1 )

and doesn’t satisfy (𝑓2 ); in b) the correspondence law doesn’t satisfy
(𝑓1 ), but satisfies (𝑓2 ). In diagram c), neither(𝑓1 ), nor (𝑓2 ) are
satisfied, and in d) the correspondence law satisfies both (𝑓1 ) and
(𝑓2 ), so it is the (only) function.
A function is therefore a triplet ( 𝐷, 𝐸, 𝑓 ), in which the
correspondence law 𝑓 satisfies (𝑓1 ) and (𝑓2 ).
Let’s observe that these two condition only refer to the
domain of the function:
(𝑓1 ) – from each point of the domain stems at least one arrow;
(𝑓2 ) – the arrow that stems from one point of the domain is
unique.
It is known that the graphic of a function is made up of the
set of pairs of points (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)), when 𝑥 covers the domain of the
function.

HOW CAN WE RECOGNIZE ON A GRAPHIC IF A

CORRESPONDANCE LAW IS A FUNCTION [if it satisfies (𝑓1 )
and (𝑓2 )] ?
In order to answer this question we will firstly remember (for
the case 𝐷, 𝐸 ⊂ 𝑅) the answer to two other questions:
1. Given 𝑥, how do we obtain – using the graphic – 𝑓(𝑥)
[namely, the image of 𝑥 (or images, if more than one, and in this case
the correspondence law 𝑓 is, of course, not a function)] ?
Answer: We trace a parallel from 𝑥 to 0𝑦 to the point it
touches the graphic, and from the intersection point (points) we
then trace a parallel (parallels) to 0𝑥. The intersection points of
these parallels with 0𝑦 are the images 𝑓(𝑥) of 𝑥.
2. Reciprocally, given 𝑦, to obtain the point (points) 𝑥 having
the property 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦, we trace a parallel to 0𝑥 through 𝑦, and

33
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

from the point (points) of intersection with the graphic, we then

trace a parallel (parallels) to 0𝑦.

Examples
1. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is not the graphic of a function 𝑓: ℝ ⟶ ℝ, because it does not
satisfy condition (𝑓1 ) (there are points in the domain that do not have any
image, namely, all the points through which the parallel 0𝑦 doesn’t
intersect the graphic) or (𝑓2 ), because there are points in the domain that
have more than one image (all the points 𝑥 ∈ (−𝑟, 𝑟) have two images).

2. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is not the graphic of a function 𝑓: [−𝑟, 𝑟] ⟶ ℝ, because it does not
satisfy condition (𝑓2 )(this time there are no more points in the
domain that do not have an image, but there are points that have two
images).
3. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is not the graphic of a function 𝑓: ℝ ⟶ [0, ∞), because it does not
satisfy condition (𝑓1 ). With the codomain [0, ∞), the points have
one image at most. There are points, however that don’t have an image.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

4. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is the graphic of a function 𝑓: [−𝑟, 𝑟] ⟶ [0,1], because all the points
in the domain have one, and only one image.
5. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is the graphic of a function 𝑓: [−𝑟, 𝑟] ⟶ [0,1].
In all these examples, the correspondence law has remained
unchanged (a circle with the center at the origin and with the radius
𝑟, having therefore the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 , which yields 𝑦 =
1/2
±(𝑟 2 − 𝑥 2 ).
By modifying just the domain and (or) the codomain, we
highlighted all possible situations, starting from the situation where
none of the required conditions that define a function were fulfilled,
to the situation where both conditions were fulfilled.
WITH THE HELP OF THE PARALLELS TO THE
COORDINATES AXES, WE RECOGNIZE THE
FULFILLMENT OF THE CONDITIONS (𝑓1 ) and (𝑓2 ), THUS:
a) A graphic satisfies the condition (𝑓1 ) if and only if any parallel to
0𝑦 traced through the points of the domain touches the graphic in at least one
point.
b) A graphic satisfies the condition (𝑓2 ) if and only if any parallel to
0𝑦 traced through the points of the domain touches the graphic in one point at
most.

The inverse of a function

We don’t always obtain a function by inverting the
correspondence law (inverting the arrow direction) for a randomly
given function 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ 𝐸. Hence, in the Figure 2.3, 𝑓 is a function,
but 𝑓 −1 (obtained by inverting the correspondence law 𝑓) is not a
function, because it does not satisfy (𝑓2 ) (there are points that have
more than an image).

35
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

With the help of this diagram, we observe that the inverse

doesn’t satisfy (𝑓2 ) every time there are points in the codomain of 𝑓
that are the image of at least two points from the domain of 𝑓.
In other words, 𝑓 −1 doesn’t satisfy (𝑓2 ) every time there are
different points that have the same image through 𝑓.
Therefore, as by inverting the correspondence law, the
condition 𝒇 still be satisfied, it is necessary and sufficient for
the different points through the direct function have different
images, namely

A second situation where 𝑓 −1 is not a function is when it

does not satisfy condition (𝑓1 ) :

We observe this happens every time there are points in the

codomain through the direct function that are not the images of any
point in the domain.
So as by inverting the correspondence law, the condition
(𝑓1 ) still be satisfied, it is necessary and sufficient for all the points in
the codomain be consummated through the direct function, namely

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

In conclusion,
𝑓 −1 satisfies (𝑓2 ) if and only if 𝑓 satisfies (𝑓3 )
𝑓 −1 satisfies (𝑓1 ) if and only if 𝑓 satisfies (𝑓4)
𝑓 −1 is a function if and only if 𝑓 satisfies (𝑓3 ) + (𝑓4).
As it is known, a function that satisfies (𝑓3 ) is called an
injective function, a function that satisfies (𝑓4 ) is called a
surjective function, and a function that satisfies (𝑓3 ) + (𝑓4 ) is
called a bijective function.
We see then that the affirmation: “A function has an inverse
if and only if it is bijective”, has the meaning that the inverse 𝑓 −1
(that always exists, as a correspondence law, even if 𝑓 is not
bijective) is a function if and only if 𝑓 is bijective.
With the help of the parallels to the axes of coordinates, we
recognize if a graphic is the graphic of an injective or surjective
function; thus:
c) a graphic is the graphic of an injective function if and only if any
parallel to 0𝑥 traced through the points of the codomain touches the graphic in
one point, at most [namely 𝑓 −1 satisfies (𝑓2 )].
d) a graphic is the graphic of a surjective function if and only if any
parallel to 0𝑥 traced through the points of the codomain touches the graphic in
at least one point [namely 𝑓 −1 satisfies (𝑓1 )].

Examples
1. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is the graphic of a function 𝑓: [0, 𝑟] ⟶ [0, ∞) that is injective but
not surjective.
2. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is the graphic of a function 𝑓: [−𝑟, 𝑟] ⟶ [0, 𝑟) that is surjective
but not injective.
3. A circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟
is the graphic of a bijective function 𝑓: [0, 𝑟] ⟶ [0, 𝑟).

37
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

So, by only modifying the domain and the codomain, using a

circle with the center at the origin and with the radius 𝑟 , all
situations can be obtained, starting from the situation where none
of the two required conditions that define a function were fulfilled,
to a bijective function.

Observation
𝑓 −1 is obtained by inverting the correspondence law 𝐹, namely

in other words

In the case of the exponential function, for example, the

equivalence (2.1) becomes:

because the inverse of the exponential function is noted by

𝑓 −1 (𝑦) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝛼 𝑦. The relation (2.2) defines the logarithm:
The logarithm of a number 𝑦 in a given base, 𝑎, is the exponent 𝑥 to
which the base has to be raised to obtain 𝑦.

The Graphic of the Inverse Function

If 𝐷 and 𝐸 are subsets of 𝑅 and the domain 𝐷 of 𝑓 (so the
codomain of 𝑓 −1 ) is represented on the axis 0𝑥, and on the axis
0𝑦, the codomain 𝐸 (so the domain of 𝑓 −1 ), then the graphic of 𝑓
and 𝑓 −1 coincides, because 𝑓 −1 only inverses the correspondence
law (it inverses the direction of the arrows).
But if we represent for 𝑓 −1 the domain, horizontally, and the
codomain vertically, so we represent 𝐸 on 0𝑥 and 𝐷 on 0𝑦, then
any random point on the initial graphic 𝐺𝑓 (that, without the

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

aforementioned convention is the graphic for both 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 ),

such a point (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) becomes (𝑓(𝑥), 𝑥).
The points (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) and (𝑓(𝑥), 𝑥) are symmetrical in
relation to the first bisector, so we obtain another graphic 𝐺𝑓𝑎
besides 𝐺𝑓 if the domain of 𝒇−𝟏 is on 𝟎𝒙.
Agreeing to represent the domains of all the functions on
0𝑥 it follows that 𝐺𝑓𝑎 is a graphic of 𝑓 −1.
With this convention, the graphics of 𝑓 and 𝑓 −1 are
symmetrical in relation to the first bisector.

Methods to show that a function

is bijective
1. Using the definition
- to study the injectivity, we verify if the function
fulfills the condition (𝑓3 );
- to study the surjectivity, we verify if the condition
(𝑓4 ) is fulfilled.

2. The graphical method

- to study the injectivity we use proposition c);
- to study the surjectivity we use proposition d).

Important observation
If we use the graphical method, it is essential, for functions
defined on branches, to trace as accurately as possible the graphic
around the point (points) of connection among branches.

39
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Examples
2𝑥 + 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 1
1. The function 𝑓: ℝ ⟶ ℝ, 𝑓(𝑥) = { is
𝑥 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 1
injective, but is not surjective. The graphic is represented in Figure
2.5 a).
3𝑥 − 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 2
2. The function 𝑓: ℝ ⟶ ℝ, 𝑓(𝑥) = { is
2𝑥 − 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 2
surjective, but is not injective. The graphic is in Figure 2.5 b).
2𝑥 + 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 1
3. The function 𝑓: ℝ ⟶ ℝ, 𝑓(𝑥) = { is
𝑥 + 2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 1
bijective. The graphic is represented in Figure 2.5 c).

3. Using the theorem

A strictly monotonic function is injective.
To study the surjectivity, we verify if the function is
continuous and, in case it is, we calculate the limits at the
extremities of the domain.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Example
𝜋 𝜋
Let’s show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑔 𝑥, 𝑓: (− , ) ⟶ ℝ is bijective.
2 2
1
(i) injectivity: because 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 is strictly positive, we
deduce that the function is strictly ascending, so, it is injective.
(ii) surjectivity: the function is continuous on all the definition
domain, so it has Darboux’s property and

from where it follows that it is surjective.

4. Using the proposition 1

The function , 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ 𝐸 is bijective if and only if
⩝ 𝑦 ∈ 𝐸 the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 has an unique solution
(see the Algebra workbook grade XII)

Example
Let 𝐷 = ℚ × ℚ and the matrix 𝐴 = (34 12). Then the function

is bijective (Algebra, grade XII).

Let’s observe that in the proposition used at this point, the
affirmation “the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 has a solution” ensures the
surjectivity of the function and the affirmation “the solution is
unique” ensures the injectivity.

5. Using the proposition 2

If 𝑓, 𝑔: 𝐷 ⟶ 𝐷 and 𝑔. 𝑓 = 1𝐷 then 𝑓 is injective and 𝑔 is
surjective (Algebra, grade XII).
Example
2 3
Let 𝐷 = ℤ × ℤ and 𝐴 = (−1 −2
) . Then the function
𝑓𝐴 : 𝐷 ⟶ 𝐷 defined through

41
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

satisfies 𝑓𝐴 ∘ 𝑓𝐴 = 1𝐷 , so it is bijective ( algebra, grade XII).

Let’s observe that the used proposition can be generalized, at
this point, thus:
“Let 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ 𝐸, 𝑔: 𝐸 ⟶ 𝐹, so that 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓 is bijective. Then 𝑓
is injective and 𝑔 is surjective.”

Exercises
I. Trace the graphics of the following functions and specify,
in each case, if the respective function is injective, surjective or
bijective.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

SOLUTIONS.
It is known that:

In order to more easily explain the conditions from the

inequalities over 𝑢, 𝑣 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤 we will proceed as follows:
1. we draw the table with the signs of the functions 𝑢 −
𝑣, 𝑢 − 𝑤 and 𝑣 − 𝑤
2. using the table we can easily explain the inequalities,
because for example 𝑢(𝑥) ≤ 𝑣(𝑥) <===> 𝑢(𝑥) ≤ 0.
1. For 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 , 𝑣(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2 and 𝑤(𝑥) = 3𝑥 we
have the following table:

So:

43
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Therefore,

5. To explain 𝑓 we proceed as follows:

(1) we draw the variation table of the function 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2
(2) considering 𝑥 in the first monotonic interval (deduced
from the table), at the right of −1 (because we are only interested in
the values 𝑡 ≥ −1 ), we calculate the minimum of 𝑦(𝑡) on the
interval 𝑡 ∈ [−1, 𝑥] etc.

a) for the first monotonic interval, 𝑥 ∈ (−1,0), the function

𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 has a single minimum point on the interval [−1, 𝑥] ,
situated in 𝑡 = 𝑥; its values is 𝑦(𝑥) = 𝑥 2. Being a single minimum
point it is also the global minimum (absolute) of 𝑦(𝑡) on the
interval [−1, 𝑥], so, the value of 𝑓 is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 for 𝑥 ∈ (−1,0].
b) for the second monotonic interval, 𝑥 ∈ (0, ∞) , the
function 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 has a single minimum point on the interval
[−1, 𝑥], in 𝑡 = 0; its value is 𝑦(0) = 0. Being a single minimum
point, we have 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 for 𝑥 ∈ (0, ∞), so

Let’s observe that using the same variation table we can

𝑚𝑎𝑥 2
explain the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 1≤1≤𝑥 𝑡 . Hence:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

a) for 𝑥 ∈ (−1,0] , the function 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 , has only one

maximum, namely [−1, 𝑥] in 𝑡 = −1; its value is 𝑀 = 𝑦(1) = 1.
So 𝑔(𝑥) = 1, for 𝑥 ∈ (1,0].
b) for 𝑥 ∈ (0, +∞), 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 has two maximum points, in
𝑡1 = −1 and 𝑡2 = 𝑥 ; their values are 𝑀1 = 𝑦(1) = 1 and 𝑀2 =
𝑦(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . The values of 𝑓 is the global maximum, so:
𝑔(𝑥) = max(1, 𝑥) for 𝑥 ∈ (0, +∞).
1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ∈ [−1,0]
It follows that 𝑔(𝑥) = { 2)
max(1, 𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0

𝑡4
9. From the variation table of 𝑦(𝑡) = (𝑡+7)3

1. for 𝑥 ∈ (−2, 𝑜] , 𝑦(𝑡) has a single minimum on the

𝑥4
interval [−2, 𝑥], in 𝑡 = 𝑥; its value is 𝑚 = 𝑦(𝑥) = (𝑥+7)3
2. for 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦(𝑡) has a single minimum, namely [−2, 𝑥], in
𝑡 = 0; its value is 𝑚 = 𝑦(0) = 0. So

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Analogously, for

10. From the variation table of 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 in 𝑡

we deduce:
1
(a) if 𝑥 ∈ (0, ] , the function 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 in 𝑡 has, for 𝑡 ∈
√𝑒
𝑙𝑖𝑚
(0, 𝑥], a single supremum 𝑆 = 𝑡 → 𝑜 𝑦(𝑡) = 0 .
𝑡>0
−1
(b) 𝑥 ∈ ( , ∞], the function 𝑦(𝑡) has two supreme values:
√𝑒
𝑆1 = 0 and 𝑀1 = 𝑦(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 1𝑛 𝑥.
So:

II. Study the bijectivity of:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃(𝑥), 𝑃 being an uneven degree polynomial.

III. Study the irreversibility of the hyperbolic functions:

and show their inverses.

IV. 1. Show that the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1 ,
1
𝑓: [ , ∞) ⟶ ℝ and
2

47
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

are inverse one to the other.

1−𝑥
2. Show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 1+𝑥 coincides with its inverse.
𝑎𝑥+𝑏
3. Determine the parameters 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 so that 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑐𝑥+𝑑
coincides with its inverse.
4. Show that the function 𝑓: (0,1] ⟶ ℝ defined
4 1 1
through𝑓(𝑥) = − 𝑥, if 𝑥 ∈ [ , ] is bijective.
3𝑛 3𝑛 3𝑛−1
1
5. On what subinterval is the function 𝑓: [− 2 , ∞) ⟶ ℝ
𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − √2𝑥 − 1 bijective?

INDICATIONS.
4. To simplify the reasoning, sketch the graphic of function
𝑓.
5. Use the superposed radical decomposition formula:

where 𝐶 = √𝐴2 − 𝐵.

Monotony and boundaries

for sequences and functions
A sequence is a function defined on the natural numbers’ set.
The domain of such a function is, therefore, the set of natural
numbers ℕ . The codomain and the correspondence law can
randomly vary.
Hereinafter, we will consider just natural numbers’
sequences, i.e. sequences with the codomain represented by the set
of real numbers, ℝ.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ REAL NUMBERS SEQUENCE

For this kind of function, with the same domain and
codomain each time, only the correspondence law 𝑓 should be
added, which comes down to specifying the set of its values:
𝑓(0), 𝑓(1), 𝑓(2), … , 𝑓(𝑛), …

For the ease of notation, we write, for example:

So, to determine a sequence, it is necessary and sufficient to know

the set of its values: 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , … , 𝑎𝑛 , …. This set is abbreviated by
(𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ .
Consequently, a sequence is a particular case of function.
The transition from a function to a sequence is made in this
manner:
(𝑠1 ) by replacing the domain 𝐷with ℕ
(𝑠2 ) by replacing the codomain 𝐸 with ℝ
(𝑠3 ) by replacing the variable 𝑥 with 𝑛 (or 𝑚, or 𝑖, etc)
(𝑠4 ) by replacing 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑎𝑛

49
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

DOMAIN CODOMAIN VARIABLE CORRESP.

LAW
Function D E x 𝑓(𝑥)
Sequence ℕ ℝ n 𝑎𝑛

Hereinafter we will use this transition method, from a

function to a sequence, in order to obtain the notations for
monotony, bounding and limit of a sequence as particular cases
of the same notations for functions.
We can frequently attach a function to a sequence (𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ ,
obtained by replacing 𝑛 with 𝑥 in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 ( 𝑎𝑛
becomes 𝑓(𝑥)).

Example
𝑥+3
We can attach the function 𝑓(𝑥) = to the sequence
2𝑥+1
𝑛+3
𝑎𝑛 = 2𝑛+1.
However, there are sequences that we cannot attach a
function to by using this method. For example:

It is easier to solve problems of monotony, bounding and

convergence of sequences by using the function attached to a
sequence, as we shall discover shortly.
Using functions to study the monotony, the bounding and
the limits of a sequence offers the advantage of using the derivative
and the table of variation.
On the other hand, it is useful to observe that the monotony,
as well as the bounding and the limit of a sequence are particular
cases of the same notion defined for functions. This
particularization is obtained in the four mentioned steps ( 𝑠1 ) −
(𝑠4 ) .

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Here is how we can obtain the particularization, first for the

monotony and bounding, then for the limit.
MONOTONIC FUNCTIONS MONOTONIC SEQUENCES
a) the function 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ ℝ, 𝐷 ⊆ a) the sequence 𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ is
ℝ is monotonically increasing if: monotonically increasing if:
⩝ 𝑥1 . 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐷, 𝑥1 ≤ 𝑥2 → 𝑓(𝑥1) ⩝ 𝑛1 , 𝑛2 ∈ ℕ, 𝑛1 ≤ 𝑛2 →
≤ 𝑓(𝑥2 ) 𝑎𝑛1 ≤ 𝑎𝑛2 (1)
If condition (1) is fulfilled,
taking, particularly 𝑛1 = 𝑛 and
𝑛2 = 𝑛 + 1, we deduce
𝑎𝑛 ≤ 𝑎𝑛+1 for any 𝑛 (2)
In conclusion (1) ⟶ (2)
The reciprocal implication also
stands true. Its demonstration
can be deduced from the
following example:
If (2) is fulfilled and we take
𝑛1 = 7, 𝑛2 = 11 , we have
𝑛1 ≤ 𝑛2 and step by step

and 𝑎7 ≤ 𝑎11 .
Consequently, (1) ⟷ (2).
Because conditions (1) and (2)
are equivalent, and (2) is more
convenient, we will use this
condition to define the
monotonically increasing
sequence. But we must loose
from sight the fact that it is
equivalent to that particular
condition that is obtained from
the definition of monotonic
functions, through the
particularizations ( 𝑠1 ) − (𝑠4 ) ,
that define the transition from
function to sequence.

51
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

b) the function 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ ℝ, 𝐷 ⊆ b) the sequence 𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ is

ℝ is monotonically decreasing if: monotonically decreasing if:
⩝ 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐷, 𝑥1 ≤ 𝑥2 → 𝑓(𝑥1) ⩝ 𝑛1 , 𝑛2 ∈ ℕ, 𝑛1 ≤ 𝑛2 → 𝑎𝑛1
≥ 𝑓(𝑥2 ) ≥ 𝑎𝑛2
It can be shown that this
condition is equivalent to:
𝑎𝑛 ≥ 𝑎𝑛+1 for any 𝑛 ∈ ℕ (4)

LIMITED FUNCTIONS LIMITED SEQUENCES

a) 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ ℝ , 𝐷 ⊆ ℝ is of a) the sequence 𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ is of
inferiorly bounded if it doesn’t inferiorly bounded if it
have values towards −∞ , i.e. doesn’t have values towards
∃𝑎 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷, 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 𝑎 −∞ , i.e.
b) 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ ℝ , 𝐷 ⊆ ℝ is of ∃𝑎 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑛 ∈ ℕ, 𝑎𝑛 ≥ 𝑎
superiorly bounded if it doesn’t b) the sequence 𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ is of
have values towards +∞ superiorly bounded if it
i.e. ∃𝑏 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷, 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑏 doesn’t have values towards
c) 𝑓: 𝐷 ⟶ ℝ , 𝐷 ⊆ ℝ is +∞ , i.e.
bounded, if it is inferiorly and ∃𝑏 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑛 ∈ ℕ, 𝑎𝑛 ≥ 𝑏
superiorly bounded, i.e. c) the sequence 𝑓: ℕ ⟶ ℝ is
∃𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑥 ∈ ℕ 𝑎 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ bounded if it is inferiorly and
𝑏. superiorly bounded, i.e
In other words, there exists an ∃𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ,⩝ 𝑛 ∈ ℕ 𝑎 ≤ 𝑎𝑛 ≤
interval [𝑎, 𝑏] that contains all 𝑏
the values of the function. This OR
interval is not, generally, ∃ 𝑀 > 0,⩝ 𝑛 ∈ ℕ |𝑎𝑛 | ≤ 𝑀
symmetrical relative to the origin,
but we can consider it so, by
enlarging one of the extremities
wide enough. In this case [𝑎, 𝑏]
becomes [−𝑀, 𝑀] and the
limiting condition is:
∃ 𝑀 > 0, ,⩝ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷 −𝑀 ≤
𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑀 i.e.
∃ 𝑀 > 0, ,⩝ 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷 |𝑓(𝑥)| ≤ 𝑀

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Methods for the study of monotony

and bounding
METHODS FOR METHODS FOR
FUNCTIONS SEQUENCES
The study of monotony
1. Using the definition: 1. Using the definition:
We consider 𝑥1 ≤ 𝑥2 and we We compare the difference
compare the difference 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑎𝑛+1 − 𝑎𝑛 to zero, and for
𝑓(𝑥2) to zero. This can be done sequences with positive terms
through successive minorings we can compare the quotient
and majorings or by applying 𝑎𝑛+1 /𝑎𝑛 to one. We can make
Lagrange’s theorem to function successive minorings and
𝑓 on the interval [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ]. majorings or by applying
Lagrange’s theorem to the
2. Using the variation table (in attached considered sequence.
the case of differentiable 2. Using the variation table
functions) for the attached function
As it is known, the variation We study the monotony of the
table of a differentiable given sequence and, using the
function offers precise sequences criterion, we
information on monotonic and deduce that the monotony of
bounding functions. the sequence is given by the
monotony of this function, on
the interval [0, ∞), (see
Method 10 point c)
3. Using Lagrange’s theorem 3. Using Lagrange’s theorem
It allows the replacement of the for the attached function.
difference 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) with
𝑓(𝑐) that is then compared to
zero.
The study of bounding
1. Using the definition 1.. Using the definition
2. Using the variation table 2. Using the variation table
for the attached function
3. If the sequence

53
C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

decomposes in a finite
number of bounded
subsequences, it is bounded.
4. Using the monotony.
If a sequence is monotonic, at
least half of the bounding
problem is solved, namely:
a) if the sequence is
monotonically increasing, it is
inferiorly bounded by the first
term and only the superior
bound has to be found.
b) if the sequence is
monotonically decreasing, it
is superiorly bounded by the
first term, and only the inferior
bound must be found.
c) IF THE SEQUENCE IS
MONOTONICALLY
DECREASING AND HAS
POSITIVE TERMS, IT IS
BOUNDED.

Exercises
I. Study the monotony and the bounding of the functions:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

ANSWERS:
3. We can write 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑙𝑛×ln(ln 𝑥) and we have the
variation table:

so the function is decreasing on the interval (1, 𝑒 1/𝑒 ) and increasing

on (𝑒 1/𝑒 , ∞). It is inferiorly bounded, its minimum being 𝑚 =
𝑒 −1/𝑒 and it is not superiorly bounded.
5. We use the superposed radicals’ decomposition formula:

6. Let 𝑥1 < 𝑥2. In order to obtain the sign of the difference

𝑓(𝑥1 ) − 𝑓(𝑥2 ) we can apply Lagrange’s theorem to the given
function, on the interval [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ] (the conditions of the theorem are
fulfilled): 𝑐 ∈ ℝ exists, so that:

so the function is increasing.

II. Study the monotony and the bounding of the sequences:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

also determine the smallest term of the sequence.

also determine the smallest term of the sequence.

𝛾𝑛 being the intermediary value that is obtained by applying

Lagrange’s theorem to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥 on the intervals
[𝑛, 𝑛 + 1].

ANSWERS:
2. The function attached to the sequence is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 1/𝑥 .
From the variation table:

we deduce, according to the sequence criterion (Heine’s criterion,

see Method 10, point c), the type of monotony of the studied
sequence. The sequence has the same monotony as the attached
function, so it is decreasing for 𝑛 ≥ 3. Because the sequence is
decreasing if 𝑛 ≥ 3, in order to discover the biggest term, we have
to compare 𝑎2 and 𝑎3 . We deduce that the biggest term of the
sequence is:

3. The function attached to the sequence is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑎 𝑥 .

From the variation table for 𝑎 ∈ (0,1):

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

using point c) from Method 10, we deduce that the given sequence
is increasing for 𝑛, smaller or equal to the integer part of (− ln 𝑎)−1
and is decreasing for 𝑛 ≥ [(− ln 𝑎)−1] + 1.
Because

we deduce that the interval [1, [(− ln 𝑎)−1 ]], in which the sequence
is increasing, can be no matter how big or small.
6. The sequence of the general term 𝑎𝑛 is increasing, the
sequence of the general term 𝑏𝑛 is decreasing, and the sequence 𝑐𝑛
is increasing if 𝑎 ∈ [0, 𝑛 − 𝛾𝑛 ] and is decreasing for 𝑎 ∈ [, 𝑛 −
𝛾𝑛 , 1].
III. Using Lagrange’s theorem.
1. Prove the inequality | sin 𝑥| ≤ |𝑥| for any real 𝑥 , then
show that the sequence 𝑎1 = sin 𝑥, 𝑎2 = sin sin 𝑥, … , 𝑎𝑛 =
sin sin … sin 𝑥, is monotonic and bounded, irrespective of 𝑥, and
its limit is zero.
2. Study the monotony and the bounding of the sequences:

ANSWERS:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

From Lagrange’s theorem applied to the function 𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑡 on

the interval [𝑥, 0] or [0, 𝑥], depending on 𝑥 being either negative or
sin 𝑥
positive, we obtain | | = | cos 𝑐| ≤ 1. The sequence satisfies the
𝑥
recurrence relation: 𝑎𝑛+1 = sin 𝑎𝑛 , so if sin 𝑥 > 0, we deduce that
the sequence is decreasing, and if sin 𝑥 < 0 the sequence is
increasing. It is evidently bounded by −1 and 1. Noting with 𝐿 its
limit and passing to the limit in the recurrence relation, we obtain
𝐿 = sin 𝐿, so 𝐿 = 0.

1
where 𝑓(𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)𝑥 defines the function attached to the
sequence.
b) Applying Lagrange’s theorem to the function attached to
the sequence, on the interval [𝑛, 𝑛 + 1], we deduce𝑎𝑛+1 − 𝑎𝑛 =
𝑓(𝑐𝑛 ). We have to further determine the sign of the derivation:

namely, the sign of

From the table below we deduce 𝑔(𝑥) > 0 for 𝑥 > 0, so 𝑎𝑛+1 −
𝑎𝑛 > 0.

IV. 1. Let I be a random interval and 𝑓: 𝐼 → 𝐼 a function.

Show that the sequence defined through the recurrence relation
𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝑓(𝑎𝑛 ), with 𝑎𝑜 being given, is:
a) increasing, if 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑥 > 0 on 𝐼
b) decreasing if 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑥 < 0 on 𝐼.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

2. If the sequence (𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is increasing, and the sequence

(𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is decreasing and 𝑎𝑛 ≤ 𝑏𝑛 for any 𝑛, then:
a) the two sequences are bounded, and so convergent.
𝑙𝑖𝑚
b) if 𝑛→∞ (𝑏𝑛 − 𝑎𝑛 ) = 0 then they have the same limit.
c) apply these results to the sequences given by the
recurrence formulas:

with 𝑎𝑜 and 𝑏𝑜 being given.

SOLUTIONS:
1. 𝑎𝑛+1 − 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑎𝑛 ) − 𝑎𝑛 > 0 in the first case.
2. the two sequences are bounded between 𝑎1 and 𝑏1 , so the
sequences are convergent, because they are also monotonic. Let 𝑙1
and 𝑙2 represent their limits. From the hypothesis from (b) it
follows that 𝑙1 = 𝑙2 .
(c) the sequences have positive terms and:

V. Study the bounding of the sequences:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

ANSWER: Each sequence is decomposed in two bounded

subsequences (convergent even, having the same limit), so they are
bounded (convergent).

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

III. The limits of sequences

and functions

The definition of monotony and bounding of sequences has

been deduced from the corresponding definitions of functions,
using the method shown, in which 𝑥 is replaced with 𝑛 and 𝑓(𝑥) is
replaced with 𝑎𝑛 . We will use the same method to obtain the
definition of the limit of a sequence from the definition of the limit
of a function. This method of particularization of a definition of
functions with the purpose of obtaining the analogous definition for
sequences highlights the connection between sequences and
functions. Considering that sequences are particular cases of
functions, it is natural that the definitions of monotony, bounding
and the limit of a sequence are particular cases of the corresponding
definitions of functions.

The limits of functions

The definition of a function’s limit is based on the notion of
vicinity of a point.
Intuitively, the set 𝑉 ⊂ ℝ is in the vicinity of point 𝑥𝑜 ∈ ℝ,
if (1) 𝑥 ∈ 𝑉, and, moreover, (2) 𝑉 also contains points that are in
the vicinity of 𝑥𝑜 (at its left and right).
Obviously, if there is any open interval (𝑎, 𝑏), so that 𝑥𝑜 ∈
(𝑎, 𝑏) ⊂ 𝑉, then the two conditions are met.
Particularly, any open interval (𝒂, 𝒃) that contains 𝒙𝒐
satisfies both conditions, so it represents a vicinity for 𝒙𝒐 .
For finite points, we will consider as vicinities open intervals
with the center in those points, of the type:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

and sets that contain such intervals.

For (+∞), 𝑉∞ = (∞ − 𝜀, ∞ + 𝜀) doesn’t make sense, so we
have to find a different form for the vicinities of +∞. In order to
accomplish this, we observe that to the right of +∞ we cannot
consider any points, so ∞ + 𝜀 has to be replaced with +∞ .
Furthermore, because ∞ − 𝜀 = ∞, we replace ∞ − 𝜀 with 𝜀. So, we
will consider the vicinities of +∞ with the form:
𝑉∞ = (𝜀, ∞)
and sets that contain such intervals.
Analogously, the vicinities of −∞ have the form:
𝑉−∞ = (− ∞, 𝜀)
The definition of a function’s limit in a point expresses the
condition according to which when 𝑥 approaches 𝑥𝑜 , 𝑓(𝑥) will
approach the value 𝑙 of the limit.
With the help of vicinities, this condition is described by:

As we have shown, for the vicinities 𝑉𝑙 and 𝑉𝑥 𝑜 from the

definition (∗∗∗), there exist three essential forms, corresponding to
the finite points and to + ∞ and − ∞ respectively.

CONVENTION:
We use the letter 𝜀 to write the vicinities of 𝑙, and the letter 𝛿
designates the vicinities of 𝑥𝑜 .
We thus have the following cases:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

and condition 𝑥 ∈ and 𝑉𝑥 𝑜 becomes 𝑥 > 𝛿

and condition 𝑥𝑜 ∈ and 𝑉𝑥 𝑜 becomes 𝑥 < 𝛿

All these cases are illustrated in Table 3.1.

Considering each corresponding situation to 𝑥𝑜 and 𝑙, in the
definition (∗∗∗), we have 9 total forms for the definition of a
function. we have the following 9 situations:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

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Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Exercises
I. Using the definition, prove that:

ANSWERS:
In all cases, we have 𝑥𝑜 − 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒.
2. We go through the following stages:
a) we particularize the definition of limit

(taking into account the form of the vicinity).

b) we consider 𝜀 > 0, irrespective; we therefore search for
𝛿𝜀 .
c) we make calculation in the expression |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑙| ,
highlighting the module |𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜 |.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

d) we increase (decrease) the obtained expression, keeping in

mind we are ony interested in those values of 𝑥 for which |𝑥 −
𝑥𝑜 | < 𝛿𝜀 .

So:
e) if the expression that depends on 𝑥 is bounded
(continuous) in a vicinity of 𝑥𝑜 , we can further increase, to eliminate
𝑥. We have:

because in the interval [0,2], for example, that is a vicinity of 𝑥𝑜 =

1
1 , the function 𝑔(𝑥) = is continuous, and therefore
|3𝑥+2|
1 1
bounded: 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ [5 , 2], if 𝑥 ∈ [0,2].
f) we determine 𝛿𝜀 , setting the condition that the expression
we have reached (and that doesn’t depend on 𝑥, just on 𝛿𝜀 ) be
smaller than 𝜀:

Any 𝛿𝜀 that fulfills this condition is satisfactory. We can, for

3
example, choose 𝛿𝜀 2 𝜀 or 𝛿𝜀 = 𝜀 etc.
In order to use the increase made to function 𝑔, we must
3
also have 𝛿𝜀 ≤ 1, so, actually 𝛿𝜀 = min(1, 𝜀 ) (for example).
2
It follows that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

b) let 𝜀 > 0; we search for 𝛿𝜀

because in the interval [1,3], for example, the function:

is bounded by:

𝛿𝜀
f) we determine 𝛿𝜀 from the condition: 3
< 𝜀. We obtain
𝛿𝜀 < 3𝜀, so we can, for example, take 𝛿𝜀 = 𝜀. But in order for the
increase we have made to function 𝑔 to be valid, we must also have
𝛿𝜀 ≤ 1, so, actually 𝛿𝜀 = min(1, 𝜀).
It follows that:

so the condition from the definition of the limit is in this case, also,
fulfilled.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

b) let 𝜀 any (not necessarily positive, because 𝑙 = +∞, so

𝑉𝑙 = (𝜀, +∞)only makes sense for any 𝜀, not just for 𝜀 positive).

1
so we can take 𝛿𝜀 =
2√𝜀
Then:

II. Using the definition, prove that:

ANSWERS:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

b) let 𝜀 > 0 any; we search for 𝛿𝜀 .

c) because 𝑥𝑜 isn’t finite anymore, we cannot highlight |𝑥 −
𝑥𝑜 |. We will proceed differently: we consider the inequality
|𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑙| < 𝜀 as an inequation in the unknown 𝑥 (using also the
fact that 𝑥 → ∞ , so, we can consider |2𝑥 + 1| = 2𝑥 + 1 ). We
have:

b) let 𝜀 > 0 any; we determine 𝛿𝜀 .

c) we express 𝑥 from the inequality 𝑓(𝑥) > 𝜀 :

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

If 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 are the roots of the attached second degree equation

and we assume 𝑥1 < 𝑥2, we have 𝑓(𝑥) > 𝜀 ⟺ 𝑥 > max(100, 𝑥2 ).
So we can take 𝛿𝜀 = max(100, 𝑥2 ).

The limits of sequences

The definition of a sequence’s limit is deduced from the
definition of a function’s limit, making the mentioned
particularizations:
(1) 𝑥 is replaced with 𝑛,
(2) 𝑓(𝑥) is replaced with 𝑎𝑛 ,
(3) 𝑥𝑜 is replaced with 𝑛𝑜 .
Moreover, we have to observe that 𝑛𝑜 = −∞ and finite 𝑛𝑜
don’t make sense (for example 𝑛 → 3 doesn’t make sense, because
𝑛, being a natural number, cannot come no matter how close to 3).
So, from the nine forms of a function’s limit, only 3 are
particularized: the ones corresponding to 𝑥𝑜 = +∞.
We therefore have:
(𝑙10 ) 𝑙 − 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 (we transpose the definition (𝑙2 ))

Because in the inequality 𝑛 > 𝛿𝜀 , 𝑛 is a natural number, we

can consider 𝛿𝜀 as a natural number also. To highlight this, we will
write 𝑛𝜀 instead of 𝛿𝜀 . We thus have:

(𝑙11 ) 𝑙 = +∞ (we transpose the definition (𝑙5 ))

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(𝑙12 ) 𝑙 = −∞ (we transpose the definition (𝑙8 ))

Examples
I. Using the definition, prove that:

ANSWERS:
1. We adapt the corresponding stages for functions’ limits, in
the case of 𝑥𝑜 = +∞.

b) let 𝜀 > 0 any; we determine 𝑛𝜀 ∈ ℕ.

c) we consider the inequality: |𝑎𝑛 − 𝑙| < 𝜀 as an inequation
with the unknown 𝑛:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

2−𝜀
so, 𝑛𝜀 = [ ]+1
3𝜀

b) let 𝜀 > 0 any; we determine 𝑛𝜀 ∈ ℕ as follows:

Let 𝑛1 and 𝑛2 represent the solutions to this second degree

equation (𝑛1 < 𝑛2 ). Then, for 𝑛1 > 𝑛2 , the required inequality is
satisfied. So, 𝑛𝜀 = [𝑛2 ] + 1.

Calculation methods for the limits of

functions and sequences
Let’s now look at the most common (for the high school
workbook level) calculation methods of the limits of functions and
sequences.

Joint methods for sequences and functions

1. Definition
In the first chapter, we have shown how to use the definition
to demonstrate the limits of both functions and sequences. We will
add to what has already been said, the following set of exercises:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

I. Using the definition, find out if there limits to the

following sequences and functions:

2. Giving the forced common factor

The method is frequently used to eliminate the
∞ 0
indeterminations of type: ∞
, ∞ − ∞, 0 . By removing the forced
common factor we aim at obtaining as many expressions as possible
that tend towards zero. For this, we commonly employ the
following three limits:

In order to have expressions that tend towards zero we aim

therefore to:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

 obtain as many terms as possible with the form 𝑥 𝛼 , with

𝛼 < 0, if 𝑥 → ∞.
 obtain as many terms as possible with the form 𝑥 𝛼 , with
𝛼 > 0, if 𝑥 → 0.

Examples
I. Calculate:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

ANSWERS:
2. Given the common factor 9𝑛 we obtain terms that have
the form 𝑥 𝑛 , with sub unitary 𝑥.

1
expression that tends to when 𝑥 tends to infinity.
5
II. Trace the graphics of the functions:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

8. For any rational function, non-null, 𝑅 with real

coefficients, we have:

3. Amplification with the conjugate

It is used to eliminate the indeterminations that contain
radicals. If the indetermination comes from an expression with the
form:

than we amplify with:

with the purpose of eliminating the radicals from the initial

expression. The sum from (3.1) is called a conjugate of order 𝑝.
If the indetermination comes from an expression with the
form:

with 𝑝 − uneven number, the conjugate is:

An example of application for this formula is exercise 5,

below.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Exercises

ANSWERS:
7. We replace, for example 𝑎0 = −𝑎1 − 𝑎2 − ⋯ − 𝑎𝑘 , in the
given sequence and we calculate 𝑘 limits of the form:

4. Using fundamental limits

Hereinafter, we will name fundamental limits the following
limits:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

OBSERVATION:
From (a) we deduce that:

From (b) we deduce that:

From (c) we deduce that:

Exercises
I. Calculate:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

ANSWERS:
12. Noting with 𝛼 = arcsin 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑡𝑔 𝑥, we observe that 𝛼
𝛼
tends to zero when 𝑥 tends to zero, so we aim to obtain sin 𝛼. To
accomplish this we amplify with:

Noting with:

it follows:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

II. Calculate:

ANSWERS:
6. In the limits where there are indeterminations with
logarithms, we aim to permute the limit with the logarithm:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

= (we permute again the limit with the logarithm) =

III. Calculate:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

ANSWERS:

and noting 𝑥 − 𝑎 = 𝛼, we obtain:

4. We consider the function:

obtained from 𝑎𝑛 , by replacing 𝑛 with 𝑥. We calculate:

According to the criterion with sequences (see Method 10,

𝑙𝑖𝑚
point c), we also have: 𝑎 = ln 2.
𝑛→∞ 𝑛

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

5. Something that is bounded multiplied with

something that tends to zero, tends to zero
𝑙𝑖𝑚
(A) If (𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is bounded and 𝑏 = 0, then:
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑎 .𝑏 = 0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚
(B) If 𝑓 is bounded in a vicinity of 𝑥0 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 0,
𝑥 → 𝑥0
𝑙𝑖𝑚
then 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) = 0.
𝑥 → 𝑥0

Examples

1
because (−1)𝑛 is bounded by −1 and 1 and 𝑛 tends to zero;

1
because 1 − cos 𝑥 is bounded by 0 and 2 and 𝑥 2 tends to zero;

where 𝑎𝑛 is the nth decimal fraction of the number 𝜋;

where 𝛽𝑛 is the approximation with 𝑛 exact decimal fractions of the

number 𝑒.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

INDICATIONS:
4. (𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is bounded by 0 and 9 , being composed of
numbers;
5. (𝛽𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is bounded by 2 and 3;

6. The majoring and minoring method

(A) If functions 𝑔 and ℎ exist, so that in a vicinity of 𝑥𝑜 we
have:

then:

Schematically:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(B) If the sequences (𝑏)𝑛∈ℕ and (𝑐𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ exist so that: 𝑏𝑛 ≤

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑎𝑛 ≤ 𝑐𝑛 , starting from the rank 𝑛0 and 𝑏 = 𝑐 = 𝑙,
𝑛→∞ 𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚
then: 𝑎 = 𝑙.
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
Schematically:

OBSERVATION:
If 𝑙 = +∞ , we can eliminate ℎ ( (𝑐𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦) ,
and if 𝑙 = −∞, we can eliminate 𝑔 ((𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦).
This method is harder to apply, due to the majorings and
minorings it presupposes. These have to lead to expressions, as least
different as the initial form as possible, not to modify the limit.
We mention a few methods, among the most frequently
used, to obtain the sequences (𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ and (𝑐𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ .
Examples
1. We put the smallest (biggest) term of the sequence
(𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ , instead of all the terms.

ANSWERS:
a) In the sum that expresses the sequence (𝑎𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ , there are:
1 1
the smallest term and the biggest term . By applying
√𝑛2 +𝑛 √𝑛2 +1
Method 1, we have:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

2. We minorate (majorate) the terms that make up the

sequence 𝑎𝑛 with the same quantity.

ANSWERS:
a) This time there isn’t a smallest (biggest) term in the sum
that makes up the sequence 𝑎𝑛 . This is due to the fact that the
function 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 isn’t monotonic. Keeping into consideration
that we have: −1 ≤ sin 𝑥 ≤ 1, we can majorate, replacing sin 𝑥
with 1, all over. We obtain:

Analogously, we can minorate, replacing sin 𝑥 with −1 ,

then, by applying the first method it follows that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

3. We minorate (majorate), eliminating the last terms that

make up the sequence 𝑎𝑛 .

ANSWERS:

Exercises
I. Calculate the limits of the sequences:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

ANSWERS:

We majorate using the smallest and the biggest denominator.

Thus, we obtain common denominators for the sum.

and we make majorings and minorings using the biggest and the
smallest denominator.

7. Exercises that feature the integer part

The most common methods to solve them is:
(A) The minoring and majoring method using the double inequality:

that helps to encase the function (the sequence) whose limit we

have to calculate, between two functions (sequences) that do not
contain the integer part.
Using this method when dealing with functions, most of the
times, we don’t obtain the limit directly, instead we use the lateral
limits.
Example: For the calculation of the limit:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

we proceed as follows:
(a) We use the inequalities (3.2) to obtain expressions that
do not contain the integer part:

(b) To obtain the function whose limit is required, we

𝑥 2 +2𝑥
amplify the previous inequalities with , keeping into
7
consideration that:
𝑥 2 +2𝑥
- on the left of −2 we have: 7
> 0, so:

𝑥 2 +2𝑥
- on the right of −2 we have: 7
< 0, so:

(c) Moving on to the limit in these inequalities(the majoring

2
and minoring method), we obtain the limit to the left:𝑙𝑠 (−2) =
7
2 2
and the limit to the right: 𝑙𝑟 (−2) = 7, so 𝑙 = 7.
(B) If the double inequality cannot be used (3.2), for
𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑓(𝑥) , with 𝑛 ∈ ℤ , we calculate the lateral limits directly,
𝑥→𝑛
keeping into consideration that:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑙𝑖𝑚
Example: For (−1[𝑥] )/(𝑥 − 1) we cannot use (3.2)
𝑛→∞
because the expressions obtained for the calculation of the lateral
limits don’t have the same limit. That is why we use the fact that an
the left of 1 we have [𝑥] = 0, and on the right of 1 we have [𝑥] =
1, so:

It follows that 𝑙 = −∞
(C) If 𝑥 → ∞, we can replace [𝑥], keeping into consideration
that for 𝑥 ∈ [𝑚, 𝑚 + 1) , we have: [𝑥] = 𝑚 (obviously, 𝑥 → ∞
implies 𝑚 → ∞).
Example:

The variable 𝑥 that tends to infinity is certainly between two

consecutive numbers: 𝑚 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑚 + 1, so:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Exercises

8. Using the definition of the derivative

As it is known, the derivative of a function is:

if this limit exists and is finite. It can be used to (A) eliminate the
0
indeterminations 0 for limits of functions that can be written in the
form:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑥𝑜 being a point in which 𝑔 is differentiable.

Example:

We notice that by noting 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 , we have 𝑔(𝑎) = 𝑎𝑎

and the limit becomes:

This limit has the value 𝑔, (𝑎) because 𝑔 is a function

differentiable in 𝑎.
We have thus reduced the calculation of the given limit to
the calculation of the value of 𝑔, (𝑎), calculation that can be made
by deriving 𝑔:

Observation: this method can be used like this: “let 𝑔(𝑥) =

𝑎 . We have 𝑔, (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 . 𝑔, (𝑎) = 𝑎𝑎 ln 𝑎 = 𝑙 . We don’t
𝑥

recommend this synthetic method for the elaboration of the

solution at exams because it can misguide the examiners. That is
why the elaboration: “We observe that by noting 𝑔(𝑥) = ⋯, we
have 𝑔(𝑎) = ⋯ and the limit becomes … = 𝑔, (𝑎) because 𝑔 is
differentiable in 𝑎 …”is much more advisable.
(B) The calculation of the limits of sequences, using attached
functions. The function attached to the sequence is not obtained,
this time, by replacing 𝑛 with 𝑥, in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 , because for
1
𝑥 → ∞ we can’t calculate the derivative, but by replacing 𝑛 with
𝑥
(which leads to the calculation of the derivative in zero).
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛
Example: For 𝑛( √2 − 1) we consider the function
𝑛→∞
2𝑥 −1 1
𝑓(𝑥) = obtained by replacing 𝑛 with in the expression of
𝑥 𝑥

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑎𝑛 . We calculate 𝑓(𝑥). For this we observe that by noting
𝑛→0
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , we have 𝑔(𝑜) = 1 and the limit
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥)−𝑔(𝑜)
becomes: = 𝑔, (0) , because 𝑔 is a differentiable
𝑛 → 0 𝑥−0
function in zero. We have: 𝑔, (𝑥) = 2𝑥 ln 2, so 𝑔, (0) = ln 2. Then ,
𝑙𝑖𝑚
according to the criterion with sequences, we obtain 𝑎 =
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
ln 2.

Exercises

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

II. For 𝑎 > 0 calculate:

ANSWER:
4. We divide the numerator and the denominator with 𝑥 − 𝑎.

III. Show that we cannot use the definition of the derivative

for the calculation of the limits:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

ANSWERS:
2𝑥 −1
2. We consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 −1 , obtained by
1 𝑙𝑖𝑚
replacing the sequence 𝑎𝑛 on 𝑛 with . We calculate 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 𝑥→0
To use the definition of the derivative, we divide the numerator and
the denominator with 𝑥, so:

We observe that by noting 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 , we have 𝑔(0) = 1

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥)−𝑔(0)
and the limit from the numerator becomes: =
𝑥→0 𝑥
𝑔, (𝑥) because 𝑔 is differentiable in zero.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑔, (𝑥) = 2𝑥 ln 2 , so, according to the criterion with

sequences 𝑙1 = 𝑔, (0) = ln 2. Analogously, by noting ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 ,
𝑙𝑖𝑚 ℎ(𝑥)−ℎ(0)
the limit from the numerator becomes: = ℎ, (0),
𝑥→0 𝑥
because ℎ is differentiable in zero.
ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 ln 3 , so, according to the criterion with
ln 2
sequences𝑙2 = ℎ, (0) = ln 3, and 𝑙 = ln 3.
5. The limit contains an indetermination with the form 1∞ ,
so we will first apply method 4.

1
We now consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎2𝑥 − 2)
𝑥
1
obtained by replacing 𝑛 with in the expression above. We
𝑥
𝑙𝑖𝑚
calculate 𝑓(𝑥). For this, we observe that by noting 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥→0
𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎2𝑥 we have 𝑔(0) = 2 and the limit can be written:
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥)−𝑔(0)
= 𝑔, (0) because 𝑔 is differentiable in zero.
𝑥→0 𝑥

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Now 𝑔, (𝑥) = 𝑎1𝑥 ln 𝑎1 + 𝑎2𝑥 ln 𝑎2 , so 𝑔, (0) = ln 𝑎1 + ln 𝑎2

According to the criterion with sequences:

and the initial limit is √𝑎1 . 𝑎2 .

9. Using L’Hospital’s theorem

The theorem. [l’Hospital (1661-1704)] If the functions 𝑓 and 𝑔
fulfill the conditions:
1. are continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏){𝑥𝑜 }
2. 𝑓(𝑥𝑜 ) = 𝑔(𝑥𝑜 ) = 0
3. 𝑔, is not annulled in a vicinity of 𝑥𝑜
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓, (𝑥)
4. there exists = 𝛼 , finite or infinite,
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜 𝑔, (𝑥)
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)
then there exists = 𝛼.
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜 𝑔(𝑥)
This theorem can be used for:
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)
(A) The calculation of limits such as when these
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜 𝑔(𝑥)
0 ∞
contain an indetermination of the form or .
0 ∞
𝑙𝑖𝑚
(B) The calculation of limits such as 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜
when these contain an indetermination of the form ∞. 0.
This indetermination can be brought to form (A) like this:

∞
(indetermination with the form )
∞

0
(indetermination with the form 0)

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Observation: sometimes it is essential if we write the

0 ∞
indetermination 0 or ∞.
Example:

If we write:

0
(indetermination 0) and we derive, we obtain:

0
(indetermination with the form 0 with a higher numerator degree).
∞
If we highlight the indetermination ∞:

and we derive, we obtain 𝑙 = 0.

𝑙𝑖𝑚
(C) The calculation of limits such as (𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)),
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜
with indetermination ∞ − ∞.
This indetermination can be brought to form (B) giving 𝑓(𝑥)
or 𝑔(𝑥) as forced common factor.
We have, for example:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

and because

we distinguish two cases:

𝑔(𝑥)
(namely, doesn’t tend to 1), we have:
𝑓(𝑥)

the indetermination is of the form (B).

𝑙𝑖𝑚
(D) The calculation of limits such as 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) , with
𝑥 → 𝑥𝑜
indeterminations 1∞ , 00 , ∞0.
These indeterminations can be brought to the form (C),
using the formula:

that for 𝑎 = 𝑒, for example, becomes 𝐴 = 𝑒 ln 𝐴 , so:

The last limit contains an indetermination of the form (C).

For sequences, this method is applied only through one of
the two functions attached to the sequence (obtained by replacing 𝑛
1
with 𝑥 or by replacing 𝑛 with in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 ). According
𝑥

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

to the criterion with sequences it follows that the limit of the

sequence is equal to the limit of the attached function.
Attention: by replacing 𝑛 with 𝑥 we calculate the limit in ∞,
1
and by replacing 𝑛 with , we calculate the limit in 0.
𝑥

Exercises
I. Calculate:

(a polynomial increases faster to infinity than a logarithm)

(a polynomial increases slower to infinity than an exponential)

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

II. Show that l’Hospital’s rule cannot be applied for:

ANSWER:
1
1. For 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 and 𝑔(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 we have:
𝑥

- doesn’t exist, so the condition 4 from the theorem isn’t

met. Still, the limit can be calculated observing that:

10. Using the criterion with sequences (the Heine

Criterion)
The criterion enunciation:

with the properties:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Observation: If 𝑥0 = ∞ , condition 𝑐) doesn’t make sense

anymore.

This criterion cannot be used to eliminate indeterminations

because the sequence (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ from the enunciation is random, so,
by modifying the sequences (an infinite number of sequences), we
cannot eliminate the indetermination. Still, the criterion can be used
at:
(A) The calculation of limits that don’t contain indeterminations.

Example: Using the criterion with sequences, show that:

Solution: (a) we have to show that:

⩝ (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ , with the properties:

(b) let (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ be any sequence with the

properties 𝑎), 𝑏), 𝑐)
𝑙𝑖𝑚
(c) in 𝑓(𝑥𝑛 ) we use the properties of the
𝑛→∞
𝑙𝑖𝑚
operations of limits of sequences to highlight 𝑥 (it is
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
possible because there are no indeterminations), then we use the
𝑙𝑖𝑚
fact that 𝑥 = 𝑥0 :
𝑛→∞ 𝑛

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(B) To show that a function doesn’t have a limit in a point.

To accomplish this we can proceed as follows:
1𝐵 . we find two sequences: (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ and (𝑦𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ with the
properties 𝑎), 𝑏), 𝑐) so that:

or:
2𝐵 . we find a single sequence with the properties 𝑎), 𝑏), 𝑐)
𝑙𝑖𝑚
so that 𝑓(𝑥𝑛 ) doesn’t exist.
𝑛→∞

𝑙𝑖𝑚
Example: sin 𝑥 doesn’t exist
𝑥→∞
𝜋
1𝐵 . let 𝑥𝑛 = 2𝑛𝜋 and 𝑦𝑛 = 2𝑛𝜋 + 2. We have:

So the limit doesn’t exist.

𝑛𝜋
2𝐵 . let𝑥𝑛 = . We have:
2

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

(C) The criterion with sequences can be used in the calculation of the
limits of sequences as follows:
(a) let 𝑓(𝑥) be the function attached to the sequence, by the
replacement of, for example, 𝑛 with 𝑥 in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 ( or
1 𝑙𝑖𝑚
of 𝑛 with 𝑥, but then we calculate 𝑓(𝑥))
𝑥→0
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑙𝑖𝑚
(b) we calculate 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙 ( 𝑓(𝑥), respectively).
𝑥→∞ 𝑛→0
(c) according to the criterion with sequences lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙
means: for any sequence (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ with the properties:

𝑙𝑖𝑚
we have 𝑓(𝑥𝑛 ) = 𝑙
𝑛→∞
We observe that the sequence 𝑥𝑛 = 𝑛 fulfills the conditions
𝑎) and 𝑏) and, moreover, for this sequence we have:

Exercises
I. Using the criterion with sequences, calculate:

II. Show that the following don’t exist:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

7. If 𝑓has a limit to its left (right) in 𝑥0 , then:

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑙𝑖𝑚
8. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙 , then 𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑙 , but not the
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
other way around.
𝑙𝑖𝑚
9. 𝑓(𝑥) doesn’t exist if 𝑓: 𝐷 → ℝ is a periodic, non-
𝑥→∞
constant function. Consequences: the following do not exist:

Answer: 9. This exercise is the generalization of exercises 1.-6.

For the solution, we explain the hypothesis:

We now use method 1𝐵 . The following sequences fulfill

conditions 𝑎) and 𝑏):

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

and:

III. Determine the limit points of the functions: 𝑓, 𝑔, 𝑓 ∘

𝑔, 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓, for:

Answer: let 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐷 = ℝ randonm. We check if 𝑓 has a limit

in 𝑥0 . For this we observe it is essential if (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is rational or
irrational. We firstly consider the situation where the sequence
(𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is made up only of rational points (or only of irrational
points).
Let (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ be a sequence of rational points with the
properties 𝑎), 𝑏), 𝑐). We have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

So the function doesn’t have a limit in any point 𝑥0 for

which 𝑥02 ≠ 2, i.e. 𝑥0 and ±2. For 𝑥0 = √2 we consider a random
sequence (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ with the properties 𝑎), 𝑏), 𝑐). 𝐸1decomposes in
two subsequences: (𝑥𝑛, )𝑛∈ℕ made up of solely rational terms and
(𝑥𝑛, )𝑛∈ℕ made up of irrational terms. Because:

we deduce that:

The same goes for 𝑥 = −√2.

Specific methods for sequences

11. Any bounded and monotonic sequence
is convergent
Applying this method comes back to the study of monotony
and bounding, and for the determination of the limit we pass over
to the limit in the recurrence relation of the given sequence. If such
a relation is not initially provided, it can be obtained at the study of
the monotony.
𝑛!
Example: 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛𝑛
(a) For the study of monotony and bounding we cannot
𝑥!
apply the method of the attached function (𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑥 doesn’t make
sense). We employ the method of the report (we begin by studying
the monotony because (1) if the sequence is monotonic, at least
half of the bounding problem is solved, as it has been already
proven; (2) if the sequence isn’t monotonic, we can’t apply the
method so we won’t study the bounding.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

We therefore have:

So the sequence is decreasing.

(b) The bounding. The sequence is bounded between 0 and
𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑎1 , being decreasing and with positive terms. Therefore 𝑎
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
exists.
(c) For the calculation of 𝑙 we observe that studying the
monotony we have obtained the recurrence relation:

Moving on to the limit in this equality, we obtain:

EXERCISES:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

where (𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ fulfills conditions:

ANSWERS:
3. We observe the recurrence relation:

a) The monotony:

In order to compare this difference to zero, we make a

choice, for example 𝑎𝑛+1 ≥ 𝑎𝑛 , that we then transform through
equivalences:

So 𝑎𝑛+1 ≥ 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛 ∈ (−1,2).

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

We have thus reached the conclusion that the sequence is

increasing if and only if it is bounded between −𝟏 and 𝟐. We
obviously have 𝑎𝑛 > 0 > −1 so we still have to prove that 𝑎𝑛 < 2.
This inequality can be proven by induction:

Verification:

So we have proven the monotony and the bounding.

𝑙𝑖𝑚
Therefore 𝑙 = 𝑎 exists. To determine 𝑙 we move on to the
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
limit in the recurrence relation (this time this type of relation is
given initially):

As 𝑙 = −1 is impossible, because 𝑎𝑛 > 0, we deduce 𝑙 = 2.

2𝑘+3
6. We decompose the fraction in a difference of
5𝑘
consecutive terms:

To determine the four parameters:

a) we use the identification method and

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

b) we state the condition that the terms from the right

member in (3.4) be consecutive.

c) the denominators are consecutive, so we state the

condition that the numerators be in the same relation as
consecutives; the denominator of the first fraction is obtained from
the denominator of the second one, by replacing 𝑘 with 𝑘 − 1, so
we must have the same relation between the numerators:

We have thus obtained the system:

with the solution:

It follows that:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

consequently:

7. We have:

so:

8. We apply the conclusion from 7.

II. Study the convergence of the sequences defined through:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Indications:
4. sequence with positive terms (induction) and decreasing.

Let 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 be the limits of the subsequences of even and

uneven value. Show that 𝑙1 = 𝑙2.

12. Using the Cesaro-Stolz and Rizzoli Lemmas

Lemma: (Cesaro-Stolz) Let (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ be a random sequence and
(𝛽𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ a strictly increasing sequence, having the limit
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝛼𝑛+1 −𝛼𝑛
infinite. If = 𝑙 exists – finite or infinite,
𝑛 → ∞ 𝛽𝑛+1 −𝛽𝑛
then:
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝛼𝑛
= 𝑙.
𝑛 → ∞ 𝛽𝑛

This lemma can be used to calculate the limits of sequences

that can be expressed as a fraction:

and of the limits of the form:

presupposing that this limit exists and (𝛽𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is strictly

monotonic.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

CONSEQUENCES:

Indeed,

Example:

because for 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛, we have:

(B) The limits of the arithmetic, geometric and harmonic

averages of the first 𝑛 terms of a sequence having the limit 𝑙, have
the value 𝑙 also:

Observation: a variant for the Cesaro-Stolz lemma for the case

when 𝑎𝑛 , 𝛽𝑛 → 0 has been proven by I.Rizzoli [Mathematic Gazette,
no 10-11-12, 1992, p. 281-284]:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Lemma: (I.Rizzoli) If (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ , (𝛽𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ are two sequences

of natural numbers that fulfill the conditions:

(ii) the sequence (𝛽𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is strictly monotonic

(increasing or decreasing)
(iii) there exists:

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝛼𝑛
Then: = 𝑙.
𝑛 → ∞ 𝛽𝑛

EXERCISES:

1∙2∙ ….∙𝑘+2∙3∙…∙(𝑘+1)+⋯+(𝑛−𝑘+1)∙(𝑛−𝑘+2)∙… ∙𝑛
8. 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛𝑘

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

(Indications: amplification with the conjugate, the

minoring/majoring method, the Cesaro-Stolz lemma).
5. Let 𝑥𝑛+1 = ln(1 + 𝑥𝑛 ), 𝑥0 > 0. Using the Cesaro-Stolz
𝑙𝑖𝑚
lemma show that 𝑛. 𝑥 = 2.
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
𝑛
(Indications: 𝑛𝑥𝑛 = 1 )
𝑥𝑛

III. Calculate the limits of the following sequences,

presupposing they exist:

knowing that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

where 𝑝 > 0 and 𝑐 is Euler’s constant.

Answers:
1. We apply the Cesaro-Stolz lemma for:

We have:

and through the hypothesis it follows that:

6. We consider:

We have:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

and keeping into account that:

(we can use the attached function), we obtain:

13. Utilization of Lagrange’s theorem

Theorem: (Lagrange, (1736-1813)). If 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ is
continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable on
(𝑎, 𝑏),
𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
then: ∃⊂∈ (𝑎, 𝑏)𝑎. 𝑖. 𝑏−𝑎
= 𝑓 , (𝑐).

This theorem can be used for:

(A) The calculation of the limits of sequences in which we

can highlight an expression with the form:

for the attached function.

Example:

Solution:
a) we highlight an expression of the form (3.6), considering:

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b) we apply Lagrange’s theorem on function 𝑓 on the

interval [𝑛, 𝑛 + 1]:

𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
c) we replace in 𝑎𝑛 the expression with 𝑓 , (𝑐𝑛 ). We
𝑏−𝑎
obtain:

d) we use the inequalities: 𝑛 < 𝑐𝑛 < 𝑛 + 1 to obtain

convenient majorings (minorings). In our case, we have:

It follows that:

(B) The calculation of the limits of sequences that can be put

under one of the formulas:

𝑓 being a function that is subject to Lagrange’s theorem on the

intervals: [𝑛, 𝑛 + 1], 𝑛 ∈ ℕ.
Observation: the sequences of the form 𝟐𝑩 are always
monotonic and bounded (so convergent) if 𝒇 is a function

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differentiable on ℝ and so that 𝒇 and 𝒇, have different

monotonies.
Demonstration: to make a choice, let’s assume 𝑓 is increasing
and 𝑓 , is decreasing:
1. the monotony:

2. we apply Lagrange’s theorem to function 𝑓 on the interval

[𝑛, 𝑛 + 1]:

so:

(𝑓 , - decreasing), wherefrom we deduce the sequence is decreasing.

3. the bounding: being decreasing, the sequence is superiorily
bounded by 𝑎1 . We have only to find the inferior bound. For this,
we write (3.8) starting with 𝑛 = 1 and we thus obtain the
possibility of minoring (majoring) the sequence 𝑎𝑛 .

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We obtain a convenient replacement for the sum:

We write the relation (3.7) starting 𝑛 = 1 and we add the

obtained equalities:

it follows that:

consequently, the sequence is inferiorly bounded. It is thus

convergent. Its limit is a number between −𝑓(1) and 𝑎1 .

Exercises
I. Using Lagrange’s theorem, calculate the limits of the
sequences:

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II. Study the convergence of the sequences:

(the limit of this sequence is called Euler’s constant 𝑐 ∈

(0,1))

1
(the partial sums of the harmonic sequence ∑∞
𝑖=1 𝑖 )

(the partial sums of the generalized harmonic sequence)

Indication: 4. In order to have one of the forms 1𝐵 or 2𝐵 , we

determine 𝑓, keeping into account that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We apply for this function the steps from the demonstration

at the beginning of this paragraph.
III. Show that:

Indication: 1. we must show that:

for:

The harmonic sequence

1 1 1
The sequence 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 𝑛 is called a harmonic
sequence because it has the property: any three consecutive terms
1
are in a harmonic progression. Indeed, if we note 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑛, we have:

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For a long time, it was believed that this sequence has a

defined sum 𝑠. In antiquity they sought to obtain the approximate
value of 𝑠, by calculating the sum of as many terms of the sequence
as possible. Today it is a fact that 𝑠 = ∞ (the harmonic sequence is
divergent). We mention a few of the methods that help prove this,
methods that use exercises from high school manuals, or exercises
of high school level:

1. Lagrange’s theorem (exercise I.2)

2. The inequality:

that is proven by induction in the X grade. Indeed, if 𝑠 had a finite

value:

then, by noting:

we would have:

𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑙𝑖𝑚
and because 𝑠 = 𝑎 , we deduce 𝑅 = 0.
𝑛→∞ 𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛
But:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

so 𝑅𝑛 doesn’t tend to zero. Therefore, 𝑠 isn’t finite either.

3. Using the limit studied in the XII grade:

4. Using the inequality:

5. Using the definition of the integral (Riemann sums) (see

method 16, exercise II).

14. Sequences given by recurrence relations

(A) The linear Recurrence
1. The first degree linear recurrence
Is of the form:

The expression of the general term follows from the

observation that:

so:

Example:

We have:

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2. Second degree linear recurrence

Is of the form:

In order to find the expression of the general term, in this

case, we will use the expression of the general term from the first
order recurrence. We saw that for this recurrence we have: 𝑎𝑛 =
𝑎0 𝑞𝑛 . For the second order recurrence, we search for the general
term with the same form:
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐 ∙ 𝑞𝑛 , 𝑐 being an undetermined constant.
By replacing in the recurrence relation, we obtain:

from where, dividing by 𝑞 𝑛−1 , we obtain the characteristic

equation:

We consider the following cases:

a) ∆> 0 (the characteristic equation has real and distinct
roots 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 )
In this case, having no reason to neglect one of the roots, we
modify the expression 𝑎𝑛 , considering it of the form:

and we determine the constants 𝑐1 and 𝑐2 so that the first two

terms of the sequence have the initially given values.
Example:

(Fibonacci’s sequence). The characteristic equation is:

with the roots:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Considering 𝑎𝑛 of the form:

from the system:

we obtain:

so:

1+√5
Observation: 𝑞2 = 2
is known from antiquity as the golden
ratio. It is the limit of the sequence:

( 𝑛 radical) (method 11 applies). This number is often found in

nature (the arrangement of branches on trees, the proportion of the
human body etc. (For details, see, for example Matila Ghika:
Esthetics and art theory, Encyclopedic and scientific Press, Bucharest,
1981).
b) ∆= 0 (the characteristic equation has equal roots 𝑞1 =
𝑞2 ). In this case we consider 𝑎𝑛 of the form:

(namely 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑞1𝑛 ∙ 𝑃1 (𝑛), with 𝑃1- first degree polynomial) and we

determine 𝑐1 and 𝑐2 , stating the same condition, that the first two
terms have the same initially given values.

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Example:

Taking 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐 ∙ 𝑞𝑛 , we obtain the characteristic equation:

Considering:

from the system:

we obtain: 𝑐1 = −4, 𝑐2 = 6, so:

c) ) ∆< 0 (the characteristic equation has complex roots)

Let these be:

We have:

but, in order to use only natural numbers, we show that we can

replace 𝑞1𝑛 and 𝑞𝑧𝑛 respectively with:

Then we can write:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

3. Linear recurrence of degree h (bigger than 2)

Is of the form:

with the first ℎ terms given.

Proceeding as with the second order recurrence, we combine
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐 ∙ 𝑞 and we state the condition that the recurrence relation
be met. We obtain the characteristic equation:

We distinguish the following cases:

a) if the characteristic equation has all the roots real and
distinct: 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … , 𝑞ℎ , we will consider 𝑎𝑛 of the form:

and we determine the constants 𝑐𝑖 , 𝑖 ∈ 1,̅̅̅̅̅

ℎ , stating the condition
that the first 𝑘 terms of the sequence have the initially given values.
b) if a root, for example, 𝑞1 is multiple of order 𝑠, (𝑞1 =
𝑞2 = ⋯ = 𝑞𝑠 ), we replace the sum:

from the expression of 𝑎𝑛 with:

𝑃𝑠−1 being a polynomial of degree 𝑠 − 2 , whose coefficient is

revealed by stating the condition that the first 𝑠 terms have the
initially given values.
c) if a root, for example, 𝑞1 , is complex, then its conjugate is
also a root of the characteristic equation (let for example, 𝑞2 = ̅̅̅).
𝑞1
In this case, we replace in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 the sum:

with:

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and if the root 𝑞1 is a multiple of order 𝑠 (𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = ⋯ 𝑞𝑠 and

we replace in the expression of 𝑎𝑛 the terms that contain the

complex root with:

EXERCISES:
I. Determine the expression of the general term and calculate
the limit for:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

II. 1. Determine 𝛼 so that the sequence given by the

recurrence relation:

has a limit and calculate that limit.

2. Write the recurrence relations and the general terms of the
sequences for which: 𝑎1 = 1 , 𝑎2 = 2 , and the roots of the
characteristic equation are:

3. Let : 𝑎𝑛 = 𝐴 ∙ 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝐵 ∙ 𝛽 𝑛 , with 𝑎, 𝐵, 𝛼, 𝛽 ∈ ℝ and

𝐴, 𝐵 ≠ 0, |𝛼| ≠ | 𝛽|. Determine 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽so that:
a) the sequence (𝑥𝑛 ) is convergent;
𝑙𝑖𝑚
b) 𝑥 =∞
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚
c) 𝑥 = −∞
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
4. Let 𝑎𝑛 = 𝐴 ∙ 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝐵 ∙ 𝑛 ∙ 𝛽 𝑛 , 𝑛 ≥ 1, with 𝑎, 𝐵, 𝛼, 𝛽 ∈ ℝ
and 𝐴, 𝐵 ≠ 0 . Determine 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 so that the sequence is
convergent.

(B) Nonlinear recurrence

1. Recurrence of the form 𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝛼 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 + 𝛽,
with 𝑎0 given
The expression of the general term is obtained by observing
that if 𝑙 is a root for the equation 𝑙 = α ∙ l + β (obtained by

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replacing an+1 and an with 𝑙 in the recurrence relation), then the

sequence (an − 𝑙)𝑛∈ℕ is a geometric progression.

Example:

𝑙+1
From the equation 𝑙 = 2
we deduce 𝑙 = 𝑙.
Then the sequence (an − 𝑙)𝑛∈ℕ is a geometric progression.
Let 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 − 1. We have:

The ratio of the geometric progression is, consequently: 𝑞 =

1
. We obtain:
2

2. Recurrence of the form 𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝛼 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑓(𝑛) (𝑓 being

a random function)
The general term is found based on the observation that, if
(𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is a sequence that verifies the same recurrence relation,
then any sequence (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ that verifies the given relation of the
form:

In practice we chose 𝑏𝑛 of the form:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

the coefficients of 𝑓 being undetermined. We determine these

coefficients by stating the condition that (𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ verifies the
recurrence relation.
Particular case: a recurrence with the form:

with 𝑃 a polynomial of degree 𝑠.

Example:

We search for the sequence 𝑏𝑛 with the form:

We state the condition that (𝑏𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ verifies the given

recurrence relation:

We obtain:

By identification, it follows that:

so:

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3. Recurrence of the form 𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝑓(𝑎𝑛 ) (with 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] →

ℝ continuous function)
Theorem: 1. If the function 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ is
continuous and increasing on [𝑎, 𝑏], then:
a) if 𝑎1 > 𝑎0, the sequence (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is increasing,
b) if 𝑎1 < 𝑎0, the sequence (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ is decreasing.
The limit of the sequence is a fixed point of 𝑓, i.e. a
characteristic equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥.
2. If 𝑓 is decreasing on [𝑎, 𝑏], then the subsequences of
even and uneven value, respectively, of (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ are
monotonic and of different monotonies. If these two
subsequences have limits, then they are equal.

Example:

We have:

from the variation table we deduce that 𝑓 is decreasing on (0, √2)

and increasing on (√2, ∞). By way of induction, we prove that
𝛼𝑛 > √2 , and, because 𝑎2 = 5,1 < 𝑎1 , then the sequence is
decreasing.
The bounding can be deduced from the property of
continuous functions defined on closed intervals and bounded of
being bounded.
The characteristic equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 has the roots 𝑥1,2 =
±√2, so 𝑙 = √2.
Particular case: the homographic recurrence:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We have:

called a homographic function and:

so the monotony of 𝑓 depends on the sign of the expression 𝛼 ∙

𝛿 − 𝛽 ∙ 𝛾.
If 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 are the roots of the characteristic equation
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, by noting:

it can be shown that the general term 𝛼𝑛 of the sequence is given by

the relation:

Example:

Prove that:

From here it follows that the sequence is convergent (it

decomposes in two convergent sequences). It is deduced that the
limit of the sequence is 1.

Exercises
I. Determine the general term and study the convergence of
the sequences:

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Determine coefficients 𝑎 and 𝑏 so that the sequence has a

finite limit. Calculate this limit.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

15. Any Cauchy sequence of natural numbers

is convergent
One of the recapitulative exercises from the XI grade
analysis manual requires to be shown that if a sequence (𝛼𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ of
real numbers is convergent, then:

A sequence that satisfies condition (3.8) is called a Cauchy

sequence or a fundamental sequence. It is proven that a natural
numbers’ sequence is convergent if and only if it is a Cauchy
sequence. This propositions enables the demonstration of the
convergence of sequences, showing that they are Cauchy sequences.
In this type of exercises the following condition is used:

which is equivalent to (3.9) but easier to use.

Example:

It has to be proven that:

(b) let 𝜀 > 0. We check to see if 𝑛𝜀 exists so that property

(𝑎) takes place.
(c) we have:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

2 2
(d) we state the condition: 𝑛 < 𝜀 and we obtain 𝑛 > : 𝑛, so
2
we can take: 𝑛𝜀 = [ ] + 1.
𝑛

Exercises
I. Show that the following sequences are fundamental:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Show that |𝑎𝑛+𝑝 − 𝑎𝑛 | < 𝑏𝑛+1 for any 𝑛, 𝑝 ∈ ℕ . Deduce

from this that the sequence is a Cauchy sequence.
INDICATIONS:

and we decompose in simple fractions.

If 𝑝 is uneven, we deduce:

and if it is even:

So:

1 1
From the condition: 𝑛+1 < 𝜀, we obtain: 𝑛𝜀 = [𝜀 − 1] + 1.

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9. We proceed as we did in the previous exercise, where we

had:

16. Using the definition of the integral

It is known that the Riemann sum attached to the function
𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ, corresponding to a division:

and to the intermediate points:

is:

If the points 𝑥𝑖 are equidistant, then:

and we have:

A function is integrable if:

exists and is finite. The value of the limit is called the integral of
function 𝑓 on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏]:

To use the definition of the integral in the calculation of the

limits of sequences, we observe that for divisions ∆ formed with
equidistant points, we have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

So we can proceed as follows:

a) we show that the general term 𝑎𝑛 can be written in the
form:

with 𝑓 as a continuous function on [𝑎, 𝑏], and 𝜉𝑖 being the points

of an equidistant division.
b) 𝑓 , being continuous, it is also integrable, and:

Example:

a) we write 𝑎𝑛 in the form:

1
highlighting the common factor 𝑛. We have:

b) in:

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(𝑏−𝑎)𝑖
we make the equidistant points: appear:
𝑛

and we deduce the function 𝑓. We have:

c) we arrange the equidistant points on a straight line:

and we deduce the division:

and the interval [𝑎, 𝑏].

d) we observe that 𝑎𝑛 is the Riemann sum corresponding to
function 𝑓 (continuous, thus integrable) and to the deduced division
∆, on interval [𝑎, 𝑏]. As the points of ∆ are equidistant, we have:

Exercises:
I. Using the definition of the integral, calculate the limits of
the following sequences:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Indications:

6. By making logarithms, we obtain:

II. a) Write the Riemann sum

corresponding to the function:

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the division:

and the intermediate points:

b) Calculate:

c) Calculate:

and deduce that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

IV. Continuity and derivability

Continuity
DEFINITION: the function 𝑓: 𝐷 → ℝ is continuous in 𝑥0 ∈
𝐷 if:
1. it has a limit in 𝑥0 ∈,
2. the limit is equal to 𝑓(𝑥0 ),
i.e.

THE CONSEQUENCE: Any continuous function in a

point has a limit in that point.

(A) Methods for the study of continuity

1. Using the definition
Example:

is continuous in 𝑥 = 1.
Indeed, let’s show that:

Let there be any 𝜀 > 0. We must determine 𝛿𝜀 . We have:

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because on the interval [0,2], for example, [2𝑥 + 3] is bounded

between 3 and 7. We determine 𝛿𝜀 from the condition:

We can take, for example 𝛿𝜀 = 2𝜀. Then:

therefore 𝑓 is continuous in 𝑥 = 1.
2. Using the criterion with the lateral limits
𝒇 is continuous in:

where

are the left and right limit, respectively in 𝑥0 .

EXAMPLE: Let’s study the continuity of the function:

for 𝛼 ∈ [0, 2𝜋].

SOLUTION: Because we are required to study the
continuity, with a certain point being specified, we must make the
study on the whole definition domain. The points of the domain
appear to belong to two categories:
1. Connection points between branches, in which continuity
can be studied using the lateral limits.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

2. The other points, in which the function is continuous,

being expressed by continuous functions (elementary) (but this
must be specified each time).
In our case:
(a) in any point 𝑥0 ≠ 1, the function is continuous being
expressed through continuous functions.
(b) we study the continuity in 𝑥0 ≠ 1. We have:

1
The value of the function in the point is 𝑓(1) = 2 , so 𝑓 is
continuous in:

To explain the module we use the table with the sign of the
1
function sin 𝛼 − :
2

𝜋 5𝜋
1. if 𝛼 ∈ [0, ] ∪ [ , 2𝜋], the equation becomes:
6 6

𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋
2. if 𝛼 ∈ ( 6 , 6
), we obtain sin 𝛼 = 1, so 𝛼 = 2 .
For this four values of 𝛼 the function is continuous also in
point 𝑥 = 1, so it is continuous on ℝ.

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3. Using the criterion with sequences

This criterion is obtained from the criterion with sequences
for the limits of functions, by replacing 𝑙 with 𝑓(𝑥0 ) and
eliminating the condition 𝑥𝑛 ≠ 𝑥0 (which is essential in the case of
limits, because we can study the limit of a function in a point where
𝑓(𝑥) doesn’t exist).
EXAMPLE:

Proceeding as we did with Method 10, with the two

adaptations mentioned just above, it follows that 𝑓 is continuous in
the points 𝑥0 for which:

(B) Types of discontinuity points

The point 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐷 in which 𝑓 is not continuous is said to be
a first order discontinuity point if the lateral limits in 𝑥0 exist and
are finite.
Any other discontinuity point is said to be of a second order.

(C) The extension through continuity

To extend the function 𝑓: 𝐷 → ℝ means to add new points
to the domain 𝐷, where we define the correspondence law willingly.

If 𝑀 is the set of added points and ℎ is the correspondence

law on 𝑀, the extension will be:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

For example:

can be extended to the entire set ℝ by putting:

There are many extensions to a function. Nevertheless, if 𝑓

is continuous on 𝐷 and has a finite limit in a point 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐷, there is
only one extension:

that is continuous, named the extension through continuity of 𝑓 in

point 𝑥0 .
𝑙𝑖𝑚 sin 𝑥
So, for our example, because = 1, the function:
𝑥→0 𝑥

is the only extension of sin 𝑥/𝑥 that is continuous on ℝ.

(D) The continuity of composite functions

If 𝑓 is continuous in 𝑥0 and 𝑔 is continuous in 𝑓(𝑥0 ), then
𝑔 ∘ 𝑓 is continuous in 𝑥0 .

So the composition of two continuous functions is a

continuous function. Reciprocally it isn’t true: it is possible that 𝑓
and 𝑔 are not continuous and 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓 is.

For example:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

isn’t continuous in any point, but the function 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑓 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)

is the identically equal function to 1, so it is continuous in any point
from ℝ.

Exercises
I. Study, on the maximum definition domain, the continuity
of the functions defined by:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

II. Specify the type of discontinuity points for the functions:

Determine the extensions using the continuity, where

possible.
III. Study the continuity of the functions𝑓, 𝑔, 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔, 𝑔 ∘ 𝑓,
for:

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IV. 1. Let 𝑓, 𝑔: ℝ → ℝ be a continuous function so that

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) for any 𝑥 ∈ ℚ. Show that 𝑓 = 𝑔. (Manual)
2. Let 𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ , 𝐼 ⊆→ ℝ be a function with Darboux’s
property. If 𝑓 has lateral limits in any point 𝐼, then 𝑓 is continuous
on 𝐼. (Manual)
3. 𝑓: ℝ → ℝ so that:

for any 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℝ. Prove that 𝑎 > 0 exists so that for any 𝑥 with
|𝑥| ≤ 𝑎 we have |𝑓(𝑥)| < 𝑎. Deduce the existence of a fixed point
for 𝑓. (𝑥0 is a fixed point for 𝑓 if 𝑓(𝑥0 ) = 𝑥0 ). (Manual)
4. Let 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ, continuous. Then:

(Manual)
A function with the property (4.1) is called an uniform
continuously function on [𝒂, 𝒃].
The uniform continuity is therefore defined on an interval,
while continuity can be defined in a point.
Taking 𝑦 = 𝑥0 in (4.1) it is deduced that any uniform
continuous function on an interval is continuous on that interval.
Exercise 4 from above affirms the reciprocal of this
proposition, which is true if the interval is closed and bounded.

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Derivability

(A) Definition. Geometric interpretation.

Consequences

Definition
The function 𝑓: 𝐷 → ℝ is differentiable in 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐷 if the
following limit exists and is finite:

The value of this limit is noted by 𝑓 , (𝑥0 ) and it is called the

derivative of 𝑓 in 𝑥0 .
Geometric interpretation
The derivative of a function in a point 𝑥0 is the slope of the
tangent to the graphic of 𝒇in the abscissa point 𝒙𝟎.

When 𝑥 tends to 𝑥0 , the chord 𝐴𝐵 tends towards the

tangent in 𝐴 to the graphic, so the slope of the chord

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tends to the slope of the tangent. Therefore, 𝑓 , (𝑥0 ) is the slope of

the tangent in the abscissa point 𝑥0 to the graphic.
The geometric interpretation of the derivative thus follows
from the next sequence of implications:

Consequences
1. Any function differentiable in a point is continuous in that
point.
2. The equation of the tangent to the graphic of a
differentiable function.
It is known that equation of a straight line that passes
through the point (𝑥0 , 𝑓(𝑥0 )) is:

3. The equation of the normal (the perpendicular on the

tangent) is deduced from the condition of perpendicularity of two
straight lines (𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2 = −1) and it is:

(B) The derivation of composite functions

From formula (4.2) it is deduced that:

So, in order to derive a composite function we will proceed

as follows:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(a) we derive the last function that is composed (in our case
𝑓3 ) and we replace in this function the variable 𝑥 with the
expression issuing from the composition of the other function (in
our case 𝑓2 ∘ 𝑓1 ).
(b) by neglecting the derived function in the previous step (in
our case 𝑓3 ), we derive the function that became last (for us 𝑓2 ) and
we also replace the variable 𝑥 with the expression that resulted from
the composition of the functions that have no yet been derived (in
this step we only have 𝑓1 (𝑥).
(c) we continue this procedure until all the functions are
derived.
EXAMPLE:

1. By applying formula (4.2) we have:

We can obtain the same results much faster, using the

generalization of formula (4.2) presented above.
Therefore, the composite functions are:

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CONSEQUENCES:
1. The derivative of the inverse function.
From 𝑓 −1(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥, by applying formula (4.2), it follows
that:

or by noting 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥):

EXAMPLE: For 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥, 𝑓: (0, ∞) → ℝ we have:

and as 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 => 𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑦 we obtain:

2. High order derivatives of composite functions.

From (𝑓(𝑢(𝑥)) = 𝑓 , (𝑢(𝑥)). 𝑢, (𝑥) , deriving again in
relation to 𝑥 it follows that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We have therefore obtained the second order derivative of

the composite function and the procedure can go on.
EXAMPLE: Let’s calculate 𝑓 ,, (𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑔−𝑥 ) , 𝑔
being a function two times differentiable on ℝ.
We have:

and

(C) Derivatives of order 𝑛

For the calculation of the derivative 𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) we can use one
of the following methods:
1. We calculate a few derivatives (𝑓 , , 𝑓 ,, , 𝑓 ,,, , … ) in order to
deduce the expression of 𝑓 (𝑛) , which we then demonstrate by way
of induction.
2. We use Leibniz formula for the derivation of the product
of two functions:

The formula can be applied to a random quotient, because:

(D) The study of derivability

In order to study the derivability of a function:
(a) we distinguish two categories of points that the domain
has: points in which we know that the function is differentiable
(being expressed by differentiable functions) and points in which we
pursue the study of derivability (generally connection points
between branches).

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(b) for the study of derivability in this second category of

points, we use one of the following methods:
(1) we calculate the lateral derivatives using the
definition
(2) we calculate the lateral derivatives using the
Corollary of Lagrange’s theorem: If 𝑓 is
differentiable in a vicinity of 𝑥0 and if it
continues in 𝑥0 and if there exists:

then, 𝑓 has a derivative on the left (on the right,

respectively) in 𝑥0 and:

The continuity condition in 𝒙𝟎 that is required in the

hypothesis of the corollary is essential for its application, but it
doesn’t constitute a restriction in the study of derivability,
because if 𝑓 isn’t continuous in 𝑥0 , it isn’t differentiable either.

EXAMPLE: Let’s determine the parameters 𝛼, 𝛽 ∈ ℝ so

that the function:

is differentiable. What is the geometric interpretation of the result?

Answer: Method 1. (using the lateral derivatives)
a) in any point 𝑥 ≠ 𝑒, the function is differentiable, being
expressed through differentiable functions.
b) we study the derivability in 𝑥 = 𝑒.

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Because of the proposition: 𝒇 non continuous ==> 𝒇 non

differentiable, we study the continuity first.

so: 𝑓 continuous in 𝑒 <=> 𝛼𝑒 + 𝛽 = 1. (4.3)

If the continuity condition in 𝑥 = 𝑒 isn’t met, the function is
also not differentiable in this point, so we study the derivability
assuming the continuity condition is fulfilled.

For the calculation of this limit we can:

(1) apply the definition of the derivative,
(2) permute the limit with the logarithm,
(3) use l’Hospital’s rule.
(1) We observe that by noting 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑛2 𝑥 , we have
𝑔(𝑒) = 1 and the limit becomes:

(because 𝑔 is differentiable in 𝑒)

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Therefore, 𝑓 is differentiable in:

and from the continuity condition we obtain 𝛽 = −1. We thus

have:

The geometric interpretation of the result: the straight

2
line 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1 is tangent to the curve 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 2 .
𝑒
If the branch of a function is expressed through a
straight line (𝒚 = 𝜶𝒙 + 𝜷) , the function is
differentiable in the point 𝒙𝟎 of connection
between the branches, if and only if the
respective straight line is tangent in the point of
abscissa 𝒙𝟎 to the graphic of the other branch.

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Method 2: (Using the corollary of Lagrange’s theorem)

(a) In any point 𝑥 ≠ 𝑒, the function is differentiable, being
expressed by differentiable function and we have:

(b) We study the derivability in 𝑥 = 𝑒 . We first state the

continuity condition:

In order to use the corollary of Lagrange’s theorem we

calculate the lateral limits of the derivative:

From the corollary we deduce 𝑓 , (𝑒) = 𝛼. Analogously:

2
If 𝑓 is differentiable in 𝑥 = 𝑒 if and only if𝛼 = . From the
𝑒
continuity condition we deduce 𝛽 = −1.

(E) Applications of the derivative

in economics
(See the Calculus manual, IXth grade)

1. Let 𝛽(𝑥) be the benefit obtained for an expenditure of 𝑥

lei. For any additional expenditure of ℎ lei, the supplementary
benefit on any spent leu is:

If ℎ is sufficiently small, this relation gives an indication of

the variation of the benefit corresponding to the sum of 𝑥 lei.
If this limit exists:

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it is called the bound benefit corresponding to the sum of 𝒙 lei.

2. Let 𝛾(𝑝) be the total cost for the production of 𝑝 units of
a particular product. Then, the cost per each supplementary unit of
product is:

and the limit of this relation, when ℎ tends to zero, if it exists, is

called a bound cost of production for 𝑝 units of the considered
product.
EXAMPLE: The benefit obtained for an expenditure of 𝑥
lei is:

For any additional expenditure of ℎ lei, calculate the

supplementary benefit per spent leu and the bound benefit
corresponding to the sum of 1000 lei.
Answer: The supplementary benefit per spent leu is:

For 𝑥 = 1000 this is equal to 1997 + ℎ and

Exercises
I. The following are required:
1. The equation of the tangent to the graphic 𝑓(𝑥) =
ln √1 + 𝑥 2 in the abscissa point 𝑥0 = 1.
2. The equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) =
√𝑥 2 − 𝑘 2, that is parallel to 0𝑥.

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3. The equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 ,

parallel to the first bisector.
3𝑥+2
4. The equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = , that is
2𝑥+6
parallel to the chord that unites the abscissae points 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 =
3.
𝑥−1
5. Determine 𝛼 and 𝛽 so that 𝑦 = 𝛼𝑥 + 𝛽 and 𝑦 = are
𝑥
tangent in 𝑥 = 1. Write down their common tangent.
6. Show that the straight line 𝑦 = 7𝑥 − 2 is tangent to the
curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥. (Manual)

II. 1. Calculate the derivative of the function:

2. Let 𝑓: (−∞, 0) → ℝ , 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 . Determine a

subinterval 𝐽 ⊆ ℝ, so that 𝑓: (−∞, 0) → 𝐽 is bijective. Let 𝑔 be its
inverse. Calculate 𝑔, (−1) and 𝑔,, (−1). (Manual)
3. If:

with 𝛼 > 0 for any 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ 𝐼, the function 𝑓 is constant on 𝐼.

4. If 𝑓 has a limit in point 𝑎, then the function:

is differentiable in 𝑎.
5. If 𝑓 is bounded in a vicinity of 𝑥0 , then 𝑔(𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )2𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable in 𝑥0 . Particular case:

Indications:
1. Let 𝑓 be a primitive of the function:

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We have:

3. For 𝑥 ≠ 𝑦 the inequality from the enunciation is

equivalent to:

from where, for 𝑦 ⟶ 𝑥 we obtain 𝑓(𝑥) = 0, so 𝑓 is constant on 𝐼.

III. Calculate the derivatives of order 𝑛 for:

10. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑒 𝑏𝑥 from the expression of the derivative

of order 𝑛, deduce Newton's binomial formula.

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IV. 1. Show that:

2. Applying Leibniz’s formula for:

show that:

Find similar formulas, using the functions:

3. Let 𝐼 = (0,1) and the functions 𝑢, 𝑣: 𝐼 ⟶ ℝ , 𝑢(𝑥) =

𝑖𝑛𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑝
𝑢(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑦)2 , 𝑣(𝑥) == 𝑦 ∈ 𝐼 (𝑥 − 𝑦)2 . Study the
𝑦∈𝐼
𝑠𝑢𝑝
derivability of the functions 𝑢 and 𝑣 and calculate 𝑢(𝑥) ,
𝑥∈𝐼
𝑖𝑛𝑓
𝑣(𝑥). (Manual)
𝑥∈𝐼
4. If 𝑓𝑛 (𝑥) is a sequence of differentiable function, having a
limit in any point 𝑥, then:

V. Study the derivability of the functions:

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is indefinitely differentiable on ℝ and:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

𝑎 ∈ ℝ.

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V. Fermat, Rolle, Lagrange,

Cauchy Theorems

(A) Fermat’s theorem

1. Enunciation
If 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ is continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable
on (𝑎, 𝑏), then in any point of extremum from (𝑎, 𝑏) (from
the interior of the interval), the derivative is annulled.
(Fermat, 1601-1665)
Observation: 𝑥0 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) point of extremum ==> 𝑓 , (𝑥0 ) =
0. If 𝑥0 is a point of extremum at the ends of the interval, it is
possible that the derivative isn’t annulled in 𝑥0 .
Example:

has two points of extremum: in 𝑥1 = −1 and in 𝑥2 = 2, and:

2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation

a) The geometric interpretation results from the
geometrical interpretation of the derivative: if the conditions of
Fermat’s theorem are fulfilled in any point from the interior of the
interval, the tangent to the function’s graphic is parallel to the axis
0𝑥.
b) The algebraic interpretation: if the conditions of
Fermat’s theorem are fulfilled on [𝑎, 𝑏], any point of extremum
from (𝑎, 𝑏) is a root to the equation 𝑓 , (𝑥) = 0.

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Exercises
1. If 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … 𝑎𝑛 are positive numbers, so that:

for any 𝑥 ∈ ℝ, then we have:

2. Let 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … 𝑎𝑛 , 𝑏1 , 𝑏2 , … 𝑏𝑛 be positive real numbers, so

that:

for any 𝑥 ∈ ℝ. Then :

(generalization of the previous exercise)

3. If 𝑓 is continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏),
and 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏) = 0, then:
(i) if 𝑓 , is increasing, it follows that 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 0 on [𝑎, 𝑏];
(ii) ) if 𝑓 ,, is decreasing, it follows that 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0 on [𝑎, 𝑏].
4. If 𝑎 𝑥 ≥ 𝑥 𝑎 for any 𝑥 > 0, then 𝑎 = 𝑒.
𝑡𝑔 𝑎 𝑎 𝜋
5. < if 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏 < .
𝑡𝑔 𝑏 𝑏 2
SOLUTIONS:
1. The exercise is a particular case of exercise 2.
2. We highlight a function that has a point of extremum
(global) on ℝ, observing that the inequality from the hypothesis can
be written:

Because this inequality is true for any real 𝑥, it follows that 𝑥 = 0 is

a global point of minimum for 𝑓. According to Fermat’s theorem,
in this point the derivative is annulled, so 𝑓 , (0) = 0. We have:

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3. (i) Let’s assume there exists 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) so that 𝑓(𝑐) > 0.

We can even assume that 𝑐 is a point of maximum, because such a
point exists, according to Rolle’s theorem, so we have 𝑓 , (𝑐) = 0.
Between 𝑐 and 𝑏 at least one point 𝑑 exists in which
, (𝑑)
𝑓 < 0, because, if, let’s say 𝑓 , (𝑥) ≥ 0 for any 𝑥 ∈ (𝑐, 𝑏) , it
follows that 𝑓 is increasing on (𝑐, 𝑏) and so 𝑓(𝑐) < 𝑓(𝑏) = 0
implies 𝑓(𝑐) = 0. Then, from 𝑓 , (𝑑) =≤ 0 = 𝑓 , (𝑐) we deduce the
contradiction:

ln 𝑎 ln 𝑥
4. 𝑎 𝑥 ≥ 𝑥 𝑎 <=> 𝑥. ln 𝑎 ≥ 𝑎. ln 𝑥 <=> 𝑎
≥ 𝑥
(for any
𝑥 > 0). So 𝑎 is the abscissa of the maximum of the function:

We have:

𝑡𝑔 𝑥
It is sufficient to prove that 𝑓(𝑥) = is increasing, i.e.
𝑥
,
𝑓 (𝑥) > 0.

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(B) Rolle’s theorem

1. Enunciation
If 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ is continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏], differentiable
on (𝑎, 𝑏) and 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏), then there exists 𝑐 ∈
(𝑎, 𝑏) so that 𝑓 , (𝑐) = 0. (Rolle, 1652-1719)

Fermat’s theorem states that in a point of extremum from

the interior of an interval the derivative is annulled, but it doesn’t
mention when such a point exists.
Rolle’s theorem provides a sufficient condition for the
existence of at least one such point, adding to the hypothesis from
Fermat’s theorem the condition: 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏).

2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation

a) The geometric interpretation: if the conditions of
Rolle’s theorem are met, there exists at least one point in the
interval (𝑎, 𝑏)in which the tangent to the graphic is parallel to 0𝑥.
b) The algebraic interpretation: if the conditions of
Rolle’s theorem are met, the equation 𝒇, (𝒙) = 𝟎 has at least one
root in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏).
The algebraic interpretation of the theorem highlights a
method used to prove that the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 has at least one
root in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏). For this, it is sufficient to consider a
primitive 𝐹 of 𝑓, for which the conditions of Rolle’s theorem are
fulfilled on [𝑎, 𝑏]. It results that the equation 𝐹 , (𝑥) = 0 has at least
one root in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏), i.e. 𝑓(𝑥) has a root in the interval
(𝑎, 𝑏).
A second method to show that the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 has
at least one root in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏) is to show just that 𝑓 is
continuous and 𝑓(𝑎). 𝑓(𝑏) < 0.

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3. Consequences
1. Between two roots of a differentiable function on an
interval, there exists at least one root of the derivative.
2. Between two roots of a function’s derivative on an
interval, there exists, at most a root of the function.
Consequence 2. allows us to determine the number of roots of
a function on an interval with the help of its derivative’s roots
(Rolle’s sequence):
Let 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 be the derivative’s roots.
Then 𝑓 has as many real, simple roots as there are variations
of sign in the sequence:

(if we have 𝑓(𝑥𝑖 ) = 0, then 𝑥𝑖 is a multiple root)

Exercises
I. Study the applicability of Rolle’s Theorem for the
functions:

What is the geometric interpretation of the result?

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Indication: 1. We obtain 𝑐 ∈ [4,5] . In any point from the

interval [4,5], the graphic coincides with the tangent to the graphic.
II. Given:

Show that the equation:

has at least one solution in the interval (0, 2𝜋). (Manual)

2. If:

then the equation:

has at least one root in the interval (0,1).

3. (i) If:

then the equation:

has at least one root in the interval (0,1).

(ii) in what conditions the same equation has at least one
root in the interval (−1,0)?
(iii) The same question for the equations:

on the interval (−1,1).

4. Let 𝑓: ℝ → ℝ be differentiable and 𝑎1 < 𝑎2 < ⋯ < 𝑎𝑛 ,
roots of 𝑓. Show that 𝑓 , has at least 𝑛 − 1 roots.
(Manual)

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Consequences:
a) A polynomial function of degree 𝑛 has, at most, 𝑛 real,
distinct zeros.
b) If all the roots of a polynomial are real and distinct, its
derivative has the same property.
c) If all the roots of a polynomial are real, then its derivative
has the same property.
5. Given:

Show that the equation 𝑓 𝑛 (𝑥) = 0 has 𝑛 distinct roots in

the interval (−1,1).
6. If 𝑓 is 𝑛 times differentiable on 𝐼 and it has 𝑛 + 1 distinct
roots on 𝐼, then 𝑓 𝑛 (𝑥) has at least one root on 𝐼.
7. Let 𝑓, 𝑔: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ, continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏], differentiable
𝑓(𝑎) 𝑓(𝑏)
on (𝑎, 𝑏) with 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0 and 𝑔, (𝑥) ≠ 0 on [a,b], and = .
𝑔(𝑎) 𝑔(𝑏)
Show that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

8. Let𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ, continuous on (𝑎, 𝑏), differentiable on

(𝑎, 𝑏). Then between two roots of 𝑓 there exists at least a root of
𝛼. 𝑓 + 𝑓 ,.
9. If the differentiable functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 have the property:

on an interval, then between two of its roots there is a root of 𝑔 and

vice versa.
Consequence: If 𝑓 , (𝑥). cos 𝑥 + 𝑓(𝑥). sin 𝑥 ≠ 0 , in any
length interval bigger than 𝜋 there is at least one root of 𝑓.
10. If 𝑓, 𝑔: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ, continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏], differentiable
on (𝑎, 𝑏) , 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0, 𝑔, (𝑥) ≠ 0 and 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏) = 0, then 𝑐𝑛 ∈
(𝑎, 𝑏) so that:

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SOLUTIONS:
7. The required equality can also been written:

This equality appears in points 𝑐 that are roots of the

𝑓(𝑥)
derivative of ℎ(𝑥) = , so it is sufficient to demonstrate that the
(𝑥)𝑔
function ℎ fulfills the conditions of Rolle’s theorem on [𝑎, 𝑏].
8. The equation 𝛼. 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓 , (𝑥) = 0 comes from the
equalizing with zero the derivative of the function 𝐹(𝑥) =
𝑒 𝛼𝑥 𝑓(𝑥), so it is sufficient to show that 𝐹 satisfies the conditions of
Rolle’s theorem.
9. Let 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 be roots of 𝑓. By hypothesis, we have𝑔(𝑥1 ) ≠
0 and 𝑔(𝑥2 ) ≠ 0. If, for example, there can be found a root of 𝑔
𝑓(𝑥)
between 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , this means that the function ℎ(𝑥) = satisfies
(𝑥)𝑔
the conditions of Rolle’s theorem and so ℎ, (𝑥) is annulled in at least
one point between 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 , which contradicts the hypothesis.

has at least one root in (𝑎, 𝑏) <=> ℎ, (𝑥) = 0 has at least one root
𝑓(𝑥)
in (𝑎, 𝑏), where ℎ(𝑥) = .
𝑔𝑛 (𝑥)
We will present next, two methods for the study of an
equation’s roots. The first of these uses Rolle’s Theorem and the
other is a consequence of the fact that any continuous function has
Darboux’s property.

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Methods for the study of an equation’s

roots
1. Using Rolles’s theorem (its algebraic
interpretation)
2. Using Darboux’s properties (if 𝑓 has Darboux’s
property (particularly if it is continuous) on [𝑎, 𝑏] and:
𝑓(𝑎). 𝑓(𝑏) ≤ 0, then 𝑓 has a root in [𝑎, 𝑏]).
Examples:
1) If 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → [𝑎, 𝑏] is a continuous function, then 𝑢, 𝑣 ∈
[𝑎, 𝑏] exists so that 𝑓(𝑢) = 𝑢 and 𝑓(𝑣) = 𝑣. (Manual)
2) Let 𝑓: [0, 2𝜋] → ℝ be a continuous function so that
𝑓(0) = 𝑓(2𝜋). Show that 𝑐 ∈ [0, 𝜋] exists so that 𝑓(𝑐) = 𝑓(𝑐 +
𝑛). (Manual)
Consequences: If a traveler leaves in the morning from spot
𝐴and arrives, in the evening in spot 𝐵, and the next day he leaves
and reaches again spot 𝐴, show that there is a point between 𝐴 and
𝐵 where the traveler has been, at the same hour, in both days.
Indication: If 𝑆(𝑡) is the space covered by the traveler, we
have: 𝑆(0) = 𝑆(24) and so 𝑡0 ∈ [0,12] exists, so that: 𝑆(𝑡0 ) =
𝑆(𝑡0 + 12).
By formulating the problem like this, the result might seem
surprising, but it is equal to saying that two travelers that leave, one
from spot 𝐴 heading to spot 𝐵, and the other from 𝐵 to 𝐴, meet on
the way.

3. Using Rolle’s sequence

Example: Let’s study the nature of the equation’s roots:

𝑎 being a real parameter.

Answer: The derivative’s roots are:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

and we have:

The results are illustrated in the following table:

4. The graphical method. The equation 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑚) = 0 is

reduced to the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎. The number of roots is equal to the
number of intersection points between the graphics: 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and
𝑦 = 𝑚.
Example:

The number of roots of the given equation is equal to the

number of intersection points between the graphics:

5. Viette’s relations
Example: Show that the equation:

with 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ has, at most, two real roots.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Answer: we have:

so the equation has at least two complex roots.

6. Using the theorem of the average

Theorem: If 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ is a Riemann integral (so it is
bounded), 𝜇 ∈ [𝑚, 𝑀] exists, so that:

Example: Let 𝑓: [0,1] → ℝ be continuous, so that:

Show that the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 has a root 𝑥0 ∈ (0,1).

Answer: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 <=> 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑥 = 0 , so by noting:
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑥 we have to show that the equation ℎ(𝑥) = 0 has
a root in the interval (0,1). We have:

But: 𝑓02 ℎ(𝑥) = 0, according to the theorem of the average,

with 𝜇 ∈ (𝑚, 𝑀). The function 𝑓, being continuous, has Darboux’s
property, so, for 𝜇 there exists 𝑥0 ∈ (0,1)so that 𝜇 = ℎ(𝑥0 ).

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Exercises
1. The equations:

can’t all have real roots if 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 ∈ ℝ.

Indication:

2. If 𝑓: [0,1] → ℝ is continuous and with the property:

then, the equation 𝑓(𝑥) − sin 𝜋𝑥 = 0 has one root in (0,1).

3. If 𝑓: [0,1] → ℝ is continuous and with the property:

then, the equation 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑎𝑥 2 − 𝑏𝑥 − 𝑐 = 0 has one root in

(0,1).
4. If 𝑓: [0,1] → ℝ is continuous and𝑛 > 1 exists for which:

the equation: (1 − 𝑥)𝑓(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥 𝑛 has one root in (0,1).

Indication: We apply the theorem of the average to the
function:

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(C) Lagrange’s Theorem

1. Enunciation:
Let 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ be a continuous function
on [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏) . Then 𝑐 ∈
(𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

(Lagrange, 1736 – 1813)

2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation

a) Geometric interpretation:
If the conditions of the theorem are met, there exists a point
𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) in which the tangent to the graphic is parallel to the
chord that unites the graphic’s extremities.

b) Algebraic interpretation
If the conditions of the theorem are met, the equation:

has at least one root in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏).

3. The corollary of Lagrange’s Theorem

If 𝑓 is continuous on an interval 𝐼 and differentiable on
𝐼\{𝑥0 } and in 𝑥0 there exists the derivative’s limit:

then 𝑓 is differentiable in 𝑥0 and:

This corollary facilitates the study of a function’s derivability

in a point in an easier manner that by using the lateral derivatives.
Examples:
1. Study the derivability of the function:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Solution: In any point 𝑥 ≠ 1, the function is differentiable,

being expressed by differentiable functions. We study the
derivability in 𝑥 = 1 using the corollary of Lagrange’s theorem.
- the continuity in 𝑥 = 1:

𝑓(1) = ln 1 = 0 , so 𝑓 is continuous on ℝ (and

differentiable on ℝ{1}).
- derivability. For the study of derivability in 𝑥 = 1, we have:

(we know that 𝑓 , exists just on ℝ − (1)).

Exercises
I. Study the applicability of Lagrange’s theorem and
determine the intermediary points 𝑐 for:

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Indication:
𝜋
2. The continuity condition in 𝑥 = is:
6

and the derivability condition (the corollary to Lagrange’s theorem)

is:

Point 𝑐 is the solution of the equation:

II. 1. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐. Apply the theorem of the

finite increases on the interval [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ], finding the intermediary
point 𝑐 . Deduce from this a way to build the tangent to the
parabola, in one of its given points.
2. We have 𝑚 ≤ 𝑓 , (𝑥) ≤ 𝑀 for any 𝑥 ∈ 𝐼, if and only if:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

3. (The generalization of Rolle’s theorem). If 𝑓 is continuous

on [𝑎, 𝑏]and differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏), then 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists so that:

4. Supposing 𝑓 is twice differentiable in a vicinity 𝑉 of point

𝑎, show that for ℎ, small enough, there exists 𝑝, 𝑞 ∈ 𝑉 so that:

(Manual)
5. Let 𝑓: [0, ∞) → ℝ be a differentiable function so that:

and let 𝑎 > 0 be fixed. Applying the Lagrange theorem on each

interval:

show there exists a sequence (𝑥𝑛 )𝑛∈ℕ , having the limit infinite and
so that:

6. The theorem of finite increases can also be written:

Apply this formula to the functions:

and study the values corresponding to the real point 𝑐.

SOLUTIONS:
𝑥1 +𝑥2
1. 𝑐 = , so, the abscissa point 𝑐 being given, in order to
2
build the tangent in point (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐)) of the graphic, we consider two
points, symmetrical to 𝑐:

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The tangent passes through (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐)) and is parallel to the

chord determined by the points:

2. The necessity: For 𝑥 = 𝑦 (𝐿1) is verified, and for 𝑥 ≠ 𝑦,

we have:

inequalities which are true due to the hypothesis.

Reciprocally, let 𝑥 ∈ 𝐼, randomly. Making 𝑦 tend to 𝑥, for:

we have:

3. We distinguish three cases:

In this case we must prove that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏)exists, so that:

𝑓 (𝑐) > 0. If we had, let’s say, 𝑓 , (𝑐) ≤ 0 on (𝑎, 𝑏), it would follow
,

that 𝑓 is decreasing, so 𝑓(𝑎) > 𝑓(𝑏).

We are situated within the conditions of Rolle’s theorem.

(3) The case 𝑓(𝑎) > 𝑓(𝑏) is analogous to (1).
4. a) We apply Lagrange’s theorem to 𝑓 on [𝑎 − ℎ, 𝑎 + ℎ].
b) We apply Lagrange’s theorem twice to the function
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎 + 𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) on the interval [𝑎 − ℎ, 𝑎].
6. a) 𝑐 = 1/2 , c) is obtained 𝑚ℎ = 𝑚ℎ , so 𝑐 cannot be
determined.

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(D) Cauchy’s Theorem

1.Enunciation
Let If 𝑓, 𝑔: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ be continuous on[𝑎, 𝑏] and
differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏) so that:

Then 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

(Cauchy, 1789-1857)

2. Geometric and algebraic interpretation

a) The geometric interpretation: in the conditions of the
theorem, there exists a point in which the relation of the tangents’
slopes to the two graphics is equal to the relation of the chords’
slopes that unite the extremities of the graphics.

b) The algebraic interpretation: in the conditions of the

theorem, the equation:

has at least one root in (𝑎, 𝑏).

Exercises
I. Study the applicability of Cauchy’s theorem and determine
the intermediary point 𝑐 for:

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II. If 𝑓 has derivatives of any order on [𝑎, 𝑏], by applying

Cauchy’s formula to the functions:
a) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥), ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑏 − 𝑥, show that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists,
so that:

show that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

show that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

show that 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists, so that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

2. Applying the conclusion from point 𝑏) show that there

exists no functions 𝑓: ℝ → ℝ twice differentiable, so that:
𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0 and 𝑓 ,, (𝑥) < 0
(there are no non-negative and strictly concave functions on the
entire real axis).
SOLUTION:
2. From 𝑓 ,, (𝑥) < 0 for any 𝑥 ∈ ℝ , we deduce that 𝑓 , is
strictly increasing and so we cannot have 𝑓 , (𝑥) = 0 for any 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.
Therefore, for any 𝑥0 ∈ ℝ exists, so that 𝑓 , (𝑥) ≠ 0.
But then, from the relation:

it follows that:

We have two situations:

(1) if 𝑓 , (𝑥0 ) > 0, making 𝑥 tend to −∞ in (𝐶1), we have:

consequently:

2. If 𝑓 , (𝑥0 ) < 0, we obtain the same contradiction if we

make 𝑥 tend to +∞.

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VI. Equalities and Inequalities

Equalities
It is known that if the derivative of a function is equal to
zero on an interval, the respective function is constant on that
interval. This observation allows us to prove certain equalities of
the form:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) + 𝐶.
or, in particular,
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡.
Indeed:

and in order to prove this equality it is sufficient to prove that:

(𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = 0.
Observation: If the derivative is equal to zero on a reunion of
disjunctive intervals, the constant may vary from one interval to the
next.
To determine the constant 𝐶, we can use two methods:
1. We calculate the expression 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) in a
conveniently chosen point from the considered interval.
2. It the previous method cannot be applied, we can
calculate:

𝑥0 also being a conveniently chosen point (one end of the interval).

Example: Show that we have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Solution: For:

we have ℎ, (𝑥) = 0 for any 𝑥 ∈ ℝ(−1), domain that is a reunion of

disjunctive intervals. We calculate the value of the constant on each
interval.
(1) For 𝑥 > −1, we choose the point 𝑥 = 0 where we can
easily make the calculations:

(2) For 𝑥 < −1, we can’t find a point in which to easily

calculate the value of ℎ, but we observe that we can calculate:

Inequalities
Method 1. Using Lagrange’s or Cauchy’s
theorem.
In some inequalities, we can highlight an expression of the
form:

𝑓 and the points 𝑎, 𝑏being conveniently chosen. In this case, we can

use Lagrange’s theorem to prove the respective inequality, by
replacing the expression:

from the inequality, with 𝑓 , (𝑐). The new form of the inequality can
be proven taking into account the fact that 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏 and the
monotony of 𝑓 , .

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A similar method can be used if in the inequality an

expression of the following form is highlighted:

using Cauchy’s theorem.

EXAMPLES:
1. Using Lagrange’s theorem, show that:

if 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏.
Solution: We go through these steps:
(a) We highlight an expression of the form:

observing that:

and dividing by 𝑏 − 𝑎. The inequality becomes:

(b) we apply Lagrange’s theorem to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥

on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏]. 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏) exists so that:

(c) the inequality becomes:

This new form of the inequality is proven considering the

1
fact that 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏 and that 𝑓 , (𝑥) = 𝑥 is decreasing.
2. Using Lagrange’s theorem, show that 𝑒 𝑥 > 1 + 𝑥 for any
𝑥 ≠ 0.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Solution:
To use Lagrange’s theorem, we search for an interval [𝑎, 𝑏]
𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
and a function so that we can highlight the relation 𝑏−𝑎
in our
inequality. For this we observe that, if 𝑥 ≠ 0 , we have two
situations:
(1) 𝑥 > 0. In this case we can consider the interval [𝑜, 𝑥].
a) We highlight, in the given inequality, an expression of the
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑎)
form: , observing that, if 𝑥 > 0, we have:
𝑥−0

(b) We apply Lagrange’s theorem to the function:

on the interval [0, 𝑥]. 𝑐 ∈ (0, 𝑥) exists so that:

(c) The inequality becomes:

This form of the inequality is proven considering the fact

that 0 < 𝑐 < 𝑥 and the derivative 𝑓 , (𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 is increasing (so 𝑒 0 <
𝑒 𝑐 ).
(2) If 𝑥 < 0 the demonstration is done analogously.

Method 2: The method of the minimum

This method is based on the observation that if 𝑥0 is a global
point of minimum (the smallest minimum) for a function ℎ on a
domain 𝐷 and if ℎ(𝑥0 ) ≥ 0 (the smallest value of ℎ is non-
negative), then ℎ(𝑥) ≥ 0 for any 𝑥 ∈ 𝐷 (all the values of ℎ are
non-negative). We can demonstrate therefore inequalities of the
form 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 𝑔(𝑥), i.e. 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) ≥ 0, in other words, of the
form: ℎ(𝑥) ≥ 0.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Example: Using the method of the minimum, show that 𝑒 𝑥 >

1 + 𝑥 for any 𝑥 ≠ 0.
Solution: In order to use this method, we proceed as follows:
(a) We write the inequality under the form: ℎ(𝑥) ≥ 0:

(b) Let ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 − 1 − 𝑥 . Using the variation table, we

calculate the global minimum (the smallest minimum) of ℎ:

From the table it can be observed that ℎ has a single

minimum, in 𝑥 = 0, so this is also the global minimum. Its value is
ℎ(0) = 0. So, for 𝑥 ≠ 0, we have ℎ(𝑥) > 0.

Method 3: (Inequalities for integrals, without

the calculation of the integrals)
To prove an inequality of the form:

without calculating the integral, we use the observation that if 𝑚, or

𝑀 respectively, are values of the global minimum and maximum of
𝑓 on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏], we have:

and so, by integrating, we obtain:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

so, in order to prove the required inequalities, the following

inequalities (numerical) still have to be proven:

Example: Show that:

Solution: (a) The inequality can be written under the form:

(b) Using the variation table, we calculate the

2
global minimum and maximum of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 +
2
𝑒 1−𝑥 on the interval [0,1]:

We thus have 𝑚 = 2√𝑒 and 𝑀 = 1 + 𝑒

(c) We integrate the inequalities 𝑚 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑀
on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏] and we obtain:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Method 4: Using the inequality from the

definition of convex (concave) functions
Let 𝐼 be an interval on a real axis.
Definition: The function 𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ is convex on 𝐼 if between any
two points 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐼 , the graphic of 𝑓 is situated
underneath the chord that unites the abscissae points
𝑥1 and 𝑥2.

With the notations from the adjacent graphic, this condition

is expressed through the inequality:𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑦.
In order to explain 𝑥 and 𝑦, we observe that:
1. 𝑥 is in the interval [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ] if and only if it can be written
in the form:

Indeed, if 𝑥 ∈ [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ], it is sufficient that we take 𝛼 = (𝑥 −

𝑥2 )/𝑥1 − 𝑥2) to meet the required equality.
Reciprocally, if 𝑥 has the expression from (𝐸. 𝐼. 1), in order
to show that 𝑥 ∈ [𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ], the inequality system must be checked:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

The first inequality is equivalent to 𝛼 ≤ 1, and the second

inequality is equivalent to 𝛼 ≤ 0.
Observation: The condition 𝛼 ∈ [0,1] from (𝐸. 𝐼. 1) is
therefore essential.
The inequality from the convexity becomes:

2. To express 𝑦, we observe that:

so:

from which it follows:

By replacing 𝑥 and 𝑦, we obtain:

𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ is convex <=>

𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ is said to be concave if, for any 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ∈ 𝐼, between

the abscissae points 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 , the graphic of the function 𝑓 is
above the chord that unites these points, namely:

It is known that we can verify the convexity and concavity of

a function twice differentiable on an interval with the use of the
second derivative:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Using the two ways of expressing convexity, we can

formulate and prove certain inequalities.
Example: Show that for any 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 from ℝ, we have:

Solution: The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 is convex on ℝ(𝑓 ,, (𝑥) >

0), so:

1
from where, for 𝛼 = 2 we obtain the inequality from the
enunciation.

Exercises
I. Show that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

5. For the intervals 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 ⊂ ℝ let’s consider the continuous

and injective functions:

and the constant 𝑐 in the interior of 𝑓(𝐼1 ) . From the

condition: 𝑓(𝑢(𝑥)) = 𝑐 + 𝑔(𝑥) it follows that 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑓 −1 (𝑐 +
𝑔(𝑥) for any 𝑥 that fulfills the condition 𝑐 + 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ 𝑓(𝐼1 ). Using
this observation, construct equalities of the form ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑐 for:

Answer: (a) We have:

We determine function 𝑢 from the condition 𝑓(𝑢(𝑥)) =

𝑐 + 𝑔(𝑥) that becomes:

𝜋
For 𝑐 = , for example, we have:
4

and from the condition:

we deduce:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

and so we have:

II. Using Lagrange’s theorem, prove the inequalities:

6. Using Cauchy’s theorem applied to the functions:

show that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

III. Using the method of the minimum, demonstrate the

inequalities:

IV. Without calculating the integrals, show that:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

V. Without calculating the integral, show which one of the

following integrals has the highest value:

Indication: Using the method of the minimum, we prove

inequalities of the form 𝑓1 (𝑥) < 𝑓2 (𝑥) or 𝑓1 (𝑥) > 𝑓2 (𝑥) on the
considered intervals. We then integrate the obtained inequality.
VI. 1. If 𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ is convex, then for any 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 ∈ 𝐼,
we have the inequality (Jensen’s inequality):

(Manual)
2. Using Jensen’s inequality applied to the convex function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , prove the inequalities of the averages:

𝜋
3. Show that for any 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 ∈ [𝑜, 2 ], we have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

What are the maximum domains that contain zero and in

which these inequalities take place? Give examples of other
domains, that don’t contain the origin and that host inequalities like
those illustrated above. In what domains do inverse inequalities take
place?
4. Using the concavity of the logarithmic function, prove that
for any 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 > 0 we have:

5. Show that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝛼 , 𝛼 > 1 , 𝑥 > 0 is

convex. Using this property show that for any non-negative
numbers 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 , the following inequality takes place:

6. Applying Jensen’s inequality to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 ,

show that for any 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 ∈ ℝ, we have:

What analogous inequality can be deduced from the convex

function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 , for 𝑥 > 0? And from the concave function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 , for 𝑥 ≤ 0?
7. Applying Jensen’s inequality for the convex function
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, for 𝑥 > 0, show that, if:

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is a polynomial with all real and positive roots, we have:

What can be said if the polynomial has all the roots real and
negative?

SOLUTIONS:
By comparing the right member of the required inequality
with the right member of Jensen’s inequality, we deduce that the
points 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 are deduced from the conditions:

We have:

With these points, Jensen’s inequality, for 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , becomes:

Making the calculations in the left member we obtain the inequality

of the averages.
𝜋
3. On the interval [0, ], the functions sin 𝑥 and cos 𝑥 are
2
concave. The biggest interval that contains the origin and in which
sin 𝑥 is concave, is the interval [0, 𝜋]. On [𝜋, 2𝜋], for example, the
same function is convex, so the inequality from the enunciation is
changing.

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VII. Primitives
Connections with other notions
specific to functions

Definition : The function 𝑓: 𝐼 → ℝ has primitives on the interval

𝐼 if there exists a function 𝐹: 𝐼 → ℝ, differentiable
and 𝐹 , (𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) on 𝐼.
It is known that two primitives differ through a constant:

The set of all primitives is called an undefined integral of the

function 𝑓 and is noted by:

In order to enunciate the method employed to show that

a function has primitives and the method to show that a
function doesn’t have primitives, we recall some of the
connections that exist between the main notions of calculus studied
in high school, relative to functions:
1. THE LIMIT
2. THE CONTINUITY
3. THE DERIVABILITY
4. DARBOUX’S PROPERTY
5. THE PRIMTIVE
6. THE INTEGRAL
The connections between these notions are given by the
following properties:
𝑃1 ) Any continuous function in a point
𝑥0 has a limit in this point:

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𝑃2 ) Any differentiable function in a point

𝑥0 is continuous in this point:

𝑃3 ) Any continuous function on [𝑎, 𝑏] has Darboux’s

property on [𝑎, 𝑏]:

𝑃4 ) Any continuous function on [𝑎, 𝑏] has primitives on

[𝑎, 𝑏]:

𝑃5 ) Any continuous function on [𝑎, 𝑏] is integrable on

[𝑎, 𝑏]:

𝑃6) Any function that has primitives on [𝑎, 𝑏] has Darboux’s

property on [𝑎, 𝑏]:

𝑃7) If a function has Darboux’s property on [𝑎, 𝑏], then in

any point 𝑥0 in which the limit (the lateral limit) exists, it is equal to
𝑓(𝑥0).
Consequences: 1. A function with Darboux’s property (so a
function that admits primitives) can’t have an infinite limit (lateral
limit) in a point 𝑥0 .
The functions for which at least one lateral limit is
infinite or different from 𝒇(𝒙𝟎 ) doesn’t have primitives.
2. If 𝑓 has Darboux’s property on [𝑎, 𝑏] and 𝑥0 is a
discontinuity point, AT LEAST ONE LATERAL LIMIT
DOESN’T EXIST.

Due to the implications stated above, we can form the Table:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

OBSERVATION: If 𝑥0 is a discontinuity point for 𝑓, one of

the following situations is possible:
(1) the lateral limits exist and they are finite
(2) a lateral limit is finite, the other is infinite
(3) both lateral limits are infinite
(4) one lateral limit is infinite, the other doesn’t exist
(5) one lateral limit is finite, the other doesn’t exist
(6) both lateral limits don’t exist
FROM ALL THE FUNCTIONS DISCONTINUED IN
AT LEAST ONE POINT, THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN
HAVE PRIMITIVES ARE THOSE FOR WHICH AT LEAST
ONE LATERAL LIMIT DOESN’T EXIST (AND THE OTHER,
IF IT IS EXISTS, IS FINITE).
Also, let’s observe that, although in case (1) the function
doesn’t have primitives on [𝑎, 𝑏] (doesn’t have Darboux’s
property), still, if, moreover, the lateral limits are equal, then 𝑓 has
primitives on [𝑎, 𝑏]\{𝑥0 } through the function 𝑓𝑝 – the extension
through continuity of 𝑓′𝑠 restriction to the domain [𝑎, 𝑏]\{𝑥0 }.

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Example:

has Darboux’s property for any 𝑎 ∈ [−1,1] , but doesn’t have

primitives if 𝑎 ≠ 0.
Indeed, assuming ad absurdum that 𝑓 has primitives, let 𝐹 be
one of its primitives. Then 𝐹 must be of the form:

1 1
In order to calculate ∫ sin 𝑑𝑥, we observe that sin comes
𝑥 𝑥
1
from the derivation of the function 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥. Indeed,

so:

1
The function 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 cos 𝑥 has primitives on (0, ∞)
because it is continuous on this interval, but doesn’t have primitives
on [0, ∞) (we aim for the interval to be closed at zero in order to
study the continuity and derivability od 𝐹).
𝑙𝑖𝑚
We observe that, because 𝑥 → 0𝑔(𝑥) = 0, we can consider
𝑥>0
its extension through continuity:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

This function, being continuous on [0, ∞), has primitives on

this interval. Let 𝐺 be one of these primitives. Then:

We state the condition that 𝐹 be continuous in 𝑥0 = 0. We

have:

so we must have 𝐶1 = 𝐶2 + 2. 𝐺(0) and so, for the primitive, we

obtain the following formula:

We state the condition that 𝐹 be differentiable in zero:

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because 𝐺 is differentiable in zero. We have 𝐺 , (0) = 𝑔𝑃 (0) = 0 (𝐺

is a primitive of 𝑔𝑃 ), so 𝐹𝑑, (0) = 0 . Consequently, 𝐹 is not
differentiable in zero if 𝑎 ≠ 0.
Observation: For the study of derivability we have mentioned
two methods: using the definition and using the corollary of
Lagrange’s theorem. Let’s observe that in the example from above,
we can’t use the corollary of Lagrange’s theorem because
𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑥 → 0𝐹 , (𝑥) doesn’t exist.
𝑥>0
The table at page 193 allows us to formulate methods to
show that a function has primitives and methods to show that a
function doesn’t have primitives.
We will enunciate and exemplify these methods, firstly with
exercises from the calculus manual, XII grade, in order to highlight
the necessity of familiarizing oneself with the different notions
frequently used in high school manuals.

(A) Methods to show that a function

has primitives
The first three methods are deduced from the table, using
implications of the form 𝑎 → 𝑏:
(𝐸𝑃1) We show that the function is differentiable.
(𝐸𝑃2) We show that the function is continuous.
(𝐸𝑃3) We construct the primitive.
(𝐸𝑃4) We show that the function is a sum of functions that
admit primitives.
Keep in mind that method 𝐸𝑃2is preferred over 𝐸𝑃1 because
derivability is easier to prove that continuity, and the method 𝐸𝑃3 is
used only if the function doesn’t have a limit in a discontinuity point
(this is the only situation where it can still have primitives).

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(B) Methods to show that a function

doesn’t have primitives
The first three methods are deduced from the table, using
the equivalence: 𝑎 → 𝑏 ⟷ 𝑛𝑜𝑛 𝑏 ⟶ 𝑛𝑜𝑛 𝑎.
We therefore have:

This way, we deduce the following methods to show that a

function doesn’t have primitives:
(𝑁𝑃1) We show that in a discontinuity point, both lateral
limits exist and are finite or at least one lateral limit is infinite..
(𝑁𝑃2 ) We show that the function doesn’t have Darboux’s
property..

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(𝑁𝑃3) We assume ad absurdum that 𝑓 has primitives and we

obtain a contradiction.
(𝑁𝑃4 ) If 𝑓 is the sum of two function, one of them
admitting primitives, the other not admitting primitives, it follows
that 𝑓 doesn’t have primitives.
Examples:

has primitives because 𝑓 is continuous.

1 1
Solution: We observe that 2𝑥. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 comes from the
𝑥 𝑥
1
derivation of the function 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 , so, a primitive of 𝑓 must have
𝑥
the form:

We state the condition that 𝐹 be continuous in zero:

so 𝛼 = 𝐶 and we have:

We state the condition that 𝐹 be differentiable in zero:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

(something bounded multiplied with something that tends to zero,

tends to zero), so 𝐹 is differentiable in zero. But we must also have
𝐹 , (0) = 𝑓(0), equality which is also met, so 𝑓 has primitives.

We have:

1
where 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 and:

and the functions 𝑔 and ℎ are primitives.

(𝑁𝑃1 ) a) 𝑓(𝑥) = [𝑥] − 𝑥 doesn’t have primitives on ℝ

because in points 𝑥0 = 𝑛 is discontinuous and both lateral limits are
finite.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑙𝑖𝑚
doesn’t have primitives because 𝑥 → 0𝑓(𝑥) = −∞.
𝑥>0

(𝑁𝑃2) The functions in which this method is used in the

manual are of the form:

with 𝑔 and ℎ, continuous functions, 𝑔 ≠ ℎ. We will prove on this

general case that 𝑓 doesn’t have Darboux’s property. The
demonstration can be adapted to any particular case.
We must prove there exists an interval whose image through
𝑓 isn’t an interval. We use the two conditions from the hypothesis.
Solving the exercise: We must prove there exists an interval
whose image through 𝑓 isn’t an interval, using the two conditions
from the hypothesis.
From the condition 𝑔 ≠ ℎ we deduce there exists at least
one point 𝑥0 in which 𝑔(𝑥0 ) ≠ ℎ(𝑥0 ). Then, for 𝜀 small enough,
the intervals (𝑔(𝑥0 ) − 𝜀, 𝑔(𝑥0 ) + 𝜀) and (ℎ(𝑥0 ) − 𝜀, ℎ(𝑥0 ) + 𝜀)
are disjunctive (see the Figure below).

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

From the conditions 𝑔 and ℎ continuous in 𝑥0 we deduce:

Considering, as we said 𝜀 small enough for the intervals

(𝑔(𝑥0 ) − 𝜀, 𝑔(𝑥0 ) + 𝜀) and (ℎ(𝑥0 ) − 𝜀, ℎ(𝑥0 ) + 𝜀) to be
disjunctive, and 𝛿 = min{𝛿1 , 𝛿2 }, it follows that the image through
the function 𝑓 of the interval (𝑥0 − 𝛿, 𝑥0 + 𝛿) isn’t an interval,
because:

(𝑁𝑃3) This method presupposes the same steps as in

method 𝐸𝑃3.
(a) we look for primitives for 𝑓′𝑠 branches and we obtain a
first expression of 𝐹;
(b) we state the condition that 𝐹 be continuous in the
connection point (points) between the branches;
(c) we state the condition that 𝐹 be differentiable in these
points:
- if 𝐹 is differentiable and 𝐹 , (𝑥0 ) = 𝑓(𝑥0 ),
we have covered method 𝐸𝑃3.
- if 𝐹 isn’t differentiable in 𝑥0 or 𝐹 , (𝑥0 ) ≠
𝑓(𝑥0 ), we have covered method (𝑁𝑃3).

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doesn’t have primitives on ℝ.

Indeed, we have 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) with:

and 𝑔 is continuous so it has primitives and ℎ has lateral limits,

finite in zero, so it doesn’t have primitives. If, let’s say by absurd, 𝑓
had primitives, it would follow that ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) has
primitives.

Exercises
I. Using the method (𝐸𝑃2) , show that the following
functions have primitives in ℝ:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

II. Using methods (𝐸𝑃3 ) − (𝑁𝑃3), study if the following

functions have primitives:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

if 𝑔: ℝ → ℝ and if it satisfies: 𝑔(𝑥) = 0 <=> 𝑥 = 0.

10. The product from a function ℎ that admits primitives

and a function 𝑔 differentiable with the continuous derivative is a
function that admits primitives.
Indications: If 𝐻 is the primitive of ℎ, then 𝐻. 𝑔, is continuous,
so it admits primitives. Let 𝐺 be one of its primitives. We have
(𝐻. 𝑔 − 𝐺), = ℎ. 𝑔.

𝑔 being a differentiable function with a continuous derivative on ℝ.

III. Using method (𝑁𝑃1 ), show that the following functions
don’t have primitives:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

IV. Using method (𝑁𝑃2 ), show that the following functions

don’t have primitives:

Answer:
1. The functions 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 and ℎ(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 1 are
continuous on ℝ and 𝑔 ≠ ℎ . We will show that 𝑓 doesn’t have
Darboux’s property. Let 𝑥0 be a point in which we have (𝑥0 ) =
ℎ(𝑥0 ), for example 𝑥0 = 2. We have 𝑔(2) = 6, ℎ(2) = 9.
ℎ − 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑥0 = 2 <=>

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

𝑔 − 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑥0 = 2 <=>

Let there be 𝜀 so that the intervals:

are disjunctive. For example 𝜀 = 1 and let there be 𝛿 =

min(𝛿1 , 𝛿2 ). Then the image of the interval (2 − 𝛿, 2 + 𝛿) through
𝑓 isn’t an interval because for:

we have 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 ∈ (5,7) and for:

we have 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 1 ∈ (8,10).

V. Using methods (𝐸𝑃4) − (𝑁𝑃4), study if the following
functions admit primitives:

Indication:

so 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥), with:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

Indication:

We obtain 𝑎 = 0.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Logical Scheme for Solving Problems

Solving problems that require studying if a function has
primitives can be done according to the following logical scheme:

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 C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

VIII. Integration

An integral is defined with the help of a limit. It is much

easier to understand the theoretical aspects regarding the integral if
one has understood why it is necessary to renounce the two broad
categories of limits considered up to this point:
1. the limit when 𝑥 tends to 𝑥0 ,
2. the limit when 𝑛 tends to infinity,
and a new category of limits is introduced:
3. the limit when the division’s norm tends to zero.
The specifications that follow are aimed exactly at clarifying
this aspect.
The theory of the integral has appeared out of a practical
necessity, in order to calculate the area that lays between the graphic
of a function and the axis 0𝑥.
Given a bounded function and (for now) non-negative
𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ we can approximate the desired area with the help of
certain rectangles having the base on 0𝑥.
For this, we consider the points:

The set of these points form a division of the interval [𝑎, 𝑏]

and they are noted with ∆:

The vertical strips made using the points 𝑥𝑖 have an area as

hard to calculate as the initial area, because of the superior outline.
We obtain rectangles if we replace the superior outlines with
horizontal segments.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

In order that the obtained approximation be reasonable, it is

only natural that these horizontal segments meet the graphic of the
function. We observe that such a horizontal is uniquely determined
by a point 𝜉𝑖 situated between 𝑥𝑖−1 and 𝑥𝑖 . In this way, we have
obtained the rectangles with which we aimed to approximate the
desired area.
The areas of the rectangles are:

The sum of these areas is called the Riemann sum attached

to the function 𝑓, to the division ∆ and to the intermediary points
𝜉𝑖 . This sum:

approximates the desired area.

The necessity of introducing the third category of limits is
due to the necessity that the approximation be as accurate as
possible.
And now, a question: Is the approximation better when:
(a) the rectangles increase in number, or when
(b) the rectangles are narrower and narrower?

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

We observe that the rectangles “increase in number” if and

only if 𝑛 tends to infinity, but making 𝑛 tend to infinity we do not
obtain a “better approximation”. Indeed, if we leave the first
rectangle unchanged, for example, and raising the number of points
from its location to its right as much as we want (making 𝑛 tend to
infinity), the approximation remains coarse. The approximation becomes
much “better” if the rectangles are “thinner and thinner”.
In order to concretize this intuitive intuition, we observe that
the rectangles are thinner and thinner if the “thickest of them”
becomes thinner and thinner.
The biggest thickness of the rectangles determined by a
division ∆ is called the norm of the division ∆.

Therefore, “better approximations” <=> “thinner and

thinner rectangles” <=> “the biggest thickness tends to zero” <=>
“the norm of ∆ tends to zero” <=> ||∆|| → 0.
The area of the stretch situated between the graphic of the
function 𝑓 and the axis 0𝑥 is, therefore:

𝑏
This limit is noted with ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 and it is called the
integral of function 𝑓 on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏].

For functions that are not necessarily non-negative on [𝑎, 𝑏],

the integral is represented by the difference between the area
situated above the axis 0𝑥 and the area situated below the axis 0𝑥.

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Consequently, in order to obtain the area of the stretch

situated between the graphic and the axis 0𝑥, in such a case, we
have to take into consideration the module of 𝑓:

Coming back to the affirmations (𝑎) and (𝑏) from above,

we observe that: “the rectangles are thinner and thinner” => “the
rectangles increase in number”, namely (𝑏) => (𝑎).
In other words, ||∆|| → 0 = 𝑛 → ∞.
Reciprocally, this statement isn’t always true. That is why we
cannot renounce ||∆|| → 𝟎 in favor of 𝒏 → ∞ . Nevertheless,
there is a case where the reciprocal implication is true: when the
points of the division are equidistant.
𝑛 → ∞ => ||∆|| → 0 for equidistant points.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

In this case, the rectangles have the same dimension of the

𝑏−𝑎
base, namely 𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥𝑖−1 = 𝑛
for any 𝑖 = 1,2, … , 𝑛 , and the
Riemann sum becomes:

For divisions such as these, the following equivalence takes

place:
||∆|| → 0 <=> 𝑛 → ∞
that allows, as it was revealed by Method 16 for the calculation of
limits, for the utilization of the definition of the integral for the
calculation of sequences’ limits.
Before we enumerate and exemplify the methods for the
study of integration, let’s observe that, if the function is
continuous, among the Riemann sums 𝜎∆ (𝑓, 𝜉) that can be
obtained by modifying just the heights of the rectangles (modifying
just the intermediary points 𝜉𝑖 ), there exists a biggest and smallest
Riemann sum, namely the Riemann sum having the highest value is
obtained by choosing the points 𝜉𝑖 ∈ [𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ] for which:

and the Riemann sum having the smallest value is obtained by

choosing the points 𝜉𝑖 for which:

By noting with 𝑆∆ (𝑓) and 𝑠∆ (𝑓), respectively, these sums (called

the superior Darboux sum, the inferior Darboux sum, respectively),
we have:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

The points 𝜉𝑖 that realizes the supreme, respectively, the

infimum of 𝑓 on the intervals [𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ] exists because it is known
that a continuous function, on a closed and bounded interval is
bounded and it touches its bounds. It is known (see Theorem 37
from the Calculus manual, grade XI) that a function is integrable if and
only if:

Connections between integration and

other notions specific to functions
In order to formulate such connections, we fill the list of the
propositions 𝑃1 − 𝑃7 enunciated in the previous chapter, with the
following:
𝑃8 ) any function integrable on [𝑎, 𝑏] is bounded,
𝑃9 ) any function monotonous on [𝑎, 𝑏] is integrable,
𝑃10 ) any function continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏] is integrable,
𝑃11 ) any function that has on [𝑎, 𝑏] a finite number of
discontinuity points of first order is integrable.
The demonstration of 𝑃10 follows from the fact that if we
modify the values of a function integrable on [𝑎, 𝑏], in a finite
number of points, we obtain also an integrable function and from
the property of additivity in relation to the interval of the integral:

Using the proposition stated above, we can make the

following table:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

and the table containing implications between all the notions that
we have dealt with is the following (𝑙1 and 𝑙2 being one of the
lateral limits):

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

Methods to show that a function is

integrable (Riemann) on [𝑎, 𝑏]
(𝐼1 ) using the definition;
(𝐼2 ) we show that it is continuous;
(𝐼3 ) we show that it has a finite number of discontinuity
points of first order;
(𝐼4 ) we show it is monotonic;
(𝐼5 ) we show that the function is a sum of integrable
functions.

Methods to show that a function is not

integrable (Riemann) on [𝑎, 𝑏]
(𝑁1 ) using the definition (we show that 𝜎∆ (𝑓, 𝜉) doesn’t
have a finite limit for ||∆|| → 0);
(𝑁2 ) we show that the function is not bounded;
(𝑁3 ) we show that the function is the sum of an integrable
function and a non-integrable function.

Examples
(𝐼1 ) (a) Using the definition of the integral, show that any
differentiable function with the derivative bounded on [𝑎, 𝑏] is
integrable on [𝑎, 𝑏].
Solution: Let 𝑓: [𝑎, 𝑏] → ℝ be differentiable. We have to
show that 𝜎∆ (𝑓, 𝜉) has a finite limit when ||∆|| → 0. The given
function being differentiable, it is continuous, so it has primitives.
Let 𝐹 be one of its primitives. We can apply Lagrange’s theorem to
function 𝐹, on any interval [𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ]. There exists therefore 𝑐𝑖 ∈
[𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ] so that:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

It follows that:

We calculate the two sums separately:

We show that the second sum tends to zero when ||∆|| → 0.

For this, we take into consideration that 𝑓 , is bounded, in other
words, 𝑀 > 0 exists, so that |𝑓 , (𝑥) < 𝑀| for any 𝑥 from [𝑎, 𝑏] and
we apply the theorem of Lagrange to the function 𝑓, but on the
intervals of extremities 𝜉𝑖 and 𝑐𝑖 . There exists 𝜃𝑖 between 𝜉𝑖 and 𝑐𝑖
so that:

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It follows therefore that:

For the second sum, we therefore have:

The condition from this exercise’s hypothesis is very strong.

As it is known, it can be shown that a function that fulfills only the
continuity condition is also integrable. Still, the method used in this
exercise can be easily adapted to most exercises that require
showing that a function is integrable.

(𝐼1 ) (b) Show that 𝑓) 𝑥=sin 𝑥 is integrable on any interval

[𝑎, 𝑏]. (Manual).

Solution: We will adapt the previous demonstration. The

given function is differentiable and has the derivative 𝑓 , (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
bounded. Being differentiable, it is continuous and it has primitives.
Let 𝐹 be one of its primitives, 𝐹(𝑥) = − cos 𝑥 and let:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

be a division of [𝑎, 𝑏] . We apply Langrange’s theorem to the

function 𝐹 on each interval [𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ]. There exists therefore 𝑐𝑖 ∈
[𝑥𝑖−1 , 𝑥𝑖 ] so that:

The function 𝐹 has a bounded derivative: | cos 𝑥| < 1 for

any 𝑥 from ℝ, so for any 𝑥 from [𝑎, 𝑏]. We have to show that
𝜎∆ (𝑓, 𝜉) has a finite limit when ||∆|| → 0. We will show that this
limit is (as it is known) 𝐹(𝑏) − 𝐹(𝑎) = − cos 𝑏 + cos 𝑎 .
We have:

Applying the theorem of Lagrange to the function 𝑓(𝑥) =

sin 𝑥, on the interval determined by the points 𝜉𝑖 and 𝑐𝑖 , we deduce
there exists 𝜃𝑖 between 𝜉𝑖 and 𝑐𝑖 so that:

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(𝐼2 ) The function 𝑓: [0,3] → ℝ defined by:

is integrable. Indeed, it is continuous in any point 𝑥 ≠ 2 from the

definition domain, being expressed through continuous functions.
We study the continuity in 𝑥 = 2:

The function is continuous on the interval [0,3], so it is integrable.

(𝐼3 ) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − [𝑥], 𝑓: [0, 2√3] → ℝ can be discontinuous

just in the points where [𝑥] is discontinuous. These are of the form

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𝑥 = 𝑛, 𝑛 ∈ ℤ. From these, only points 0,1,2,3, are in the function’s

domain. We study the limit in these points. We have:

so the function has a finite number of discontinuity points of first

order and is therefore integrable.

(𝐼4 ) For the function 𝑓(𝑥) = [𝑥] we can say it is integrable

either by using the previous criterium, either using the fact that it is
monotonic on any interval [𝑎, 𝑏].

(𝐼5 ) The function 𝑓: [−1,1] → ℝ through 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑔𝑛 𝑥 +

|𝑥| + [𝑥] is integrable because it is the sum of three integrable
functions: 𝑓1 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑔𝑛 𝑥 is integrable because it has a finite
number of discontinuity points (a single point, 𝑥 = 0 ) and the
discontinuity is of the first order; the function 𝑓2 (𝑥) = |𝑥| is
integrable because it is continuous, and the function 𝑓3 (𝑥) = [𝑥] is
integrable because it is monotonic (or because it has a single f
discontinuity point, of the first order).

isn’t integrable because, by choosing in the Riemann sum:

the intermediary points 𝜉𝑖 , rational, we have: 𝑓(𝜉𝑖 ) = 0, so in this

case:

and if 𝜉𝑖 are irrational, we have:

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isn’t integrable (Riemann) on [0,1] because it is not bounded.

is the sum of the functions:

If 𝑓 would be integrable, from 𝑓 = 𝑓1 + 𝑓2 it would follow

that 𝑓2 = 𝑓 − 𝑓1 so 𝑓2 would be integrable on [0,1], as the sum of
two integrable functions.

Exercises
I. Using the definition, show that the following functions are
integrable:

II. Study the integration of the functions:

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8. The characteristic function of the set [0,1] ⊂ ℝ.

III. For which values of the parameters 𝑎 and 𝑏 are the

functions below integrable? For which values of the parameters do
they have primitives?

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INDICATIONS:
𝜋
1. 𝑙𝑑 (0) = − , so for any value of the parameter, the
2
function has only one discontinuity, of first order on [0,1].
2. For any value of 𝑎 ∈ (0,1) the function has a limited
number of discontinuity points of first order.
1
4. The function 𝑒 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 comes from the derivation of
𝑥
2 𝑥 1
𝑥 𝑒 sin 𝑥.

IV. 1. Show that any continuous function on an interval

[𝑎, 𝑏] is integrable.
2. Adapt the demonstration from the previous point to show
that the following functions are integrable on the interval [0,1]:

ANSWERS:
1. We will show that:

We have:

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

where:

We now use two properties of continuous functions on a

closed and bounded interval:
(1) a continuous function on a closed, bounded interval is
bounded and it touches its bounds; so, there exists 𝑢𝑖 , 𝑣𝑖 ∈ [𝑎, 𝑏] so
that 𝑀𝑖 = 𝑓(𝑢𝑖 ), 𝑚𝑖 = 𝑓(𝑣𝑖 ).
Therefore:

In order to evaluate the difference 𝑓(𝑢𝑖 ) − 𝑓(𝑣𝑖 ), we use

the property:
(2) a continuous function on a closed and bounded interval is
uniformly continuous (see Chapter 𝐼𝑉), namely:

In order to replace 𝑥1 with 𝑢𝑖 and 𝑥2 with 𝑣𝑖 , we have to

consider a division ∆ having a smaller norm than 𝛿𝜀 (which is
possible because we are making the limit for ||∆|| → 0). Therefore,
assuming ||∆|| < 𝛿𝜀 we have:

i.e. 𝑀𝑖 − 𝑚𝑖 < 𝜀 and so:

Because 𝜀 is arbitrary (small), we deduce that:

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 Methods of Solving Calculus Problems

so the function is integrable.

2. We show that 𝑆∆ (𝑓) − 𝑠∆ (𝑓) tends to zero when ||∆||
tends to zero. We have:

where:

because on the interval [0,1] the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is increasing.

So:

The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is continuous on [0,1] so it is

uniformly continuous, namely:

Considering the division ∆ so that ||∆|| < 𝛿𝜀 (possibly

because ||∆|| → 0), we have 𝑥𝑖2 − 𝑥𝑖−1
2
< 𝜀, so:

Because 𝜀 is arbitrarily small, we deduce that:

i.e. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is integrable on [0,1].

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

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TOMESCU, F. VORNICESCU: Problems given at mathematical Olympiads
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elementary and secondary level in high school, Ed. Albatros, Bucharest 1977.

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Bucharest, 1991.

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B. R. GELBAUM, J. M. H. OLMSTED: Counterexamples in the analysis,

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Bucharest, 1980.

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admission in the higher education, E.D.P., Bucharest, 1976.

C. IONESCU-TIU, L. PIRSAN: Differential and integral calculus for the

admission in college, Ed. Albatros, Bucharest, 1975.

AL. LEONTE, C.P.NICULESCU: Workbook of algebraic and calculus

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Moscow, 1973.

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exercises and problems, E. D. P., Bucharest, 1981.

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C. Dumitrescu ■ F. Smarandache

MARCULESCU, M. TENA : Problems from the mathematical gazette,

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242
 In this book, we discuss a succession of methods encountered in
the study of high school calculus to students and teachers, to higher
education entry examination candidates, to all those interested, in
order to allow them to reduce as many diverse problems as possible
to already known work schemes.
We tried to present in a methodical manner, advantageous for the
reader, the most frequent calculation methods encountered in the
study of the calculus at this level.

243