2

Outline
Limits and Continuity

1
2.1 Notion of a Limit
2.2 Properties of Limits
2.3 Operations and Evaluation with Limits
2.4 Unbounded Functions
2.5 One-Sided Limits
2.6 Continuity

Learning Outcomes

1. Verify the value of the limit of a function at a point using the definition of the limit;
2. Calculate the limit of a function at a point numerically and algebraically using
appropriate techniques;
3. Find points of discontinuity for functions and classify them;
4. Define and illustrate continuity of a function at a point and on an interval;
5. Understand the consequences of the intermediate value theorem for continuous
functions.
2.1 Notion of a Limit
Let f be a function that is defined on an open interval containing a, but possibly not defined
at a itself. Let L be a real number. The statement lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 defines the limit of the
𝑥→𝑎

function f(x) as x approaches a. L is the value that the function has, as the point a is
approached.

Example:
1. Evaluate lim (𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→2
Solution:
We will study the behavior of the linear function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 as x takes on values
closer and closer to 2 from both sides; thus, values less than 2 and values greater
than 2. The table below, shows the corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3.

x -2 -1 0 1.99 1.999 2 2.001 2.01 3

y=f(x) 1 2 3 4.99 4.999 5 5.001 5.01 6

It follows from the table that the values of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 come closer and closer to
the values 5 as the values of x gets nearer and nearer to 2. In fact, we can find a
value of f(x) as close as we please to 5 by choosing a value for x that is close
enough to 2. In this case, we say that the limit of f(x) as x approaches 2 is 5.
Symbolically, we write

lim (𝑥 + 3) = 5
𝑥→2

When we write x→2 (x approaches 2), we do not assume that x=2, but that x gets
closer and closer to 2 from either side. Thus,

𝑥 → 2− (𝑥 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 2 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 2)

𝑥 → 2+ (𝑥 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 2 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 2)

Now, evaluating he limit from both sides, we get

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

𝑥 2 −1
2. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
Solution:
𝑥 2 −1
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = . Clearly this is not defined at 𝑥 = 1, that is, 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist.
𝑥−1
Nevertheless, the function does have a limit as 𝑥 → 1. Thus,
𝑥 2 − 1 (1)2 − 1 1 − 1 0
lim = = = , 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒.
𝑥→1 𝑥 − 1 1−1 0 0

We can simplify the expression by factoring the numerator. Hence,

𝑥2 − 1 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
lim = lim = lim (𝑥 + 1) = 1 + 1 = 2
𝑥→1 𝑥 − 1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1
Thus,
𝑥2 − 1
lim =2
𝑥→1 𝑥 − 1

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 2

 𝑥 2 −16
3. Evaluate lim
𝑥→4 𝑥−4
Solution:
Evaluating the limit, we get
𝑥 2 − 16 (4)2 − 16 0
lim = = , 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒.
𝑥→4 𝑥 − 4 4−4 0

We simplify the expression then evaluate the limit. Hence,

𝑥 2 − 16 (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 4)
lim = lim = lim(𝑥 + 4) = 4 + 4
𝑥→4 𝑥 − 4 𝑥→4 𝑥−4 𝑥→4
Thus,
𝑥 2 − 16
lim
𝑥→4 𝑥 − 4

√𝑥 2 −1
4. Evaluate the lim .
𝑥→1 √𝑥−1
Solution:
Evaluating the limit, we have
√𝑥 2 − 1 √(1)2 − 10
lim = = , 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒.
𝑥→1 √𝑥 − 1 √1 − 1 0

Now, we express the quotient into a single radical then evaluate the limit. That is,

√𝑥 2 − 1 𝑥2 − 1 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
lim = lim√ = lim√ = lim√𝑥 + 1 = √1 + 1
𝑥→1 √𝑥 − 1 𝑥→1 𝑥 − 1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1

Thus,
√𝑥 2 − 1
lim = √2
𝑥→1 √𝑥 − 1

2.2 Properties of Limits

Let a, n, and c be any real numbers.

 lim 𝑐 = 𝑐, where c is a constant. (the limit of a constant is the constant itself.)

𝑥→𝑎

Example:
1. lim 2 = 2
𝑥→3
2. lim1 3 = 3
𝑥→2
3. lim 𝜋 = 𝜋
𝑥→0
4. lim(−8) = −8
𝑥→1

 lim 𝑥 = 𝑎
𝑥→𝑎

Example:
1. lim 𝑥 = 5
𝑥→5
2. lim 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0
3. lim 𝑥 = −2
𝑥→−2

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 3

 2
4. lim2 𝑥 = 3
𝑥→
3

 lim 𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
Example:
1. lim (2𝑥 − 1) = (2(4) − 1) = 8 − 1 = 7
𝑥→4
2. lim (2 − 5𝑥 ) = 2 − 5(−1) = 2 + 5 = 7
𝑥→−1

 lim [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
Example:
1. lim (2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 5) = lim 2𝑥 3 − lim 𝑥 2 + lim 5
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= 2(2)3 − (2)2 + 5
= 17

1 2 1 3
2. lim1 (√4𝑥 2 + 8 − 5𝑥 3 ) = √4 ( ) + 8 − 5 ( )
𝑥→ 2 2
2
5
= √1 + 8 −
8
5
=3−
8
24−5
=
8
19
=
8

 lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
Example:
1. lim[(2𝑥 + 3) ∙ (𝑥 2 + 1)] = lim (2𝑥 + 3) ∙ lim (𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3
= [2(3) + 3] ∙ [(3)2 + 1]
= [6 + 3] ∙ [9 + 1]
= [9] ∙ [10]
= 90

2. lim[(𝑥 + 1) ∙ (𝑥 − 1)] = lim (𝑥 2 − 1)

𝑥→4 𝑥→4
= lim 𝑥 2 − lim 1
𝑥→4 𝑥→4
= (4)2 −1
= 16 − 1
= 15

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥)

 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑔(𝑥)
, 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 lim 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
𝑥→𝑎

Example:

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 4

 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1 lim (𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1)
1. lim = 𝑥→2
𝑥→2 𝑥 2 +1 lim (𝑥 2 +1)
𝑥→2
(2)2 −2(2)+1
= (2)2 +1
1
=
5

√𝑥+1 lim √𝑥+1

2. lim = 𝑥→3
𝑥→3 𝑥 lim 𝑥
𝑥→3
√3+1
=
3
2
=
3

 lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√ lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Where n is any positive integer

Example:
1. lim √𝑥 = √8 = 2√2
𝑥→8
2. lim √𝑥 2 + 2 = √(1)2 + 2 = √1 + 2 = √3
𝑥→1
3 33 3
3. lim √√𝑥 + 2 = √√4 + 2 = √2 + 2 = √4
𝑥→4

 lim [𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛 = lim [𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
Example:
1. lim 𝑥 2 = (3)2 = 9
𝑥→3
1 3 1 1
2. lim1 4𝑥 3 = 4 (− ) = 4 (− ) = −
𝑥→−2 2 8 2

2.3 Operations and Evaluation with Limits

Examples: Evaluate the following:

𝑥 3 −64
1. lim
𝑥→4 𝑥 2 −16
Solution:
𝑥 3 − 64 𝑥 3 − (4)3
lim = lim
𝑥→4 𝑥 2 − 16 𝑥→4 𝑥 2 − (4)2
(𝑥−4)(𝑥 2 +4𝑥+16)
= lim (𝑥−4)(𝑥+4)
𝑥→4
𝑥 2 +4𝑥+16
= lim 𝑥+4
𝑥→4
=6

√𝑥+16−4
2. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
We rationalize the expression in a way the properties on limits can be used.
√𝑥 + 16 − 4 √𝑥 + 16 − 4 √𝑥 + 16 + 4
lim = lim ∙
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 √𝑥 + 16 + 4
𝑥 + 16 − 16
= lim
𝑥→0 𝑥(√𝑥 + 16 + 4)

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 5

 𝑥
= lim
𝑥→0 𝑥(√𝑥 + 16 + 4)
1
= lim
𝑥→0 1(√𝑥 + 16 + 4)
1
=
8
𝑥−3
3. lim
𝑥→3 √𝑥−2−√4−𝑥
Solution:
We rationalize the expression in a way the properties on limits can be used.
𝑥−3 𝑥−3 √𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥
lim = lim ∙
𝑥→3 √𝑥 − 2 − √4 − 𝑥 𝑥→3 √𝑥 − 2 − √4 − 𝑥 √𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥
(𝑥 − 3)(√𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 2) − (4 − 𝑥)
(𝑥 − 3)(√𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→3 𝑥−2−4+𝑥

(𝑥 − 3)(√𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→3 2𝑥 − 6
(𝑥 − 3)(√𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→3 2(𝑥 − 3)
(√𝑥 − 2 + √4 − 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→3 2
=1

𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥
4. lim
𝑥→0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
Solution:
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
By factoring 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥 and using the trigonometric identity 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = , apply and
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
substitute these in the given equation.
𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)(𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥)
lim = lim
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 𝑥→0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 −
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)(𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 1
(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥) (1 − )
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

Using the Pythagorean identity of 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥,

1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
= lim
𝑥→0 1
1−
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
= lim
𝑥→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 1

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 6

 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 1

(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 −(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)

(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 −1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
= lim
𝑥→0 −1
2
=
−1
= −2

1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
5. lim
𝑥→0 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
Solution:
(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)
= lim
𝑥→0 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
= lim 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑥→0
=0

2.4 Unbounded Functions

INFINITY
Let f(x) be a function. If we can make f(x) as large as we please by making x close enough,
but not equal to a real number a, then we describe the situation by writing,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∞
𝑥→𝑎

Example:
1
1. lim = ∞
𝑥→0 𝑥
x 0.1000 0.0100 0.0010 0.0001 → 0
y 10 100 1000 10000 → ∞

1
2. lim =∞
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
x -2 -1 0 0.5 0.8 0.9 → 1
y 10 100 1000 -2 -5 -10 → ∞

LIMIT AT INFINITY
1
lim =0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑛
Example:
1 1 1 1 1
1. lim = lim ( • ) = lim • lim =0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥
5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2. lim = 5 lim = 5 lim ( • • ) = 5 ( lim • lim • lim ) = 0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 3 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 3 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥

1
 this shows that if n is any positive number then lim = 0.
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑛

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 7

 𝑁(𝑥) ∞
A function 𝑓(𝑥) = may assume the indeterminate form when x is replaced by ∞.
𝐷(𝑥) ∞
However, the limit of f(x) as x becomes infinite may be definite. To find this limit, first divide
N(x) and D(x) by the highest power of x.

Example:
6𝑥 3 +4𝑥 2 +5
1. lim
𝑥→∞ 8𝑥 3 +7𝑥−3
Solution:
6𝑥 3 4𝑥 2 5
6𝑥 3
+ 4𝑥 2
+5 3 + 3 + 3
lim = 𝑥 3 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥→∞ 8𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 − 3 8𝑥 7𝑥 3
+ 3− 3
𝑥3 𝑥 𝑥
4 5
6+ + 3
𝑥 𝑥
=
7𝑥 3
8+ 2 − 3
𝑥 𝑥
4 5
6+ + 3
∞ ∞
=
7𝑥 3
8+ 2− 3
∞ ∞
6
=
8
3
=
4
4𝑥+5
2. lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2 +1
Solution:
4𝑥 5
4𝑥 + 5 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2
lim = 2
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2 + 1 𝑥 1
+
𝑥2 𝑥2
4 5
+
𝑥 𝑥2
=
1
1+ 2
𝑥
4 5
+
∞ ∞2
=
1
1+ 2
∞
0
=
1
=0

𝑥 3 +𝑥+2
3. lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 2 −1
Solution:
Simplifying first the expression, we shall use division of rational expressions.
𝑥3 + 𝑥 + 2 2𝑥 + 2
2 =𝑥+ 2
𝑥 −1 𝑥 −1

Thus,
𝑥3 + 𝑥 + 2 2𝑥 + 2
lim 2
= lim (𝑥 + 2 )
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 −1 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 −1
2𝑥 + 2
= lim 𝑥 + lim 2
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 − 1

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 8

 2𝑥 2
2 + 2
= lim 𝑥 + lim 𝑥 2 𝑥
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 1
−
𝑥2 𝑥2
2 2
+
𝑥 𝑥2
= lim 𝑥 + lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ 1
1− 2
𝑥
2 2
+ 2
∞ ∞
=∞+
1
1− 2
∞
0
=∞+
1
=∞

(𝑥+2)3 −(𝑥−2)3
4. lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥2
Solution:
Expand first the numerator.
(𝑥 + 2)3 − (𝑥 − 2)3 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 8 − (𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 8)
lim =
𝑥→∞ 𝑥2 𝑥2
3 2 3 2
𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 8 − 𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 12𝑥 + 8
=
𝑥2
2
12𝑥 + 16
=
𝑥2
12𝑥 2 16
2 + 2
= 𝑥 2 𝑥
𝑥
𝑥2
16
12 + 2
= 𝑥
1
16
12 + 2
= ∞
1
= 12

2.5 One-Sided Limits

In some cases a function may approach either of two different limits, depending on whether
the variable approaches its limit through values larger or smaller than that limit. In such a
case, the limit is not defined or does not exist but the right-hand and left-hand limits exist.

THE RIGHT-HAND LIMIT

The right-hand limit L of a function f(x) at a point a is the limit of the function at a as x
approaches a from decreasing values of a. We write the right-hand limit by the notation
lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎+
𝑥→𝑎

Example:
1. Evaluate the limit of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 as x approaches 0 from the right.
Solution:

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 9

 The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 is shown below. Notice that the function is defined only for
𝑥 ≥ 0. Now, evaluating the limit of the function as x approaches 0 from the right, we
get
lim+√𝑥 = √0 = 0
𝑥→0

Function with a Right-Hand Limit.

THE LEFT-HAND LIMIT

The left-hand limit L of a function f(x) at a point a is the limit of the function at a as x
approaches a from increasing values of a. We write the left-hand limit by the notation
lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑓(𝑥) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎−
𝑥→𝑎

Example:
1. Given the split function defined by
2 𝑥=1
𝑓(𝑥) = {
−2 𝑥<1
Evaluate lim− 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim+𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
Solution:
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is shown below. To evaluate the limit as x approaches 1 from the
left, we use 𝑓(𝑥) = −2. Hence,
lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −2
𝑥→1
Notice that 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 1. Now, evaluating the limit as x approaches 1 from the
right we get
lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡.
𝑥→1

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 10

 Function with a Left-Hand Limit.

2.6 Continuity
A function is said to be continuous at x=a if there is no interruption in the graph of f(x) at a.
Its graph is unbroken at a, and there is no hole, jump, or gap.
Functions that are continuous at every number in a given interval are sometimes thought of
as functions whose graphs can be sketched without lifting the ballpen from the paper; that
is, there is no break in the graph.

A function is said to be continuous at a point x=a if the following three conditions are
satisfied:
i. f(x) is defined, that is, exists, at x=a.
ii. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.
𝑥→𝑎
iii. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑥→𝑎

If one or more of these conditions are not satisfied, we say that the function is
discontinuous at x=a.

Example:
1. Discuss the continuity of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 3 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1.
Solution:
We apply definition of continuity to prove that 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 3 is continuous 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1.
We have
i. 𝑓(1) = 2 − (1)3 = 2 − 1 = 1
ii. lim(2 − 𝑥 3 ) = 2 − (1)3 = 2 − 1 = 1
𝑥→1
iii. lim(2 − 𝑥 3 ) = 𝑓(1)
𝑥→1

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 3 is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 11

 Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥 3

2. Using one-sided limit properties (if needed) and the definition of continuity
determine if the given function is continuous or discontinuous at the indicated points.
4𝑥 + 5
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎)𝑥 = −1, 𝑏)𝑥 = 0, 𝑐)𝑥 = 3
9 − 3𝑥
Solution:
a) 𝑥 = −1
4(−1)+5 1
i. 𝑓(−1) = =
9−3(−1) 13
4𝑥+5 4(−1)+5 1
ii. lim ( )= =
𝑥→−1 9−3𝑥 9−3(−1) 13
4𝑥+5
iii. lim ( ) = 𝑓(−1)
𝑥→−1 9−3𝑥

4𝑥+5
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at 𝑥 = −1.
9−3𝑥

b) 𝑥=0
4(0)+5 5
i. 𝑓(0) = =
9−3(0) 9
4𝑥+5 4(0)+5 5
ii. lim (9−3𝑥) = 9−3(0) =
𝑥→0 9
4𝑥+5
iii. lim (9−3𝑥) = 𝑓(0)
𝑥→0

4𝑥+5
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at 𝑥 = 0.
9−3𝑥

c) 𝑥=3

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 12

 There is a problem here that 𝑓(3) doesn’t exist and so we couldn’t plug in the
value even if we wanted to.

This also tells us what we need to know however. If either the function or the
limit do not exist then the function is not continuous at the point. Therefore,
we can see that the function is not continuous at 𝑥 = 3.

For practice you might want to verify that,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∞ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞

𝑥→3− 𝑥→3+

And so lim 𝑓(𝑥) also does not exist.

𝑥→3

3. Using one-sided limit properties (if needed) and the definition of continuity
determine if the given function is continuous or discontinuous at the indicated points.

2x x<6
𝑔(𝑥) = { 𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎) 𝑥 = 4, 𝑏) 𝑥 = 6
x−1 x ≥6

Solution:

a) 𝑥 = 4

For this part we can notice that because there are values of x on both sides
of 𝑥 = 4 in the range 𝑥 < 6 we won’t need to worry about one-sided limits here.

i. 𝑓(4) = 2(4) = 8
ii. lim(2𝑥) = 2(4) = 8
𝑥→4
iii. lim(2𝑥) = 𝑓(4)
𝑥→4

and so the function is continuous at 𝑥 = 4.

b) 𝑥 = 6
i. 𝑓(6− ) = 2(6) = 12
ii. lim−(2𝑥) = 2(6) = 12
𝑥→6
iii. lim (2𝑥) = 𝑓(6)
𝑥→6−

i. 𝑓(6+ ) = 6 − 1 = 5
ii. lim+(𝑥 − 1) = 6 − 1 = 5
𝑥→6
iii. lim (𝑥 − 1) = 𝑓(6)
𝑥→6+

So we can see that, lim− 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ lim+𝑔(𝑥) and so lim 𝑔(𝑥) does not exist.
𝑥→6 𝑥→6 𝑥→6

In order for a function to be continuous at a point both the function and the limit
must exist. Therefore, this function is not continuous at 𝑥 = 6 because lim+𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→6
does not exist.

MATH 34 CHAPTER 2: LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 13