2

THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION:

DEFINITIONS AND THEOREMS

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you are expected to:

1. prove that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 using the definition of limit of a function.

𝑥→𝑎

2. evaluate the limit of a function using the limit theorems.

 f(x) 2.1 Definition of Limits

Definition 2.1.1 – Definition of the Limit of a Function

Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval

containing a, except possibly at the number a itself. The limit of f(x) as x
approaches a is L, written as

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙→𝒂

if the following statement is true:

Given any 𝜀 > 0, however small, there exists a 𝛿 > 0 such that for
every x ∈ ℝ,

if 0 < |𝑥 − 𝑎| < 𝛿 then |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| < 𝜀

Note:
Definition 2.1.1 is called as the 𝜺 − 𝜹 definition of limit of a function.
(read: epsilon-delta)

In words, the definition states that f(x) approach a limit L as x approaches a

number a if the absolute value of the difference between f(x) and L can be made as small
as we please by taking x sufficiently near a but not equal to a.

The definition is used in proving limits of functions.

Based on the definition, there are two steps that you should do to prove that
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳. Assuming the given conditions on the definition are satisfied, the steps
𝒙→𝒂

are:

(a) show the existence of 𝛿 > 0, and

(b) show that |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| < 𝜀.

 Let’s take a look at the following graph and let’s assume that the limit does exist.

y = f(x)

L + 𝜀2

f(x)

L - 𝜀1

𝑎−𝛿 a x 𝑎+𝛿

Assuming that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and let 𝜺 and 𝜹 be very small positive real
𝒙→𝒂

numbers. If we take x between a - 𝜹 and a + 𝜹, then this x will be closer to a than

either a - 𝜹 and a + 𝜹. Or, in symbols

|𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝜹

Observe that if x lies between a – 𝜹 and a + 𝜹, then f(x) will lie between

L – 𝜺𝟏 and L + 𝜺𝟐 .

We can state it this way, by restricting x to lie between a – 𝜹 and a + 𝜹, then

f(x) will lie between L – 𝜺𝟏 and L + 𝜺𝟐 . In symbols,
Note that 𝜀1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜀2
are also very small
if 𝟎 < |𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝜹 then |𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳| < 𝜺𝟏 , 𝜺𝟏 < 𝜺𝟐 positive real numbers.

Therefore, we can say that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 if for every number 𝜺 > 𝟎 there is
𝒙→𝒂

some number 𝜹 > 𝟎 such that if 𝟎 < |𝒙 − 𝒂| < 𝜹 then |𝒇(𝒙) − 𝑳| < 𝜺.

Remarks:
𝛿 is dependent on the
value of 𝜀, but not on x.
Examples 2.1
1.) Prove that lim(𝑥 + 1) = 3
𝑥→2

Proof:

First, verify if 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝟑 by using table of values (as you have done in
𝒙→𝟐

Module 1) or any other method. Indeed lim(𝑥 + 1) = 3.

𝑥→2

To prove that lim(𝑥 + 1) = 3 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0 there exists
𝑥→2

𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿 then |(𝑥 + 1) − 3| < 𝜀.

Step 1:

We will show the existence of 𝛿 > 0 for every 𝜀 > 0.

Let 𝜀 > 0

if 0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿 then |(𝑥 + 1) − 3| < 𝜀 Again 𝜀 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛿 are very small real
numbers.
⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿 then |𝑥 − 2| < 𝜀 If 𝜀 = 0.001, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝛿 = 0.001

Hence, take 𝛿 = 𝜀 > 0 If 𝜀 = 0.0001, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝛿 = 0.0001

and so on.
Step 2:

We will show that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿 then
|(𝑥 + 1) − 3| < 𝜀. Or simply, we will show that |(𝑥 + 1) − 3| < 𝜀.

0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿

|𝑥 − 2| < 𝜀

|𝑥 + 1 − 3| < 𝜀

Hence, |(𝑥 + 1) − 3| < 𝜀

Therefore, lim (𝑥 + 1) = 3 ▄
𝑥→2
 2.) Prove that lim (2𝑥 + 7) = −1
𝑥→−4

Proof:

Verify if indeed lim (2𝑥 + 7) = −1 (Do it as an exercise).

𝑥→−4

To prove that lim (2𝑥 + 7) = −1 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0 there
𝑥→−4

exists 𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − (−4)| < 𝛿 then
|(2𝑥 + 7) − (−1)| < 𝜀.

Step 1: We will show the existence of 𝛿 > 0 for every 𝜀 > 0.

Let 𝜀 > 0

if 0 < |𝑥 − (−4)| < 𝛿 then |(2𝑥 + 7) − (−1)| < 𝜀

⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 + 4| < 𝛿 then |2𝑥 + 8| < 𝜀

⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 + 4| < 𝛿 then |2(𝑥 + 4)| < 𝜀

⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 + 4| < 𝛿 then 2|𝑥 + 4| < 𝜀

𝜀
⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 + 4| < 𝛿 then |𝑥 + 4| < 2 If 𝜀 = 0.001, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝛿 = 0.0005

If 𝜀 = 0.0001, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝛿 = 0.00005

𝜀
This implies that 𝛿 = 2 > 0 and so on…

For every value of 𝜀 > 0, there is

Step 2: We will show that if for every real number x, if
corresponding value of 𝛿 > 0

0 < |𝑥 − (−2)| < 𝛿 then |(2𝑥 + 7) − (−1)| < 𝜀.

Or simply, we will show that |(2𝑥 + 7) − (−1)| < 𝜀.

0 < |𝑥 − (−4)| < 𝛿

𝜀
|𝑥 + 4| <
2

2|𝑥 + 4| < 𝜀

|2𝑥 + 8| < 𝜀

|2𝑥 + 7 + 1| < 𝜀
 Hence, |(2𝑥 + 7) − (−1)| < 𝜀

Therefore, lim (2𝑥 + 7) = −1 ▄

𝑥→−4

There is no standard form in writing proofs. As long as your

proof is logical and valid, i.e. it follows accepted operations, definitions
and previous theorems, your proof will be accepted.

In this topic, as long as you logically and validly show the

existence of 𝛿 > 0 and that |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| < 𝜀, then your proof will
suffice.

3.) Prove that lim(𝑥 2 − 1) = 3

𝑥→2

Proof:

To prove that lim(𝑥 2 − 1) = 3 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0 there
𝑥→2

exists 𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿 then
|(𝑥 2 − 1) − 3| < 𝜀.

Step 1: We will find a value for 𝛿 > 0

Given that 𝜀 > 0

|(𝑥 2 − 1) − 3| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 4| < 𝜀

|(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)| < 𝜀

|𝑥 − 2||𝑥 + 2| < 𝜀

ε
|x − 2| < - - - inequality ①
|x+2|

Comparing that with |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿, we could have

ε
concluded that 𝛿 = |x+2|. But 𝛿 must be in terms
of 𝜀 only, not in terms of x. We will find a
 relationship for |𝑥 + 2|.
For this problem, x→ 2. This means that x must
be close to 2. The distance of x from 2 can be 3
units away from 2, or it can be less than 3 units
away from 2, or it can be 1 unit away from 2, and so
on. We will assume that x is 1 unit less than away
from 2, that is, |𝑥 − 2| < 1. It is a reasonable
assumption since x is near 2.
Assume that |𝑥 − 2| < 1
−1 < 𝑥 − 2 < 1

−1 + 4 < 𝑥 − 2 + 4 < 1 + 4

3<𝑥+2<5

This implies that |𝑥 + 2| < 5 - - - inequality ②. The above inequality is

also satisfied by this

inequality.

From ① and ②,
ε
|x − 2| <
5

𝜀
This implies that, 𝛿=5
choose the lesser value,
𝜀
𝜀 between 1 and , for
Hence, 𝛿 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛. {1, 5} 2
𝛿 because we want x to
be near 2.
Step 2: We will show that |(𝑥 2 − 1) − 3| < 𝜀

0 < |𝑥 − 2| < 𝛿
𝜀
|𝑥 − 2| <
5

5|𝑥 − 2| < 𝜀, from ② |𝑥 + 2| < 5

|𝑥 + 2||𝑥 − 2| < 𝜀
 |(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 4| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 1 − 3| < 𝜀

Hence, |(𝑥 2 − 1) − 3| < 𝑒

Therefore, lim (𝑥 2 − 1) = 3 ▄
𝑥→2

4.) Prove that lim(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) = 2

𝑥→1

Proof:

To prove that lim(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) = 2 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0

𝑥→1

there exists 𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 1| < 𝛿 then

|(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) − 2| < 𝜀.

Step 1: We will find a value for 𝛿 > 0

Given that 𝜀 > 0

|(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) − 2| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 𝑥| < 𝜀

|𝑥(𝑥 − 1)| < 𝜀

|𝑥||𝑥 − 1| < 𝜀

𝜀
|𝑥 − 1| < - - - inequality ①
|𝑥|

Comparing this with 0 < |𝑥 − 1| < 𝛿, we can

𝜀
conclude that 𝛿 = |𝑥|. But, 𝛿 must NOT be in terms
 of x. So, we will find a relationship for |𝑥|.

Assume that |𝑥 − 1| < 1

−1 < 𝑥 − 1 < 1

1−1<𝑥 <1+1

0<𝑥<2

This implies that |𝑥| < 2 - - - inequality ②

From ① and ②, we have

𝜀
|𝑥 − 1| <
2

𝜀
This implies that, 𝛿=2

𝜖
Hence, 𝛿 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛. {1, 2}

Step 2: We will show that |(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) − 2| < 𝜀

0 < |𝑥 − 1| < 𝛿
𝜀
|𝑥 − 1| <
2

2|𝑥 − 1| < 𝜀

|𝑥||𝑥 − 1| < 𝜀

|𝑥(𝑥 − 1)| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 𝑥| < 𝜀

|𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2 − 2| < 𝜀

Hence, |(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) − 2| < 𝜀

Therefore, lim(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2) = 2 ▄
𝑥→1
5.) Prove that lim √𝑥 = 3
𝑥→9

Proof:

To prove that lim √𝑥 = 3 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0

𝑥→9

there exists 𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 9| < 𝛿 then

|√𝑥 − 3| < 𝜀.

Step 1: Find a value for 𝛿 > 0

|√𝑥+3| (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
|√𝑥 − 3| = |√𝑥 − 3| ∙ |
√𝑥+3|

|𝑥−9| |𝑥−9|
=| ≤ |√𝑥 + 3| ≥ 3, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∈ ℝ
√𝑥+3| 3

|𝑥−9| 𝛿
|√𝑥 − 3| ≤ < |𝑥 − 9| < 𝛿
3 3

𝛿
|√𝑥 − 3| < 3

𝛿
This implies that 𝜀 = 3

𝛿 = 3𝜀, but there is a restriction on the value of 𝛿 due to the

given function, see the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥.

The domain is 𝑥 ∈ [0, ∞). The function will not be

defined to the left of zero, that is, for x < 0.

Considering we are approaching 9 from the left,

the maximum distance of x from 9 must be 9,

that is 𝛿 ≤ 9. Beyond the domain, the value of the

function does not exist, so we have to restrict the value

of 𝛿.
Hence, 𝛿 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛. {9, 3𝜀}

Step2: Show that |√𝑥 − 3| < 𝜀

|√𝑥+3|
|√𝑥 − 3| = |√𝑥 − 3| ∙ |
√𝑥+3|

|𝑥−9| |𝑥−9| 𝛿
=| ≤ <
√ 𝑥+3| 3 2

3𝜀
|√𝑥 − 3| < 3

Hence, |√𝑥 − 3| < 𝜀

Therefore, lim √𝑥 = 3 ▄
𝑥→9
5.) Prove that lim 5 = 5
𝑥→3

Proof:

To prove that lim 5 = 5 we will show that for every 𝜀 > 0

𝑥→3

there exists 𝛿 > 0 such that for every real number x, if 0 < |𝑥 − 3| < 𝛿 then

|5 − 5| < 𝜀.

Step 1: Determine value of 𝛿 > 0

Let 𝜀 > 0

if 0 < |𝑥 − 3| < 𝛿 then |5 − 5| < 𝜀

⇔ if 0 < |𝑥 − 3| < 𝛿 then 0 < 𝜀

This implies that for any 𝜀 > 0, any choice of 𝛿 > 0 will suffice.

You can take 𝛿 = 𝜀.

Step 2: Show that |5 − 5| < 𝜀

|5 − 5| = 0

𝜀 > 0, by definition

Hence, 𝜀 > |5 − 5|

Therefore, lim 5 = 5 ▄
𝑥→3

Proofs of more complicated functions require a skillful

manipulation of inequalities.
Exercises 2.1
Find the limit, then use the 𝜀 − 𝛿 definition to prove that the limit is what you
obtained.

1.) lim 4
𝑥→−2

2.) lim 2𝑥
𝑥→3

3.) lim(1 − 𝑥)
𝑥→2

4.) lim(3𝑥 2 − 2)
𝑥→3

𝑥 2 −9
5.) lim
𝑥→3 𝑥−3

Key Concepts 2.1

1.) Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval containing
a, except possibly at the number a itself. The limit of f(x) as x approaches a is L,
written as

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙→𝒂

if the following statement is true:

(a) Given any 𝜀 > 0, however small, there exists a 𝛿 > 0

(b) if 0 < |𝑥 − 𝑎| < 𝛿 then |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| < 𝜀, where 𝑥 ∈ ℝ

 f(x) 2.2 Evaluating Limits using Properties of Limits
Let a be real constant, and f and g be functions which may or may not have a in
their domains.

Theorem 2.2.1 - Limit of a constant

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒄 = 𝒄, where c is a real constant
𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
1.) lim 5 = 5 2.) lim(−10) = −10 3.) lim 𝜋 = 𝜋
𝑥→3 𝑥→0 𝑥→√2

Theorem 2.2.2 – Limit of the identity function The identity

function is
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 = 𝒂 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
2
1.) lim 𝑥 = 5 2.) lim2 𝑥 = 3 3.) lim 𝑢 = −0.5
𝑥→5 𝑥→ 𝑢→−0.5
3

Theorem 2.2.3 – Limit of a Multiple of a Function The multiple of a

function is a
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and c is a real constant, then constant times a
𝑥→𝑎
function.
𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒄 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙)] = 𝒄 ∙ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒄 ∙ 𝑳
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙→𝒂 Ex.

4 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)
−2
Illustration. 3
∙ 𝑓(𝑥)

Given that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5, find

𝑥→𝑎

1.) lim [4 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)]= 4∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 ∙ 5 = 20

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

−2 −2 −2 −10
2.) lim [ ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∙5=
𝑥→𝑎 3 3 𝑥→𝑎 3 3
 Theorem 2.2.4 – Limit of the Sum and Difference of Two Functions
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀, then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

(a) 𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝑳 + 𝑴

𝒙→𝒂

(b) 𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝑳 − 𝑴

𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
Given: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −5, determine
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

1.) lim [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + (−5) = −2

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

2.) lim [𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 − (−5) = 8

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

The next theorem is an extension of Limit Theorem 2.2.4 to any finite

number of functions.

Theorem 2.2.5 – Limit of the Sum and Difference of n Functions

If lim 𝑓1 (𝑥) = 𝐿1 , lim 𝑓2 (𝑥) = 𝐿2 , . . ., and lim 𝑓𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝐿𝑛 , then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→2 𝑥→𝑎

(a) 𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇𝟏 (𝒙) + 𝒇𝟐 (𝒙)+ . . . +𝒇𝒏 (𝒙)] = 𝑳𝟏 + 𝑳𝟐 + . . . +𝑳𝒏

𝒙→𝒂

(b) 𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇𝟏 (𝒙) − 𝒇𝟐 (𝒙)− . . . −𝒇𝒏 (𝒙)] = 𝑳𝟏 − 𝑳𝟐 − . . . −𝑳𝒏

𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
Given: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 and lim ℎ(𝑥) = −2
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Find:
1.) lim [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)]= lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) + lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

= 3 + 5 + (-2) = 6
2.) lim [𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) − lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

= 3 – 5 – (-2) = 0
 Theorem 2.2.5 – Limit of the Product of Two Functions

If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀, then

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝑳 ∙ 𝑴
𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
1.) Given that lim(3𝑥 − 1) = 2 and lim(𝑥 + 2) = 3, then
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

lim[(3𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)] = [lim (3𝑥 − 1)] [lim(𝑥 + 2)]

𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1

=2∙3
=6
2.) If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 , then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

=5∙3
= 15
The next theorem is an extension of Limit Theorem 2.2.5 to any finite
number of functions.

Theorem 2.2.6 – Limit of the Product of n Functions

If lim 𝑓1 (𝑥) = 𝐿1 , lim 𝑓2 (𝑥) = 𝐿2 , . . ., and lim 𝑓𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝐿𝑛 , then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→2 𝑥→𝑎

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇𝟏 (𝒙) ∙ 𝒇𝟐 (𝒙) ∙ . . .∙ 𝒇𝒏 (𝒙)] = 𝑳𝟏 ∙ 𝑳𝟐 ∙ . . .∙ 𝑳𝒏

𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
Given: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 and lim ℎ(𝑥) = −2
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Find:
1.) lim [𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ ℎ(𝑥)]= lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ lim ℎ(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

= 3 ∙ 5 ∙ (-2) = -30
 Theorem 2.2.7 – Limit of the nth Power of a Function
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and n is any positive integer , then
𝑥→𝑎

𝐥𝐢𝐦[𝒇(𝒙)]𝒏 = 𝑳𝒏
𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
1.) Given that lim(𝑥 + 3) = 5, determine
𝑥→2
3
lim(𝑥 + 3)3 = [lim(𝑥 + 3)] = (5)3 = 125
𝑥→2 𝑥→2

2.) If lim(𝑥 2 + 2) = 11, determine

𝑥→3
2
lim(𝑥 2 + 2)2 = [lim(𝑥 2 + 2)] = (11)2 = 121
𝑥→3 𝑥→3

Theorem 2.2.8 – Limit of the Quotient of Two Functions

If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀, then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

𝒇(𝒙) 𝑳
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = if 𝑴 ≠ 𝟎
𝒙→𝒂 𝒈(𝒙) 𝑴

Illustration.
1.) Given that lim(𝑥 + 3) = 8 and lim 𝑥 = 5, then
𝑥→5 𝑥→5

(𝑥+3) lim (𝑥+3) 8

lim = 𝑥→5 =
𝑥→5 𝑥 lim 𝑥 5
𝑥→5

2.) If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3, then

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 2

𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑔(𝑥) = =3
𝑥→𝑎 lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎
 Theorem 2.2.9 – Limit of the nth Root of a Function
If n is a positive integer and lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿, then
𝑥→𝑎
𝒏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒏√𝒇(𝒙) = √𝑳
𝒙→𝒂

with the restriction that if n is even , L> 0

Illustration.
Given that lim(𝑥 + 3) = 8, then
𝑥→5

3 3
1.) lim √(𝑥 + 3) = 3√ lim(𝑥 + 3) = √8 = 2
𝑥→5 𝑥→5

2.) lim √(𝑥 + 3) = √ lim (𝑥 + 3) = √8 = 2√2

𝑥→5 𝑥→5

Theorem 2.2.10
If a is any real number except zero, then
𝟏 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝒂
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙

Illustration.
1 1 3 3
1.) lim 𝑥 = 4 2.) lim =5
𝑥→4 𝑥→5 𝑥

Theorem 2.2.11
If a>0 and n is a positive integer, or if a≤0 and n is an odd
positive integer, then
𝒏 𝒏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 = √𝒂
𝒙→𝒂

Illustration.
4 4
1.) lim √𝑥 = √9 = √3 (Note: a = 9 > 0 and n is positive integer)
𝑥→9
3 3
2.) lim √𝑥 = √−27 = −3 (Note: a = -27 < 0 and n is odd positive integer)
𝑥→−27

Note: If a< 0 and n is an even positive integer, then the limit of the
function does not exist.
Exercises 2.2
Using limit theorems, evaluate the following limits.

Do not use table of values anymore, if possible.

1.) lim 1 2.) lim (−8)

𝑥→0 𝑥→6

1
3.) lim 4.) lim 𝑥
𝑥→0.1 2 𝑥→20

5.) lim 𝑤 6.) lim 10( 𝑢 − 2)

𝑤→−4 𝑢→0.5

For numbers 7 to 12, use the following given limits

Given: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 7 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 9

𝑥→2 𝑥→5

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −3 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 1

𝑥→5 𝑥→2

7.) lim[𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] 8.) lim [𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)]

𝑥→2 𝑥→5

9.) lim[𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥)] 10.) lim[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)]

𝑥→5 𝑥→2

𝑔(𝑥)
11.) lim [𝑔(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] 12.) lim
𝑥→5 𝑥→5 𝑓(𝑥)

13.) lim (𝑥 2 + 1)8 14.) lim(2𝑥 − 3)4

𝑥→0 𝑥→3

3 𝑥+6
15.) lim √ 16.) lim √𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3
𝑥→2 𝑥 𝑥→3

1 3
17.) lim 18.) lim
𝑥→4 𝑥 𝑥→−15 𝑥

4 3
19.) lim √𝑥 20.) lim √𝑥
𝑥→25 𝑥→−64
Assignment 2
Find the limit, then use the 𝜀 − 𝛿 definition to prove that the limit is what you
obtained.

1.) lim (2𝑥 − 7)

𝑥→−2

2.) lim (𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4)
𝑥→−1

3.) lim (𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→−1

4𝑥 2 −9
4.) lim
𝑥→
−3 2𝑥+3
2

(2𝑥 2 +𝑥−1)
5.) lim1 (2𝑥 2
𝑥→ −3𝑥+1)
2

Suggested Readings
1.) Feliciano and Uy. Differential and Integral Calculus.

2.) Love, Clyde E. and Rainville, Earl D. Differential and Integral Calculus,

6th ed.

References
Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. Pearson Education Asia Pte. Ltd. 2002

Ayres, Frank Jr. and Mendelson, Elliott. Theory and Problems of Differential
and Integral Calculus, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Book Company. 1992
Answer’s Key
Exercises 2.2

1.) 1 6.) 15 11.) 81 16.) 2√3

1
2.) -8 7.) 8 12.) -3 17.) 4
1 1
3.) 2 8.) 12 13.) 1 18.) − 5

4.) 20 9.) – 6 14.) 1 19.) √5

5.) – 4 10.) 7 15.) 64 20.) – 4