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TMA1101 - Topic 03 Limits - Continuity

1) The document defines the limit of a function and provides examples of calculating limits. It discusses how the limit does not depend on the function's value at the point c, and a limit may exist even if the function is undefined at c. 2) Limit laws are presented, including rules for sums, differences, products, quotients, constants, and powers. Easy limits are also listed. 3) Several examples are worked out applying the limit laws and rules to calculate various limits. Shorthand notation is described to efficiently show the limit calculation steps.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
41 views17 pages

TMA1101 - Topic 03 Limits - Continuity

1) The document defines the limit of a function and provides examples of calculating limits. It discusses how the limit does not depend on the function's value at the point c, and a limit may exist even if the function is undefined at c. 2) Limit laws are presented, including rules for sums, differences, products, quotients, constants, and powers. Easy limits are also listed. 3) Several examples are worked out applying the limit laws and rules to calculate various limits. Shorthand notation is described to efficiently show the limit calculation steps.

Uploaded by

Vengga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

TOPIC 3: Limits and Continuity


A. LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

1. Definition of Limit

Intuitive Definition:
Let f be a function defined on an open interval ( a , b ) containing c , except possibly at c
itself. If f ( x) gets arbitrarily close to a number L for all x sufficiently close to c (on
either side of c ) but not equal to c , then we say that f approaches the limit L as x
approaches c , and we write
lim f ( x) = L or f ( x) → L as x → c .
x →c

and say “the limit of f (x) , as x approaches c , equals L ”.


(Sometimes, we even say in a shorter form: the limit of f at c is L.)

Example: Find the limit of 3 x 2 − 1 as x approaches 0.

X f(x) x f(x)
-0.1 -0.97 0.1 -0.97
-0.01 -0.9997 0.01 -0.9997
-0.001 -0.999997 0.001 -0.999997
-0.0001 -0.99999997 0.0001 -0.99999997

As x → 0, f(x) → − 1 . So, lim(3 x 2 − 1) = −1


x →0

If no such number L exists, we say that f has no limit at c (i.e. lim f ( x) does not exist).
x→c

Notice that the limit does not depend on how the function is defined at c . The limit may
exist even if the value of f at c is not known or undefined.

Example:
x2 , x ≠ 2  x2 , x ≤ 2
Find the limit of g ( x) =  and the limit of h( x) =  , as x approaches 2.
 2, x = 2 3x, x > 2
Solution:

lim g ( x) = 4 lim h( x) does not exist


x→2 x→ 2

1
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Example:

(T*)
lim f ( x) = 2 , lim g ( x) = 2 , lim h( x) = 2
x →1 x →1 x →1

Definition:
More formally, we say that the limit of f (x) as x approaches c is L if for every number
ε > 0 there is a corresponding number δ = δ ε > 0 such that
f ( x) − L < ε whenever 0 < x − c < δ

[For our course, this formal definition will not be used.]

2. Limit Laws

Suppose lim f ( x) = L and lim g ( x) = M .


x →c x →c

1. Uniqueness: lim f ( x) = K implies K = L , i.e. a function has at


x →c
most one limit at a particular number

2. Sum Rule: lim[ f ( x) + g ( x)] = lim f ( x) + lim g ( x) = L + M


x →c x →c x →c

3. Difference Rule: lim[ f ( x) − g ( x)] = lim f ( x) − lim g ( x) = L − M


x→c x →c x →c

4. Product Rule: lim[ f ( x) g ( x)] = lim f ( x) ⋅ lim g ( x) = L ⋅ M


x →c x →c x →c

5. Constant Multiple Rule: lim kf ( x) = k ⋅ lim f ( x) = k ⋅ L for any k ∈ R


x →c x→c

lim f ( x)
f ( x) x →c L
6. Quotient Rule: lim = = provided M ≠ 0
x→c g ( x) lim g ( x) M
x →c

7. Power Rule: lim[ f ( x)]n = Ln , n a positive integer


x →c
1
8. Root Rule: lim n f ( x) = n L = Ln , n a positive integer
x →c

[ If n is even, we assume that lim f ( x) = L > 0 ]


x →c

(Can you state the above rules verbally?)

2
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Some easy and useful limits:


a) lim a = a
x →c

b) lim x = c
x →c

c) lim x n = c n , where n is a positive integer


x →c

d) lim n x = n c , where n is a positive integer


x→c

(and if n is even, we assume that c > 0)

We shall try to use the above rules and easy limits in the following examples.

Example:
Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.
x−2 x−2
a) lim(x 2 − 4 x + 1) b) lim c) lim
x→2 x →3 x + 2 x→2 x 2 − 4

x−2 x3 + 2x 2 − 1 x −1
d) lim 2 e) lim f) lim 2
x →3 x − 4 x → −2 5 − 3x x →1 x − 1

2x + 1 x + 1 −1
g) lim 2 h) lim 4 x 2 − 3 i) lim
x →1 4 x − 1 x → −2 x →0 x
(4 + x) 2 − 16
j) lim
x →0 x
k) lim 2 x 2 − 3
x→2
l)
x →1
(
lim x 2 − 2 )
1/ 3

Solution:
Warning: If the instruction requires you to show some steps, you must do so or else
you would lose marks.

( )
lim x 2 − 4 x + 1 = lim x 2 − lim 4 x + lim 1
a) x→ 2 x →2 x→ 2 x →2
[ lim x 2 = lim x ⋅ lim x = 2 ⋅ 2 = 4 ]
x →2 x →2 x →2
= 2 − 4(2) + 1 = ... = −3
2

b) lim( x − 2) = lim x − lim 2 = 3 − 2 = 1


x →3 x →3 x →3

lim( x + 2) = lim x + lim 2 = 3 + 2 = 5 ≠ 0


x →3 x →3 x →3

x − 2 lim ( x − 2) 1
lim = x →3 =
x →3 x + 2 lim( x + 2) 5
x →3
Sometimes, when you feel confident that the quotient rule can be applied, you may write
the steps as:
x − 2 lim ( x − 2) lim x − lim 2 3 − 2 1
lim = x →3 = x →3 x →3
= =
x →3 x + 2 lim( x + 2) lim x + lim 2 3 + 2 5
x →3 x →3 x →3

(Sometimes one skips even more steps.)


x − 2 lim ( x − 2) 1
A shorter way : lim = x→3 = [This way shows only one intermediate step.]
x →3 x + 2 lim( x + 2) 5
x →3

3
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

x−2 1
The shortest way: lim = [This way does not show any step at all; only the
x →3 x+2 5
final answer is shown.]

Compare c) and d).

x−2 x−2 1 1
c) lim = lim = lim = =4
x→ 2 x − 4 x→2 ( x − 2)( x + 2) x→2 x + 2 2 + 2
2

x−2 lim( x − 2) 3− 2 1
d) lim = x→3 2 = 2 =
x→3 x − 4 lim( x − 4) 3 − 4 5
2
x →3

x−2 x−2 1 1 1
Compare with lim = lim = lim = =
x→3 x − 4 x→3 ( x − 2)( x + 2) x→3 x + 2 3 + 2 5
2

e)
x −1
f) lim (Why can’t the quotient rule be applied?)
x →1 x2 −1

x −1 ( x − 1) 1 1 1
lim = lim = lim = =
x →1 x − 1 x →1 ( x + 1)( x − 1) x →1 x + 1 lim( x + 1) 2
2
x →1

g)

h) lim 4 x 2 − 3 = 4(−2) 2 − 3 = ... = 13


x→−2

x +1 −1 x + 1 −1 x + 1 +1
i) lim = lim ⋅ (A critical step used)
x →0 x x →0 x x +1 +1

???
= lim
x→0 x( x+1+1)
???
= lim =
x→0 ???

( 4 + x ) 2 − 16 16 + 8 x + x 2 − 16
lim = lim
x→0 x x→0 x
??
j) = lim
x→0 ??
= lim ( )=
x→0

k)

l)

4
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Direct Substitution Property

Limits of Polynomials
If p ( x) = a n x n + a n −1 x n −1 + L + a 0 is a polynomial, then
lim p( x) = p(c) = a n c n + a n −1c n −1 + L + a0 .
x →c

Limits of Rational Functions


If p (x) and q (x) are polynomials and q (c) ≠ 0 , then
p ( x) lim p ( x ) p (c )
lim = x→c =
x → c q( x) lim q ( x) q (c)
x →c

Example: p ( x) = 4 x 3 − 5 x 2 + 3 x − 4
( )
lim 4 x 3 − 5 x 2 + 3x − 4 = 4(2)3 − 5(2) 2 + 3(2) − 4 = 14 , which is p (2) .
x→2

lim p ( x) = p (2)
x→2

Examples: ‘Good case’


4 x3 − 5 x 2 + 3x − 4
lim = ??? .
x→2 2x − 1
lim(2 x − 1) = 3 ≠ 0
x→2

4 x 3 − 5 x 2 + 3x − 4 lim (4 x 3 − 5 x 2 + 3x − 4) 4(2)3 − 5(2) 2 + 3(2) − 4 14


lim = x→2
= =
x→2 2x − 1 lim(2 x − 1) 2(2) − 1 3
x→2

4 x3 − 5 x 2 + 3x − 4
‘Bad cases’ (i) lim = ???
x→2 2x − 4

lim(2 x − 4) = 0
x→2

x2 − 4
(ii) lim = ???
x→2 2 x − 4

Another useful limit


sin x
lim = 1 (see note 1) Reminder:
x→0 x

1
The derivation of this limit can be found in Stewart’s Calculus, Thomas’ Calculus and also other textbooks.

5
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Example:
Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.
sin x ( x − 2) sin x
a) lim b) lim
x →0 2 x x →0 3x

3. Sandwich Theorem (Also known as Squeezing Theorem or Pinching Theorem)

Sandwich Theorem

If f ( x) ≤ g ( x) ≤ h( x) for all x in an interval containing a number a , except possibly at


a , and lim f ( x) = lim h( x) = L , then
x→a x→a

lim g ( x) = L .
x→a

Example:
a) If x − x 2 ≤ g ( x) ≤ 4 − 3 x for all x , find lim g ( x) .
x→2

1
b) Evaluate lim x 2 sin .
x→0 x
Solution:
a) Since lim( x − x 2 ) = −2 , lim(4 − 3 x) = −2 , and x − x 2 ≤ g ( x) ≤ 4 − 3 x ,
x→2 x→2

by the Sandwich theorem, lim g ( x) = −2 .


x→2

1
b) −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1 , for all x except x = 0. Hence
x
1
− x 2 ≤ x 2 sin ≤ x 2
x
Since lim(− x ) = 0 = lim x 2 , by the Sandwich theorem,
2
x→0 x →0

1
lim x 2 sin = 0.
x →0 x

A more general example

For any function, lim | f ( x ) | = 0 implies lim f ( x) = 0


x→c x→c

Since − | f ( x) | ≤ f ( x) ≤ | f ( x) | and lim − | f ( x) | = lim | f ( x) | = 0 ,


x→c x →c

by the Sandwich theorem, lim f ( x) = 0 .


x→c

6
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

3. One-sided Limits

Let f be a function defined on an open interval (c, d ) . If f (x) gets arbitrarily close to a
number L as x approaches c from within (c, d ) , i.e. x approaches c from the right,
then we say that f has a right-hand limit L at c , and we write

lim f ( x) = L or f ( x) → L as x → c + .
x →c +

Note that how f (x) is defined for x ≤ c plays no role in this case.
“ x → c + ” means that we consider only values of x that are greater than c.

Similarly, if f is defined on an open interval (b, c ) and gets arbitrarily close to a number
M as x approaches c from within (b, c ) , i.e. x approaches c from the left, then we say
that f has a left-hand limit M at c , and we write

lim f ( x) = M or f ( x) → M as x → c − .
x→c −

As in the previous case, how f ( x) is defined for x ≥ c plays no role in this case.
“ x → c − ” means that we consider only values of x that are greater than c.
Theorems:
a) The Limit Laws and The Sandwich Theorem are also valid for one-sided limits if
x → c is replaced by x → c − or x → c + respectively

b) lim f ( x) = L if and only if lim− f ( x) = lim+ f ( x) = L .


x →c x→c x →c
[This would be very useful when dealing with piecewise-defined functions,]

Example:
Determine if the limits exist.
 x + 2, x ≤ 0
(i) f ( x) =  a) lim− f ( x) b) lim+ f ( x) c) lim f ( x)
 x − 1, x > 0 x→0 x→0 x→0

 5 x − 1, x < 4
(ii) f ( x) =  a) lim− f ( x) b) lim+ f ( x) c) lim f ( x)
4 x + 3, x ≥ 4 x→ 4 x →4 x→ 4

Solution:
 x + 2, x ≤ 0
詃阒扩턈 f ( x) = 
 x − 1, x > 0
a) lim− f ( x) = lim− ( x + 2) = 2 b) lim+ f ( x) = lim+ ( x − 1) = −1
x→0 x →0 x→0 x→0

c) Since lim− f ( x) ≠ lim+ f ( x) , lim f ( x) does not exist.


x→0 x →0 x→ 0

 5 x − 1, x < 4
(ii) f ( x) =  a) lim f ( x) = lim− (5 x − 1) = 20 − 1 = 19
4 x + 3, x ≥ 4 x→ 4 − x→4

b) lim+ f ( x) = lim+ (4 x + 3) = 16 + 3 = 19
x→ 4 x→4

c) Thus, lim f ( x) exists because lim− f ( x) = lim+ f ( x) .


x→ 4 x→4 x→4

lim f ( x) = 19
x→4

7
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

For a real number x , x  is the largest integer less than or equal to x . For example,
2 = 2, 2.5 = 2, − 2.5 = −3. The function f ( x) = x  is called the floor function.

For a real number x , x  is the smallest integer greater than or equal to x . For example,
2 = 2, 2.5 = 3, − 2.5 = −2. The function f ( x) = x  is called the ceiling function.

The floor function The ceiling function

(T*) (T*)
The graph of the least integer function The graph of the least integer function
y = x  lies on or above the line y = x , so y = x lies on or above the line y = x , so
 
it provides an integer floor for x. it provides an integer ceiling for x.

Example:
Evaluate each of the following limits, if it exists. If it does not exist, explain why.
| x−2|
a) lim b) lim x  c) lim x 
x→2 x − 2 x→2 x→2

Solution:
| x−2| − ( x − 2), if x < 2
a) lim | x−2| = 
x→2 x − 2
 x − 2, if x ≥ 2
| x−2| − ( x − 2)
lim = lim− = lim− (−1) = −1
x→ 2 − x−2 x → 2 x−2 x→2

| x−2| x−2
lim+ = lim+ = lim+ 1 = 1
x→ 2 x−2 x→2 x − 2 x→2

| x−2|
lim does not exist. (Why?)
x→2 x − 2

b) lim x 
x→2

For x < 2 and near 2, x  = 1 . So lim− x  = lim− 1 = 1


x→ 2 x→2

For x > 2 and near 2, x  = 2 So lim+ x  = lim− 2 = 2


x→2 x→ 2

c) lim x 
x→2

For x < 2 and near 2, x  = 2 . So lim− x  = lim− 2 = 2


x→2 x→ 2

For x > 2 and near 2, x  = ? So lim+ x  = ??


x→ 2

8
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

B. CONTINUITY

1. Continuity Test

For a function f that is defined at least on an open interval about a number c , we say that
f is continuous at c if and only if

1. f (c) exists (i.e., the value of f (c) is defined ; this condition is not necessary
for the existence of limit);
2. lim f ( x) exists; and
x→ c

3. lim f ( x) = f (c) .
x →c

[Summarized: “limit of f at c equals f (c) ”]

If f is not continuous at c , we say that f is discontinuous at c . In this case, c is said to


be a discontinuity of f .

When a function f is discontinuous at c, what sort of situation could occur?

Example:
Determine whether the following functions are continuous at x = a.
2x + 3
a) f ( x) = 4 x 3 + 2 x + 1 ; a = 0 b) f ( x) = ; a = 23
3x − 2
1
 if x ≠ 0 x2 − x − 2
c) f ( x) =  x 2 ;a=0 d) f ( x) = ;a=2
1 if x = 0 x − 2

 x2 − x − 2
 if x ≠ 2;
e) f ( x) =  x − 2 ;a = 2
3 if x = 2.

Solution:
a) f ( x) = 4 x 3 + 2 x + 1 ; a = 0
Since (i) f (x) is defined at x = 0 with f(0) = 1,
(ii) lim f ( x) exist with lim f ( x) = 1 , and
x →0 x →0

(iii) lim f ( x) = f (0) ,


x →0

f ( x) = 4 x + 2 x + 1 is continuous at a = 0.
3

2x + 3
b) f ( x) = ; a = 23 f ( 23 ) undefined. Conclusion?
3x − 2
1
 if x ≠ 0
c) f ( x) =  x 2 ;a=0 f (0) = 1 [f(0) is defined]
1 if x = 0
1
lim 2 does not exist. Conclusion?
x→ 0 x

9
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

x2 − x − 2
d) f ( x) = ;a=2 f (2) undefined. Conclusion?
x−2

This function is not the same as g ( x) = x + 1 . Why???

 x2 − x − 2
 if x ≠ 2;
e) f ( x) =  x − 2 ;a = 2
3 if x = 2.

[This function is the same as g ( x) = x + 1 .Why???]

x2 − x − 2
f (2) = 3 , lim f ( x) = lim = ... = lim( x + 1) = 3
x→2 x→2 x−2 x→2

2. Continuity Rules

Theorem
If the functions f and g are continuous at a , then the following functions are
continuous at a.
1 Sum: f +g
2 Difference: f −g
3 Product: f ⋅g
4 c ⋅ f for any c ∈ R
Constant Multiple:
f
5 Quotient: provided g (a ) ≠ 0
g
Theorems and Observations:
1. Any polynomial is continuous everywhere, i.e., it is continuous on R = (−∞, ∞) .
2. The functions sin x and cos x are continuous at any number c .
π 3π 5π
3. The function tan x is continuous everywhere EXCEPT at ± ,± ,± ,L
2 2 2
1
4. f ( x) = is continuous everywhere except at the number c .
x−c
Indeed, lim f ( x) does not exist.
x→c
5. Any rational function is continuous wherever it is defined; that is, it is continuous
on its domain.

6. The following types of functions are continuous at every number in their domains:
polynomials rational functions
root functions trigonometric functions

Examples: On what intervals is each function continuous?


x +1 x cos x
f ( x) = x 2012 − 12 x 57 + 1900 , g ( x) = , h( x) = x + , m( x ) =
x − 2x
2
x−2 3 + sin x

10
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

3. Composite of Continuous Functions

Theorem:
If f is continuous at a , and g is continuous at f (a ) , then the composite g o f is
continuous at a .

This theorem is often expressed informally by saying “a continuous function of a


continuous function is a continuous function.”

Example:
Determine whether the following functions are continuous.
1
a) h( x) = cos( x 2 ) b) k ( x) =
x +9 −5
2

Solution:
a) We have h( x) = g ( f ( x)) , where
f ( x) = x 2 and g ( x) = cos x
Now f is continuous on R since it is a polynomial, and g is also continuous everywhere.
Thus, h = g o f is continuous on R by the above theorem.
b) Notice that k can be written as the composition of four functions:
k = r o h o g o f or k ( x) = r (h( g ( f ( x))))
1
where r ( x) = , h( x) = x − 5, g ( x) = x, f ( x) = x 2 + 9
x
We know each of these functions is continuous on its domain, so by the above theorem, k
is continuous on its domain, which is
{x ∈ R | x 2 + 9 ≠ 5} = {x | x ≠ ±4} = (−∞,−4) ∪ (−4,4) ∪ (4, ∞)

Example:
Find the following limits if they exist. (Here, try to make use of continuity of a function.)
a) lim 5 cos( x 2 − 9) b) lim 2 sin 2 x − 3
x →3 x →π

4. Continuity on an interval

Before discussing the continuity of a function on an interval, we need to discuss one-sided


continuity.

Definition: Continuity from the left and right (One-sided continuity)

A function f is continuous from the left at the point a if the following conditions are
satisfied:
1. f (a ) is defined.
2. lim− f ( x) exists.
x→ a

3. lim f ( x) = f (a )
x→ a −

11
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Similar definition for


- f is continuous from the right at the point a

Definition: Continuity on an interval

- A function f is continuous on the open interval (a,b) if f is continuous at all points


of the open interval (a,b) .
- A function f is continuous on the closed interval [a,b] if f is continuous on the
open interval (a,b), continuous from the right at a and continuous from the left at b.
- “f is continuous on (−∞, ∞) ” means “ f is continuous everywhere”.

Example
−x if x < 0

f ( x) =  x if 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
x + 1 if x > 1

Find each of the following, or, if it does not exist, explain why.
(a) lim f ( x) (b) lim f ( x) (c) f (1) (d) lim+ f ( x)
x→ 0 x→1 x →1
Discuss continuity of f on intervals.

Example

Where are each of the following functions discontinuous?

 x2 − x − 2
x −x−2
2  if x ≠ 2;
(a) f ( x) = (b) g ( x) =  x − 2
x−2 2 if x = 2.

 x2 − x − 2
 if x ≠ 2;
(c) h( x) =  x − 2
3 if x = 2.


Discuss continuity of the functions on intervals.

5. Intermediate Value Theorem for Continuous Functions


Suppose f is a continuous function on a closed
interval [a, b] . If k is a number such that
f (a ) < k < f (b) or f (b) < k < f (a ) , then there is
a number c ∈ (a, b ) with f (c) = k .

[Note: This theorem does not tell us what c is. ]

12
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Example:
Show that there is a root of the equation 4 x 3 − 6 x 2 + 3 x − 2 = 0 between 1 and 2.
Solution:
Let f ( x) = 4 x 3 − 6 x 2 + 3 x − 2 .
f is continuous on the closed interval [1, 2]. [f is continuous since it is a polynomial.]
f (1) = 4 − 6 + 3 − 2 = −1 < 0
Take k = 0 in the theorem.
f (2) = 32 − 24 + 6 − 2 = 12 > 0
Since f (1) < 0 < f (2) , [ 0 is a number between f (1) and f (2) .]
By the Intermediate Value Theorem, there is a number c between 1 and 2 such that
f (c ) = 0 .
Therefore, the equation 4 x 3 − 6 x 2 + 3 x − 2 = 0 has at least one root c in the interval
(1, 2).

C. LIMITS INVOLVING INFINITY

1. Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes


Definition: Limits at Infinity

We say that f (x) has the limit L as x approaches infinity (∞) and write
lim f ( x) = L or f ( x) → L as x → ∞
x→∞

if, as x moves further and further away from the origin in the positive direction, f (x)
gets arbitrarily close to L .

Analogously, we say that f (x) has the limit M as x approaches minus infinity (−∞) and
write lim f ( x) = M or f ( x) → M as x → −∞
x → −∞

if, as x moves further and further away from the origin in the negative
direction, f ( x) gets arbitrarily close to M.

Definition
A line y = L is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of a function y = f ( x) if either
lim f ( x) = L or lim f ( x) = L
x →∞ x →−∞

Example

5 5
lim =0 lim =0
x →∞ x x→−∞ x

The line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote of


5
the curve y =
x

What can you say about


1 1
lim 2 and lim 2 ?
x →∞ x x→−∞ x

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TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Limit Laws
Suppose lim f ( x) = L and lim g ( x) = M , and lim means lim or lim .
x →c x →c x→c x →∞ x → −∞

1. Uniqueness: lim f ( x) = K implies K = L , i.e. a function has at


x →c

most one limit as x → ∞ (or as x → −∞ ).


2. Sum Rule: lim[ f ( x) + g ( x)] = lim f ( x) + lim g ( x) = L + M
x →c x →c x →c

3. Difference Rule: lim[ f ( x) − g ( x)] = lim f ( x) − lim g ( x) = L − M


x→c x →c x →c

4. Product Rule: lim f ( x) g ( x) = lim f ( x) ⋅ lim g ( x) = L ⋅ M


x→c x→c x →c

5. Constant Multiple Rule: lim kf ( x) = k ⋅ lim f ( x) = k ⋅ L for any k ∈ R


x →c x→c

f ( x) x →clim f ( x)
L
6. Quotient Rule: lim = = provided M ≠ 0
x→c g ( x) lim g ( x) M
x →c

7. Power Rule: lim[ f ( x)] = L , n a positive integer


n n
x →c
1
8. Root Rule: lim n f ( x) = n L = Ln , n a positive integer
x →c

[ If n is even, we assume that lim f ( x) = L > 0 ]


x →c

Example
(a)
When x becomes large, both the numerator and the denominator of
3 x 2 − x − 2 become large, so it is not obvious what happens to the
5x 2 + 4 x + 1
ratio.
3x 2 − x − 2 1 2
3− − 2
3x − x − 2
2 2
lim 2 = lim 2 x = lim x x
x →∞ 5 x + 4 x + 1 x →∞ 5 x + 4 x + 1 x →∞ 4 1
5+ + 2
x2 x x
 1 2
lim 3 − − 2  lim 3 − lim 1 − lim 2
x →∞
 x x  x →∞ x →∞ x x →∞ x 2 3−0−0 3
= = = =
 4 1  4
5 + lim + lim 2
1 5 + 0 + 0 5 3
lim 5 + + 2  lim → ∞ → ∞ → ∞
y= is a horizontal asymptote of
x →∞
 x x  x x x x x 5
3x 2 − x − 2 3 3x 2 − x − 2
Show steps to arrive at lim = . the curve y = .
x→−∞ 5 x 2 + 4 x + 1 5 5x 2 + 4x + 1
(b)
3x + 2 3 2  3 2 3 2
+ 3 xlim  2 + 3  lim 2 + lim 3
3x + 2 3 2 → −∞
x x  x→−∞ x x →−∞ x 0+0
lim = lim x3 = lim x x = = = =0
x→−∞ 5 x 3 − 4 x →−∞ 5 x − 4 x→ −∞ 4  4 4 5 − 0
5− 3 lim  5 − 3  lim 5 − lim 3
x →−∞ x→−∞ x
x3 x x→−∞
 x 
2x2 + 5
(c) lim
x→∞ 3 x + 1

[Note: In (a) the numerator and the denominator of the rational function have the same
degree; in (b) the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator.
In example (c), the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator;
it will be discussed in the next subsection under infinite limits.]

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TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Example
Use the rules for limits at infinity to evaluate the following limits.
3x + 2 2x 2 + 8x + 6
a) lim b) lim 2
x→∞ 5 x − 4 x →∞ x − 3 x + 1

Solution:
2
3+
3x + 2 x
lim = lim
x →∞ 5 x − 4 x →∞ 4
5−
x
 2
a) lim  3 +  lim 3 + lim 2
=
x →∞
 x  x →∞
=
x →∞ x

 4 4
lim  5 −  lim 5 − lim
→∞ →∞
x →∞
 x x x x
3+0 3
= =
5−0 5

2. Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes


1
Example (a) Let’s try to decide if lim exists.
x→0 x2
1
As x approaches 0, x 2 also becomes close to 0 and becomes very large; the values of
x2
1 1
f ( x) = 2 do not approach a number. We conclude that lim 2 does not exist.
x x→0 x

1
However in this example, the values of f ( x) = 2 can be made arbitrarily large by taking
x
x close enough to 0.
1 1
We write lim 2 = ∞ in addition to the information that “ lim 2 does not exist ”.
x →0 x x→0 x

 1 if x > 0
x 
Example (b) Consider s ( x) = =  −1 if x < 0
|x| 
undefined if x = 0
x
lim+ = lim+ 1 = 1
x →0 | x | x →0

x
lim− = lim− − 1 = −1
x →0 | x | x →0

x
lim does not exist.
x→0 | x |

x
But lim = ∞ [We cannot write this
x →0 | x |

way.]

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TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Definition of infinite limits

We say that f (x) approaches infinity as x approaches c , and we write


lim f ( x) = ∞
x →c

if for every positive real number B there exists a corresponding δ > 0 such that for all x
0 < x − c < δ ⇒ f ( x) > B
Analogously, we say that f ( x) approaches minus infinity as x approaches c , and we
write
lim f ( x) = −∞
x→c

if for every positive real number B there exists a corresponding δ > 0 such that for all x
0 < x − c < δ ⇒ f ( x) < − B

One-sided infinite limits like lim+ f ( x) = ∞ , lim+ f ( x) = −∞ , lim− f ( x) = ∞ and


x →c x →c x →c

lim f ( x) = −∞ , are similarly defined by confining values of x to one side of c.


x →c −

Infinite limits at infinity


There are also situations where lim f ( x) = ∞ , lim f ( x) = −∞ , lim f ( x) = ∞ or
x →∞ x →∞ x→−∞

lim f ( x) = −∞ ,
x→−∞

Definition

A line x = c is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function y = f ( x) if

either lim f ( x) = ∞ or − ∞ or lim f ( x) = ∞ or − ∞


x →c + x →c −

Remark: ∞ and − ∞ are not real numbers; they are symbols. Writing lim f ( x) = ∞ or
x →c

lim f ( x) = −∞ does not mean that the limit exists, although these are given the names
x→c
infinite limits.

Example
2x2 + 5 5
2x +
2x + 5
2
(2 x + 5) / x
2
x x =∞
lim = lim = lim = lim
x →∞ 3 x + 1 x →∞ (3 x + 1) / x x →∞ 3 x + 1 x →∞ 1
3+
x x

2x2 + 5
What about lim ?
x →−∞ 3 x + 1

16
TMA1101Calculus, Trimester2, 2015/2016 Topic 3: Limits and Continuity

Example:
The following limits do not exist (as real numbers). Write each limit as ∞ or − ∞ .
−6 2 −3
a) lim+ b) lim c) lim−
x →3 x − 3 x →1 ( x − 1) 2
x →2 x − 2

x2 − 3 −1
d) lim e) lim 2 f)
x→−∞ 2 x − 4 x → 0 x ( x + 1)

Solution:
−6
a) lim+
x →3 x − 3

Since for x > 3, ( x − 3) > 0 and lim+ ( x − 3) = 0 thus


x →3
−6
lim = −∞
x →3+ x−3

3. Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes

Finding horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the graph of a rational function is quite
easy.

Example:

(i). Determine the horizontal asymptote(s) for the graph of each function defined below.
2x + 1 8x 2 − 1
a) f ( x) = b) f ( x) =
x−4 1 + 4x + 6x 2
(ii) Determine the vertical asymptote(s) for the graph of each function defined below.
−3 2 1
a) f ( x) = b) f ( x) = c) f ( x) = 2
x+2 1− x x − 5x + 4

Solution:
2x + 1
(i) a) f ( x) =
x−4
2x + 1
lim f ( x) = lim = ... = 2
x→∞ x →∞ x − 4

Thus the horizontal asymptote is y = 2.

(ii) For vertical asymptote: consider lim+ f ( x) and lim− f ( x)


x→c x→c
−3
a) f ( x) =
x+2
−3 −3
lim− = ∞ or − ∞ ??? lim+ = ∞ or − ∞ ???
x → −2 x+2 x → −2 x+2

Since f(x) → ∞ as x → − 2 − [or f (x) → −∞ as x → −2 + ],


the vertical asymptote is x = −2.
(nby, Nov 2015)

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