Limit of Algebraic Functions

(Chapter 1 – Lesson 1)

Familiarity with the limit concept is absolutely essential for a deeper

understanding of calculus.
Let be a function of and let “ ” be constant. If we make the value of as
close as possible to then the resulting value of f will be . Then we say that the
limit of the as approaches is . We write it as

For example,
If and letting the value of x be equal to 2, will be equal to 5.
Applying the principle of limit,
If and let the value of x approach 2, will be approaching 5.

For simpler explanation, when solving for limit of a function, the value of “x” can
be substituted a value very near to “a” such that “a” is approximately equal to “x”. That
is . Thus the limit of the
function is 5.
For some problems, a direct substitution of the value of x can be used to solve
for problems on limits. However, for problems that directly substituting “a” does not
permit, we can manipulate the expression algebraically to eliminate the possibility of
having undefined or indeterminate forms.

Algebraic Properties of Limits

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Algebraic Methods in Solving Limits

1. Direct Substitution
2. Approximate Substitution
3. Substitution
4. Factoring
5. Rationalization

Direct Substitution
Direct substitution as a method of solving for the limit of a function is the easiest
way. This methods simply involves substituting the value of “a” to the function and
carrying out whatever the result except when it is undefined or indeterminate.
Example A

Example B

When the result cannot be carried out, use another method.

Approximate Substitution / Approximation

This method of solving limit involves substituting a value for “x” which is very
near to “a”. The resulting value of “L” will then be rounded to the nearest possible
value.

Example A

Therefore the limit is 11.

Example B

Therefore the limit is 1

Substitution
In this method, we substitute the value of x with “a+h” or “a-h” and later
substitute h with zero.

Example A
[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
Therefore the limit is 11.

Example B

Therefore the limit is 1

Factoring / Method by factors

This method of solving limits factors out the given function in order to cancel out
the factor that gives an undefined value.
Example A

Example B

Rationalization / Method by Conjugate

This method utilizes the algebraic properties of multiplication which is (a-
b)(a+b)=a2-b2 to remove the radical on the expression that leads to indeterminate
forms.

Example
√ √ √
* +
√
√
* +
(√ )
√
* +
(√ )
√
[ ]
√
√
√
√

Tips in Solving Limits

1. Determine whether the limit can be solved by direct substitution.
2. If direct substitution is not applicable, find what part of the expression gives
an undefined/indeterminate form.
3. Once the cause of undefined/indeterminate form determine which of the
other methods is applicable.

Example Solve 1.

Example Solve 2.
√ √

√
Example Solve 3.
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[ ]

Example Solve 4.

Example Solve 5.
By Substitution

By Factoring

Example Solve 6.
√
( )
√ √ √
(√ )
* +

(√ )
* +

(√ )
 (√ )

Example Solve 7.

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Exercises
Solve for the limit of the following functions without using calculator and approximate
substitution.

√ √
( )

Problem Set 1 – Limits of Algebraic Functions

Solve for the limit of the following functions without using calculator and approximate
substitution.

[ ( )]
√
√

√ √