Limit of a Function and

One-sided limits

Mathematics 53

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 1 / 37
For today

1 Limit of a Function: An intuitive approach

2 Evaluating Limits

3 One-sided Limits

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 2 / 37
For today

1 Limit of a Function: An intuitive approach

2 Evaluating Limits

3 One-sided Limits

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 3 / 37
Introduction

Given a function f ( x ) and a ∈ R,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 4 / 37
Introduction

Given a function f ( x ) and a ∈ R,

what is the value of f at x near a,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 4 / 37
Introduction

Given a function f ( x ) and a ∈ R,

what is the value of f at x near a,
but not equal to a?

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 4 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1
0.5

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1
0.5 0.5

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1
0.5 0.5
0.9

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1
0.5 0.5
0.9 1.7

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x)
0 −1
0.5 0.5
0.9 1.7
0.99 1.97
0.99999 1.99997

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1
0.5 0.5
0.9 1.7
0.99 1.97
0.99999 1.99997

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1 2
0.5 0.5
0.9 1.7
0.99 1.97
0.99999 1.99997

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1 2 5
0.5 0.5
0.9 1.7
0.99 1.97
0.99999 1.99997

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1 2 5
0.5 0.5 1.5 3.5
0.9 1.7 1.1 2.3
0.99 1.97 1.001 2.003
0.99999 1.99997 1.00001 2.00003

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1 2 5
0.5 0.5 1.5 3.5
0.9 1.7 1.1 2.3
0.99 1.97 1.001 2.003
0.99999 1.99997 1.00001 2.00003

Based on the table, as x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

Consider f ( x ) = 3x − 1.

What can we say about values of f ( x ) for values of x near 1 but not equal to 1?

x f (x) x f (x)
0 −1 2 5
0.5 0.5 1.5 3.5
0.9 1.7 1.1 2.3
0.99 1.97 1.001 2.003
0.99999 1.99997 1.00001 2.00003

Based on the table, as x gets closer and closer to 1, f ( x ) gets closer and closer
to 2.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 5 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
0 −1 4

0.5 0.5 3
0.9 1.7
2
0.99 1.97
1
0.99999 1.99997

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 6 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
0 −1 4

0.5 0.5 3
0.9 1.7
2
0.99 1.97
1
0.99999 1.99997

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 6 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
0 −1 4

0.5 0.5 3
0.9 1.7
2
0.99 1.97
1
0.99999 1.99997

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 6 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
0 −1 4

0.5 0.5 3
0.9 1.7
2
0.99 1.97
1
0.99999 1.99997

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 6 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
0 −1 4

0.5 0.5 3
0.9 1.7
2
0.99 1.97
1
0.99999 1.99997

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 6 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 1

x f (x)
2 5 4

1.5 3.5 3
1.1 2.3
2
1.001 2.003
1
1.00001 2.00003

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1, f ( x ) gets closer and closer to 2.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 7 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
=
x−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
=
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 2

3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) =
x−1 4
(3x − 1)( x − 1)
= 3
x−1
= 3x − 1, x 6= 1 2

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1, g( x ) gets closer and closer to 2.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 8 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) =
 0, x=1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Illustration 3


3x − 1, x 6= 1
Consider: h( x ) = 4
 0, x=1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

As x gets closer and closer to 1, h( x ) gets closer and closer to 2.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 9 / 37
Limit

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

a∈ R, L ∈ R

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

a∈ R, L ∈ R
f ( x ): function defined on some open interval containing a, except possibly at a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

a∈ R, L ∈ R
f ( x ): function defined on some open interval containing a, except possibly at a

The limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a is L

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

a∈ R, L ∈ R
f ( x ): function defined on some open interval containing a, except possibly at a

The limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as x assumes values getting closer
and closer to a but not reaching a.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Limit

Intuitive Notion of a Limit

a∈ R, L ∈ R
f ( x ): function defined on some open interval containing a, except possibly at a

The limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as x assumes values getting closer
and closer to a but not reaching a.

Notation:
lim f ( x ) = L
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 10 / 37
Examples

f ( x ) = 3x − 1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 11 / 37
Examples

f ( x ) = 3x − 1

4
lim (3x − 1)
x →1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 11 / 37
Examples

f ( x ) = 3x − 1

4
lim (3x − 1) = 2
x →1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 11 / 37
Examples

f ( x ) = 3x − 1

4
lim (3x − 1) = 2
x →1

3
Note: In this case, lim f ( x )
x →1
2

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 11 / 37
Examples

f ( x ) = 3x − 1

4
lim (3x − 1) = 2
x →1

3
Note: In this case, lim f ( x ) = f (1).
x →1
2

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 11 / 37
Examples

3x2 − 4x + 1
g( x ) =
x−1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 12 / 37
Examples

3x2 − 4x + 1
g( x ) =
x−1

3x2 − 4x + 1
4 lim
x →1 x−1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 12 / 37
Examples

3x2 − 4x + 1
g( x ) =
x−1

3x2 − 4x + 1
4 lim =2
x →1 x−1
3

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 12 / 37
Examples

3x2 − 4x + 1
g( x ) =
x−1

3x2 − 4x + 1
4 lim =2
x →1 x−1
3
Note: Though g(1) is undefined,
2 lim g( x ) exists.
x →1
1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 12 / 37
Examples


3x − 1, x 6= 1
h( x ) =
 0, x=1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 13 / 37
Examples


3x − 1, x 6= 1
h( x ) =
 0, x=1

lim h( x )
4 x →1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 13 / 37
Examples


3x − 1, x 6= 1
h( x ) =
 0, x=1

lim h( x ) = 2
4 x →1

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 13 / 37
Examples


3x − 1, x 6= 1
h( x ) =
 0, x=1

lim h( x ) = 2
4 x →1

3 Note: h(1) 6= lim h( x ).

x →1
2

−1 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 13 / 37
Some Remarks

Remark
In finding lim f ( x ):
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 14 / 37
Some Remarks

Remark
In finding lim f ( x ):
x→a
We only need to consider values of x very close to a but not exactly at a.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 14 / 37
Some Remarks

Remark
In finding lim f ( x ):
x→a
We only need to consider values of x very close to a but not exactly at a.

Thus, lim f ( x ) is NOT NECESSARILY the same as f ( a).

x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 14 / 37
Some Remarks

Remark
In finding lim f ( x ):
x→a
We only need to consider values of x very close to a but not exactly at a.

Thus, lim f ( x ) is NOT NECESSARILY the same as f ( a).

x→a

We let x approach a from BOTH SIDES of a.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 14 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any

particular real number as x
approaches a, then we say
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any

particular real number as x
approaches a, then we say
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a

e.g.

1, x ≥ 0

H (x) =

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.

1, x ≥ 0

H (x) =

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.
lim H ( x ) = 0?
 x →0
1, x ≥ 0

H (x) =

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.
lim H ( x ) = 0? No.
 x →0
1, x ≥ 0

H (x) =

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.
lim H ( x ) = 0? No.
 x →0
1, x ≥ 0

lim H ( x ) = 1?
H (x) = x →0

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.
lim H ( x ) = 0? No.
 x →0
1, x ≥ 0

lim H ( x ) = 1? No.
H (x) = x →0

0, x < 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
Some Remarks

If f ( x ) does not approach any 3

particular real number as x 2

approaches a, then we say
1
lim f ( x ) does not exist (dne).
x→a
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

e.g.
lim H ( x ) = 0? No.
 x →0
1, x ≥ 0

lim H ( x ) = 1? No.
H (x) = x →0

0, x < 0
lim H ( x ) dne
x →0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 15 / 37
For today

1 Limit of a Function: An intuitive approach

2 Evaluating Limits

3 One-sided Limits

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 16 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
If lim f ( x ) exists, then it is unique.
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
If lim f ( x ) exists, then it is unique.
x→a
If c ∈ R, then xlim
→a
c

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
If lim f ( x ) exists, then it is unique.
x→a
If c ∈ R, then xlim
→a
c = c.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
If lim f ( x ) exists, then it is unique.
x→a
If c ∈ R, then xlim
→a
c = c.
lim x
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
If lim f ( x ) exists, then it is unique.
x→a
If c ∈ R, then xlim
→a
c = c.
lim x = a
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 17 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )]
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x )
x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x )
x→a x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a

lim [ f ( x ) g( x )]
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x )
x→a x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] =
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

f (x) lim f ( x )
L
lim = x→a = 1
x→a g( x ) lim g( x ) L2
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

f (x) lim f ( x )
L
lim = x→a = 1 , provided L2 6= 0
x→a g( x ) lim g( x ) L2
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

f (x) lim f ( x )
L
lim = x→a = 1 , provided L2 6= 0
x→a g( x ) lim g( x ) L2
x→a
n
lim ( f ( x ))
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Limit Theorems

Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) = L1 and lim g( x ) = L2 . Let c ∈
x→a x→a
R, n ∈ N.
lim [ f ( x ) ± g( x )] = lim f ( x ) ± lim g( x ) = L1 ± L2
x→a x→a x→a
  
lim [ f ( x ) g( x )] = lim f ( x ) lim g( x ) = L1 L2
x→a x→a x→a
lim [c f ( x )] = c lim f ( x ) = cL1
x→a x→a

f (x) lim f ( x )
L
lim = x→a = 1 , provided L2 6= 0
x→a g( x ) lim g( x ) L2
x→a
 n
lim ( f ( x ))n = lim f ( x ) = ( L1 )n
x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 18 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 +

x →−1 x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x −

x →−1 x →−1 x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

x →−1 x →−1 x →−1 x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

x →−1 x →−1 x →−1 x →−1
   
2
= 2 lim x + 3 lim x − lim 4
x →−1 x →−1 x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

x →−1 x →−1 x →−1 x →−1
   
2
= 2 lim x + 3 lim x − lim 4
x →−1 x →−1 x →−1
 2  
=2 lim x +3 lim x − lim 4
x →−1 x →−1 x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

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

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

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

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

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

In general:

Remark
If f is a polynomial function, then lim f ( x )
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
Evaluate: lim (2x2 + 3x − 4)
x →−1

lim (2x2 + 3x − 4) = lim 2x2 + lim 3x − lim 4

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

In general:

Remark
If f is a polynomial function, then lim f ( x ) = f ( a).
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 19 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

4(−2)3 + 3(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

=

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

4(−2)3 + 3(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

=
(−2)2 + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

4(−2)3 + 3(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

=
(−2)2 + 2
17
=−
6

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

4(−2)3 + 3(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

=
(−2)2 + 2
17
=−
6

Remark
If f is a rational function and f ( a) is defined,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
 4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 + 2

lim (4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1)

4x3 + 3x2 − x + 1 x →−2
lim =
x →−2 x2 + 2 lim ( x2 + 2)
x →−2

4(−2)3 + 3(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

=
(−2)2 + 2
17
=−
6

Remark
If f is a rational function and f ( a) is defined, then lim f ( x ) = f ( a).
x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 20 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√
lim 3x − 1
x →3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1)
x →3 x →3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8=2 2
x →3 x →3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8=2 2
x →3 x →3
r
x+4
lim 3
x →−1 x−2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2
√
lim 4 3 − 2x
x →7/2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2
√
lim 4 3 − 2x dne
x →7/2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2
√
lim 4 3 − 2x dne
x →7/2
p
lim x2 − 4
x →2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2
√
lim 4 3 − 2x dne
x →7/2
p
lim x2 − 4 =?
x →2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
Theorem
Suppose lim f ( x ) exists and n ∈
x→a
N. Then,
q q
n
lim f (x) = n lim f ( x ),
x→a x→a

provided lim f ( x ) > 0 when n is even.

x→a

√ q √ √
lim 3x − 1 = lim (3x − 1) = 8 = 2 2
x →3 x →3
r r
x+4 −1 + 4
lim 3 = 3 = −1
x →−1 x−2 −1 − 2
√
lim 4 3 − 2x dne
x →7/2
p
lim x2 − 4 =? (for now)
x →2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 21 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
√ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
√ !3 
2x2 − 5x + 1
lim =
x →3 x3 − x + 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
√ !3 
lim 2x2
2x2 − 5x + 1 x →3
lim = 
x →3 x3 − x + 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1
lim 3
=  x →3 x →3
x →3 x −x+4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
3
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1  x →3 x →3
lim 3
= 
x →3 x −x+4 lim ( x3 − x + 4)
x →3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
3
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1  x →3 x →3
lim 3
= 
x →3 x −x+4 lim ( x3 − x + 4)
x →3

18
=

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
3
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1  x →3 x →3
lim 3
= 
x →3 x −x+4 lim ( x3 − x + 4)
x →3

18 − 4

=

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
3
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1  x →3 x →3
lim 3
= 
x →3 x −x+4 lim ( x3 − x + 4)
x →3
3
18 − 4

=
28

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 √ !3
2x2 − 5x + 1
Evaluate: lim
x →3 x3 − x + 4
3
√
q
lim 2x2 −
!3 
lim (5x + 1)
2x2 − 5x + 1  x →3 x →3
lim 3
= 
x →3 x −x+4 lim ( x3 − x + 4)
x →3
3
18 − 4

=
28
1
=
8

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 22 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1
x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 =0
x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1)
x →1 x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

3x2 − 4x + 1 (3x − 1)( x − 1)

But when x 6= 1, = = 3x − 1.
x−1 x−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

3x2 − 4x + 1 (3x − 1)( x − 1)

But when x 6= 1, = = 3x − 1.
x−1 x−1

Since we are just taking the limit as x → 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

3x2 − 4x + 1 (3x − 1)( x − 1)

But when x 6= 1, = = 3x − 1.
x−1 x−1

Since we are just taking the limit as x → 1,

3x2 − 4x + 1
lim
x →1 x−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

3x2 − 4x + 1 (3x − 1)( x − 1)

But when x 6= 1, = = 3x − 1.
x−1 x−1

Since we are just taking the limit as x → 1,

3x2 − 4x + 1
lim = lim (3x − 1)
x →1 x−1 x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
 3x2 − 4x + 1
Consider: g( x ) = . From earlier, lim g( x ) = 2.
x−1 x →1

Can we arrive at this conclusion computationally?

 
Note that lim 3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and lim ( x − 1) = 0.
x →1 x →1

3x2 − 4x + 1 (3x − 1)( x − 1)

But when x 6= 1, = = 3x − 1.
x−1 x−1

Since we are just taking the limit as x → 1,

3x2 − 4x + 1
lim = lim (3x − 1) = 2.
x →1 x−1 x →1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 23 / 37
Definition

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0
x→a x→a

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Remarks:

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Remarks:
f ( a)
1 If f ( a) = 0 and g( a) = 0, then is undefined!
g( a)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Remarks:
f ( a)
1 If f ( a) = 0 and g( a) = 0, then is undefined!
g( a)
2 The limit above MAY or MAY NOT exist.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Remarks:
f ( a)
1 If f ( a) = 0 and g( a) = 0, then is undefined!
g( a)
2 The limit above MAY or MAY NOT exist.
3 Some techniques used in evaluating such limits are:

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Definition
If lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g( x ) = 0 then
x→a x→a

f (x)
lim
x→a g( x )

0
is called an indeterminate form of type .
0

Remarks:
f ( a)
1 If f ( a) = 0 and g( a) = 0, then is undefined!
g( a)
2 The limit above MAY or MAY NOT exist.
3 Some techniques used in evaluating such limits are:
Factoring
Rationalization

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 24 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
Evaluate: lim
x →−2 x2 − 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8
lim
x →−2 x2 − 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8 ( x + 2)( x2 − 2x + 4)
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8 ( x + 2)( x2 − 2x + 4)
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2 ( x + 2)( x − 2)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8 ( x + 2)( x2 − 2x + 4)
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2 ( x + 2)( x − 2)
x2 − 2x + 4
= lim
x →−2 x−2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8 ( x + 2)( x2 − 2x + 4)
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2 ( x + 2)( x − 2)
x2 − 2x + 4
= lim
x →−2 x−2
4+4+4
=
−2 − 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x3 + 8
 
0
Evaluate: lim 2
x →−2 x − 4 0

x3 + 8 ( x + 2)( x2 − 2x + 4)
lim = lim
x →−2 x2 − 4 x →−2 ( x + 2)( x − 2)
x2 − 2x + 4
= lim
x →−2 x−2
4+4+4
=
−2 − 2
= −3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 25 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2− x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0

x2 − 16
lim √
x →4 2− x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0

x2 − 16 x2 − 16
lim √ = lim √
x →4 2− x x →4 2− x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
( x − 4)( x + 4)(2 + x)
= lim
x →4 4−x

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
( x − 4)( x + 4)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
= lim [−( x + 4)(2 + x )]
x →4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
( x − 4)( x + 4)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
= lim [−( x + 4)(2 + x )]
x →4

= (−8)(4)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

x2 − 16
 
0
Evaluate: lim √
x →4 2 − x 0
√
x2 − 16 x2 − 16 2 + x
lim √ = lim √ · √
x →4 2 − x x →4 2 − x 2 + x
√
( x2 − 16)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
( x − 4)( x + 4)(2 + x )
= lim
x →4 4−x
√
= lim [−( x + 4)(2 + x )]
x →4

= (−8)(4)

= −32

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 26 / 37
Examples

√
3
x+1
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√
3
x+1
lim
x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√
3
√
3
x+1 x+1
lim = lim
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3
x+1 3
x+1 3
x2
lim = lim ·
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 √
x+1 3
x+1 3
x2 − 3
x
lim = lim ·
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 √
x+1 3
x+1 3
x2 − 3
x+1
lim = lim ·
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 2 √
3 3
x+1 x+1 x − 3 x+1
lim = lim √
· 3 √
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2 x2 − 3 x + 1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 2 √
3 3
x+1 x+1 x − 3 x+1
lim = lim √
· 3 √
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2 x2 − 3 x + 1
x+1
= lim
x →−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 2 √
3 3
x+1 x+1 x − 3 x+1
lim = lim √
· 3 √
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2 x2 − 3 x + 1
x+1
= lim √ √
x →−1 2( x + 1)( 3 x2 − 3 x + 1)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 2 √
3 3
x+1 x+1 x − 3 x+1
lim = lim √
· 3 √
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2 x2 − 3 x + 1
x+1
= lim √ √
x →−1 2( x + 1)( 3 x2 − 3 x + 1)
1
= lim √ √
x →−1 2( 3 x2 − 3 x + 1)

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
Examples

√
3
 
x+1 0
Evaluate: lim
x →−1 2x + 2 0
√ √ √
3 2 √
3 3
x+1 x+1 x − 3 x+1
lim = lim √
· 3 √
x →−1 2x + 2 x →−1 2x + 2 x2 − 3 x + 1
x+1
= lim √ √
x →−1 2( x + 1)( 3 x2 − 3 x + 1)
1
= lim √ √
x →−1 2( 3 x2 − 3 x + 1)
1
=
6

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 27 / 37
For today

1 Limit of a Function: An intuitive approach

2 Evaluating Limits

3 One-sided Limits

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 28 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends

on whether x < 1 or x > 1.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

4
Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1 3

1
As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends
on whether x < 1 or x > 1. −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
0
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

4
Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1 3

1
As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends
on whether x < 1 or x > 1. −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
0
−1

−2

−3

As x approaches 1 through values less than 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

4
Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1 3

1
As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends
on whether x < 1 or x > 1. −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
0
−1

−2

−3

As x approaches 1 through values less than 1, f ( x ) approaches −2.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

4
Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1 3

1
As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends
on whether x < 1 or x > 1. −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
0
−1

−2

−3

As x approaches 1 through values less than 1, f ( x ) approaches −2.

As x approaches 1 through values greater than 1,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 4


3 − 5x2 , x < 1

4
Consider: f ( x ) =
4x − 3,

x≥1 3

1
As x → 1, the value of f ( x ) depends
on whether x < 1 or x > 1. −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
0
−1

−2

−3

As x approaches 1 through values less than 1, f ( x ) approaches −2.

As x approaches 1 through values greater than 1, f ( x ) approaches 1.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 29 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

( )
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

( )
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

( )
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

()
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

()
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Since there is no open interval I containing 0 such that g( x ) is defined on I ,

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

()
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Since there is no open interval I containing 0 such that g( x ) is defined on I , we

cannot let x approach 0 from both sides.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
Illustration 5
√
Consider: g( x ) = x

()
−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Since there is no open interval I containing 0 such that g( x ) is defined on I , we

cannot let x approach 0 from both sides.

But we can say something about the values of g( x ) as x gets closer and closer to
0 from the right of 0.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 30 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the left is L

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 31 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the left is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as the values of x get closer and
closer to a, but are less than a.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 31 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the left is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as the values of x get closer and
closer to a, but are less than a.

Notation:
lim f ( x ) = L
x → a−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 31 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the right is L

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 32 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the right is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as the values of x get closer and
closer to a, but are greater than a.

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 32 / 37
One-sided Limits

Intuitive Definition
The

limit of f ( x ) as x approaches a from the right is L

if the values of f ( x ) get closer and closer to L as the values of x get closer and
closer to a, but are greater than a.

Notation:
lim f ( x ) = L
x → a+

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 32 / 37
Theorem
lim f ( x ) = L if and only if lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = L
x→a x → a− x → a+

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 33 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x )
x →1−
3

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 )
x →1− x →1−
3

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 ) = −2
x →1− x →1−
3

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 ) = −2
x →1− x →1−
3 lim f ( x )
x →1+
2

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 ) = −2
x →1− x →1−
3 lim f ( x ) = lim (4x − 3)
x →1+ x →1+
2

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 ) = −2
x →1− x →1−
3 lim f ( x ) = lim (4x − 3) = 1
x →1+ x →1+
2

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
 
3 − 5x2 , x < 1

f (x) =
4x − 3,

x≥1

4
lim f ( x ) = lim (3 − 5x2 ) = −2
x →1− x →1−
3 lim f ( x ) = lim (4x − 3) = 1
x →1+ x →1+
2 lim f ( x ) dne
x →1
1

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

−2

−3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 34 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x
x →0+

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x=0
x →0+

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x=0
x →0+
√
lim x
x →0−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x=0
x →0+
√
lim x dne
x →0−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x=0
x →0+
√
lim x dne
x →0−
√
lim x
x →0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples
√
g( x ) = x

−2 −1 0 1 2 3
−1

Based on the graph,

√
lim x=0
x →0+
√
lim x dne
x →0−
√
lim x dne
x →0

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 35 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4

lim p( x )
x →2−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x
x →2− x →2−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−

lim p( x )
x →2+

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x
lim p( x ) = lim
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2)
lim p( x ) = lim = lim
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 )

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x )
x →2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x ) = 1
x →2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x ) = 1
x →2

lim p( x )
x →3

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x ) = 1
x →2
x2 − 2x
lim p( x ) = lim
x →3 x →3 2x − 4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x ) = 1
x →2
x2 − 2x 9−6
lim p( x ) = lim =
x →3 x →3 2x − 4 6−4

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Examples

√
 5 − 2x, x≤2


Let p( x ) =
 x2 − 2x

 , x>2
2x − 4
√ √
lim p( x ) = lim 5 − 2x = 1 = 1
x →2− x →2−
x2 − 2x x ( x − 2) x
lim p( x ) = lim = lim = lim =1
x →2+ x →2+ 2x − 4 x →2+ 2 ( x − 2 ) x →2+ 2
lim p( x ) = 1
x →2
x2 − 2x 9−6 3
lim p( x ) = lim = =
x →3 x →3 2x − 4 6−4 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 36 / 37
Exercises

3x − 12
1 Evaluate: lim √
x →4 3 − 2x + 1
x2 + 1

, if x < −1


2 Find lim f ( x ) given: f ( x ) = x−1
x →−1  √
1 − x + 5, if x ≥ −1


6x − 4
 
1
3 Evaluate: lim +
x →2/3 3x2 + 4x − 4 3x + 2

Institute of Mathematics (UP Diliman) Limit of a Function and One-sided limits Mathematics 53 37 / 37