Limits of Algebraic Functions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
a. illustrate the limit laws (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-3); and
b. apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions ( STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-4)

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 lim k=k lim 4=4
Rule 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 10 x=10 ( 2 )=20

Multiple Rule x →c x→c x →2

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 lim [ f ( x )−g(x ) ] =¿ lim f ( x )−lim g ( x) ¿ lim 5 x−4=5 ( 1 )−4=1

Rule x →c x →c x →c x →1

6. Product Rule lim [ f ( x ) ∙ g( x ) ] =¿ lim f (x )∙ lim g (x)¿ lim 3(2 x+1)=3 [ 2 ( 3 ) +1 ] =21
x →c x→ c x→ c x →3
7. Quotient Rule lim f (x ) 2 x+ 5 2(2)+5 9
f ( x ) x →c lim = =
lim = (where lim g(x )≠ 0) x →2 x +3 2+3 5
x →c g ( x ) lim g(x ) x →c
x→c
8. Power Rule
[ ]
n n 2
lim [ f ( x ) ] = lim f ( x ) lim ( 4 x+ 9 ) =[ 4 (−3 ) +9 ] =9
2

x →c x→ c x→−3
9. Root Rule
√
lim √ f (x )= lim f (x ) lim √ x +4= √ ( 2 ) +4=2
n n 3 2 3 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

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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.
Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate x→lim
0.005
x

 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 x→lim

0.005
2 x yields to

lim 2 x=2 ( 0.005 )=0.01

x→ 0.005

3 2
2. Evaluate lim (2 x −4 x +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 )=2 x 3−4 x 2+1 is a polynomial.
Computing the value of f at x = - 1, we get
3 2
f (−1 )=2 (−1 ) −4 (−1 ) +1

f (−1 )=2(−1)−4 (1)+1

f (−1 )=−5
Therefore,
3 2
lim (2 x −4 x +1)=f (−1 )=−5
x→−1

3. Evaluate lim ( x −2 x −x +1 )
4 2

x→−2

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

4 2
f (−2 )=(−2 ) −2 (−2 ) −(−2)+1
f (−2 )=16−2 ( 4 ) +2+1
f (−2 )=11
Therefore,

lim ( x 4−2 x 2−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.
q (x)
If c is a real number, then
p( x ) p( c)
lim =
x →c q ( x) q (c )

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 Illustrative Examples:
1−5 x
1. Evaluate lim 2 4
x →1 1+3 x + 4 x

 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
Therefore,

1−5 x −1
lim =
x →1
2
1+3 x + 4 x
4
2

4 2
x + x −1
2. Evaluate lim 2
x→−2 x +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,
4 2
x + x −1
f (−2 )= 2
x +5
4 2
(−2) +(−2) −1
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,
4 2
x + x −1 19
lim 2
=
x→−2 x +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:

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 2
3. Evaluate lim
x −9
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,
2
x −9
lim =−6
x→−3 x +3
2
x −10 x +25
4. lim 2
x →5 x −4 x−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,
2
x −10 x +25
lim 2 =0
x →5 x −4 x−5

C. Radical Functions
Illustrative Examples:

1. Evaluate lim x
x →2
2
√ x2 +5 x +2
Solution. Apply direct substitution

f ( 2 )=22 √ ( 2 ) +5 ( 2 ) +2
2

f ( 2 )=4 √16
f ( 2 )=4 ( 4 )
f ( 2 )=16

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 Therefore,

lim x2 √ x2 +5 x +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.
Solution. Since the denominator contains the radical, multiply the function
by the ratio of the conjugate of the denominator.

f ( x )=
( √ xx+6−2
+2
)( √√ x+x+ 6+2
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
4. Evaluate lim
√ x +11−4
x →5 x−5

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  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.

f ( x )= ( √ x +11−4
x−5 ) ( √ x+ 11+4 )
√ 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,

lim √ x +11−4 = 1
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 .

FOR ADDITIONAL LECTURES, YOU MAY VISIT THE FOLLOWING IN YOUTUBE, THE LINKS
ARE GIVEN BELOW
Evaluating limits by factoring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOrOeZA-vdY
Evaluating limits with fractions and square roots https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5emT2wpzWk8

REFERENCES
Balmaceda, J. M. et al. (2016). Teaching guide for senior high school: Basic calculus. Quezon City:
CHED.Love, C. & Rainville, E. (1969). Differential and integral calculus (6th ed.). New York: The
Macmillan Company

MODULE 3 ASSESSMENT (65 points)

NAME SECTION DATE

A. Read and analyze the following statements carefully. Write capital letter A if the given statement is
true. If it is false, change the underlined word to make the statement true. (5 PTS)

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 1. Direct substitution is always applicable when evaluating the limits of algebraic
functions.
2. Constant Rule states that the limit of a multiple of a function is simply that multiple of
the limit of the function.
3. The limit of a given variable is the number itself.
4. When evaluating radical functions, always check for indeterminate forms.
5. Conjugates are used when simplifying functions that contain radical symbols.

B. Determine the limit of each function analytically. Show neat and complete solution. (hint:
some of the items need to be factored or rationalized for the limits to exist) (50 PTS)

4 3 4 3 2
1. lim (x −2 x ) 2. lim (3 x + 4 x −3)
x →−1 x →−3

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2 2
( x+ 4) 3 x +2 x−1
3. lim 2 4. lim 2
x →−4 x −16 x→−3 x +3 x +2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:

5. lim
4 x −x
2
6. lim √ x2 +12−4
x→4 2− √ x x→ 2 x−2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:

7. lim
√ x−3 8. lim
2
(1+h) −1
2

x →9 x−9 h→ 0 h

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2 2 2
x −2 x−15 (3 x−2) −(x +2)
9. lim 10. lim
x →5 x −5 x →2 x−2

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 Final Final
Answer: Answer:

B. Read the following big ideas about limits of functions. Construct a short explanation or reflection (ex.
agree or disagree) about it. Limit your answer to 2-3 sentences only. (10 pts)

1. “The limit of a function gives you an idea on how its graph behaves as it reaches a particular value. In
life, knowing the weaknesses and limitations of people allow you to understand their behavior at certain
circumstances.”

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2. “Some events and situations in real life (ex. problems) are indeterminate. At first, we hardly
understand them because of their complex quality. However, we can always avoid or simplify these
situations by whatever means possible.”

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A.

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