MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

LIMITS OF ALGEBRAIC & TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
a. illustrate the limit laws;
b. apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions; and
c. compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions using tables of
values and graphs of the functions.

LESSON PROPER

THE LIMIT LAWS FOR POLYNOMIAL, RATIONAL AND RADICAL FUNCTIONS

Let c and k be real numbers so that lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) exist.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Law Equation Example
1. Constant Rule lim 𝑘 = 𝑘 lim 4 = 𝟒
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

2. Identity Rule lim 𝑥 = 𝑐 lim 𝑥 = 𝟗

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→9

3. Constant lim [𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) lim 10𝑥 = 10(2) = 𝟐𝟎

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2
Multiple Rule
4. Sum Rule lim [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑥 + 5 = 2 + 5 = 𝟕
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

5. Difference Rule lim [𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 5𝑥 − 4 = 5(1) − 4 = 𝟏
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→1

6. Product Rule lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 3(2𝑥 + 1) = 3[2(3) + 1] = 𝟐𝟏
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→3

7. Quotient Rule lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 2𝑥 + 5 2(2) + 5 𝟗
lim = (𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 lim 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0) lim = =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→2 𝑥 + 3 2+3 𝟓
lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
𝑛
8. Power Rule lim [𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] lim (4𝑥 + 9)2 = [4(−3) + 9]2 = 𝟗
𝑥→−3
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
9. Root Rule 𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
3 3
lim √𝑥 2 + 4 = √(2)2 + 4 = 𝟐
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

**Direct Substitution Method of Evaluating Limits

I. Evaluating Limits of Algebraic Functions Analytically

A. Polynomial Functions
- For all polynomial functions f, the value of lim 𝑓(𝑥) is equal to 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
- If 𝑓(𝑐) exists, then lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
Theorem. The limit of any constant is itself. If k is any constant, then
lim 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→𝑐

Illustrative Examples:
1. lim 5 = 𝟓 2. lim −3 = −𝟑 3. lim 𝜋 = 𝝅
𝑥→3 𝑥→2 𝑥→−1

When we get the limit of any number approaches to any constant the answer is the number itself. In example 1, we
take the limit of 5 as x approaches to 3, thus the answer is 5. Same process for example number 2 and 3.

Theorem. Let f(x) be a polynomial function and c is a real number, then

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

In a simple note, if we get a limit of an equation, we simply substitute the value of which x approaches to the given
equation.

Page 1 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙
𝒙→𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟓

 Since x is a polynomial function, evaluate its limit by directly substituting 0.005

as the value of x. In this case,
lim 𝑥 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓
𝑥→0.005

 Similarly, evaluating 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐𝒙 yields to

𝒙→𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟓
lim 2𝑥 = 2(0.005) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏
𝑥→0.005

2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)

𝒙→−𝟏

 To evaluate the limit of any polynomial function, apply direct substitution

considering the Theorem stated above.

Solution. Note first that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 1 is a polynomial.
Computing the value of f at x = - 1, we get
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)3 − 4(−1)2 + 1
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1) − 4(1) + 1
𝑓(−1) = −5
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝒇(−𝟏) = −𝟓
𝒙→−𝟏

3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏)

𝒙→−𝟐

Solution. Computing the value of f at x = - 2, we get

𝑓(−2) = (−2)4 − 2(−2)2 − (−2) + 1
𝑓(−2) = 16 − 2(4) + 2 + 1
𝑓(−2) = 11
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝒇(−𝟐) = 𝟏𝟏
𝒙→−𝟐
The property 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐) does not necessarily hold true for all functions.
𝑥→𝑐

B. Rational Functions
𝑝(𝑥)
Theorem. Let f(x) be a rational function of the form 𝑓(𝑥 ) = where q(x) ≠ 0. If
𝑞(𝑥)
c is a real number, then
𝑝(𝑥) 𝑝(𝑐)
lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑞(𝑥) 𝑞(𝑐)
Illustrative Examples:
𝟏−𝟓𝒙
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟏 𝟏+𝟑𝒙𝟐 +𝟒𝒙𝟒

 Since the denominator is not equal to zero when evaluated at x = 1, we can

apply direct substitution following the aforementioned theorem:

Solution. Computing the value of the numerator and denominator at x = 1,

1 − 5(1)
𝑓(1) =
1 + 3(1)2 + 4(1)4
−4
𝑓 (1) =
8
1
𝑓 (1) = −
2
Page 2 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

Therefore,
𝟏 − 𝟓𝒙 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −
𝒙→𝟏 𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙𝟒 𝟐

𝒙𝟒 +𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 +𝟓

 Again, since the denominator is not equal to zero when evaluated at x = -2,
we can apply direct substitution following the aforementioned theorem:

Solution. Computing the value of the numerator and denominator at x = -2,

𝑥4 + 𝑥2 − 1
𝑓 (−2) =
𝑥2 + 5
(−2) + (−2)2 − 1
4
𝑓(−2) =
(−2)2 + 5
16 + 4 − 1
𝑓(−2) =
4+5
19
𝑓 (−2) =
9
 The answer here cannot be simplified any further.
Therefore,
𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝟏𝟗
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =
𝒙→−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓 𝟗
When evaluating rational functions, check first if the numerator and denominator will not be equal to zero when
applying direct substitution.

Definition. If lim 𝑝(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑞(𝑥) = 0, then

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝑝(𝑥) 0
lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑞(𝑥) 0
is called an indeterminate form.

Undefined and indeterminate are two different forms. Undefined is the term used when only the denominator is zero
while indeterminate happens when both the numerator and denominator are zero. If both forms occur, apply
different techniques.

Illustrative Examples:
𝒙𝟐 −𝟗
3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑

 In this case, the function becomes indeterminate if we evaluate at x = -3. If

this happens, employ factoring method before applying substitution.

Solution. We notice that the numerator of the given function is factorable.

Factoring the numerator gives
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥+3
Dividing common factors will result to
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 3
Using the function in factored form, we evaluate at x = -3 applying substitution
𝑓 (−3) = −3 − 3 = −6
Therefore,
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −𝟔
𝒙→−𝟑 𝒙 + 𝟑

Page 3 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

𝒙𝟐 −𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟐𝟓
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙𝟐 −𝟒𝒙−𝟓

 Again, the function will become indeterminate once we substitute 5 as the

value of x in f(x).

Solution. Factor the numerator and denominator

(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1)
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1)
(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 + 1)
5−5 0
𝑓(5) = = =0
5+1 6
Therefore,
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 =𝟎
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟓
C. Radical Functions
Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐 √𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟐
𝒙→𝟐

Solution. Apply direct substitution

𝑓(2) = 22 √(2)2 + 5(2) + 2
𝑓(2) = 4√16
𝑓(2) = 4 (4)
𝑓(2) = 16
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐 √𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔
𝒙→𝟐

2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 − 𝟐
𝒙→−𝟐

 This case will result to an imaginary form. Since no further simplifications can
be employed, proceed to direct substitution.

Solution. Evaluate the function at x = -2

𝑓(−2) = √−2 − 2
𝑓(−2) = √−4
𝑓(−2) = √4(−1)
𝑓(−2) = 2√−1 = 2𝑖
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 − 𝟐 𝑫𝑵𝑬
𝒙→−𝟐

DNE means does not exist. So, we say that the limit does not exist because the algebraic function becomes
imaginary when direct substitution is applied.

𝒙+𝟐
3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→−𝟐 √𝒙+𝟔−𝟐

 This form of radical function will become indeterminate if we directly

substitute x = -2. In this case, simplify the radical function by applying the
conjugate principle.

Page 4 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

Solution. Since the denominator contains the radical, multiply the function by the
ratio of the conjugate of the denominator.
𝑥+2 √𝑥 + 6 + 2
𝑓(𝑥) = ( )( )
√𝑥 + 6 − 2 √𝑥 + 6 + 2
(𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 6 + 2)
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 6) − 4
(𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 6 + 2)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2
𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 6 + 2
Using the simplified form, evaluate the function at x = -2
𝑓(−2) = √(−2) + 6 + 2
𝑓(−2) = √4 + 2
𝑓(−2) = 4
Therefore,
𝒙+𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟒
𝒙→−𝟐 √𝒙 + 𝟔 − 𝟐

√𝒙+𝟏𝟏−𝟒
4. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙−𝟓

 This form of radical function will become indeterminate if we directly substitute x =

5. In this case, simplify the radical function by applying the conjugate principle.

Solution. Since the numerator contains the radical, multiply the function by the
conjugate of the numerator.
√𝑥 + 11 − 4 √𝑥 + 11 + 4
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ( )( )
𝑥−5 √𝑥 + 11 + 4
(𝑥 + 11) − 16
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 11 + 4)
𝑥−5
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 11 + 4)
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
√𝑥 + 11 + 4
Using the simplified form, evaluate the function at x = 5
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
√5 + 11 + 4
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
√16 + 4
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
8
Therefore,
√𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏 − 𝟒 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 𝟖
The conjugate of a radical in the form √𝑥 + 𝑘 is √𝑥 − 𝑘 and vice versa. In addition, keep in mind that √𝑥 + 𝑘 ≠ √𝑥 + 𝑘.

Page 5 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

LIMIT OF EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Limits of Exponential Functions
An exponential function is a function in which the exponent of the expression is a variable.
It is often of the form (𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 ,
where: 𝑏 = any real number such that 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, and
𝑥 = any real number
Note: The limit of exponential functions can be computed using table of values and graphs.

Example 1. Consider the exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 . Compute lim 2𝑥 using table of values and
x→+∞
graph.

Solution
Construct the table of values. Since x → +∞, let 𝑥 take on the number −3, −1, 0,1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Then,
find the corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 −3 −1 0 1 3 5 7 9
𝑓(𝑥) 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512

The graph passes through the point (0,1). The graph increases without bound as 𝑥 approaches positive
infinity. Notice that in the table of values, as the values of 𝑥 increases, the value of 𝑓(𝑥) also increases too. This
means as x → +∞, 2𝑥 approaches +∞.

lim 2𝑥 = +∞.
x→+∞

1 𝑥
Example 2: Find lim ( ) using table of values and graph.
x→−∞ 2

Solution:
Since x → −∞, let 𝑥 take on values that are approaching negative infinity such as
3, 2, 1, 0, −1, −2, −3, −7, −9 and−11. Then for each 𝑥, compute the corresponding value of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 3 2 1 0 −1 −2 −3 −7 −9 −11
𝑓(𝑥) 0.125 0.25 0.5 1 2 4 8 128 512 2,048

The graph passes through point (0,1). The graph increases without bound as x approaches negative
infinity. In the table of values, as the value of x decreases, the value of f(x) increases. This means that as x → −∞,
the function approaches positive infinity.
1 𝑥
lim ( ) = +∞
x→−∞ 2

Page 6 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

Summary: Try it out: Evaluate the following limits, graph

the function, and find the indicated limits.
1. If 𝑏 > 1
a. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = + ∞ 1. lim (3) 𝑥
x→+∞ x→−∞
1 𝑥
b. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = 0 2. lim ( )
x→−∞ x→−∞ 3
3. lim (3) 𝑥
2. If 0 < 𝑏 < 1 x→+∞
1 𝑥
a. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = 0 4. lim ( )
x→+∞ x→+∞ 3
b. lim 𝑏𝑥 =+∞
x→−∞

The Natural Exponential Function

The exponential function with base e is frequently used in advanced mathematics. The
natural exponential function is
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥
where 𝑒 = 2.718281828 …
Note: The limit of a natural exponential function can be determined by using table of values and
graphs.

Example 1: Find lim 𝑒 𝑥 by using table of values and by sketching the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .
x→+∞
Solution
Construct the table of values.
𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑓(𝑥) 0.1353 0.3679 1 2.7183 7.3891 20.0855

Notice that as the values of x increases, the corresponding value of f(x) rapidly increases. In the
graph, the value of 𝑓(𝑥) increases without bound.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = +∞
𝐱→+∞

Example 2: Find lim 𝑒 𝑥 by using table of values and by sketching the graph of
x→−∞
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .
Solution
Construct a table of values. Let x take on the values 2, 1, 0, −1, −2, −3, and −4. Compute the
corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).

Page 7 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

𝑥 1 0 −1 −2 −3 −4
𝑓(𝑥) 2.7183 1 0.3679 0.1353 0.0498 0.0183

As the values of x decreases, the values of f(x) decreases also but rapidly. As the value of x
approaches negative infinity, the function value approaches 0.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = 𝟎
𝐱→−∞

Summary:

1. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = +∞ 2. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 0
x→+∞ x→−∞

3. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = 0 4. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = +∞
x→+∞ x→−∞

Try it out: Evaluate the following limits, graph

the function and find the indicated limits.
1. lim 𝑒 2𝑥
x→∞
2. lim 𝑒 5𝑥
x→−∞
3. lim 𝑒 5𝑥
x→+∞

Limits of Logarithmic Functions

Exponential functions of the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 were graphed in the previous section. The
inverse of 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 which is 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦 is also a function. For 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, the logarithmic function 𝑦 =
log 𝑏 𝑥 is equivalent to 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦 .

Example 1: Express the following in logarithmic form.

1. 2𝑦 = 𝑥 (base 2 raised to exponent y, is x)
2. 82 = 64 (base 8 raised to exponent 2, is 64)
3. 62 = 36 (base 6 raised to exponent 2, is 36)

Solution:
1. log 2 𝑥 = 𝑦 (log of x base 2, is exponent y)
2. log 8 64 = 2 (log of 64 base 8, is exponent 2)
3. log 6 36 = 2 (log of 36 base 6, is exponent 2)

Page 8 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

To construct the values for 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥, use 𝑥 = 2𝑦 . Choose values for 𝑦 and calculate the
corresponding values of 𝑥.
Let y take on the values -3, -1, 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Compute the corresponding value of 𝑥 for
each value of 𝑦.
Table 1:
𝑥 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512 2,048
𝑦 −3 −1 0 1 3 5 7 9 11
In table 1, the values of x are increasing rapidly. The values of y are also increasing, although slowly.
Although slowly, y will also approach infinity. This can be seen in the graph.

Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 = +∞ .

𝒙→+∞

Let 𝑦 take on the values 9, 7, 5, 3, 1 and so on. Compute the corresponding values of 𝑥
Table 2:
𝑥 512 128 32 8 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.0313 0.0078
𝑦 9 7 5 3 1 0 −1 -3 -5 -7

In table 2, as the value of x approaches zero from the right, the values of y approach negative
infinity.
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 = −∞.
𝒙→𝟎

Notice that if the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥 are symmetric about 𝑦 = 𝑥, the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 and
the graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 are symmetric about 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Summary:
1. lim log 𝑏 𝑥 = +∞; b > 0 3. lim+ log 𝑏 𝑥 = −∞; b > 0 5. lim ln(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0 𝑥→+∞

2. lim log 𝑏 𝑥 = −∞; 0 < b < 1 4. lim+ log 𝑏 𝑥 = +∞; 0 < b < 1 6. lim+ ln(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Note: Natural logarithms (ln of x) have base e ( ln 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥 )

Example: Find the limits of the following:
1. lim log 3 𝑥 2. lim+ log 3 𝑥 3. lim 𝑙𝑛 4𝑥
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0 𝑥→+∞
Solution:
1. lim log 3 𝑥 = +∞ 2. lim+ log 3 𝑥 = −∞ 3. lim 𝑙𝑛 4𝑥 = +∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0 𝑥→+∞

Page 9 of 10
 MATH 2 3rd Trimester SY 2023 – 2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 2 – Basic Calculus Subject Teacher: Merino A. Bantasan

LIMIT OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Like other common functions, we can use direct substitution to find limits of trigonometric functions, as long as
the functions are defined at the limit.

Consider the sine function f(x) = sin(x), where x is measured in radian. The sine function is continuous
everywhere, therefore, lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐

This leads to the following theorem.

For every c in the trigonometric function’s domain (c is defined)

lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐 lim 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐 lim 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑐𝑠𝑐 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑐 lim 𝑠𝑒𝑐 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑐 lim 𝑐𝑜𝑡 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝒙𝟐 −𝟏
Example: Find the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙−𝟏
.
𝒙→𝟎

In this example, zero is a defined domain of the function, therefore, we can use direct substitution.
𝒙𝟐 (𝟎)𝟐 𝟎
Solution: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 (𝟎)−𝟏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 −𝟏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟎 = 𝟎
𝒙→𝟎

SPECIAL THEOREM FOR TRIGONOMETRIC LIMIT

Transcendental Functions also include three theorems. (SPECIAL THEOREM)

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒕) 𝟏−𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒕) 𝒕
𝟏. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟏 2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟎 𝟑. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟏
𝒕→𝟎 𝒕 𝒕→𝟎 𝒕 𝒕→𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏 (𝒕)

sin(𝑡)
Prove lim = 1 by constructing a table of values. The value of 𝒕 should be in radians.
𝑡→0 𝑡
sin(𝑡)
a. lim− =1
𝑡→0 𝑡

𝑡(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠) −1.5 −0.8 −0.5 −0.2 −0.08 −0.03 −0.01 -0.001

sin 𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999
𝑡 180
Sample solution: Radian = 𝜋
1800
a. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (−1.5 × 𝜋
) ÷ −1.5 = 0.664997
1800
b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (−0.8 × ) ÷ −0.8 = 0.896695
𝜋

sin(𝑡)
b. lim+ =1
𝑡→0 𝑡

𝑡(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠) 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.2 0.08 0.03 0.01 0.001

sin 𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999
𝑡
sin 𝑡
The sketch of the graph of 𝑦 = is shown below.
𝑡

It can be observed from the table of values that as the values of 𝑡 approach zero from either side,
sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡
the values of approach 1. Hence, lim = 1. In the same pattern, you may also prove the two
𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
theorems.

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