College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Name: ______________________________________ Course & Year: ______________

Module 2 : Limits and Continuity

Course Title : Differential Calculus
Course Number : Math 111
Course Description : An introductory course covering the core concepts of limit,
continuity and differentiability of functions involving one or
more variables. This also includes the application of
differential calculations in solving on optimization, rate of
change, related rates, tangents and normal, and
approximations; partial differentiation and transcendental
curve tracing.
Total Learning Time : 4 units (4 hours lecture per week)
Pre-requisites : N/A
(if there’s any)

Overview:

One of the ideas of differential calculus lies on the notion of limit. Limit explains
the behavior of a function at a certain point or near at that point. The study of limits gives
importance in determining the continuity or discontinuity of a certain function. This chapter
begins with the study of function, its properties and graphs. This will also introduce limits
and limit theorems and continuity.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Define limits.
2. Identify the importance of limits in Calculus.
3. Compute the limit of a function by approximation.
4. Identify the limit theorems.
5. Compute the limit of a function using limit theorems.
6. Define continuity.
7. Determine the continuity and discontinuity of a function.

Indicative Content:
This module discusses at least the following topics: Definition of a limit, theorems on limit,
and Continuity.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 1

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Name: ____________________________________ Date Submitted: __________
Course & Year: _____________________________ Rating: __________

Pre-Assessment:

Evaluate the limits.

1. lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)
𝑥→4

2. lim (2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 4)
𝑥→−1

3. lim (𝑦 3 − 2𝑦 + 7)
𝑦→3

4. lim (𝑦 3 + 5𝑦 − 1)
𝑦→−2

5. lim (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 6)
𝑥→−2

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 2

Discussion:

Limits
Let 𝑓 (𝑥 )be the function of x, and let "𝑎" be a constant. We say that the limit
of 𝑓 (𝑥) is 𝐿 as x approaches "𝑎" and write this as,

lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑓 (𝑥 ) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎
𝑥→𝑎

can read as, “the limit of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) equals 𝐿 as x approaches 𝑎 , provided we can make 𝑓 (𝑥 ) as
close to 𝐿 as we want for all 𝑥 sufficiently close to 𝑎 from both sides, without actually letting
𝑥 be 𝑎 .

The notion of limit explains the behavior of a function near 𝑎, not at 𝑎.

Consider the function,

𝑥 2−4
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥−2

0
This function is not defined at 𝑥 = 2 since at this point, 𝑓(𝑥 ) will be equal to 0 which
is undefined and meaningless. However, we can still know what happens to 𝑓 (𝑥) as
𝑥 approaches 2. To know what happens to 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑥 approaches 2, we should calculate the
values of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) for 𝑥 near 2.

Limit Theorems

The following are the limit theorems.

Theorem 1. Uniqueness of Limits.

A function can have at most one limit at 𝑎.

lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑓(𝑥 ) → 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → 𝑎, then

𝑥→𝑎
𝐿1 = 𝐿2

Theorem 2. Limit of a Constant.

The limit of a constant function 𝑐, is equal to that constant.

lim 𝑐 = 𝑐
𝑥→𝑎

Theorem 3. Limit of the Identity.

The limit of the identity function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 at any number 𝑎 is 𝑎 .

lim 𝑥 = 𝑎
𝑥→𝑎

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 3

Theorem 4. Limit of a Sum and Difference.
The limit of a sum and difference of two or more functions is equal to the sum and
difference of their limits.

lim [𝑓(𝑥 ) ± 𝑔(𝑥 )] = lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ± lim 𝑔(𝑥 )

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Theorem 5. Limit of a Product.

The limit of a product of two or more functions is equal to the product of their limits.

lim [𝑓(𝑥 )𝑔(𝑥 )] = lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) ⋅ lim 𝑔(𝑥 )

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Theorem 6. Limit of a Quotient.

The limit off two functions is equal to the quotient of their limits, provided that the
limit of the denominator is not zero.

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥)

lim [𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑥→𝑎 , provided that the lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) ≠ 0
𝑥→𝑎 lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑎
𝑥→𝑎

Theorem 7. Limit of a Polynomial.

The limit of a polynomial at any number 𝑎 is the value of that polynomial at 𝑎.

lim (𝑓𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + ⋯ + 𝑓1 𝑥 + 𝑓0 𝑥 0 ) = 𝑓𝑛 𝑎𝑛 + ⋯ + 𝑓1 𝑎 + 𝑓0
𝑥→𝑎

Theorem 8. Limit of a Root.

The limit of the root of a function is equal to the root of their limits.

𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑛√ lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Continuity

Consider the figures below,

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 4

 At the first figure, the lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) does not exists. For the second, the lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) exists
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
but the lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ≠ 𝑓 (𝑎) and at the third figure, the graph exhibits continuity at 𝑎 therefore,
𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑎) .
𝑥→𝑎
A function ݂(‫( ݔ‬is said to be continuous at ‫ ݔ‬,݂ = if the following conditions are
satisfied.

lim 𝑓 (𝑎) 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠

𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠
𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑥→𝑎

Right hand and Left-hand Continuity.

Once in a while is convenient to employ a restricted version of limit as

described below. We write,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿,
𝑥→𝑎 +

And mean by 𝑥 → 𝑎+ that each x involved is greater than 𝑎. A limit such as that in
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿 is called a right-hand limit; the independent variable 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from
𝑥→𝑎 +
the right. A left-hand limit,
lim− 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑀,
𝑥→𝑎

With 𝑥 remaining less than 𝑎 is also used.

If the ordinary limit exists, the right-hand and left-hand limits exists and have the
same value. If the right-hand and left-hand limit exists, and have the same value, the limit
itself exists and has the value.
Missing-point Discontinuities

Consider a function 𝑓(𝑥 ) which is not defined when 𝑥 = 𝑎, but such that
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) exists,
𝑥→𝑎

lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎

The function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎, because the condition is not satisfied.

Generally, the curve appears, to the eye, to be continuous, but the single-point 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
missing.
It is always possible to repair such missing-point discontinuities by replacing the
original function 𝑓(𝑥 ) with another function 𝜑(𝑥 ), defined as follows:

𝜑 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑥 ≠ 𝑎
𝜑 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿 𝑥=𝑎

The function 𝜑(𝑥 ) is the same as 𝑓(𝑥 ) wherever 𝑓 (𝑥 ) was defined, but 𝜑(𝑥 ) is
continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 5

Exercises/Drills:

1. Evaluate the limit.

lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2

Solution:

By Theorem 4
lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 ) = lim 𝑥 2 + lim 3𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
Then, by Theorem 5,
lim 𝑥 2 + lim 3𝑥 = (lim 𝑥 ∙ lim 𝑥) + (lim 3 ∙ lim 𝑥)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= (2) (2) + (3) (2) = 10

𝑥 3+3𝑥 2+𝑥−1
2. Evaluate the lim ( )
𝑥→4 𝑥 2 +6𝑥+3

Solution:

By Theorems 6 and 7,
𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 lim 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
𝑥→4
lim ( )=
𝑥→4 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 3 lim 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 3
𝑥→4
(4)3 +3(4)2 +4−1 115
= =
(4)2+6(4)+3 43

4
3. Evaluate the lim √𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
𝑥→1

Solution:

By Theorem 8
4
lim √𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 = 4√ lim 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
4
= √ (1)2 + 6(1) + 8
4
= √15

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 6

 cos 𝜃
4. Evaluate the lim𝜋 sin 𝜃 tan 𝜃
𝜃→
4

Solution:
By theorem 6
𝜋
cos 𝜃 cos 4
lim𝜋 = 𝜋 𝜋
𝜃→ sin 𝜃 tan 𝜃 sin 4 tan 4
4
=1

5. Show that 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 1 is continuous at 𝑥 = 3

Solution:

At 𝑥 = 3, 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 1 is continuous because lim (𝑥 2 + 1) = 10.

𝑥→3
𝑓 (3) = (3)2 + 1 = 10

6. Show that 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝑥 2 + 1 is continuous at 𝑥 = 2

Solution:

At 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝑥 2 + 1 is continuous because lim √𝑥 2 + 1 = √5.

𝑥→2
𝑓 (2) = √(2)2 + 1 = √5

7. What continuity exists in the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = √𝑥

Solution:

For 𝑓(𝑥 ) = √𝑥 at 𝑥 = 0, the function has a right-hand continuity at 𝑥 = 0,

because the limit exists when 𝑥 > 0. For 𝑥 > 0, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) is said to be discontinuous at
𝑥 = 𝑎, or have a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 𝑎

𝑥 2 −9
8. Find the point of discontinuity of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥−3

Solution:

The function is undefined at 𝑥 = 3, since both the numerator and the denominator
are equal to zero having an undefined value, but,

𝑥2 − 9 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3)
lim = lim
𝑥→3 𝑥 − 3 𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 3)
= lim (𝑥 + 3) = 6
𝑥→3

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 7

Since,

𝑥 2−9
= 𝑥 + 3, 𝑥 ≠ 3
𝑥−3

𝑥 2 −9
The graph of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = is the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3, except for an invisible break
𝑥−3
at𝑥 = 3

9. Find the point of discontinuity of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = tan 𝜃

Solution:
𝑛𝜋
The function has a discontinuity at 𝜃 = , where n is any odd integer.
2

𝑥 3 −9𝑥+10
10. Find the point of discontinuity of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥−2

Solution:

The function is undefined at 𝑥 = 2, since both the numerator and the denominator
vanish at 𝑥 = 2. But,

𝑥 3 −9𝑥+10 (𝑥−2)(𝑥 2+2𝑥−5)

lim = lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2 𝑥→2 𝑥−2

= lim (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 5) = 3
𝑥→2
Since,
𝑥 3−9𝑥+10
= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 5, 𝑥 ≠ 2
𝑥−2
The graph of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) is the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 5, except for an invisible break at
𝑥 = 2.

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 8

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Name: ____________________________________ Date Submitted: __________
Course & Year: _____________________________ Date Submitted: __________

Evaluation:

Evaluate the following limits. Write your solutions on the space provided.

1. lim1(5𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 10)
𝑥→
2
2. If lim (𝑥 2 + 5)7 (𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→1
5𝑡 2 −𝑡+6
3. lim
𝑡→4 𝑡+6
𝑡 2 −6𝑡−1
4. lim
𝑡→−5 √𝑡+12
𝑥−4
5. lim
𝑥→4 𝑥 2−𝑥−12
1
sin 𝜃
2
6. lim
𝜃→𝜋 cos 𝜃
√𝑦 2 +3
7. lim
𝑦→−2 𝑦 3 +𝑦 2 −3
1−𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝜃
8. lim
1
𝜃→ 𝜋 cos 𝜃
4

Find all points of discontinuities of the following functions

.
4𝑥+2
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2−6𝑥+9

𝑥+2
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3−4𝑥 2−3𝑥+18

3(𝑥+2)2
3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3+4𝑥 2+𝑥−6

4. 𝑦 = sin 𝜃

5. 𝑦 = cos 𝜃

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 9

Additional Reading:

DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS WITH EXAMPLES AND

APPLICATIONS BY GEORGE A. OSBORNE, S.B.

References:

C.E. Love and E.D. Rainville. (1981). Differential and Integral Calculus, Sixth Edition.
New York: The Macmillan Company.
H.J. Terano. (2015). A Simplified Text in Differential Calculus. Camarines Sur Plytechnic
Colleges
E.D. Rainville. (1958). Elementary Differential Equations, Second Edition. Collier
Macmillan Canada, Ltd., Toronto Ontario

ENGR. SHAINA D. SUCGANG 10