LIMIT

Given the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the value of this function at a defined point 𝑎 is 𝑓(𝑎). However, this value of
𝑓(𝑎) does not give any information other than that the function is defined at 𝑥 = 𝑎. Therefore, if we want to
examine the behavior of the function at near the point 𝑎, it is important to investigate whether the values of
the function 𝑓(𝑥) approach a value or not while the 𝑥 variable approaches the point 𝑎. Therefore, it is
necessary to make investigations at close points to 𝑎. This point 𝑎 need not be in the domain of the function.
LIMIT

Let 𝑓(𝑥) be a function defined on an open interval around point 𝑎 (it may not be defined at point 𝑎). If the
values of the function 𝑓(𝑥) approach a number 𝐿 in response to all the values of 𝑥 approaching the point 𝑎, we
say, "The limit of the 𝑓(𝑥) function is the number 𝐿 while 𝑥 is approaching to the point 𝑎" and denote by
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 .
𝑥→𝑎

As 𝑥 approaches the point 𝑎, sometimes estimating the function values via a calculator, sometimes drawing
and examining the graph of the function, and sometimes calculating the value of the function directly at the 𝑎
point, are some of the situations to reach the result.

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Determining Limits According to Values Approximated by the Function

Example: Find the limit lim 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 .

𝑥→4

Solution: The table below shows the values of the 𝑓 function as the variable 𝑥 approaches the number 4.
LIMIT

As can be seen from the table, when the variable 𝑥 approaches the number 4 sufficiently enough from both
sides, the function 𝑓 also approaches the number 5. We express this situation as “The limit of the function
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is the number 5 as 𝑥 approaches to the number 4 and denote by
lim 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 = 5
𝑥→4

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 𝑥−2
Example: Find the limit lim 𝑥 2 −4 .
𝑥→2

𝑥−2
Solution: Be careful that the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2−4 is undefined at
𝑥 = 2. But, this does not a matter. Because according to the
definition above, we will examine the values close to 2 but not
equal to 2.
LIMIT

In the table, the values of function 𝑓(𝑥) are indicated with an accuracy of five decimal points in response to 𝑥
values approaching the number 2. By the values given in table, we get
𝑥−2
lim = 0.25
𝑥→2 𝑥 2 − 4

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Let us change this function a bit by defining it as 1 at 𝑥 = 2 and show the new function as

𝑥−2
𝑥≠2
𝑔 𝑥 = ൝𝑥 2−4 .
1 𝑥=2
This new function 𝑔 will also reach 0.25 as 𝑥 approaches to the number 2.
LIMIT

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Determining Limits According to the Graph of the Function

Limit calculations can be made easily for functions whose graphs can be drawn easily.
Example: Constant Function and Identity Function Have Limit at Every Point

If 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘 is a constant function then for any value of 𝑎, If 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 is identity function then for any value of 𝑎,
we see that we see that
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = lim 𝑘 = 𝑘 lim 𝑓 𝑥 = lim 𝑥 = 𝑎
LIMIT

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

For example lim 5 = 5. For example lim 𝑥 = 7.

𝑥→3 𝑥→7

Constant Function
Identity Function
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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Determining Limits by Value of a Function

In some cases, the limit lim 𝑓 𝑥 can be found directly by calculating the value of 𝑓(𝑎). For example, this is
𝑥→𝑎
true if 𝑓(𝑥) is an algebraic combination of polynomials and trigonometric functions defined at 𝑎.

Example: Limit Calculation by Value of 𝑓 𝑎

a. lim 5𝑥 + 4 = 5 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14
LIMIT

𝑥→2
2𝑥+3 2 −1 +3 1
b. lim = =3
𝑥→−1 𝑥+4 −1 +4

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Now let's talk about a few cases where the limit does not exist.
Example: Some Functions May Not Have a Limit at a Point in the Domain
0 𝑥<0
a. Discuss the limit lim 𝐻 𝑥 for unit step function 𝐻 𝑥 = ቊ
𝑥→0 1 𝑥≥0
LIMIT

Solution: This function has not a limit value as 𝑥 approaches 0. Because the values of the function jump at
the point 𝑥 = 0. For negative values of 𝑥 variable close to zero, the function approaches the number 0, while
for positive values of 𝑥 variable close to zero, the function approaches the number 1. That is, there is no
specific value to which the function approaches. Therefore, there is no limit.

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 1
𝑥≠0
b. Discuss the limit lim 𝑓 𝑥 for the function 𝑓 𝑥 = ൝𝑥 .
𝑥→0
0 𝑥=0
LIMIT

Solution: This function also has no limit as 𝑥 approaches to the number 0. Because, as the 𝑥 variable
approaches zero, the values taken by the function become too large in absolute value and do not approach
any real number. Therefore, there is no limit.

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 0 𝑥≤0
c. Discuss the limit lim 𝑔 𝑥 for the function 𝑔 𝑥 = ൝ 1 .
𝑥→0 sin 𝑥 𝑥>0
LIMIT

Solution: This function also has no limit as 𝑥 approaches to the number 0. Because while the function
approaches 0 for negative values of 𝑥 variable close to zero, the function oscillates between −1 and 1 very
quickly for positive values of 𝑥 variable close to zero. It does not approach a certain real number. Therefore,
there is no limit.

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 So far, we have tried to calculate the limits by using calculators, drawing their graphs according to the
approximate values of the functions, and plugging the limit points into the functions. Now let's examine the
following properties of how we can find the limits of other functions that are mathematical combinations of
functions whose limits we know.

Some Limit Rules

Let 𝑀, 𝑁, 𝑎 and 𝑘 be real numbers and
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑀 and lim 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑁
LIMIT

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
1. Sum Rule (The limit of the sum of two functions is equal to the sum of their respective limits.)
lim 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑔 𝑥 =𝑀+𝑁
𝑥→𝑎
2. Difference Rule (The limit of the difference of two functions is equal to the difference of their respective
limits.)
lim 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑔 𝑥 =𝑀−𝑁
𝑥→𝑎
3. Product Rule(The limit of the product of two functions is equal to the product of their respective limits.)
lim 𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑀. 𝑁
𝑥→𝑎

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 4. Multiplication by a Constant Rule (The limit of a function multiplied by a constant is equal to the
product of its limit by that constant.)
lim 𝑘. 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘. 𝑁
𝑥→𝑎

5. Quotient Rule (The limit of the quotient of two functions is equal to the quotient of their respective
limits while the limit of the divisor is nonzero.)
𝑓 𝑥 𝑀
LIMIT

lim = , 𝑁≠0
𝑥→𝑎 𝑔 𝑥 𝑁
6. Power Rule (The limit of any rational power of a function is equal to that power of the limit, provided it
is a real number.) 𝑝 and 𝑟 are two integers with no common factor and 𝑟 ≠ 0,
𝑝
𝑝 𝑝
𝑟
lim 𝑓 𝑥 𝑟 = lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑀𝑟
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

(If 𝑟 is even, we assume that 𝑀 > 0)

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Applying Limit Rules
Calculate the following limits using the limit rules given above and the limits of the constant function and
identity function given in the previous section.
a. lim 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
𝑥→2
𝑥 3 −6
b. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥+3

c. lim 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥
LIMIT

𝑥→−3

Solution:

a. lim 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 = lim 2𝑥 2 − lim 4𝑥 + lim 1 Sum and Difference Rules

𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

2
= 2 lim 𝑥 − 4 lim 𝑥 + lim 1 Power and Multiplication by a Constant Rules
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

=2 2 2 −4 2 +1=1 Limits of Constant and Identity Functions

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 𝑥 3 −6 lim (𝑥 3 −6)
b. lim = 𝑥→−1 Quotient Rule
𝑥→−1 𝑥+3 lim (𝑥+3)
𝑥→−1

3
lim 𝑥 3 − lim 6 lim 𝑥 − lim 6
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
= = Sum, Difference and Power Rules
lim 𝑥+ lim 3 lim 𝑥+ lim 3
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

−1 3 − 6 7
= =−
−1 + 3 2
LIMIT

𝑝 1
𝐜. lim 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 = lim 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 Power Rule with 𝑟 = 2
𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3

4
= lim 𝑥 − 2 lim 𝑥 Power, Difference and Multiplication with a Constant Rules
𝑥→−3 𝑥→−3

= −3 4 − 2 −3 = 87 Limits of Constant and Identity Functions

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Result 1 As can be seen from the rules of sum, difference and power, the limits of polynomials can be
obtained by plugging the limit point in the polynomial. If,
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
then
lim 𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑐 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑐 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑐 + 𝑎0
𝑥→𝑐
LIMIT

Result 2 As can be seen from quotient, sum, difference and power rules, the limits of rational functions
can be obtained by plugging the limit point in the fraction while the limit of denominator is different
from zero. If 𝑃 𝑥 and 𝑄 𝑥 are polynomials and 𝑄 𝑐 ≠ 0 then
𝑃 𝑥 𝑃 𝑐
lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑄 𝑥 𝑄 𝑐

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Algebraic Elimination of Zero Denominator
The quotient rule is used only when calculating the limits of rational functions that do not make the
denominator zero. If the numerator and the denominator have a common factor, and therefore both are zero,
the common factors in the numerator and denominator can be removed to produce a fraction with a nonzero
denominator. In this case, we can find the result by plugging the limit point in the simplified fraction.
0
Note: We will call this situation later as indefinite form of 0.
Example: Canceling the Common Factor
Calculate the limit
𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6
lim
LIMIT

𝑥→−2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

Solution: We cannot write 𝑥 = −2 since it makes the denominator zero. 𝑥 = −2 also

makes the numerator zero. So the (𝑥 + 2) factor is common. Then we can simplify
and obtain
𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6 𝑥−3 𝑥+2 𝑥−3
= = , 𝑥 ≠ −2
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 𝑥 𝑥+2 𝑥
This fraction is the same as the first given fraction for 𝑥 ≠ −2. Then
𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6 𝑥−3 5
lim = lim =
𝑥→−2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 𝑥→−2 𝑥 2
Both functions have the
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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY same limit for 𝑥 → −2.
 Example: Creating a Common Multiplier and Simplifying
Find the limit
𝑥 2 + 25 − 5
lim
𝑥→0 𝑥2
Solution: We can not plug 𝑥 = 0. Also, the numerator and denominator do not have a common factor. We
can create a common multiplier by expanding the numerator and denominator by 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5

𝑥 2 + 25 − 5 𝑥 2 + 25 − 5 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5 and therefore find

LIMIT

= .
𝑥2 𝑥2 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5 𝑥 2 + 25 − 5
lim
𝑥 2 + 25 − 25 𝑥2 𝑥→0 𝑥2
= = 1
𝑥2 𝑥2 + 25 + 5 𝑥2 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5 = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5

Now we have the common factor 𝑥 2 . Simplifying = lim

1

both numerator and denominator by 𝑥 2 for 𝑥 ≠ 0, 𝑥→0 0+25+5

1
we get = = 0.1
10
𝑥 2 + 25 − 5 1
=
𝑥2 𝑥 2 + 25 + 5

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Limits of Trigonometric Functions

First of all, let's express two theorems that we will benefit from in this section.

Theorem: If the inequality 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 𝑔 𝑥 is valid for 𝑥 values in any interval including point 𝑎 then the following
inequality will also be valid;
lim 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ lim 𝑔 𝑥
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Theorem (Squeeze Theorem)

LIMIT

Let us suppose that the inequality 𝑔 𝑥 ≤ 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ ℎ 𝑥 is

valid for 𝑥 values in any interval including point 𝑎. If the
equality
lim 𝑔 𝑥 = lim ℎ 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
holds, then
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 .
𝑥→𝑎
The graph of the 𝑓 function between
the 𝑔 and ℎ functions

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: We can easily understand that lim sin 𝑥 = 0 and lim cos 𝑥 = 1 from the definition and graph of
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
the sine and the cosine functions.
sin 𝑥
Example: Prove that lim = 1 using the squeeze theorem.
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
According to the figure, we can write the following area relations related to 𝑥.

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑔𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

< <
LIMIT

OAB OAB OAC

𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒×ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 1×sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥

The area of triangle OAB: = =
2 2 2
𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠×𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛) 𝑟2𝑥 𝑥
Area of the circle segment OAB: = =2
2 2
𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒×ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 1×tan 𝑥 tan 𝑥
The area of triangle OAC: = =
2 2 2

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 So we can write
sin 𝑥 𝑥 tan 𝑥
< <
2 2 2
sin 𝑥
Since 2 is positive, there is no change in the direction of the inequalities when we divide the
inequality by this term.
𝑥 1
1< <
sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥
Reversing the fractions, we find
LIMIT

sin 𝑥
1> > cos 𝑥
𝑥

Since lim cos 𝑥 = 1, by the squeeze theorem, we conclude that

𝑥→0
sin 𝑥
lim =1
𝑥→0 𝑥

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 After these examples, we can state the following results more generally.

For 𝑎 ∈ ℝ; Especially, if 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥

sin 𝑥 𝑥
a. lim sin 𝑥 = sin 𝑎, lim = lim =1
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 𝑥
b. lim cos 𝑥 = cos 𝑎, tan 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥→𝑎 lim = lim =1
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 tan 𝑥
c. lim tan 𝑥 = tan 𝑎, cos 𝑎 ≠ 0
LIMIT

𝑥→𝑎

d. lim cot 𝑥 = cot 𝑎 sin 𝑎 ≠ 0

𝑥→𝑎
e. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
𝑥→𝑎
sin 𝑓 𝑥 𝑓 𝑥
lim = lim =1
𝑥→𝑎 𝑓 𝑥 𝑥→𝑎 sin 𝑓 𝑥
and
tan 𝑓 𝑥 𝑓 𝑥
lim = lim =1
𝑥→𝑎 𝑓 𝑥 𝑥→𝑎 tan 𝑓 𝑥

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Calculate the limit
Example: Calculate the limit
sin 5𝑥 sin 2𝑥
lim lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 + 4 𝑥→0 5𝑥

Solution: Using quotient rule and limit of sine Solution: Since 2𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 0, by the above rule
function, we have in option e, we have
LIMIT

lim sin 5𝑥 sin 2𝑥

sin 5𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 0 0 lim =1
lim = = = =0 𝑥→0 2𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥 + 4 lim 𝑥 + 4 0+4 4
𝑥→0 So using this equality, we find
sin 2𝑥 sin 2𝑥 2𝑥 2 sin 2𝑥 2
lim = lim ∙ = ∙ lim =
𝑥→0 5𝑥 𝑥→0 2𝑥 5𝑥 5 𝑥→0 2𝑥 5

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Calculate the limit
Example: Calculate the limit sin 𝑝𝑥
lim
3𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 𝑞𝑥
lim
𝑥→0 tan 𝑚𝑥 for 𝑝 ≠ 0 and 𝑞 ≠ 0 .
for 𝑚 ≠ 0.
Solution Since 𝑝𝑥 → 0 and 𝑞𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 0
Solution Since 𝑚𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 0 and sin 𝑝𝑥
lim =1
𝑥→0 𝑝𝑥
LIMIT

𝑚𝑥 and
lim =1 𝑞𝑥
𝑥→0 tan 𝑚𝑥 lim =1
we obtain 𝑥→0 sin 𝑞𝑥

we obtain
3𝑥 3𝑚𝑥 3 𝑚𝑥 3
lim = lim = ∙ lim =
𝑥→0 tan 𝑚𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑚. tan 𝑚𝑥 𝑚 𝑥→0 tan 𝑚𝑥 𝑚 sin 𝑝𝑥 sin 𝑝𝑥 𝑞𝑥 𝑝𝑥
lim = lim ∙ ∙
𝑥→0 sin 𝑞𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑝𝑥 sin 𝑞𝑥 𝑞𝑥
𝑝 sin 𝑝𝑥 𝑞𝑥 𝑝
= ∙ lim lim =
𝑞 𝑥→0 𝑝𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 𝑞𝑥 𝑞

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Calculate the limit Example: Calculate the limit

sin 2 − 𝑥 −1 + cos 2𝑥
lim lim
𝑥→2 𝑥 2 − 4
𝑥→0 −3𝑥

Solution Since 2 − 𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 2, Solution If we use cos 2𝑥 = 1 − 2 sin2 𝑥 we get

sin 2 − 𝑥 −1 + cos 2𝑥 −1 + 1 − 2 sin2 𝑥 2 sin2 𝑥
lim =1 = =
LIMIT

𝑥→2 2−𝑥 −3𝑥 −3𝑥 3𝑥

we find and therefore obtain

−1 + cos 2𝑥 2 sin2 𝑥
sin 2 − 𝑥 sin 2 − 𝑥 lim = lim
lim = lim 𝑥→0 −3𝑥 𝑥→0 3𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥→2 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 + 2
2 sin 𝑥
−1 sin 2 − 𝑥 −1 −1 = lim ∙ ∙ sin 𝑥
= lim ∙ = = 𝑥→0 3 𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥 + 2 2−𝑥 2+2 4
2
= . 1. sin 0 = 0
3

23
PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Calculate the limit Example : Calculate the limit
𝜋 sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑎
cos 2 − sin 𝑥 lim
lim 𝑥→𝑎 2𝑥 − 2𝑎
𝑥→0 2𝑥
𝜋 Solution: Using the identity
Solution: Since cos − 𝛼 = sin 𝛼, we can write
2
𝜋 𝑥−𝑎 𝑥+𝑎
cos − sin 𝑥 = sin sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑎 = 2 sin cos
2 2 2
LIMIT

So
𝜋 we get
cos 2 − sin 𝑥 sin sin 𝑥
lim = lim 𝑥−𝑎 𝑥+𝑎
𝑥→0 2𝑥 𝑥→0 2𝑥 sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑎 2 sin 2 cos 2
lim = lim 𝑥−𝑎
𝑥→𝑎 2𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 4∙ 2
Since sin 𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 0,
𝑥−𝑎
sin sin 𝑥 1 sin 2 𝑥+𝑎
lim =1 = ∙ lim 𝑥 − 𝑎 ∙ lim cos
𝑥→0 sin 𝑥 2 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 2
Then we obtain 2
1 𝑎+𝑎 1
sin sin 𝑥 sin sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥 1 = . 1. cos = cos 𝑎
lim = lim ∙ = 2 2 2
𝑥→0 2𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 𝑥 2𝑥 2

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 EXERCISES

Calculate the following limits:

𝑥 7
1. lim 3 − 2 Answer: 2
𝑥→−1

19
2. lim2 −2𝑥 − 5 Answer: −
𝑥→ 3
3

3. lim𝜋 2 + sin 𝑥 Answer: 3

LIMIT

𝑥→ 2

1−𝑥 5
4. lim 1+𝑥 Answer: − 7
𝑥→6

5. lim 5𝑥 − 2 − 𝑥 Answer: −12

𝑥→−2

𝑥
6. lim 7 ln 5 Answer: 0
𝑥→5
3
8
7. lim 4𝑥 2 −8 8 Answer: 2 2
𝑥→2

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 𝑥 2 −3𝑥−10 7
8. lim Answer:
𝑥→5 𝑥 2 −5𝑥 5

𝑥 2 +16−4 1
9. lim Answer: 8
𝑥→0 𝑥2

1−𝑥
10. lim Answer: −2
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
LIMIT

4−𝑥 2
11. lim Answer: 6
𝑥→2 3− 𝑥 2 +5
3
cos2𝑥 1
12. lim 2𝑥−4 Answer: − 4
𝑥→0

2𝑥
13. lim 1 Answer: 0
𝑥→0 cot3𝑥

sin sin 𝑥
14. lim Answer: 1
𝑥→0 𝑥

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 One-Sided and Infinity Limit

One-Sided Limit

In order for the 𝑓(𝑥) function to have a limit as 𝑥 approaches 𝑎, the function must be defined on both sides
of the 𝑎 point, and when 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from both directions, the 𝑓(𝑥) function must approach a certain 𝐿
value. In some cases, when the variable approaches a point from both directions, the function does not
reach a limit value, while it can have a limit value only with one-sided approaches.

If the 𝑓(𝑥) function is defined in a range (𝑎,𝑏) and if 𝑓(𝑥) approaches a 𝐿 value when 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from
LIMIT

the right within this range, then this 𝐿 value is called the right limit of the function at the point 𝑎 and denoted
by
lim+ 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎
Similarly, if the function 𝑓(𝑥) is defined in an interval (𝑐,𝑎), and if 𝑓(𝑥) approaches a value of 𝐾 when 𝑥
approaches 𝑎 from the left within this interval, then this value of 𝐾 is called the left limit of the function at
the point 𝑎 and denoted by
lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐾
𝑥→𝑎

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
LIMIT

Example: One-Sided Limits on A Half Circle

The domain of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 9 − 𝑥 2 is the interval −3,3 . There is no left

limit at point −3 because there are no values that can approach this point from the
left of this point. Similarly, there is no right limit at point 3. Other limits are as
follows.

lim + 9 − 𝑥 2 = 0 and lim− 9 − 𝑥 2 = 0

𝑥→−3 𝑥→3

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 A necessary and sufficient condition for the function 𝑓(𝑥) to have a limit at a point 𝑎 is that
the function has the same right and left limits at that point.
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 ⇔ lim+ 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 ve lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Example: One-Sided Limits of Plotted Functions

Limit investigations for the • For 𝑥 = 0
function whose graph is given in
lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist, lim+ 𝑓 𝑥 = 1 ⇒ lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist.
the figure below are as follows. 𝑥→0−
LIMIT

𝑥→0 𝑥→0
• For 𝑥 = 1
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 1, lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 ⇒ lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist.
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1+ 𝑥→0
• For 𝑥 = 2
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 1, lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 ⇒ lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist.
𝑥→2− 𝑥→2+ 𝑥→2
• For 𝑥 = 3
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2, lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 ⇒ lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥→3− 𝑥→3+ 𝑥→3
• For 𝑥 = 4
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 1, lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist ⇒ lim 𝑓 𝑥 not exist
𝑥→4 − 𝑥→4+ 𝑥→4

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Calculate the limit
sin 3𝑥
lim
𝑥→0+ sin 3𝑥

Solution: Since 3𝑥 → 0 while 𝑥 → 0+ and

sin 3𝑥 3𝑥
lim = 1 ve lim+ =1
𝑥→0+ 3𝑥 𝑥→0 sin 3𝑥
LIMIT

we find that
sin 3𝑥 sin 3𝑥 ∙ 3𝑥
lim+ = lim+
𝑥→0 sin 3𝑥 𝑥→0 3𝑥 ∙ sin 3𝑥

sin 3𝑥 3𝑥
= lim+ ∙ = 1. 1 = 1
𝑥→0 3𝑥 sin 3𝑥

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: A Function that Oscillates Too Much Has No One-Sided Limit
1
The function 𝑦 = sin has no left and right limits as 𝑥 approaches to the number 0.
𝑥
1
As 𝑥 approaches 0, 1/𝑥 grows indefinitely, and the value of the function sin 𝑥 also oscillates between −1
and 1. It oscillates in such a way that the function cannot approach any value.
The situation is still the same whether 𝑥 goes to the number 0 from the left or the right. Thus, the
function has no left and right limits.
LIMIT

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 NOTE: Left and right limits are examined at the critical points of the piecewise functions, signum
functions and floor functions.
2 − 3𝑥 𝑥<2
Example: Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥 = ቊ and calculate the limits
𝑥2 − 1 𝑥≥2
a. lim 𝑓 𝑥 b. lim 𝑓 𝑥
𝑥→−1 𝑥→2
Solution:
LIMIT

a. The point 𝑥 = −1 is not a critical point and belongs to interval 𝑥 < 2. So

lim 𝑓 𝑥 = lim 2 − 3𝑥 = 5
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

b. Since 𝑥 = 2 is critical point, we should examine the right and left limits.

lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = lim− 2 − 3𝑥 = −4 and lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = lim+ 𝑥 2 − 1 = 3

𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

Therefore the limit lim 𝑓 𝑥 is not exist.

𝑥→2

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY
 Example: Find the limit lim sgn 4 − 𝑥 2
𝑥→4
Example: Find the limit lim 3𝑥
𝑥→2

Solution: Since 𝑥 = 4 is critical point, we should Solution: Since 𝑥 = 2 is critical point, we should
examine the right and left limits. examine the right and left limits.

2 2 2
lim− sgn 4 − 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→4
lim− 3𝑥 = lim 3 2 − ℎ = lim 6 − 3ℎ = 52 = 25
𝑥→2 ℎ→0 ℎ→0
LIMIT

and and

lim+ sgn 4 − 𝑥 = −1 lim+ 3𝑥 2 = lim 3 2 + ℎ 2 = lim 6 + 3ℎ 2 = 62 = 36

𝑥→4 𝑥→2 ℎ→0 ℎ→0

Therefore the limit lim sgn 4 − 𝑥 is not exist. Therefore the limit lim 3𝑥 2 is not exist.
𝑥→4 𝑥→2

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PROF. DR. MURAT SUBAŞI ATATÜRK UNIVERSITY