Lesson

4
LIMITS OF
TRANSCENDENT
AL FUNCTIONS

Basic Calculus
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
 At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the
following:

1. Compute the limits of exponential,

logarithmic, and trigonometric
functions using tables of values
Learning and graphs of the functions
Competen (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-1).
cies 2. Illustrate limits involving 𝒕
the expressions 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒕, 𝟏−𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕
𝒆 −𝟏 𝒕 𝒕
and ofusing
tables 𝒕 (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-
values
2).

2
 At the end of the lesson, I should be
able
1. to:
Determine the limit of exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric
Learnin
functions using tables of values
g
and graphs of the functions.
Objecti
transcendental functions as 𝑥
ves 2. Verify if the limits of

approaches 𝑐 is the same as 𝑓(𝑐).

3
 Transcendental functions are
functions that cannot be
expressed as a sum, difference,
product, or quotient of
algebraic expressions.

Functio the function is not

Transcendental The term
algebraic.
ns
“transcendental” means that

4
 Limit of an Exponential Function

function written in the form 𝑓 𝑥

An exponential function is a

= 𝑏 𝑥 ,where 𝑏 is a real number, 𝑏

Limit of ≠ 1, and 𝑏 > 0.
Exponen
tial The function 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 is an
Function
s example of an exponential
function.
5
 Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥
Limit of an Exponential Function

the values as 𝑥
approaches 2.𝑥→2
observe
and

𝒙 1.8 1.9 lim

1.98 31.999
𝑥.
1.9999
1. 1. 1.9 1.99 1.999
Table of values −
for
8 9 8 9 9
�
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇( 7.22467 8.06362 8.80440 8.99012 8.99901
�
Limit of 𝒙)
𝑥→2
lim 3
Exponen Table of values for
𝑥.
𝒙 2.5 2.1 2.01 2.001 2.0001
+
2. 2. 2.0 2.00 2.000
tial
5 1 1 1 1
�
Function
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇( 15.5884 10.0451 9.09942 9.00989 9.00099
�
s 𝒙) 5 1

6
 Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥
Limit of an Exponential Function

and observe the values as 𝑥

approaches 2.

we estimate that lim 3𝑥 = 9.

Limit of Based on the tables of values,
Exponen 𝑥→2
tial
Function
s

7
 Limit of an Exponential Function
We can also determine the limit
of the function using its graph.
To find the limit, we follow these
steps:
Limit of
graph as 𝑥 approaches from the
1.Observe the behavior of the
Exponen
tial
Function left and right sides.

𝑥
s 2.Estimate the value that the
function approaches as
8
 Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥
Limit of an Exponential Function

and observe the values as 𝑥

approaches 2.

Limit of
Exponen
tial
Function
s

9
 Property of Limit for Exponential
Function
The limit of an exponential
function is the exponential
Limit of function of the limit of the
Exponen function.

𝐥𝐢𝐦
tial
𝒈 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈

𝒃 =
Function
𝒙
𝒙
s
𝒙→𝒄
𝒃𝒙→𝒄
1
0
 Limit for Exponential
Function
Theorem 2.3.1

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑔 , where 𝑔(𝑥)
The limit of an exponential

in 𝑥, as 𝑥
function is
𝑥
𝑐 is equal to 𝑓(𝑐).
Limit of polynomial
a
Exponen approaches

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒃𝒈
tial
𝒙
= 𝒃𝒈
= 𝒇(𝒄) 𝒄
Function
s
𝒙→𝒄
1
1
 Limit for Exponential Function
Theorem 2.3.1
The limit of an exponential function 𝑓
𝑥
=
𝑏 𝑔 𝑥 , where 𝑔(𝑥) is a polynomial in
𝑥, as 𝑥 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =
Limit of
=
𝒙→ 𝑐 is equal to 𝑓(𝑐).
𝒃 𝒇(𝒄)
Exponen
𝒈
𝒄
approaches
𝒃𝒈 𝒄
tial
𝒙
is defined for any real number 𝑐.
Note that an exponential function
Function

Thus, lim 𝑏 𝑔 = 𝑏𝑔
s
𝑥 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
.
1
2
 Limit for Exponential
Function
Theorem 2.3.1 holds true as

𝑒 (Euler
well for the exponential
Limit of function of base
Exponen number).
𝐥𝐢𝐦
tial
𝒆𝒈 = 𝒆𝒈
Function
s
𝒙 𝒄
𝒙→𝒄
1
3
 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑
𝒙→−𝟏
𝟐
Evaluate
𝐥𝐢𝐦𝟑 𝟐 𝒙+𝟓= 𝟑 𝟐 −𝟏+𝟓
Evaluati
ng 𝒙+𝟓..

𝒙→−𝟏
=𝟑
Limits of
Exponen
tial
𝟐
Function
s
𝟒

=𝟑 1
4
 Evalua 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝟏 𝟑𝒙+𝟕

𝒆 𝟏 .
𝒙→−𝟐

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙+
te 𝟏
𝟐
= �𝟑(−𝟐)+
Evaluati
𝒙→−𝟐 𝟕 � 𝟕
𝒆
ng
𝟏 −𝟔+
Limits of
𝟐
��
� 𝟕
Exponen = �
𝟏
tial
��
Function = 𝟏�
s
��
= ��
𝟏�
� 1
5
 Limit for Logarithmic Function
A logarithmic function is a
function of the form
𝑓 𝑥 = log𝑏 𝑥, where 𝑏 is a real

𝑏 > 0, and 𝑏 ≠ 1.
Limit of number,
a
Logarith
mic It is also the inverse of an
Function exponential function.

1
6
 Limit of a Logarithmic
Function the function 𝑓 𝑥 = log2 𝑥 .
Let us evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥)tables
Consider

𝑥→4
of values and its

𝑥→4
lim log2 𝑥.
graph.
Table of values for
𝒙 3.8
3. 3.9
3. 3.98
3.9 3.999
3.99 3.9999
3.999
−
Limit of
8 9 8 9 9
�
𝒇(𝒙
𝒇( 1.92599 1.96347 1.99277 1.99964 1.9999
�
a
𝒙)) 6
Logarith Table of values for lim
𝑥→4
+log2 𝑥.
mic
Function 𝒙 4.5
4. 4.1
4. 4.01
4.0 4.001
4.00 4.0001
4.000
𝒇(𝒙) 5
2.16993 1
2.03562 1
2.00360 1
2.00036 1
2.00004
�
𝒇(
�
𝒙) 1
7
 Limit of a Logarithmic
Consider the function 𝑓
Function =
𝑥 us evaluate lim log2 𝑥 .
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→
Let
values and its 4 tables
graph. of
Based on the tables of values,
Limit of we estimate that
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2.
a
𝑥→4
Logarith
mic
Function

1
8
 lim
Limit of a Logarithmic

𝑓(𝑥)
Function
Let us through
𝑥→4
evaluate its
graph.
Limit of
a
Logarith
mic
Function

19
 𝑔(𝑥) be a polynomial and 𝑏
Property of Limit for Logarithmic

and 𝑐 be real numbers, where 𝑏

Function
Let

> 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1.
If lim 𝑔(𝑥) > 0, then
𝑥→𝑐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐛
𝒙→𝒄
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈(𝒙) .
Limit of
If 𝑔 >
𝒙→𝒄 0 𝑥near 𝑐 and lim
a
𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) =
for
0,
Logarith
𝑥→𝑐
𝐢𝐟 𝟎 < 𝒃 <
mic
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠
−∞ 𝐢𝐟 𝒃 >
Function then
𝟏
𝒙→
∞,
�
𝒄
� 20
 Limit for Logarithmic
Function
Theorem 2.3.2

𝑓 𝑥 = log𝑏 𝑔(𝑥) ,
The limit of a logarithmic

𝑔(𝑥) in 𝑥 ,
function is

𝑔 𝑥 > 𝑐0 as 𝑥
Limit of where a polynomial

to 𝑓(𝑐).
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒈(𝒄)
a approaches is ,equal
𝒙→𝒄
= 𝒇(𝒄)
Logarith
provided 𝑔 𝑐 > 0, and 𝑏 > 0,
mic
𝑏 ≠ 1.
Function

21
 Limit for Logarithmic
Function
Theorem 2.3.2
This theorem holds as well for

base 𝑒, which is called the natural

the logarithmic function of
Limit of

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐧
a logarithmic function.

𝒈(𝒄)
Logarith
mic
𝒙→𝒄
provided 𝑔 𝑐 >0
Function

22
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧(𝟓𝒙
− 𝟗)..
Evaluati
𝒙→𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧(𝟓𝒙 − 𝟗)= 𝐥 𝐧 𝟓
ng

𝟐 − 𝟗
𝒙→
Limits of
𝟐 = 𝐥 𝐧(𝟏𝟎
Logarith

− 𝟗)
mic

= 𝐥 𝐧(𝟏)
Function
s

=0
23
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟓 −
𝟒 ..
𝒙→−
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟓
𝟒

−𝟒
𝒙→−
Evaluati
−𝟒
=𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟓 𝟏𝟔 + 𝟗
𝟒 𝟐 + 𝟗
ng

−𝟒
Limits of
Logarith
=𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟓 𝟐𝟓 − 𝟒
mic

−𝟒
Function =𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 𝟐 −𝟒 =
s
−𝟐.
𝒙→−
𝟒𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟓 +𝟗
24
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟒 𝟑
𝒙→𝟐
−𝟐𝒙+𝟏.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟒 𝟑
−𝟐𝒙+𝟏=𝟒 𝟑
−𝟐(𝟐)+𝟏
𝒙→𝟐
= 𝟒 𝟑 −𝟒+𝟏
Let’s

= 𝟒( −𝟑
try it!

) 𝟒𝟑
= �
𝟑
� �
=�𝟏
𝟐
𝟕 25
 What is the value of 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝟓𝒆 𝟗𝒙−𝟏𝟎? 𝒙→
𝟒
�
�

Let’s
try it!

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟓𝒆𝟗𝒙−𝟏𝟎

= 𝟓𝒆
𝒙 � 𝟐
�
�

→�
26
 What is the

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑(𝟒) 𝟓𝒙+𝟑−𝟓?

value of
𝒙→
�
𝟐
�
Let’s
try it!

27
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧(𝟖
− 𝟐𝒙)
𝒙→𝟑
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐧(𝟖 − 𝟐𝒙)= 𝐥𝐧(𝟖 −
𝟐 • 𝟑)
𝒙→𝟑
= 𝐥𝐧(𝟖 − 𝟔)
Let’s

= 𝐥𝐧 𝟐
try it!

28
 Limit for Trigonometric Function
A trigonometric function (also
called a circular function) is a

of the 𝑥- and 𝑦- coordinates in a

function that represents the ratio

Limit of a unit circle.

It could be written in of
Trigonome the
𝑦 = sin 𝑥 , 𝑦 =
any following forms:
tric
cos 𝑥
Function

𝑦 = tan 𝑥 , 𝑦 =
csc 𝑥 29
 Limit of a Trigonometric
Function function 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥.
lim 𝑓(𝑥)
Considerthe
𝑥→
evaluate
Let us using
0

Table of values for lim

a table of values and its

sin 𝑥.
𝑥→0
graph.
𝒙 −0.5
−0. −0.1
−0.
− −0.01 −0.001 −0.0001
−0.0 −0.00 −0.000
5 1 1 1 1
Limit of a
𝒇(𝒙) −0.4794 −0.0998 −0.0099 −0.0009 −0.0000
�
𝒇(
3 3 9 9 9
�
Trigonome
𝒙)
Table of values for lim
tric
sin 𝑥.0.01
Function 𝑥→0
𝒙 0.5
0. 0.1
+ 0. 0.0 0.001
0.00 0.0001
0.000
𝒇(𝒙) 5
0.47943 1
0.09983 1
0.00999 1
0.00099 1
0.00009
�
𝒇(
�
𝒙) 30
 Limit for Trigonometric
Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥
Function =
sin 𝑥. aLet 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→
using us evaluatelim
table of values and its 0
graph.

of estimate that lim sin

Based on the tables values,

𝑥 = 0.
we
𝑥→0
Limit of a
Trigonome
tric
Function

31
 Limit for Trigonometric
Function
Sine Function
Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘 be

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒄

an integer.
𝒙→𝒄
Limit of a
Cosine Function
Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘 be
Trigonome
tric

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒄

Function an integer.
𝒙→𝒄
32
 Limit for Trigonometric
Function
Tangent Function
Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘 be
an integer.

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒄, �+

�

𝒄≠ � � 𝒌𝝅
𝒙→
Limit of a
𝒄
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 , for 𝒄 �+�
Trigonome for

𝒄= ∞ = � 𝒌𝝅
𝒙→ −
tric
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = −∞, ��+
Function �

for 𝒄 = � 𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
+
� 33
 Limit for Trigonometric Function
Cosecant Function
Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘 be

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙 = 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒄 , 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 ≠ 𝒌𝝅

an integer.
𝒙→𝒄
Limit of a 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙 = ∞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄
= 𝝅 + 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
−𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙 = −∞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄
Trigonome

= 𝝅 + 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
+𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙 = −∞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄
tric

= 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
Function
−𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝒙 = ∞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄

= 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
+ 34
 Limit for Trigonometric Function

Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘 be an

Secant Function

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 = 𝐬𝐞𝐜 +

�
�
𝒄 , 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 ≠
integer.
� �𝒌𝝅
�
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 = ∞, +
𝒙→𝒄
�
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄 �
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 = −∞, �𝝅+
Limit of a −

�
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
𝟑
Trigonome
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 = −∞, � +
+

𝝅
tric
�
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
𝟑�
Function
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 = ∞, +
−

𝝅�
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝟐𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
+ 35
 Limit for Trigonometric
Function
Cotangent Function
Let 𝑐 be a real number and 𝑘
be an integer.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙 = 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒄 ,
Limit of a
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 ≠ 𝒌𝝅
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝒄 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙 = −∞,
Trigonome
tric
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
−𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒙 = ∞,
Function

𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒄 = 𝒌𝝅
𝒙→𝒄
+
36
 Limit for Trigonometric Function
Finding the limit of a
trigonometric function involves
recalling how to use the unit
circle and applying the six
Limit of a 𝟏
trigonometric ratios.
�
Trigonome sin Ѳ csc Ѳ
𝟏
tric =y = �
Function cos Ѳ sec Ѳ �
=x � =
cot Ѳ 𝒙
�
�
tan Ѳ �
= � = � 37
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝟒𝒙 .𝝅 �
𝒙→
Evaluatin �
g Limits of
Trigonome
tric
Functions

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝟒𝒙
�
��
=−
�
𝒙→�
�
𝟔
38
sin Ѳ
=y
�
�
cos Ѳ �
tan
=x �
1
=
csc Ѳ
�
=
1
�

�
sec Ѳ
�
= �
cot Ѳ �
�
 Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝟑𝒙.𝒙→𝟏𝟓
𝝅 𝟐

Let’s
try it!

4
sin Ѳ
=y
�
�
cos Ѳ �
tan
=x �
1
=
csc Ѳ
�
=
1
�

�
sec Ѳ
�
= �
cot Ѳ �
�
 Evaluate 𝒍𝒊𝒎
𝒄𝒔𝒄(𝒙 − � )
𝒙→
𝟑𝝅
𝟏𝟓𝝅

𝟒 �

Let’s
try it!

42
Let’s
try it!

43
Let’s
try it!

44
 lim
Evaluate the following
limits.
𝑥→−
2𝑒13𝑥+4
1.
2. lim log3(4𝑥 +
𝑥→
1)2 1 𝑥+
3. lim 3
2
36
𝑥→−
Let’s

4. lim csc(𝑥 −
practice!
4
3𝜋
)𝑥→ 4
15

5. lim 𝑥2 )
𝜋
𝜋

tan( 45
 Evaluate the following
limits.
1. 5.
Let’s 2
practice! .
3
.

4 46
At the end of the lesson, I
CAN:
1. Determine the limit of
exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions using
tables of values and graphs of
the functions.

47
 Performance Task # 2: Exploring Limits In
Nature Directions
1. The class would be divided into 3 groups
2. Each group will research a real-world situation where
limits is involved/manifested ( e.g., population growth,
cooling rates).
3. Model the chosen situation mathematically and explain
the behavior of the limit. (e.g., why the population
approaches a carrying capacity)
4. Create a visual representation (e.g., poster, video or
digital presentation) that includes:
• Graphs of the behavior
• Calculation or estimation of limits
• A written or oral explanation of how the concept of limits
is applied.

48
END OF
SESSION
4
Thank you
for your
participation!

49