BASIC CALCULUS

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Learning Activity Sheet

Computing the Limit of Exponential, Logarithmic Functions,
Trigonometric Functions and Special Functions

Background Information for Learners

In your previous learning activity sheets, you learned how to find the limit of some basic
functions through table of values, graph and applying limit laws.
You are now ready to extend your knowledge by learning how to find the limit of other
functions such as exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and some special functions.

Limits of Exponential Functions

An exponential function is a function in which the exponent of the expression is a variable.
It is of the form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥
where: 𝑏 is any real number such that 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1
𝑥 is any real number
The limits of exponential functions can be computed by using table of values and graphs.

Example 1: Consider the exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 . Compute 𝑙𝑖𝑚 3𝑥 using table of values and
𝑥→0
a graph.
Solution: First, construct a table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 . Start 𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
by approaching the number 0 from the left or through the values less -2 0.11111111
than but close to 0. From the table, it shows that the -1 0.33333333
𝑙𝑖𝑚−3𝑥 = 1
𝑥→0 -0.5 0.57735027
Now, consider values approaching the number 0 from the right or
-0.1 0.89595846
through values greater than but close to 0.
-0.001 0.99890199
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
2 9 -0.00001 0.99998901
1 3
From the table, as the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 0, the value
0.5 1.7320508 of 𝑓(𝑥) get closer and closer to 1. So, 𝑙𝑖𝑚+3𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0
0.1 1.1161232
0.001 1.0010992 Combining the two one – sided limits, you can already conclude that
𝒍𝒊𝒎 𝟑𝒙 = 1.
0.00001 1.000011 𝒙→𝟎
Use the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 to determine its limit as 𝑥
approaches 0.

Looking at the graph, as the values of x approaches 0,

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

Example 2: Consider the exponential function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙 . Compute 𝑙𝑖𝑚 3𝑥 using a table of values
𝑥→+∞
and a graph.

Solution: Construct a table of values and the graph of the given function. Since 𝑥 → +∞, let
𝑥 take on the number −2, −1,0, 1,2 and so on.
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
-2 0.111…
-1 0.333…
0 1
1 3
2 9
5 243
7 2187

The graph passes through the point (0,1). The

graph increases without bound as 𝑥 approaches
positive infinity. Notice that in the table of values,
as the value of x increases, the value of 𝑓(𝑥)
increases too. This means as 𝑥 → +∞, 3𝑥
approaches +∞. Therefore, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙 = +∞.
𝒙→+∞

1
Example 3: Find lim (3)𝑥 using a table of values and the graph of the function.
𝑥→−∞
Solution: Since 𝑥 → −∞, let x take on values that are approaching negative infinity such as
2,1,0, −1 and so on. Then, for each 𝑥, compute the corresponding value of 𝑓(𝑥).
 𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
2 0.111…
1 0.333…
0 1
-1 3
-2 9
-5 243
-7 2187

In the table of values, as the value of x decreases, the value of 𝑓(𝑥) increases. This means
that as 𝑥 → −∞, the function approaches positive infinity.
The graph passes through point (0,1). The graph increases without bound as x approaches
1
negative infinity. Therefore, lim (3)𝑥 = +∞.
𝑥→−∞
In general,

Limits of Exponential Function

1. If 𝑏 > 1 a. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = +∞ b. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞
2. If 0 < 𝑏 < 1 a. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = 0 b. lim 𝑏 𝑥 = +∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞

The Natural Exponential Function

The natural exponential function is in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where 𝑒 is called the Euler number
and has value of 2.718281 …
Example 4: Find the lim 𝑒 𝑥 by using a table of values and by sketching the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .
𝑥→+∞
Solution: Construct a table of values and sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
-2 0.13534
-1 0.367879
0 1
1 2.71828
2 7.38906
3 20.08554
4 54.5982
5 148.4132
 Notice that as the value of x increases, the corresponding value of 𝑓(𝑥) rapidly increases. In
the graph, the value of 𝑥 increases without bound. Therefore, lim 𝑒 𝑥 = +∞.
𝑥→+∞
In general,

Limits of Natural Exponential Function

1. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = +∞ 2. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 0 3. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = 0 4. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = +∞

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→−∞

The Logarithmic Function

Recall your lessons on
expressing exponential form
Logarithmic function is the inverse of exponential
into logarithmic form.
function. The inverse of the exponential
function y = ax is x = ay. The logarithmic function y = 1. 82 = 64
logax is defined to be equivalent to the exponential 2. 9 = 32
1
equation x = ay. 3. 162 = 4

Solutions:
Example 5: Compute the lim log 𝑥 using a table of 1. log 8 64 = 2
𝑥→1
values and the graph of the function. 2. log 3 9 = 2
1
Solution: Construct the table of values of 3. log16 4 =
2

values for 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥. Approach the number 1

from the left or through the values less than but
close to 1.
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
0.1 -1 Now, consider approaching 1 from its right or
0.5 -0.30102999566 through values greater than but close to 1.
0.9 -0.04575749056
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
0.99 -0.0043648054
2 0.30102999566
0.999 -0.00043451177
1.5 0.17609125905
0.9999 -0.00004343161
1.1 0.04139268515
0.99999 -0.00000434296
1.01 0.00432137378
As the values of 𝑥 get closer and closer to 1, the values of 𝑓(𝑥) get 1.001 0.00043407747
closer and closer to 0. Therefore, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 = 𝟎. 1.0001 0.00004342727
𝒙→𝟏
1.00001 0.00000434292

The graph verifies the observation that

the lim log 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥→1
Example 6: Find the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 using a table of values and graph of the function.
𝒙→+∞

Solution: Remember that 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥 is equivalent to 𝑥 = 2𝑦 . To construct table of values for

𝑦 = log 2 𝑥, use 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒚 . Choose values for 𝑦 and calculate the corresponding values for 𝑥. Let 𝑦 take
on the values −2, −1, 0, 1, 3 and so on. Compute the corresponding value of x for each value of y.

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
0.25 -2
0.5 -1
1 0
2 1
8 3
32 5
128 7
512 9
2048 11

The values of 𝑥 are increasing rapidly. The

values of 𝑦 are also increasing, hence 𝑦 will
also approach positive infinity. We can
conclude that lim log 2 𝑥 = +∞.
𝑥→+∞

In general,

Limits of Logarithmic Function

1. lim log 𝑏 𝑥 = +∞; 𝑏 > 0 2. lim+ log 𝑏 𝑥 = −∞; 𝑏 > 0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→0

The Natural Logarithmic Function

When the base, b, of the logarithmic function, y = logb x, is replaced with e, you have
the natural logarithmic function. The natural logarithmic function, y = loge x, is more commonly
written as 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥.

ln x = loge x

The graph of the function defined by 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 looks similar to the graph of y = logb x where b > 1.

Example 7: Find lim ln(𝑥)

𝑥→+∞
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
Solution: Choose values for 𝑦 and calculate the corresponding values 0.13534 -2
for 𝑥. Let 𝑦 take on the values −2, −1,0,1,3 and so on. Compute the 0.367879 -1
corresponding value of x for each value of y. 1 0
2.71828 1
7.38906 2
20.08554 3
54.5982 4
The values of 𝑥 increases rapidly. The
value of 𝑦 also increases, although
slowly. In the graph of ln 𝑥, as 𝑥 moves
to the positive direction, 𝑦 also moves
to the positive direction, although
slowly.

If the value of 𝑥 decreases and

approaches zero, the value of 𝑦 will
approach negative infinity. We can
conclude that, lim ln(𝑥) = +∞.
𝑥→+∞

In general,

Limits of Natural Logarithmic Function

1. lim ln(𝑥) = +∞ 2. lim+ ln(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0

The Trigonometric Functions

Example 8: Evaluate lim sin 𝑥.

𝑥→0
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
Solution : Construct the table of values for the function -1 -0.8414709848
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥. Assign x with values approaching 0 from the left -0.5 -0.4794255386
or through the values less than but close to 0. -0.1 -0.09983341664
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) -0.01 -0.00999983333
1 0.8414709848 -0.001 -0.00099999983
0.5 0.4794255386 -0.0001 -0.00009999999
0.1 0.09983341664 -0.00001 -0.00000999999
0.01 0.00999983333
0.001 0.00099999983 Consider values of x approaching 0 from its right or through
0.0001 0.00009999999 values greater than but close to 0.
0.00001 0.00000999999

As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 0. Therefore,
lim sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0
We can also find lim sin 𝑥 by using the graph of the sine function. Consider the graph of the function
𝑥→0
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 .

The graph validates the observation that lim sin 𝑥 = 0. Also, using the graph, we have the following:
𝑥→0

1. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = 1 2. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥 = −1 3.lim sin 𝑥 = 0 4. lim sin 𝑥 = 0

𝑥→ 𝑥→− 𝑥→𝜋 𝑥→−𝜋
2 2

In general,

Limits of Trigonometric Functions

1. lim sin 𝑥 = sin 𝑐 2. lim cos 𝑥 = cos 𝑐 3. lim tan 𝑥 = tan 𝑐

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

4. lim csc 𝑥 = csc 𝑐 5. lim sec 𝑥 = sec 𝑐 6. lim cot 𝑥 = cot 𝑐

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
The limit of trigonometric function at c is equal to the value of the function at c.

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒕 𝟏−𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒕 𝒆𝒕 −𝟏
Special Functions (𝒇(𝒕) = , 𝒈(𝒕) = and 𝒉(𝒕) = )
𝒕 𝒕 𝒕

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
The three special functions, 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 , 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡 and ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡 are vital in the
computations of the derivatives of the sine, cosine and natural exponential functions.

sin 𝑡
Example 9: Evaluate lim 𝑡
.
𝑡→0

Solution: Construct table of values. The value of 𝑡 should be 𝑡 sin 𝑡

in radians. Approach the number 0 from the left or through values 𝑡
less than but close to 0. -1.5 0.664997
-0.8 0.896695
-0.5 0.958851
-0.2 0.993347
-0.08 0.998934
-0.03 0.999850
-0.01 0.999983
-0.001 0.999999
Approach 0 from the right or through values
greater than but close to 0. Computation:
Recall the concept on changing
radian to degree measure
𝑡 sin 𝑡 180
𝑡 1 radian = 𝜋
1.5 0.664997 a. sin(−1.5 𝑥
180
) ÷ −1.5 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟔𝟒𝟗𝟗𝟕
𝜋
0.8 0.896695 180
b. sin(0.8 𝑥 ) ÷ 0.8 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟗𝟔𝟔𝟗𝟓
𝜋
0.5 0.958851 180
c. sin(0.5 𝑥 ) ÷ 0.5 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟓𝟖𝟖𝟓𝟏
0.2 0.993347 𝜋
Follow this procedure for the other values
0.08 0.998934 sin 𝑡
0.03 0.999850 of
𝑡
0.01 0.999983
0.001 0.999999

sin 𝑡
The sketch of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑡
is shown below.

It can be observed from the table of values and graph that

sin 𝑡
lim =1
𝑡→0 𝑡

1−cos 𝑡
Example 10: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution: Approach 0 from the

left or through values less than but Computation:
close to 0. Recall the concept on changing radian to
𝑡 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 degree measure
180
𝑡 1 radian = 𝜋
-1.5 -0.619508 180
a. 1 − cos(1.5 𝑥 )] ÷ 1.5 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟎𝟖
-0.5 -0.244835 𝜋
180
-0.2 -0.099667 b. 1 − cos(0.5 𝑥 𝜋
)] ÷ 0.5 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟒𝟖𝟑𝟓
180
-0.08 -0.039979 c. 1 − cos(0.2 𝑥 𝜋
)] ÷ 0.2 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟗𝟔𝟔𝟕
-0.03 -0.014999 d. 1 − cos(0.08 𝑥 180
)] ÷ 0.08 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟗𝟗𝟕𝟗
𝜋
-0.01 -0.005 e. 1 − cos(0.03 𝑥 180
)] ÷ 0.03 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟗𝟗𝟗
𝜋
-0.001 -0.0005

Note: Convert to degree measure if the

setting of the calculator is in degree
measure.
Approach 0 from the right or through values greater than but close to 0.

𝑡 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
𝑡
1.5 0.619508
0.5 0.244835
0.2 0.099667
0.08 0.039979
0.03 0.014999
0.01 0.005
0.001 0.0005
1−cos 𝑡
The sketch of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑡
is shown below. The y-values approach 0 as 𝑡 tends to 0.

It can be observed from the table of values and graph that

1 − cos 𝑡
lim =0
𝑡→0 𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Example 11: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
𝑡 𝑒𝑡 − 1
Solution: Construct the table of values for ℎ(𝑡) = . Approach 𝑡
𝑡
the number 0 from the left or through the values less than but close -1 0.6321205588
to 0. -0.5 0.7869386806
-0.1 0.9516258196
-0.01 0.9950166251
Approach 0 from the right or through values greater than but close
-0.001 0.9995001666
to 0. -0.0001 0.9999500016

𝑡 𝑒𝑡 − 1
𝑡
1 1.718281828
0.5 1.297442541
0.1 1.051709181
0.01 1.005016708
0.001 1.00500167
0.0001 1.00005002
 𝑒 𝑡 −1
The sketch of the graph of ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡
is shown below.

It can be observed from the table of values and graph that

𝒆𝒕 − 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟏
𝒕→𝟎 𝒕

Learning Competency with code

Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions using table of values and
graphs of the functions (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-1)

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Evaluate limits involving the expressions 𝑡
, 𝑡 and 𝑡
using table of values. (STEM_BC11LC-
IIIc-1)

Exercises / Activities

Activity 1: Computing the Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic Function and Trigonometric Functions
Direction: Compute the following limits by completing the table of values. Use your calculator. Show
the graph for no.5-8.

1. lim− 4𝑥 = ___________ 2. lim+ 4𝑥 = ___________

𝑥→2 𝑥→2
a. Table of Values a. Table of Values

X f(x) X f(x)
-1 0.25 3 64

0 2.5

1 4 2.3 24.251465

1.5 2.1

1.9 2.0001

1.9999 2.00001
3. lim− ln x = ________ 4. lim+ ln x = ________
𝑥→3 𝑥→3
a. Table of Values a. Table of Values

X f(x) X f(x)
1 0 5 1.6094379

2 4

2.1 0.74193734 3.5 1.252763

2.5 3.1

2.999 3.001

2.9999 3.00001

5. lim 4𝑥 = _________
𝑥→+∞

a. Table of Values b. Graph

X f(x)
-2 0.0625
-1
0 1
3
5 1024
7

6. lim 5𝑥 = _________
𝑥→−∞

a. Table of Values b. Graph

X f(x)
2 25
1
0 1
-1
-2 0.04
-4
 1
7. lim (4)𝑥 = ________
𝑥→−∞

a. Table of Values b. Graph

X f(x)
2 0.0625
1
0 1
-1
-5 1024
-7

8. lim 𝑒 2𝑥 = _________
𝑥→+∞

a. Table of Values b. Graph

X f(x)
-2 0.018315639
-1
0 1
1
2 54.59815
4

Activity 2: Computing the Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic Function and Trigonometric Functions

Evaluate the following limits.

A.

1. lim 2𝑥 = __________ 2. lim− 5𝑥 = __________ 3. lim log 𝑥 = __________

𝑥→3 𝑥→2 𝑥→5

4. lim ln 𝑥 = __________ 5. lim 𝑒 𝑥 = __________

𝑥→2 𝑥→−2
B.

1. lim (0.2)𝑥 = _______________ 2. lim 42𝑥 = _______________

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞

3. lim 5𝑥 = _______________ 4. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = _______________

𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→+∞

5. lim𝜋 sin 𝑥= _______________

𝑥→
6

Activity 3: Computing the Limits of Trigonometric Function

Given the graph below, evaluate the following limits:

1. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = _______ 2. lim cos 𝑥 = _______ 3. lim cos 𝑥 = _______

3𝜋 𝑥→𝜋
𝑥→ 𝑥→
2 2

4. lim cos 𝑥 = _______ 5. lim𝜋 cos 𝑥 = _______

𝑥→−𝜋 𝑥→−
2

Rubric for Scoring

for Graphing problems

Points Description
3 Points are connected correctly from left to right with no
mistakes. All points are plotted correctly and match up with
the data.
2 Points are connected from left to right, but 1-2 points are
incorrect. Most of the points are plotted correctly however
there are 2-3 that are incorrect.
1 Points are connected in a random manner.

Reflection

Briefly answer the following questions:

1. What is the least interesting part of the activities?

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