Lesson 1.

Calculus is built on the concept of limit. The rules for calculating limits are straightforward,
and most of the limits we need can be found by using one or more of direct substitution,
graphing or algebra.
One of the most important uses of limits in calculus is to test functions for continuity.
Continuous functions are widely used in science because they serve to model an enormous
range of natural behavior.

INFORMAL DEFINITION OF LIMIT

Given real numbers c and L, if the value 𝑓(𝑥) of a function f approach or equal L as the
value of x approach (but do not equal) c, we say that f has limit L as x approaches c. We
write

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥 →𝑐

(read “ The limit of f of x as x approaches c equals L”).

INDETERMINATE FORMS

Consider the function defined by

𝑁(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐷(𝑥) ≠ 0
𝐷(𝑥)

Suppose at x= a, N(a) = D(a) = 0

𝑁(𝑎) 0
𝑓(𝑎) = =
𝐷(𝑎) 0

Which is undefined. We say that at x = a, the function f(x) assumes the indeterminate
0
form 0. Obtaining this form by direct substitution does not necessarily mean that f(x) has
0
no limit. Even if f(x) assumes the indeterminate form 0 at x = a, the limit of f(x) may be
definite, i.e., the
limit exists. This limit can be found by using some techniques.
Lesson 1.4
Activity 2

Evaluate the limits of the following:

𝑥 3 −13𝑥+12
1. lim
𝑥→3 𝑥 3 −14𝑥+15

𝑥−1
2. lim
𝑥→1 √𝑥+3 − 2

𝑥 2 +2𝑥 − 8
3. lim
𝑥→2 3𝑥 − 6

𝑥−3
4. lim
𝑥→3 √𝑥 −2 − √4−𝑥

sin 𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑥
5. lim
𝑥→0 1 − cos 𝑥

6. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3, find
𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(2)
lim
𝑥→2 𝑥− 2
Lesson 1.5 - CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS
EXAMPLE 1

Given f(x) = x2 , is the function continuous at x = 2?

SOLUTION

f(c) = f(2) = (2)2 = 4 - it is defined

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑥 2 = (2)2 = 4 - it exists

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

𝑓(2) = lim 𝑥 2 = (2)2 = 4

𝑥→2

Therefore, it is continuous at x = 2. In fact it is continuous for all finite values of x.

EXAMPLE 2

1
Given f(x) = 𝑥, is the function continuous at x = 0?

SOLUTION

1
f(c) = f(0) = 0 = undefined

1
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim = it does not exists
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→0 0

Therefore, it is not continuous at x = 0.

Lesson 1.6