| Calculus 1 16

UNIT 2: CONTINUITY AND LIMITS

2.0 Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson packet, the students are expected to attain the
following intended learning outcomes:
2.0.1 Identify continuity of a functions
2.0.2 Solve limits of a function

2.1 Introduction

Limits and Continuity

The concept of the limit is one of the most crucial things to

understand in order to prepare for calculus. A limit is a number
that a function approaches as the independent variable of the
function approaches a given value. 

Continuity is another far-reaching concept in calculus. A

function can either be continuous or discontinuous. One easy way
to test for the continuity of a function is to see whether the graph
of a function can be traced with a pen without lifting the pen from
the paper. For the math that we are doing in precalculus and
calculus, a conceptual definition of continuity like this one is
probably sufficient, but for higher math, a more technical
definition is needed. Using limits, we'll learn a better and far more
precise way of defining continuity as well.

2.2 Topics and Discussion

👉 Review Previous Topic: Evaluate the following functions if it is odd, even and
neither using algebraic method.

1. f ( s )=s 4 +3 s2 +7 ____________ 3. f ( x )=x 2−18 ______________

Type equation here .
_______________________________ ______________________________

2. f ( h ) =h4 + 4 h2 −1____________ 4. f ( z )=z 3 +2 z 2−z _________

Note: Background knowledge in algebra and
_______________________________ trigonometry is a requirement for
______________________________
this subject.
 | Calculus 1 17

2.2.1. Definition of Continuity

A function  f (x) is said to be continuous at  x=a if
lim f ( x )=f (a)
x→ a

A function is said to be continuous on the interval a , b  if it is

continuous at each point in the interval.

Note that this definition is also implicitly assuming that both f (a)
and  x→ a f ( x )exist. If either of these do not exist the function will not be
lim
continuous at  x=a .

This definition can be turned around into the following fact.

FACT 1: If f ( x) is continuous at x=a then,

lim f ( x )=f (a) lim ¿ lim ¿

−¿ +¿
x→ a x→ a f ( x ) =f (a)¿ x→ a f ( x ) =f (a )¿

FACT 2: If f ( x) is continuous at x=b and lim g ( x )=b then,

x→ a

lim f ( g( x ) )=f (lim g ( x ))

x→ a x→ a

Example:
2
x −4
f ( x )=
x−2

{
x 2−4
g ( x )= x−2 if x ≠ 0
3
x=2

f (x) is discontinuous at x = 2 because f (2) is undefined

By definition of  g
2
x −4 = lim ( x +2 ) =4
g ( 2 )=3lim g ( x )=lim
x →2 x →2 x−2 x →2

g(x) is discontinuous because

lim g ( x ) ≠2
x →2

2.2.2. Properties of Continuous Functions

 | Calculus 1 18

Intermediate Value Theorem

If a function is continuous on the closed interval [a , b] then it takes every

value between f (a)and f (b)for at least one argument between a and b .

That is, for every y between f (a)and f (b)there exist at least one argument
x between a and b whose function’s value f ( x )= y , as shows the figure below.

Existence of Roots

If a function is continuous on the closed interval [a , b] then, if f (a)

and f (b)have opposite signs, or f (a). f ( b ) <0, then there exists x ∈ [ a , b ]
such that f ( x )=0.

That is, the function has at least one real root. For example, inside the
closed interval [a , b], the function shown in the figure below, has three
roots, x 1 , x 2∧x 3,

that is f ( x 1 ) =0 , f ( x 2 ) =0 and f ( x 3 ) =0 since f ( a ) . f ( b ) <0

 | Calculus 1 19

Extreme Value Theorem

If a function is continuous on the closed interval [a , b] then, there

exist x min and x max ∈ [ a , b ] , such that for all x max ∈ [ a , b ] ,values of the
function f ( x¿ ¿ min)≤ f ( x ) ≤ f ( x¿¿ max )¿ ¿

Monotone Function

A continuous function is monotone on an interval if it is consistently

increasing or decreasing in value, so that their

f (x¿ ¿1)< f ( x¿ ¿2)for all ¿ ¿ x 1< x2 or f (x¿ ¿1)> f ( x¿ ¿2)for all ¿ ¿ x 1< x2

These may be called strictly monotone functions to distinguish them

from satisfying either

f (x¿ ¿1) ≤ f ( x ¿¿ 2)for all ¿ ¿ x 1< x2 or f (x¿ ¿1) ≥ f ( x ¿¿ 2)for all ¿ ¿ x 1< x2

that are called weekly monotone.

 | Calculus 1 20

2.2.3. Notion of Limit

Limits give us a way to identify a trend in the values of a function as
its input variable approaches a particular value of interest. We need a precise
understanding of what it means to say “a function f   has limit L as x approaches
a”.

Given a function  f , a fixed input  x=a , and a real number  L, we say
that  f has limit   L  as  x   approaches a , and write lim f ( x )=Lprovided that we can
x→ a
make  f ( x ) as close to  Las we like by taking  x sufficiently close (but not equal)
to a . 
If we cannot make  f ( x ) as close to a single value as we would like as  x  
approaches a , then we say that  f does not have a limit as x approaches a .

Example:
For the function g pictured in Figure 2.2.3, we make the following
observations:
lim g ( x ) =3 , lim g ( x ) =4 , lim g ( x )=1
x→−1 x →0 x →2

Figure 2.2.3

When working from a graph, it suffices to ask if the

function approaches a single value from each side of the fixed input. The
function value at the fixed input is irrelevant. This reasoning explains the
values of the three limits stated above

However,  g does not have a limit as  x → 1. There is a jump in the graph
at  x=1. If we approach  x=1 from the left, the function values tend to get close
to 3, but if we approach  x=1 from the right, the function values get close to 2.
There is no single number that all of these function values approach. This is
why the limit of g does not exist at  x=1 .
 | Calculus 1 21

2.2.4. Definition of Limit 

Let f be a function defined on some open interval that contains the

number a, except possibly at a itself. We say the limit of f(x)
as x approaches a is L, and we write

if for every number   > 0 there is a corresponding number   > 0 such that

whenever

Example:

a=2, and we think that L=3. Let   be any positive number. Then we can
choose   to be equal to  . In which case, if 0 < |x-2| <  ,

We can cancel the (x-3) term from the top and bottom of the fraction, as
well as one of the (x-2) terms from the top with the same on the bottom, to
get

So, since the definition fits exactly, we can state with certainty that the
limit as x approaches 2 of f(x) is 3. Also, we can notice that if we used any
value other than 3 for L, we wouldn't get the cancellation we did in the last
step, so we would not have been able to fit the definition.
 | Calculus 1 22

2.2.5. Properties of Limits

Let a , k A , and B represent real numbers, and f and g be functions,
such that lim f ( x )= A and lim g ( x )=B . For limits that exist and are finite, the
x→ a x→ a
properties of limits are summarized below.

Constant, k lim k=k

x→ a
Constant times a lim [ k . f ( x ) ] =k lim f (x)=k A
function x→ a x→ a

Sum of functions lim [ f ( x )+ g ( x) ]=lim f ( x ) +lim g ( x )= A+ B

x→ a x →a x→ a
Difference of functions lim [ f ( x )−g(x ) ]=lim f ( x ) −lim g ( x )= A−B
x→ a x→ a x→a
Product of functions lim [ f ( x ) . g(x) ]=lim f ( x ) . lim g ( x )= A . B
x→ a x→ a x→a
Quotient of functions lim f ( x )
lim
x→ a [ ]
f (x)
=
x →a A
¿ ,B≠0
g ( x ) lim g ( x ) B
x →a
Function raised to an lim [ f ( x ) ]n=[lim f ( x ) ]n= A n where n is a positive integer
exponent x→ a x→ ∞

Nth root of a function,

where n is a positive
integer x→ a
√
lim f ( x ) √n f ( x)= n lim [ f ( x)] = √n A
x →a

Polynomial function lim p ( x )= p(a)

x→ a

2.2.6. Operations with Limits

We usually use following results when finding the limit of a sequence.

→
Let {an } and b n } be two sequences of real numbers such that a n ❑ a and
→
b n ❑ b . Then

1. nlim ( a n ± bn ) =lim an ± lim b n=a ± b

→∞ n →∞ n→ ∞

2. nlim ( a n b n )=lim a n . lim bn =ab

→∞ n→∞ n→∞

3. nlim ( c . an )=c . lim an =ca for any constant c

→∞ n →∞

4. lim ( an ) =(lim a n) =a for all r ∈ N .

r r r

n→∞ n→∞
 | Calculus 1 23

lim a
5. lim ( )
a n n →∞ n a if lim b =b ≠ 0
n→ ∞ bn
= =
lim bn b n → ∞
n →∞
n

1
6. lim √r an=lim ⁡ an r =¿ ¿
n→∞ n→∞

7. nlim
→∞ |
|a n|= lim a n =|a|.
n→∞ |
Let apply the above operations with limits to calculate limits of given
sequences.

Example: Find lim

n→∞
( 21n + 3 n−1
2n
)
lim 2 n lim 1 lim 2 n
1 n →∞ 1 n→ ∞ 1 2 2
Solution: nlim + = . + n→∞ = .0+ =
→∞ 2 n 3 n−1 2 n
n 3−
1
n
2 3
( )
3

Example: Find lim

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

( )
1 1 2
n (2+ + 2 ) lim 2+ 1 + 1
n→∞ 2
n n n →∞ n n 2

First factor the term of highes degree from both the numerator and
denominator.

Note that the same procedure can be applied to every fraction for
which the numerator and denominator are polynomials in n.

The limit of such a fraction is the same as the limit of the quotient of
the terms of highest degree.

Example: Find lim ( √ n+1− √ n )

n→∞

Solution: nlim
→∞
¿¿¿

2.2.7. Evaluation of Limits

 | Calculus 1 24

Not all functions or their limits involve simple addition, subtraction, or

multiplication. Some may include polynomials. Recall that a polynomial is an
expression consisting of the sum of two or more terms, each of which consists
of a constant and a variable raised to a non-negative integral power.
To find the limit of a polynomial function, we can find the limits of the
individual terms of the function, and then add them together. Also, the limit
of a polynomial function as  x  approachesa  is equivalent to simply evaluating
the function for a .
Given a function containing a polynomial, find its limit
1. Use the properties of limits to break up the polynomial into individual
terms.
2. Find the limits of the individual terms.
3. Add the limits together.
4. Alternatively, evaluate the function for a .

Evaluating a limit algebraically

Example:

lim ( 5 x ) =5 lim ( x ) Constant times a function

2 2

x →3 x →3
2
¿ 5(3 ) Function raised to an exponent property
¿ 45

Example:

lim ( 2 x −3 x +1 )
3

x →5

¿ lim ( 2 x 3 )−lim ( 3 x )+ lim ( 1 ) Sum of functions

x→ 5 x →5 x→5

¿ 2 lim ( x 3 )−3 lim ( x )+ lim ( 1 ) Constant times a function

x→ 5 x →5 x→5

¿ 2 ( 5 )−3 (5)+1
3
Function raised to an
exponent property
= 236

2.2.8. One-Sided Limits 

Left-Hand [or Right-Hand] Limit

Let f be a function defined on some open interval ( b , a )∨[ ( a , b )]. We say the

left-hand [or right-hand] limit of  f(x) as x approaches a is L, (or the limit of f(x)
as  x approaches a from the left [or right] is L) and we write
 | Calculus 1 25

if for every number   > 0 there is a corresponding number   > 0 such that

whenever

[Negative] Infinite Limit

Let f be a function defined on some open interval that contains the

number a, except possibly at a itself. We say the limit of f(x) as x approaches  a  is
[negative] infinity, and we write

if for every number N > 0 [N < 0] there is a corresponding number   > 0 such

that

f(x) > N [f(x) < N]

whenever

Limit at [Negative] Infinity

Let f be a function defined on some open interval from a to infinity

[from negative infinity to a]. Then we say the limit of f(x) as x approaches
[negative] infinity is L, and we write

if for every number   > 0 there is a corresponding number N such that

whenever

x > N [x < N].
 | Calculus 1 26

[Negative] Infinite Limit at {Negative} Infinity

Let f be a function defined on some open interval from a to infinity

{from negative infinity to a}. We say the limit of  f(x) as  x approaches {negative}
infinity is [negative] infinity, and we write

if for every number M > 0 there is a corresponding number N such that

f(x) > M [f(x) < M]

whenever

x > N {x < N}.

2.2.9. Unbounded Functions

Bounded functions have some kind of boundaries or constraints

placed upon them. Most things in real life have natural bounds: cars are
somewhere between 6 and 12 feet long, people take between 2 hours and 20
hours to complete a marathon, cats range in length from a few inches to a few
feet. When you place those kinds of bounds on a function, it becomes
a bounded function.
In order for a function to be classified as “bounded”, its range must have both
a lower bound (e.g. 7 inches) and an upper bound (e.g. 12 feet).

Any function that isn’t bounded is unbounded. A function can be

bounded at one end, and unbounded at another.
 | Calculus 1 27

👉 Unit II Exercises #1: Determine if the given function is continuous or

discontinuous at the indicated points.

3 x+5 x 2−9
1. f (x)= , x=0 4. h ( x )= , x=2
9−4 x 3 x 2 +2 x−8

−3 Type equation here . 2

x −4
2. g ( x )= 2 , x=−2 5. f ( x ) = , x=−1
x −3 x−10 x−2

{
1−h h=1
3. h ( t )= {
2t t<6
t−1 t ≥ 6
, t=6 6. 7
h
3
−6<
h>1
h<1

lim f ( x )=−8 , lim g ( x )=5 lim h ( x )=8

👉 Unit II Exercises #2: Given x→−3 x→−3 and x→−3
use the limit properties to evaluate each of the following
limits.

lim [3 f ( x )−8 h ( x ) ] g(x)

4. x→−3 6. lim [ 1+ + f ( x )]
x→−3 h(x)

lim [−3 h ( x )−5] h ( x ) +6

5. 7. lim [ g ( x )+ ]
x→−3 x→−3 f (x)

3
lim [ f ( x ) + g ( x )−h( x )]
6. x→−3 8. lim [ √ g ( x ) ± ]
x→−3 f (x)

lim ¿ ¿ ¿
7. x→−3 9. lim [ √ g ( x ) h ( x )+3 ¿ ¿ ]
x→−3

lim ¿ ¿ ¿ −f ( x )
8. x→−3 10. lim [ ]
x→−3 3

👉 Unit II Exercises #3: For each of the following limits use the limit
properties to evaluate the limit. At each step clearly indicate
the property being used.

lim [ 14−6 x+ x 2 ] ( x+ 7 )
1. x→−2 4. lim
x→−5 (x¿¿ 2+3 x−10)¿

2. z→6
2
lim [3 z +7 z−16 ] 5. lim
Type equation √t .2 +6
here
t →0

t 2−8 t lim ¿ ¿
3. lim 6. x→
t →3 4−7 t 10
 | Calculus 1 28

2.3 References

Sparknotes. (2020). Continuity and Limits.

https://www.sparknotes.com/math/precalc/continuityandlimits/summary/.

Paul's Online Notes. (2020, August 27). Continuity. Calculus I - Continuity.

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/continuity.aspx.

Whitman.edu. (2020). Limits and Continuity. 14.2 Limits and Continuity.

https://www.whitman.edu/mathematics/calculus_online/section14.02.html.

Lawrence S. Husch and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Mathematics

Department. (2001). Continuous Functions. Properties of Continuous
Functions.
http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/1/continuous.7/index.html.

Nabla Ltd. (2020). Differential Calculus. Properties of continuous functions,

Continuous function definition, Intermediate value theorem or Bolzano's
theorem, Existence of roots, Extreme value theorem, Monotone function.
http://www.nabla.hr/FU-CFunDerivative1.htm.

Boelkins, M. (2020). Active Calculus. AC The notion of limit.

https://activecalculus.org/single/sec-1-2-lim.html.

Oregon State University. (1996). The definition of a limit. The Definition of a Limit.
http://sites.science.oregonstate.edu/math/home/programs/undergrad/
CalculusQuestStudyGuides/SandS/lHopital/define_limit.html.

Libretexts. (2020, July 27). 2.4: One-Sided Limits. Mathematics LibreTexts.

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_California_Davis/
UCD_Mat_21A:_Differential_Calculus/2:_Limits_and_Continuity/2.4:_One-
Sided_Limits.

Note: Should you have questions about the topics discussed in this module, please
feel free to text or call me thru this cellphone number, 09672200502. I will appreciate
if you’ll ask questions for clarifications to have sufficient learning.