S.

Y:2024-2025
SECOND SEMESTER
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Name of Student: _________________________________________ Time Frame: ____________________________

Strand/Grade Level/ Section:_____________________________________ Teacher: VILMA L. LOREJO, LPT._ _

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Module Page Date

No.
QUARTER 3

Rationale 3

Most Essential Learning Competencies 3

Specific Learning Outcome 3

Lesson 1.1 Limit Of A Function 4

Lesson 1.2 The Limit Theorems 5

Now Try This 1! 9

Lesson 1.3 Limits of Trigonometric, 10

Exponential and Logarithmic
Functions

Lesson 1.4 Continuity Of A Function 14

Now Try This 2! 16

Wrap – Up 17

References 17

Keys to Correction 17

Assessment Sheets 18

Retrieval of Module

2
Rationale:
How do we solve problems involving long-term
behavior? Suppose the estimated population of a
certain city t years from now will be p, where p is a
function of t. An environmental study shows that
the average level of carbon monoxide in the air
will be c parts per million when the population
reaches p thousand. What will happen to the level
of population in the long run?

If a certain medicine is injected into the

bloodstream, how do we measure the
concentration of the medicine in the long term or
after an indefinite period of time?

This module is intended to provide the learners with the opportunity to continue learning independently at
home. Learners are expected to meet the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) specified in each lesson.
This module is designed to investigate the effects which deals with change, where it is the main focus of
Calculus – to study how things change.You will not find this to be a tough subject. I'll help you learn more about
Limits where its concept is the main tool in studying the derivatives. Have a happy journey!

Most Essential Learning Competencies:

 Illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values and the graph of a function
 Distinguishes between lim f (x ) and f(c)
x →c
 Illustrate the limit laws
 Apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions (polynomial, rational and radical)
 Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions using table of values and graphs
of the functions
t
sin t 1−cos t e −1
 Illustrate the limits involving the expressions , , and using tables of values.
t t t
 Illustrate continuity of a function at a number.
 Determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not.
 Illustrate continuity of a function on an interval.
 Solve problems involving continuity of a function.

Specific Learning Outcome:

At the end of this module you will be able to solve problems regarding the laws of limits and continuity of a
function.

Lesson 1.1 Limit Of A Function

Definition (Informal)

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 The limit of a function f(x) as x approaches c is L, written as lim f ( x )=L , if the values of f(x) get closer to L
x →c
as the values of x get closer to c (both from left to right of c).
The number c in the definition above may or may not be in the domain of the function f(x) while the number L is
understood to be a finite real number.
Remarks: Functional evaluation and limit evaluation are two different processes. The value
f(c) finds the value of a function when x= c, whereas the value of lim f (x ) evaluates f(x) when
x →c
x is near but x not equal to c.

In symbols, we write this process as :

lim f (x ) = L
x →c
This is read as, the limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L.
“What does a function do as the variable approaches a given value?”

To illustrate this, let us consider the following examples:

2
EXAMPLE 1 lim x = _______
x →2

Here, f(x) = x2 and the constant c , which x will approach, is 2. To evaluate the given limit, we will make use
a table of values to help us keep track of the effect that the approach of x toward 2 will have on f(x). Of course, on
the number line, x may approach 2 in two ways: through the values on its left and through the values on its right.
We first consider approaching 2 from its left or through values less than 2. Then we would also use values
approaching 2 from its right or through values greater than but close to 2. Remember that the values to be
chosen should be close to 2.
x 1.5 1.9 1.999 2 2.001 2.1 2.5
f(x) 2.25 3.61 3.996 4.004 4.41 6.25

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 2, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 4. So, in
2
symbols, we can say that: lim x =4
x →2

NOTE:
a. For a LIMIT TO EXIST at “c” lim ¿= lim ¿
−¿ +¿
x→ C f (x)¿ x→ c f (x)¿

b. The limit DOES NOT EXIST (DNE) at “c” lim ¿≠ lim ¿

−¿ +¿
x→ C f (x)¿ x→ C f (x)¿

X−1
EXAMPLE 2. lim 2 = 0.5
x →1 X −1

x 0.5 0.99 0.999 1 1.001 1.01 1.5

f(x) 0.67 0.503 0.5002 0.499 0.4975 0.4

EXAMPLE 3

4
Use the given graph to determine the limit of the indicated function.
2
x −x−2
b.lim ( x −2 x +3 )=2
3
a. lim = -3
x→−1 x +1 x →1

ANSWERS:
a. b.

Common Cases of Non- Existent Limit

1. The value being approached by f(x) as x approaches c from the right is different from what is being
approached as x approaches c from the left.
2. The function increases or decreases without bound as x approaches c.
3. The function alternates between two distinct values as x approaches c.

Lesson 1.2 The Limit Theorems

It is not easy to evaluate the limit of a function from the graph or a table of values. Our guess estimate may
not always be correct.
We state the Limit Theorems, also called Limit Laws , and use these to evaluate the limit of a function at a real
number c.

Definitions:
Polynomial Function – is the sum of one or more monomials with real coefficients and nonnegative
integer exponents. The degree of the polynomial function is the highest value for n where an is not equal to
0.
Examples: f(x) = 4x3 – 2x2 – 1 , f(x) = x5 – 3x3 + 2

Rational Function – is a function that can be written in the form of

N ( x)
f(x) = , where N(x) and D(x) are both polynomials and D(x) ≠ 0.
D( x)
( x−2)(x ¿¿ 2+1) 1
Examples: g(x) = ¿ , h(x) =
( x−3)(x +2) x+3

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 Radical Functions – is any function that contains a variable inside a root. This includes square roots,
cubed roots or any nth root.
Examples: y = √ x+ 1 , p = √ 3
x−2

PROPERTIES OF LIMITS OR LIMIT LAWS

1. The Limit of a Constant. The limit of a constant is itself. If c is any constant then, lim
x →a
c=c

Examples:
−3.14=−3.14 lim 221=221
a. lim
x →a
2=2 b. lim
x →1
c. x→ 1
2

2. The Limit of the Identity Function. The limit of x as x approached a is equal to a. lim
x →a
x=a

Examples:
a. lim
x →3
x=3 lim x=0.05
b. x→ 0.05
lim x=−2
c. x→−2

3. The Constant Multiple Theorem. This is simply that the limit of a multiple is simply the limit of a function.

( )
lim c (f ( x ) )=c lim f ( x ) =c (L)
x →a x→a

Examples:
a. lim 8 x=8 ¿
x →3

b. lim −11 x = -11(lim x ¿=−11 ( 4 )=−44

x→ 4 x→ 4

4. The Limit of a Sum or Difference. This is says that the limit of a sum of functions is the sum of the limits of the
individual functions. Subtraction is also included in this law, that is, the limit of a difference of functions is the
difference of the limits of the individual functions.
lim ( f ( x ) + g ( x ))=lim f ( x )+ lim g(x )
x →a x→ a x→a

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

x →a x →a x →a
Examples:
a. lim (12−x ) = lim 12−¿ lim x =12−5=7 ¿
x →5 x →5 x→ 5

lim x +¿ lim 9=−4+ 9=5 ¿

b. lim (x+ 9) = x→−4
x→−4 x→−4

5. The Limit of a Product. The limit of a product is the product of the limits of the individual functions.
lim ( f ( x ) )( g ( x )) = lim f ( x ) lim g ( x )
x →a x →a x →a

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 Example:
a. lim (−6 x ) = lim −6 • lim x = -6(3) = -18
x →3 x →3 x →3

lim x } • { lim (x−11) }

b. lim (x )( x−11) = { x→−1
x→−1 x→−1

lim x } • { lim x− lim 11 }

= { x→−1 (using limit theorem 1, 2 & 4)
x→−1 x →−1

= (-1)• (-1-11)
= 12

6. The Limit of a Quotient. The limit of a quotient is the quotient of the limits of the individual functions.
lim f (x)
f (x) x → a
lim = ; g(x )≠ 0
x →a g(x ) lim g(x )
x→a
Example:
lim 4 x−lim 15 lim 4 lim x −lim 15
4 x−15 x→ 3 x →3
=
x →3 x→3 x →3
=
( =
)
4 ( 3 ) −15 12−15
=−1
a. lim =
x →3 2 x−3 lim 2 x−lim 3
x →3
lim 2 lim x −lim 3
x→3 x→ 3 (
2 ( 3 )−3
x →3
6−3
) x→ 3

lim 3 x lim 3 ⦁ lim x

3x x →2 x→ 2 x→ 2 3 ⦁2 6
b. lim = = = =
x →2 x +9 lim ( x+ 9) lim x+ lim 9 2+ 9 11
x→ 2 x →2 x→ 2

7. The Limit of a Power. This states that the limit of an integer power n of a function is just that power of the limit
of the function.
n
lim ( f ( x ) ) = lim f ( x )n=Ln
x →a x →a

Example:
3 3
a. lim ( 4 x) =4 =64
x →1

lim ¿ ¿ = [ lim ¿ ¿ ]
b. x→−1 using Limit Theorem 7
x→−1

5 3 2
lim 8 6
= [ lim x - 2⦁ lim x + lim x - x→−1 using Limit Theorem 4 & 5
x→−1 x→−1 ¿ x→−1

= [ (−1)5−2 ¿ using Limit Theorem 1 & 7

= (-1 + 2 +1- 8¿6
= (−6)6
= 46, 656

8. The Limit of a Radical/Root. This states that if n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is
just the nth root of the limit of a function, provided the nth root of the limit is a real number.

√
lim √ f ( x ) = n lim f (x ) = √n L
n

x→ a x→ a

Examples:
7
 a. lim √ 4 x = √ 4 x = 2√ x
x→ a

b. lim √3 x = √3 27 = 3
x→ 27

0
Indeterminate Form
0

If lim f ( x )=0∧¿ lim g ( x )=0 ¿ , then lim f (x) is called an indeterminate form 0 .
x →c x→ c x →c g(x ) 0

0 f (x )
Note that is not a real number. It is used to indicate that the limit may or may not exist and so, may be
0 g (x)
f (x)
rewritten as an expression that can be simplified further. To evaluatelim , we follow some strategies.
x →c g(x )
 Substitute x =c directly in f(x) and g(x).
constant
 If we get , then we found the limit.
nonzero constant
0
 If we get the indeterminate form , then we need to rewrite the numerator and denominator so we can
0
0
obtain a new form which is not . We evaluate the limit of the new form by directly substituting x = c.
0

We will illustrate three different techniques that can be used to evaluate limits whenever we obtain the
0
indeterminate form .
0
Examples:
2
x −64
a. Evaluatelim .
x →8 x−8

SOLUTION:
0
The first step is to directly substitute x = 8 in the function. Note that we obtain the indeterminate form . We can
0
factor the numerator as (x-8)(x+8) and since we want to find the limit as x → 8 , we can cancel x – 8 from the
numerator and denominator. Recall that if we want to find the functional value f (8), we cannot cancel x-8. We say
f(8) is undefined. So,
2
x −64 0
lim Direct Substitution:
x →8 x−8 0
2
x −64 ¿ ( x−8)(x +8)
lim =lim Factor x2 - 64
x →8 x−8 x →8 x−8

= lim
x →8
x+ 8 Cancel x- 8

= lim
x →8
x+ lim 8
x→8
Apply Limit Theorem 1&2

=8+8

8
 =16

b. Evaluate lim
√ x +4−3 .
x →5 x−5

SOLUTION:
0
We obtain the indeterminate form after direct substitution of x = 5. We rewrite the function by rationalizing the
0
numerator.

lim √ x +4−3 Direct Substitution:

0
x →5 x−5 0

lim √ x +4−3 = lim √ x +4−3 ⦁ √ x + 4+3 Rationalize the numerator

x →5 x−5 x →5 x−5 √ x + 4+3
(x+ 4)−9
= lim Multiply numerators and denominators
x →5 ( x−5)( √ x+ 4+3)

x−5
= lim Simplify
x →5 ( x−5)( √ x+ 4+3)

1
= lim Cancel x – 5
x →5 √ x +4 +3

1
= Direct Substitution x = 5
√5+ 4+ 3
1
=
3+3
1
=
6

3 3
−
c. Evaluate 2+h 2
lim
h→ 0 h

SOLUTION:
3 3
− 0
2+h 2 Direct Substitution:
lim 0
h→ 0 h

3 3 6−3(2+h)
− lim
2+h 2 = h → 0 (2+h)(2) Find the LCD of the denominator in the numerator.
lim
h→ 0 h h

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 lim 6−6−3 h
= h→0 1 Simplify Algebraically.
⦁
(2+h)(2) h

lim −3 h
= h →0
h(2+h)(2)

−3
= lim ❑ Cancel h.
h →0 (2+h)(2)

−3
= Direct Substitution.
(2+0)(2)

−3
=
4

Now Try This 1! Use a separate bond paper for your solutions.
Name:_____________________________________Strand/Grade/Level/Section:___________________________________
Evaluate the following limits and identify the limit theorems.

lim x
1. x→ Ex. lim 3 = 3 Limit of a Constant
3.14 x→ 3.14

3x
2. lim 2
x→−2 x +2 x+1

3. lim
√ x +1−2
x →3 x 2−9

4 4
+
4. h−5 5
lim
h→ 0 h

Lesson 1.3 Limits of Trigonometric, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Trigonometry is one of the oldest branches in Mathematics. It comes from two Greek words “trigon” which mean
triangle and “metron” which means measurement.

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Trigonometric Functions – ( also called the circular functions) are functions of an angle. They relate the angles of
a triangle to the lengths of its side.
Trigonometric Identities – are equations involving circular functions.
𝝅 – ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Archimedes made his first scientific attempt to compute it.
Johann Heinrich Lambert showed that (pi) is irrational. F. Lindenmann showed that (pi) is transcendental.
Sine – is derived from the Latin word “sinus” which is equivalent to the Arabic term “ jaib” which means “ cover” or
“bay”. It was Gherardo of Cremona (circa 1150) who made this translation.

LIMIT THEOREMS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Let c be a real number in the domain of the given function. Then,
1) lim
x →c
sin x = sin c

2) lim
x →c
cos x=cos c

3) lim
x →c
tan x=tan c

4) lim
x →c
cot x=cot c

5) lim
x →c
sec x=sec c

6) lim
x →c
csc x=csc c

Note that the Limit Theorems above are direct substitution of x = c.

There are three useful trigonometric limits that will be needed to find the trigonometric derivatives.

OTHER TRIGONOMETRIC LIMIT THEOREMS

sin θ
7) lim =1
θ→0 θ
θ
8) lim =1
θ→0 sin θ
1−cos θ
9) lim =0
θ→0 θ
We now verify the three Limit Theorems using a table of values where θ approaches 0 through positive and
negative values.

θ(¿ radians) -0.10 -0.01 -0.001 0 0.10 0.01 0.001

sinθ
0.9983 0.99998 0.9999998 undefined 0.9983 0.99998 0.9999998
θ
θ
1.0017 1.000017 1.00000017 undefined 1.0017 1.000017 1.00000017
sin θ
1−cos θ
-0.0499 -0.00499 -0.000499 undefined 0.0499 0.00499 0.000499
θ
TABLE 1.3.1

sin θ θ 1−cos θ
We can see from TABLE 1.3.1 that and get closer to 1 as θ approaches 0. The values of get
θ sin θ θ
closer to 0 as the θ−values approach 0.
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 lim x ⦁ sin x
Example 1 Evaluate x→ ℼ
2
Solution: We use the Direct Substitution property to obtain
lim x ⦁ sin x lim x ⦁ lim sin x=¿ ℼ ℼ ℼ ℼ
ℼ = x→ ℼ ℼ ⦁ sin = ⦁ 1 =
x→
2 2
x→
2 2 2 2 2

The previous Limit Theorems can be applied to determine the limit of trigonometric functions.

tan 3 x
Example 2 Find the limℼ cot 2 x −sec 2 x .
x→
4

Solution: We apply the Limit Theorems particularly the Direct Substitution property to get:

3ℼ
tan 3 x tan
lim 4
ℼ cot 2 x −sec x = Set your scientific calculator into radian mode.
2
x→
4 cot 2 ( 4 )−sec ( 4 )
ℼ 2 ℼ

−1 −1
= = Simplify.
0−¿ ¿ −2
1
=
2

sin 5 x
Example 3 Find the limitlim .
x →0 x
Solution: To apply Trigonometric Limit Theorem 7, we need to have 5x in the denominator. So,

sin 5 x sin 5 x
lim =lim ⦁5 Multiply and divide by 5.
x →0 x x→ 0 5x
sin 5 x lim 5
= lim ⦁ As x→ 0 , 5x → 0.
x →0 5 x x →0
=1⦁5 =5 Trigonometric Limit Theorem 7

sin 2 x
Example 4 Evaluate lim .
x →0 sin 7 x
Solution: We multiply and divide the numerator by 2x and multiply and divide the denominator by 7x, to
obtain:

12
 sin 2 x
⦁ 2x
sin 2 x 2x
lim = lim Cancel x.
x →0 sin 7 x x →0 sin 7 x
⦁ 7x
7x
sin 2 x
⦁2
2x
= lim Use Limit Theorems. As x→ 0, 2x→ 0 ,∧7 x →0.
x →0 sin 7 x
⦁7
7x
sin 2 x
lim ⦁ lim 2
x→ 0 2x x→0
= Use Trigonometric Limit Theorem 7.
sin 7 x
lim ⦁ lim 7
x→0 7x x→0

1 ⦁2 2
= =
1 ⦁7 7

2
1−cos 2 x
Example 5 Evaluatelim .
x →0 4x
Solution: To apply Trigonometric Limit Theorem 9, we have to transform the function using algebraic
properties.
2
1−cos 2 x
lim =lim ¿ ¿ ¿
x →0 4x x →0

1+cos 2 x 1−cos 2 x
= lim ⦁ lim
x →0 2 x →0 2x
1+ 1
= ⦁0
2
=0

LIMIT OF THE EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Recall the graphs of the exponential and logarithmic functions.

From the graphs in Figure 1.3.1., we can determine the limits of the exponential
and logarithmic functions.

Figure 1.3.1

LIMIT LAWS OF EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

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 x x
1. If b > 1, then lim b = 0 and lim b =+∞
x→−∞ x→+∞

x x
2. If 0 < b < 1, then lim b = +∞ and lim b =0
x→−∞ x→+∞

3. If b > 1, then lim ¿ and lim log b x=+∞

+¿
x→ 0 log b x=−∞ ¿ x→+∞

4. If 0< b < 1, then lim ¿ and lim log b x=−∞

+¿
x→ 0 log b x=+∞ ¿ x→+∞

We can extend these limits when the base is the number e. Since e > 1, then
x x
5. lim e = 0 and lim e = +∞
x→−∞ x→+∞

6. x→ 0 lim ¿ and lim ln x=+∞

+¿
ln x=−∞ ¿ x→+∞

We now state the limit definitions for the number e ≈ 2.718281828

Limit definition for e

t
e −1
1. lim =1
t →0 t
1
x
2. lim (1+ x ) = e
x →0

n
1
3. lim (1+ ) = e
n →+∞ n

1 1
We obtain (3) from (2) by letting x = , n = . As x→ 0, n →+∞ .
n x
First, we consider the natural exponential function f(x) = ex , where e is called Euler number and has a value
2.718281… The natural exponential e was first described in 1683 by Swiss Mathematician Jacob Bernoulli. He
discovered the number while studying compound interest.

It was called e by Swiss Mathematician and physicist Leonhard Euler in a letter to German mathematician
Christian Goldbach in 1731. The number was then published with this notation in 1736.
x
Example 6. Evaluate the lim e .
x →0

Solution: We will construct the table of values for f(x) = ex. We start by approaching the number 0 from the
left or through the values less than but close to zero.

x -0.5 -0.01 -0.001 0 0.001 0.01 0.5

f(x) 1.648
0.6065 0.99990 0.9990 1.001 1.010
7

x
Therefore lim e =1 .
x →0

14
As the values of x approach 0, either from right or left, the values of f(x) will get closer and closer to 1.

x
Example 7. Evaluate lim 5 = 25 Solution:
x →2

x 1.7 1.8 1.999 2 2.0001 2.001 2.2

f(x) 15.4258 18.1194 25.0402
24.9598 25.00402 34.49324
5 9 7

Definition:
A Logarithm is simply an exponent that is written in a special way.
For example, we know that the following exponential equation is true:
32 = 9

In this case, the base is 3 and the exponent is 2. We can write this equation in logarithm form (with
identical meaning) as follows:
log3 9 = 2
We say this as “ the logarithm of 9 to the base 3 is 2.”

The logarithmic function is defined as :

f(x) = log b x

The 2 most common bases that we use are base 10 and base ℯ , which we meet in Logs to base 10 and
The base of the logarithm is b.

Natural logs (base ℯ) .The logarithmic function has many real-life applications: in acoustics, electronics,
earthquake analysis and population prediction.

The word logarithm was coined by John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, from two Greek words logos
which means ratio and arithmos which means number. It was invented by John Napier during the Industrial
Revolution. He also published a brochure entitled “ A Description of the Wonderful Law of Logarithm” in
1614.John Briggs an English professor devoted his energies toward the construction of 14-place table of common
logarithms of numbers from 1 to 20,000 and from 90, 000 to 100, 000. These were in his book Arithmetica
Logarithmica.

LIMIT OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Let a and b real numbers, where a>0, b>0 and b≠ 1. Then lim ¿ ¿ ¿ = log a . Moreover, we also have
x→ a b

lim ¿= ∞ for 0< b< 1 and lim ¿= −∞ for b> 1.

+¿ +¿
x→ 0 ¿¿ x→ 0 ¿¿

Example 8. Use a tabular method to find the following limits

15
a. lim ¿ b. lim ¿ ¿ ¿)
x →3 x →0

Solution:

x 2.8 2.99 2.9999 3 3.0001 3.001 3.1

log 5 ( x+2) 0.97463 0.98745 0.99987 1.00001 1.00012 1.01230

x -0.2 -0.1 -0.001 0 0.001 0.1 0.2

¿¿ -4.06609 -4.01820 -3.96985 -3.96887 -3.91954 -3.86868

Evaluate the limits given in Example 8 using the properties og limits.

a. lim ¿ = log ¿ = log 5 (3+2) = log 5 = 1

x →3 5 5

b. lim ¿ ¿ ¿ = log 2 ¿ ¿ = log 2 (5−0)= log 2 5 ≈ -3.97

x →0 3 3 3

Lesson 1.4 CONTINUITY OF A FUNCTION

Definition
A function is continuous at x = c means that there is no holes, breaks, jumps, gaps or asymptotes.
It is continuous at “c” (independent variable or value that is plug-in inside the function) if the following three
conditions are meet for Continuity at a Point/Number:
a. f(c) is defined or exist

b. lim f ( x ) exists
x →c

c. lim f (x ) = f(c)
x →c

Are these functions continuous at x = 2?

2 2 2
x −4 x −4 x −4
f(x) = g(x) = ;x = 2 h(x) = ; x= 2
x −2 x −2 x −2
3 ;x = 2 4 ;x=2

Answers and Explanations:

a) f(c) is not defined a) f(c) = 3 exist a) f(c) = 4 exist

2 2 2
x −4 ( x−2)(x+ 2) x −4 ( x−2)(x+ 2) x −4 ( x−2)(x+ 2)
b) lim = lim b) lim = lim b) lim = lim
x →2 x−2 x →2 x−2 x →2 x−2 x →2 x−2 x →2 x−2 x →2 x−2

= lim
x →2
x+2 = lim
x →2
x+2 = lim
x →2
x+2

` = 2+2 = 4 = 2+2 = 4 = 2+2 = 4

c) lim f (x ) ≠ f(c) c) lim f (x ) ≠ f(c) c) lim f (x ) = f(c)

x →2 x →2 x →c
4≠3 4=4
16
* Discontinuous * Discontinuous * Continuous

The function f(x) is discontinuous at x=c if at least one of the three conditions is not satisfied. From the
graph of a function, we can determine the discontinuity of the function by taking note of the breaks or holes in the
graph, if there are any.

TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY AT X =C
a. Removable Discontinuity

The function f(x) has a removable discontinuity at x =c if lim f ( x )=L , L exists but f(c) is undefined or f(c)
x →c

≠ L. The discontinuity can be removed by redefining f(x) so that f(c) = lim f (x ).

x →c
Example:
Let f(x)= x 2−4 , if x ≠ 1
2 , if x = 1 Show that the function has a removable discontinuity at x = 1.

Solution:
We apply the three conditions for continuity to f(x) at x = 1.
1. f(1) = 2
2
2. lim f (x ) = lim ( x −4) = 12 – 4 = -3
x →1 x →1

3. lim f (x )≠ f(1)
x →1
The functional value at x =1 is defined. The limit of f(x) as x approaches 1 exists and is equal to -3. But, he
limit is not equal to the functional value 2. Thus, f(x) has a removable discontinuity at x = 1.

Figure 1.4.1
b. Essential Discontinuity
The function f(x) has an essential discontinuity at x = c if lim f (x ) does not exists. This discontinuity is
x →c
nonremovable. We have two cases:
lim ¿ exists and lim ¿ exists but lim ¿
i. If x→ c−¿f (x)¿ x→ c+¿ f (x)¿ x→ c−¿f (x)≠ lim ¿¿ , then lim f (x ) does not exist. This essential
x→ c+¿ f (x) ¿
x →c

discontinuity is also called jump discontinuity.

ii. If lim f (x )= -∞ or lim f (x )= +∞, then lim f (x ) does not exists. This essential discontinuity is also called an
x →c x →c x →c
infinite discontinuity.

Example:
Show that f(x) = -2 if x < -2
1 if -2 ≤ x ≤ 3 has jump discontinuities at x = -2 and x=3
5 if x > 3
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Solution:
We have f(-2) = 1, with x→−2lim ¿ and lim ¿. Therefore lim f ( x ) does not exist.
−¿ +¿ ❑
f ( x ) =−2¿ x→−2 f ( x ) =1 ¿ x→−2

We also have f(3) = 1, with x→ 3lim ¿ , and lim ¿ and so lim f ( x ) does not exist.
−¿ +¿
f ( x ) =1 ¿ x→ 3 f ( x )= 5 , ¿ x →3
Thus, f(x) has jump discontinuities at x = -2 and x = 3.

Figure 1.4.2

Now try this No.2! Use a separate bond paper for your solutions.
Name:_____________________________________Strand/Grade/Level/Section:___________________________________

1. Show that the function f(x) = -2x , x ≤ 2 is discontinuous at x = 2.

x2- 3x + 1 , x > 2

2. Show that f(x) = 3 if x ≤ 0

-1 if 0 < x ≤ 4 has jump discontinuities at x = 0 and x= 4
6 if x > 4 Sketch the graph.

3. Evaluate the following using the Properties of Limits or tabular method.

2
1−cos x x−4
a. lim b. lim e
x →0 9x x→ 4

Wrap- Up:
You cannot have Calculus without limits!
Limits have a wide range of real-world applications ;everything from the design of the planes to the design
of your phone, from building skycrapers to the insurance rates. All the modern physics partly chemistry , biology

18
and economics all deals with limits or derivatives .Thus if the limits were not invented the civilization in the
modern sense would not have existed. Unfortunately most of the people prefer to consider the modern technology
as magic not to understand what lies behind. Limits are needed both in integral calculus and differential calculus.It
also determines continuity and differentiability of a function in a point or region.
As a result, studying the limits improves our higher order thinking skills and sharpens our minds. Thus it
creates the necessary prerequisites for understanding other concepts in calculus. Moreover, having limits in our
real life helps us organize investments of our time, energy and other resources. The idea of limits is to not overdo it
or invest too few of our resources into a specific thing. There should be an optimal amount of investment needed
for everything we do in life.

References:
 BASIC – CALCULUS by Eurlyne J. Domingo, MaEd, Ph.D
 BASIC – CALCULUS by Eduard M. Albay, MaEd, Ph.D
 BASIC-CALCULUS by Debbie Marie Verzosa PhD, Richard T. Earnhart & Edgar M. Adina
 www.google.com

Keys to Correction: Go back to the page and check your own work.
Now Try This 1! (page 9) Now Try This 2! (page 16)

1. 3.14 ,Limit of Identity 1. i) f(c) does not exist

2. -6 , Limit of a Quotient ii) lim f ( x )=−4

x →2

1
3. , Indeterminate Form f ( x ) ≠ f (c )
24 iii) lim
x →2

−4 ¿ = 3 and ¿.
4. , Indeterminate Form 2. We have f(0) = 3, with → 0lim lim
25
−¿ +¿
f (x)¿ → 0 f (x)=−1 ¿

Therefore lim f (x ) does not exist.

→0

We have f(4) = -1, with → 4lim ¿= -1 and lim ¿ .

−¿ +¿
f (x)¿ → 4 f ( x)=6 ¿

Therefore lim f (x ) does not exist.

→4
Thus, f(x) has jump discontinuities at x = 0 and x = 4.

2
3.a.
9

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Congratulations! You have finished the whole module.
Are you ready to take the test?

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