BUENAVISTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Cangawa, Buenavista, Bohol

Telefax: (038)5139169/Tel.: 513-9179

Limit of Functions

I. Overview:
This section discusses the different limit theorems that can be used in
evaluating limits of functions. This is a longer and more complicated process in
evaluating limits of functions.

II. Specific Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
1. identify and define the different Limit Theorems;
2. determine the limits of the given functions by applying the different Limit
Theorems;
3. determine the other techniques of evaluating limits of functions;
4. enumerate the steps in evaluating limits of functions by factoring and
conjugate methods;
5. identify when to use factoring and conjugate techniques;
6. determine limits of functions by applying factoring and conjugate methods;
and
7. manifest the value of self-acceptance, self-awareness and humility.

III. Learning Session:

 Main Limit Theorems

In the definition of each theorem, let c be any constant, n as any positive
integer, and f and g as the given functions, which have limits at k.

The Limit of a Constant Theorem

Definition. Lim c = c
x k

Illustrative examples:
2 2
1. Lim -3 = -3 2. Lim =
5 5
x 4 x ½

3. Lim 𝜋 = 𝜋 4. Lim 5.25 = 5.25

x 1.2 x 3

Remember: The limit of a constant as x approaches to any

constant is always equal to the given constant.

The Limit of a Function of x

Definition. Lim x = k
x k

Illustrative Examples
1. Lim x = 1 2. Lim x = 3.25
x 1 x 3.25

Remember: The limit of a function x as x approaches to any

constant is always equal to the constant.

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 1

 The Limit of a Constant and a Function of f(x)
Definition. Lim c f(x) = c Lim f(x)
x k x k

Illustrative Examples:
1. Lim 3x = 3 Lim x = 3(-2) = -6
x -2 x -2
2. Lim -6x = -6 Lim x = -6(½ ) = -3
x ½ x ½

Remember:
In evaluating the Limit of a Constant and a Function, the
following steps can be followed:
1. Express the limit as a product of a constant and the limit
of a function x.
2. Find the limit of the function x based on the given value
for x.
3. Simplify the resulting numbers.

The Limit of Sum and Difference of Functions

Definition. Lim [f(x) ± g(x)] = Lim f(x) ± Lim g(x)
x k x k x k

Illustrative Examples:
1. Lim x + 5 = Lim x + Lim 5 = -2 + 5 = 3
x -2 x -2 x -2

2. Lim 4x – 2 = 4 Lim x – Lim 2 = 4(-5) – 2 = -20 – 2 = -22

x -5 x -5 x -5

Remember:
In evaluating the Limit of Sum/Difference of Functions, the
following steps can be followed:
1. Express the limit as sum or difference of functions
depending on the number of terms.
2. Apply the previously discussed limit theorems in finding
the limit of each term.
3. Simplify.

The Limit of Product of Functions

Definition. Lim [f(x) ∙ g(x)] = Lim f(x) ∙ Lim g(x)
x k x k x k

Illustrative Examples:
1. Lim (3x)(5) = 3 Lim x ∙ Lim 5 = 3(1)∙ 5 = 3(5) = 15
x 1 x 1 x 1

2. Lim (2x + 1)(x + 5) = [2 Lim x + Lim 1]∙[Lim x + Lim 5]

x -2 x -2 x -2 x -2 x -2

= [2(-2) + 1]∙[-2 + 5] = -3 (3) = 9

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 2

 Remember:
In evaluating the Limit of Products of Functions, the
following steps can be followed:
1. Express the limit in expanded form by applying the Limit
of Product Theorem.
2. Evaluate the limit of each function by applying the
previously discussed limit theorems.
3. Simplify.

The Limit of Quotient of Functions

𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 −𝑘
Definition. Lim = 𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑔(𝑥) , provided that g(x) ≠ 0.
𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥 −𝑘
x k

Illustrative Examples:
𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑥
𝑥 𝑥→ 5 5
1. Lim = 𝐿𝑖𝑚 2 =
2 2
𝑥→ 5
x 5

𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑥+𝐿𝑖𝑚 5
𝑥+5 𝑥 → −6 2+5 7 7
2. Lim = 3𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑥 −𝐿𝑖𝑚 2 = = =
3𝑥− 2 3(2)− 2 6− 2 4
𝑥 →−6
x -6

Remember:
In evaluating the Limit of Quotient of Functions, the
following steps can be followed:
1. Express the limit in expanded form by applying the
Limit of Quotient Theorem.
2. Evaluate the limit of each function by applying the
previously discussed limit theorems.
3. Simplify.

The Limit of Power of Functions

Definition. Lim [f(x)]n = [ Lim f(x)]n
x→k x→k

Illustrative Examples:
1. Lim x4 = [ Lim x ] 4 = 24 = 16
x→2 x→2

2. Lim x2 – 2x + 1 = [Lim x]2 + 2Lim x + Lim 1

x→-9 x→-9 x→-9 x→-9

= (-9)2 + 2(-9) + 1 = 64

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 3

The Limit of Root of Functions
Definition. Lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) , provided that Lim f(x) > 0
x→k x→k when n is even.

Illustrative Examples:
1. Lim √𝑥 = √𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑥 = √8 = √4(2) = 2√2
x→8 x→8

3
2. Lim 3x( √𝑥) = 3 Lim x ∙ 3√𝐿𝑖𝑚 𝑥 = 3(27)∙ 3√27 = 81(3) = 243
x → 27 x → 27 x → 27

Substitution Theorem
Definition. If function f is a polynomial function or a rational function, then
Lim f(x) = Lim f(k) , provided that in case of rational functions, the value of
x→k x → k the denominator at k is not equal to zero.

Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate the Lim 3x4 – 2x2 + 10x – 1.
x→2
Substituting all values of x by 2, then
Lim 3x4 – 2x2 + 10x – 1 = 3(2)4 – 2(2)2 + 10(2) -1 = 59
x→2
2. Find the Lim 3x2 – 2x + 5.
x → 1/3
𝐴=
1
Substituting
𝜋𝑟 2 all values of x by 3 , then
1 1 1 2 14
Lim 3x2 – 2x + 5 = 3( )2 – 2( ) + 5 = 3( ) - + 5 =
3 3 9 3 3

Remember:
In evaluating limit of functions by Substitution Theorem,
apply the following steps:
1. Substitute all x’s by the given value.
2. Simplify.

Other Techniques in Evaluating Limits of Functions

There are some instances that applying the Substitution Theorem is not
applicable. That is, when the limit becomes undefined upon substituting the given
value for x. In this case, other techniques such as factoring method or conjugate
method can be used.
 By Factoring
Illustrative Examples:
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−10
1. Evaluate the Lim .
x → −5 𝑥+5
𝐴=
Using the Substitution
𝜋𝑟 2 Theorem,
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−10 (−5)2 +3(−5)−10 25 −15−10
Lim = = = indeterminate
x → −5 𝑥+5 −5+5 −5+5
𝐴=
𝜋𝑟 2
Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 4
 Note that upon simplifying, the limit of the given function is undefined. It means
that there is no existing limit.
If we are going to observe the numerator, notice that is factorable.
By factoring the numerator,
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−10 (𝑥+5)(𝑥−2)
Lim will become Lim
x → −5 𝑥+5 x → −5 𝑥+5
𝐴= 𝐴=
Canceling
𝜋𝑟 2
the common factor x + 𝜋𝑟5,2 the given limit will now become,
Lim x -2 = -7
x → −5
𝐴=
𝜋𝑟 2
𝑥 3 +27
2. Evaluate the Lim .
x → −5
𝑥+3

Using the Substitution Theorem,

𝐴=
𝜋𝑟 2
𝑥 3 +27 (−3)3 +27
Lim = = indeterminate
x → −3 𝑥+3 −3+3
𝐴=
Observe𝜋𝑟that
2 upon simplifying, the limit of the given function is indeterminate. It
means that there is no existing limit.
If we are going to examine the numerator, notice that is factorable.
By factoring the numerator which is a sum of two cubes, then
𝑥 3 +27 (𝑥+3)(𝑥 2 −3𝑥+9)
Lim will become Lim
x → −3 𝑥+3 x → −3 𝑥+3
𝐴= 𝐴=
Canceling
𝜋𝑟 2 the common𝜋𝑟factor
2 x + 3, the given limit will now become,
Lim ( x2 – 3x + 9) = 27
x → −3
𝐴=
𝜋𝑟 2

Remember:
 Factoring Method is used when:
1. The limit of the given rational function is undefined or
indeterminate.
2. Either the numerator or denominator of the rational function is
factorable.
 In evaluating limits of functions using Factoring Method, the following
steps can be applied:
1. Factor either the numerator or denominator of the given rational
function.
2. Cancel the common factor.
3. Apply the Substitution Theorem
4. Simplify.

 By Conjugation

Conjugation is a process of simplifying rational expressions which contains

radicals on the denominator.
For instance, we are given the expressions below and we are asked to
simplify,
4
.
5+ √3

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 5

 First, we get the conjugate of the denominator and multiply it to both the
numerator and the denominator of the fraction. To get the conjugate, just copy
the first and second terms on the denominator and change the sign in between.
That is, 5 - √3. So we have
4 5− √3 20− 4√3 20− 4√3
∙ = =
5+ √3 5− √3 25− 3 22

The question is, when are we going to apply conjugation in evaluating limits of
functions?
Try to examine the following examples:
𝑥−25
1. Find Lim .
x → 25 √𝑥−5
𝐴=
By substitution,
𝜋𝑟 2
we have
x−25 25−25 0
Lim = = = indeterminate
x → 25 √x−5 5−5 0
𝐴=
Notice
𝜋𝑟 2
that the limit is undefined as we used substitution. Because of this, we
need to look for another method wherein the limit will be defined. This time, we are
going to use the process of conjugation.
Before taking the limit, multiply the conjugate of the terms with radical on both
the numerator and denominator of the fraction and simplify. That is,
𝑥−25 √𝑥+5 (√𝑥+5)(𝑥−25)
∙ = = √𝑥 + 5
√𝑥−5 √𝑥+5 𝑥−25

Take the limit of √𝑥 + 5 as x approaches to 25 by using substitution. So, we

have

= √𝑥 + 5 = √25 + 5 = 5 + 5 = 10
Therefore, the limit of the function as x approaches to 25 is 10.
11− √𝑥
2. Find Lim .
x → 11 121−𝑥
𝐴=
Again, if𝜋𝑟we
2 are going to take a look at the example, its limit is undefined or
indeterminate by using substitution, So, we need to conjugate first, before taking the
limit.
11− √𝑥 11+ √𝑥 121− 𝑥 1
∙ = =
121−𝑥 11+ √𝑥 (121− 𝑥 )(11+ √𝑥) 11+ √𝑥
1
Then, we take the limit of as x approaches to 121 by substitution. So, we
11+ √𝑥
have,
1 1 1
= = =
11+ √121 11+ 11 22
1
Therefore, the limit of the function as x approaches to 121 is .
22

Remember:
 Conjugation method is being used when:
1. The limit of the given rational function is indeterminate or undefined; and
2. Either the numerator or denominator of the rational functions is composed
of radicals.

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 6

 Remember:
 In evaluating limits of functions using Conjugation method, the following
steps can be applied:
1. Get the conjugate of the radical.
2. Multiply the conjugate to the numerator and denominator of the given
rational function.
3. Cancel the common factors existing in the numerator and
denominator.
4. Apply the Substitution Theorem in order to get the limit of the result in
step 3.
5. Simplify.

IV. Application of Learning:

Direction: Match Column B with Column A. Solve for the Limit of Function by applying
the appropriate Limit Theorems. Write only letters that corresponds to your answer
before each number. After answering all the items, determine the message of the
quotation that follows. Show your solution.

Column A
1. Lim 𝑥 + 7
x → −2
𝐴=
2. Lim
2
5𝑥 + 4
𝜋𝑟
x → −1
𝐴=
3. Lim
2
4𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 2
𝜋𝑟
x → −2

4. Lim −3𝑥 − 2
x→3

5. Lim 6𝑥 + 9
x→2

6. Lim 9𝑥 − 10
1
x→
3

7. Lim 3𝑥3 − 4
1
x→
2

8. Lim (6𝑥)(3)
1
x→
2
3
9. Lim √𝑥
x → 24

10. Lim (3𝑥)(4𝑥)

1
x→
3

11. Lim (𝑥 + 1)(−2)

x→3

12. Lim (2𝑥)(3𝑥 − 3)

1
x→
3

13. Lim (2𝑥2 + 2𝑥)(3)

−1
x→
2

14. Lim (5𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 −3)

x → −2

𝑥 10 +𝑥 9 +𝑥 8 + 𝑥 7 +𝑥 6 + 𝑥 5 +𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 +7𝑥
15. Lim
x→0 𝑥

9
16. Lim1 3𝑥
x→
2

𝑥+2
17. Lim
x → −1 2𝑥−3

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 7

 5𝑥+10
18. Lim
x → −2 5𝑥 2 +5𝑥−10

𝑥+3
19. Lim 3𝑥 2
−1
x→
2

4𝑥−5
20. Lim 𝑥+3
3
x→
2

2𝑥+2
21. Lim 𝑥+3
3
x→
5

Quotation:
__ __ __ __ __
8 20 10 1 21

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
12 2 8 10 1 3 21 10 8 11

__ __ __ __ __ __
19 6 15 19 17 21

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
19 20 21 18 15 14 13 19 20 21

__ __ __ __ __ __
21 9 14 12 15 13

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
21 17 21 2 16 10 1 8 20 4 12 20 5

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
10 7 19 3 8 20 14 13 19 20 21

__ __ __ __ __ __
21 9 14 12 15 13

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
20 19 10 1 8 20 4

-Mignon McLaughlin

Note: Write your answer in a yellow paper. In submitting your outputs, either you take a picture
and send it privately to my messenger account or you will pass a hardcopy and pass it on the
guardhouse. This will serve as your quiz.

Math 106 – Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry (Module 1) 8