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C X X F L: Calculus 1.2 Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically

This document discusses two methods for finding limits graphically and numerically: 1) The numerical approach involves constructing a table of values extremely close to the desired domain value and using the results to estimate the limit. 2) The graphical approach uses a graph of the function to visualize how it behaves as the input approaches the given value, and whether the limit exists or not based on the graph. Common behaviors that indicate a limit does not exist are if the function approaches different values from each side, increases or decreases without bound, or oscillates between two fixed values. Examples are provided to illustrate both approaches.

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192 views2 pages

C X X F L: Calculus 1.2 Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically

This document discusses two methods for finding limits graphically and numerically: 1) The numerical approach involves constructing a table of values extremely close to the desired domain value and using the results to estimate the limit. 2) The graphical approach uses a graph of the function to visualize how it behaves as the input approaches the given value, and whether the limit exists or not based on the graph. Common behaviors that indicate a limit does not exist are if the function approaches different values from each side, increases or decreases without bound, or oscillates between two fixed values. Examples are provided to illustrate both approaches.

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Calculus 1.

2 Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically


What is the limit of a function?

Book definition: If f(x) becomes arbitrarily close to a single number L as x


approaches c from either side, the limit of f(x), as x approaches c, is L
L = lim f ( x)
x→c

For today we find limits using a numerical approach (table of values) and also by
a graphical approach (looking at a graph).
NUMERICAL APPROACH:
Construct a table of values that are extremely close to the desired member of
the domain.
Ex: Complete the table and use the result to estimate the limit.
x−2
lim
(a) x2 − 4
x→2

x 1.9 1.99 1.999 2.001 2.01 2.1


f(x)

x 4
−
lim x +1 5
(b) x−4
x→4

x 3.9 3.99 3.999 4.001 4.01 4.1


f(x)

GRAPHICAL APPROACH:
Use a graph of the function to visualize the limit.
Ex: Use the graph of f(x) to find the limit (if it exists). If it does not exist,
explain why.

lim f ( x) lim f ( x )
x→3 x→0

lim f ( x) lim f ( x)
x→7 x→4

Common Types of Behavior Associated with the Nonexistence of a Limit


1. f(x) approaches a different number from the right of c than it does
from the left.
2. f(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches c.
3. f(x) oscillates between two fixed values as x approaches c.
Ex: Estimate the following limits if they exist.

lim [x ] lim f ( x)
x2 + 2 x ≠1
(a) (Greatest Integer Function) (b) for f ( x) = 
x→5 x →1 − 2 x =1

1
lim 3 when x is even
( c) x2 (d)
lim f ( x) f ( x) = 
x→0 x →1 − 3 when x is odd

ES: p. 54 1 – 7 odd, 9 – 18, 43 – 45, 49, 51, 52


For 43 – 52 you NEED to use at LEAST one complete sentence to support your answer.

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