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An Introduction To Limits

This document provides an introduction to limits in calculus. It has two main objectives: [1] to understand the concept of a limit and [2] to determine limits from graphs. The document defines a limit as the value a function approaches as the input values get closer to a particular number. It also discusses one-sided limits and how to determine if a limit exists based on the left and right limits being equal. Examples are provided to demonstrate finding limits graphically and algebraically. Key points covered include the importance of the limit being a fixed, finite number and common limits that need to be memorized.

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Miy Chan
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183 views10 pages

An Introduction To Limits

This document provides an introduction to limits in calculus. It has two main objectives: [1] to understand the concept of a limit and [2] to determine limits from graphs. The document defines a limit as the value a function approaches as the input values get closer to a particular number. It also discusses one-sided limits and how to determine if a limit exists based on the left and right limits being equal. Examples are provided to demonstrate finding limits graphically and algebraically. Key points covered include the importance of the limit being a fixed, finite number and common limits that need to be memorized.

Uploaded by

Miy Chan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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An Introduction to Limits

Objective:

To understand the concept of a limit
and
To determine the limit from a graph
Calculus centers around 2 fundamental problems
1) The tangent line- differential calculus
P
Q
x
) x ( f ) x x ( f
lim m
0 x tan
A
A +
= =
A
Instantaneous rate of change
(Slope at a point)
x
) x ( f ) x x ( f
slope m change of rate . Avg
sec
A
A +
= = =
(Slope between 2 points)
2) The area problem- integral calculus
Uses rectangles to approximate the area
under a curve.
Limits: Yes finally some calculus!
Objective: To understand the definition of a limit and to graphically determine the left and
right limits and to algebraically determine the value of a limit.
If the function f(x) becomes arbitrarily close to
a single number L (a y-value) as x approaches
c from either side, then lim
xc
f(x) = L.
*A limit is looking for the height of a curve at some x = c.
*L must be a fixed, finite number.
One-Sided Limits:
lim
xc+
f(x) =L
1
Height of the curve approach x = c
from the right
lim
xc-
f(x) =L
2
Height of the curve approach x = c
from the left

Definition of Limit:
If lim
xc+
f(x) = lim
xc-
f(x) = L then,
lim
xc
f(x)=L (Again, L must be a fixed, finite number.)
f(2) =
f(2) =
lim ( )
x
f x

+
=
2
lim ( )
x
f x

+
=
4
lim ( )
x
f x


=
2
lim ( )
x
f x

=
2
lim ( )
x
f x
+
=
lim ( )
x
f x


=
4
lim ( )
x
f x

=
4
f(4) =
lim ( )
x
f x

=
Examples:
=
+

) x ( f lim
0 x
lim ( )
x
f x

+
=
4
=

) x ( f lim
0 x
=

) x ( f lim
0 x
lim ( )
x
f x
+
=
lim ( )
x
f x


=
4
lim ( )
x
f x

=
4
f(4) =
lim ( )
x
f x

=
f(0) =
=
+

) x ( f lim
3 x
=
+

) x ( f lim
6 x
=

) x ( f lim
3 x
=

) x ( f lim
3 x
lim ( )
x
f x
+
=
=

) x ( f lim
6 x
=

) x ( f lim
6 x
f(6) =
lim ( )
x
f x

=
f(3) =
Basic Limits (for the book part)
lim
x4
2x 5 =

lim
x-3
x
2
=

lim
xt
cos x =

lim
x1
sin =

( )
2
x
Important things to note:
The limit of a function at x = c does not depend on the
value of f(c).
The limit only exists when the limit from the right equals
the limit from the left and the value is a FIXED, FINITE #!
A common limit you need to memorize:
(see proof page 63 )
Limits fail to exist: (ask for pictures)
1. Unbounded behavior not finite
2. Oscillating behavior not fixed
3. - fails def of limit
=

x
x sin
lim
0 x
) x ( f lim ) x ( f lim
c x c x +
=
Do you understand how to graphically find a limit?
Assign: WS and bookwork for 1.2

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