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Basic Calculus Q3 W1 Module1 A
Basic Calculus Q3 W1 Module1 A
Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Week 1 Module
1
Limits of Functions
Basic Calculus
Grade 11 Quarter 3 – Week 1 Module 1
Limits of Functions
Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I
All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.
Management Team:
Ever heard of limits? No these are not those limits or restrictions that we know
in general, these are the limits of calculus. Unlike basic arithmetic or finances,
calculus may not have obvious applications to everyday life. However, people benefit
from the applications of calculus every day, from computer algorithms to modeling the
spread of disease. While you may not sit down and solve a tricky differential equation
on a daily basis, calculus is still all around you.
This learning material will provide you with information and activities that will
deepen your understanding about Limits of Functions.
Illustrate the limit of a function using the table of values and the graph of the
function. STEM-BC11LCIIIa-1
Distinguish between lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑐) STEM-BC11LCIIIa-2
𝑥→𝑐
Before going on, check how much you know about this topic. Answer the pre-test on the next
page in a separate sheet of paper.
Introduction to the Limits
1 of Functions
Pre-Test
Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers.
Write only the letter of the best answer for each test item.
1. Which of the following is called the Mathematics of Change?
A. Calculus B. Geometry C. Limits D. Statistics
2. What do you call the backbone of calculus?
A. Calculus B. Geometry C. Limits D. Statistics
2
3. Which expression represents the limit of 𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 5?
2
A. lim 5𝑥 B. lim 5 C. lim 𝑥2 D. lim 𝑥2
𝑥2 𝑥𝗍5 𝑥→5
4. Which expression represents the limit of 𝑥2 + 2 as 𝑥 approaches 2?
A. lim 𝑥2 + 2 B. lim 𝑥2 + 𝑥 C. lim 𝑥2 + 2 D. lim 𝑥2
2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
|𝑥−2|
5. Given the table of values below, what is lim ?
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
𝑥 1.9 1.99 1.999 2 2.001 2.01 2.1
𝑓(𝑥) -1 -1 -1 ? 1 1 1
A. −1 B.0 C. 1 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
𝑥−4
6. Given the table of values below, what is lim ?
𝑥→0 𝑥2−16
𝑥 -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01
𝑓(𝑥) 0.2506 0.2501 0.2500 ? 0.24999 0.249938 0.249377
A. 0.23 B.0.24 C. 0.25 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
7. What is BEST way to read the given function, lim 5𝑥 = 15?
𝑥→3
A. The limit of 5𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 3 is 15.
B. The limit of 5𝑥 is equal to 15 with 𝑥 is to 3.
C. The limit of 5𝑥 with 𝑥 is to 3 is equal to 15.
D. The limit of 5𝑥 as 𝑥 approaches 3 is function 15.
8. What is BEST way to read the given function, lim −𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 2 = −6?
𝑥→4
A. The limit of −𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 2 as 𝑥 approaches 4 is −6.
B. The limit of −𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 2 is equal to −6 with 𝑥 is to 4.
C. The limit of −𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 2 with 𝑥 is to 4 is equal to −6.
D. The limit of −𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 2 as 𝑥 approaches 4 is2function −6.
𝑥 ,𝑥 < 2
9. Given the table of values below, what is lim { ?
𝑥→2 −𝑥 + 6 , 𝑥 > 2
2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 0 𝑥→0
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
14. This is the graph of ℎ. What is the reasonable estimate for the limit of ℎ
at 𝑥 = 3?
Directions: Complete the table of values below to evaluate the limit of the function.
Plot the points in the Cartesian plane then graph the given function.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑)
𝐱→𝟒
𝒇(𝒙)
∴ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑) =
𝐱→𝟒
Discover
Today, you will follow the travels of Benny and Bertha Bug. With their help,
we will look at graphs of rational functions and piecewise functions from a bug’s
eye view to help convey the important concept of limits in an intuitive way.
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/646336983999465697/
The concept of a “limit” is the building block on which all the underlying
concepts of calculus are based. It helps us to describe, in precise way, the behavior
of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 is close, but not equal, to a particular value 𝑐. Limits are the
backbone of calculus, and calculus is called the Mathematics of Change.
To visualize it further, imagine that you are going to watch a basketball
game. When you choose seats, you would want to be as close to the action as
possible. You would want to be as close to the players as possible and have the
best view of the game, as if you were in the basketball court yourself. Take note
that you cannot actually be in the court and join the players, but you will be close
enough to describe clearly what is happening in the game.
This is how it is with limits of functions. We will consider functions of a
single variable and study the behavior of the function as its variable approaches a
particular value (a constant). The variable can only take values very, very close to
the constant, but it cannot equal the constant itself. However the limit will be able
to describe clearly what is happening to the function near the constant. Before
going to the formal definition of a limit of a function let us observe the behavior of
the given function as 𝑥 approaches a value.
Definition of the Limit of a Function
Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval containing c, except possibly at
the number c itself. If the value of f is arbitrarily close to the number L for all the values of 𝑥
sufficiently close to 𝑐, then the limit
of f(x) as 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 is L. This is written as 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = L.
𝒙→𝒄
We also have a special notation to talk about limits. For instance, this is
how we would write the limit of 𝑓 as 𝑥 approaches 3:
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝟑
“…as 𝒙 approaches 𝟑.”
The symbol 𝑙𝑖𝑚 means we are taking a limit of something. The expression to
the right of the 𝑙𝑖𝑚 is the expression we are taking the limit of. In our case, that’s
the function 𝑓. The expression 𝑥 → 3 that comes below the 𝑙𝑖𝑚 means that we take
the limit of 𝑓 values of 𝑥 approach 3.
As the value of 𝑥 gets closer to 4 from the left or as 𝑥 approaches 4 from the
right, the value of f(x) approaches 6. In other words, the value of f(x) gets closer and
closer to 6 as the value of 𝑥 gets closer and closer to 4 either side. This can be
written as:
𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝟔
𝒙→𝟒
This means that the limit of (𝑥 + 2) is 6 as 𝑥 approaches 4 from either side.
Have you noticed a pattern in the way we have been investigating a limit? We
have been specifying whether 𝑥 will approach a value 𝑐 from the left, through values
less than 𝑐, or from the right, through the values greater that 𝑐. This direction may
be specified in the limit notation, lim 𝑓(𝑥) by adding certain symbols.
𝑥→𝑐
If 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 from the left, or through values less than 𝑐, then we write
lim
𝑥→𝑐− 𝑓(𝑥).
If 𝑥 approaches 𝑐 from the right, or through values greater than 𝑐, then we
write lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→𝑐+
Furthermore, we say
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙→𝒄
if and only if
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙→𝒄− 𝒙→𝒄+
In other words, for the limit 𝐿 to exist, the limits from the left and from the
right must both exist and be equal to 𝐿. Therefore,
The given graph is a graph of a piecewise function. The limit of the given
function as 𝑥 approaches 0 is 2 because if we’re going to take a look at the values of
𝑥 from the left and the values of 𝑥 from the right, both directions approaches 2 even
if it is evident that 𝑓(0) = 1. Still the value being approached by both directions is 2.
Thus, we can say that
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐
𝒙→𝟎
𝑓(𝑥)
Solution: In the given function 𝑓, the limit does not exist because 𝑓(0) is undefined
and as 𝑥 moves closer to 0, the function approaches two different values. The
specified limit does not exist (DNE). In symbols,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬
𝒙→𝟎
BIG IDEA
Existence of a Limit
The limit of a function as 𝑥 → 𝑐 exists if
𝑓(𝑐) is defined; or
𝑓 approaches the same value as 𝑥 moves closer to c from both directions.
EXAMPLE 5: Evaluate the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) using the table of values, given
𝒙→𝟒
𝒇(𝒙) = { 𝒙 + 𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < 𝟒
𝟐
(𝒙 − 𝟒) + 𝟑 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒
Solution: The process is still the same even though it looks a bit different since the
given function is a piecewise function. We still approach the constant 4 from the
left and right, but take note that we should evaluate the appropriate corresponding
functional expression. In this case when 𝑥 approaches 4 from the left, the values
taken should be substituted in 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1. Indeed, this is the part of the function
which accepts values less than 4. On the other hand, when 𝑥 approaches 4 from
the right, the values taken should be substituted in 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4) 2 + 3. So,
Observe that the values that f(x) approaches are not equal, namely f(x)
approaches 5 from the left while it approaches 3 from the right. In such a case, we
say that the limit of the given function does not exist (DNE). In symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
DNE.
𝒙→𝟒
𝒙𝟐−𝟒
EXAMPLE 6: Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 numerically and graphically.
𝒙→𝟐 𝒙−𝟐
Solution: Set up a table of values from both sides of 𝑥 = 2 and find the value that
the function approaches from both directions.
Thus, 𝒙𝟐−𝟒
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝟒. This is shown in the graph below.
𝒙→𝟐 𝒙−𝟐
Observe that it doesn’t matter if 𝑓(2) is undefined. The function can still have
a limit, as long as it approaches the same real number from the left and from the
right.
BIG IDEA
The limit of a function at a specified value of 𝑥 gives us a value to which it is not possible to go
beyond. Similarly, we have our own limitations. We are restricted to do things beyond our
human capacities.
Explore
Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on to master and strengthen
the basic concepts you have learned from this
lesson.
Directions: Complete the table of values of the following limits of the function and
use the results to estimate the value of the limit. Use a separate sheet of paper for
your answers.
1. lim(𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3)
𝑥→4
𝑥 3.9 3.99 3.999 4 4.001 4.01 4.1
𝑓(𝑥) ?
∴ lim(𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3) = _
𝑥→4
√2𝑥+1−√3
2. lim
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
𝑥 0.9 0.99 0.999 1 1.001 1.01 1.1
𝑓(𝑥) ?
∴ lim √2𝑥 + 1 − √3
𝑥→1 =_ _
𝑥−1
3. lim 4
𝑥→−2 √𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 6
𝑥 -2.1 -2.01 -2.001 -2 -1.999 -1.99 -1.9
𝑓(𝑥) ?
∴ lim √𝑥4 + 3𝑥 + 6 =
𝑥→−2
|𝑥−2|
4. lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
𝑥 1.9 1.99 1.999 2 2.001 2.01 2.1
𝑓(𝑥) ?
| 𝑥 − 2|
∴ lim =_ _
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
5. lim 𝑥−4
𝑥→0 𝑥2−16
𝑥 -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01
𝑓(𝑥) ?
∴ lim 𝑥 − 4
2 =_
DIY Bookmark
At this point, make an output by making a DIY bookmark with pick-up
lines/puns regarding the limit of a function. You can use recyclable decorative
materials available at home. The standard size of your bookmark must be 2-inch
by 7-inch. The scoring rubric on the next page will be used in assessing your
outputs.
Example:
1
“If my love for you were an equation, it would be lim because it has no limit.
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers.
1. Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (1 + 3𝑥), the lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7. What is 𝑓(2)?
𝑥→2
A. 2 B. 6 C. 7 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
𝑥+1
𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
2. Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { , 𝑓(4) = 2. What is
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4
lim 𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑥→4
A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
3. Which of the following BEST describes lim 𝑓(𝑥) DNE?
𝑥→𝑐
A. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) C. lim 𝑓(𝑥) < lim 𝑓(𝑥)
− −
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐+ 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 +
For numbers 4 – 10, answer the following questions for the piecewise defined function
𝑓(𝑡).
𝑡26
𝑡+ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡 < −2
𝑓(𝑡) = { 𝑓𝑜𝑟 − 1 < 𝑡 < 2
𝑡2 − 𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡 ≥ 2
3𝑡 − 2
3
4. What 𝑓 (− )?
is 2
6. What 𝑓 (3)?
is 2
A. 2 B.5 C. 10 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
7. What is lim 𝑓(𝑡) ?
𝑡→−2
A. 1 B.4 C. 10 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
8. What is lim 𝑓(𝑡) ?
𝑡→−1+
1
A. B.3 C. 5 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
2 2 2
9. What is lim 𝑓(𝑡) ?
𝑡→2
A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
10. What is lim 𝑓(𝑡) ?
𝑡→0
A. −1 B.2 C. 41 D. 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡
11. This is the graph of function 𝑔. Which of the following limits DOES NOT
exist?
Canlapan, R. B. (2017). DIWA Senior High School Series: Basic Calculus. Diwa
Learning System Inc.
Bacani, J. B., et al. (2016). Basic Calculus (For Senior High School). Books Atbp.
Publishing Corp.
Balmaceda, J. P., et al. (2016). Teaching Guide for Senior High School Basic Calculus.
Commission on Higher Education
Website: