2 | Calculus 3 10

UNIT 2: Intermediate Forms and L’Hospital’s Rule

2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes

a. Recognize limits that produce intermediate forms; and
b. Apply L’Hospital’s Rule to evaluate a limit

2.1. Introduction
We already know how important Mathematics is. Most of the time we make use of
counting, multiplication, addition, percentage and so on. But, how about calculus? How is
calculus used in our everyday life?
Just like other fields in mathematics, calculus is also important. There are also real life
applications of it. With the help of concepts in calculus, the area of an irregular shape can easily
be found. Architects and engineers use calculus to determine the size and shape of the curves
especially in building roads, bridges and tunnels. In science, biologist also use calculus to
determine the growth rate of bacteria as well as modelling population growth. Further, in
chemistry, it is crucial that students acquire a solid knowledge in calculus and that they know
how to apply it. The frequent occurrence of indeterminate forms in multiple areas, particularly
in Physical Chemistry, justifies the need to properly understand the limiting process in such
cases.
There this unit discusses the intermediate forms and L’Hospital’s Rule. Particularly,
you will learn how to evaluate limit of functions that produce indeterminate forms with the use
of L’Hospital’s rule.

2.2 Topics

2.2.1 Intermediate Forms

In your Calculus 1, you learned about the concept of limits and how it is used to find
the derivative. The notion of a limit is a fundamental concept of calculus. Limit is defined as:
“If (𝑥) becomes arbitrarily close to a unique number L as x approaches c from either side, then
the limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L.” This is written as
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
The easiest way to evaluate the limit is by substitution.

𝑥
Example 1. Evaluate lim 3
𝑥→9
𝑥 9
lim 3 = 3 = 3
𝑥→9
However, there are cases in which direct substitution does not work.

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𝑥 2 −1
Example 2. Evaluate lim
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
𝑥 2 −1 12 −1 0
lim = =0
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 1−1
0 ∞
When you do direct substitution to solve the limit, you often get or .Sometimes you
0 ∞
even get values such as ∞ − ∞, 0∞ , ∞0 , 0 ∙ ∞ and 1∞ . These are called indeterminate forms.
Indeterminate because you can make the value of the limit to whatever you want.
L’Hospital’s rule can only be applied when you see an indeterminate form. Otherwise, if
direct substitution does not work, the limit does not exist. L’Hospital’s rule can be applied over
and over to a limit until direct substitution does not yield an indeterminate form.

2.2.2 L’Hospital’s Rule

L’Hospital’s rule or sometimes called L’Hôpital’s rule is a powerful tool for evaluating limits.
It uses derivatives to calculate limits. Using this rule, we are able to evaluate many limits that
produces an indeterminate form. L’Hôpital’s rule can be used to evaluate limits involving the
quotient of two functions. Consider
𝑓(𝑥)
lim
𝑥→𝑎 𝑔(𝑥)
If lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐿1 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿2 ≠ 0, then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿
lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿1
𝑥→𝑎 2

However, what happens if lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 0 ? You will have an indeterminate
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
0
form of type 0. This is considered an indeterminate form because we cannot determine the exact
𝑓(𝑥)
behavior of as 𝑥 → 𝑎 without further analysis. But as long as the limit exists, by using
𝑔(𝑥)
L’Hospital’s rule we can evaluate the limit of this form by
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥)
lim = lim 𝑔′(𝑥) L’Hospital’s Rule (L’H)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑎

𝟎
2.2.2.1 L’Hospital’s Rule ( Case )
𝟎

Suppose 𝑓 and 𝑔 are differentiable functions over an open interval containing 𝑎, except
possibly at 𝑎. If lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 0 , then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥)
lim 𝑔(𝑥) = lim 𝑔′(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
assuming the limit on the right exists or is ∞ or −∞. This result also holds if we are considering
one-sided limits, or if a=∞ or a=−∞.

1−cos 𝑥
Example 1. Evaluate lim
𝑥→0 𝑥

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Solution: Since lim 1 − cos 𝑥 = 0 and lim 𝑥 = 0 , we can apply L’Hospital’s rule to
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
evaluate this limit.
𝑑
1−cos 𝑥 (1−cos 𝑥) sin 𝑥 lim sin 𝑥 0
lim = lim 𝑑𝑥 𝑑 = lim = 𝑥→0 =1=0
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 (𝑥) 𝑥→0 1 lim 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥→0

𝑥−2
Example 2. lim 𝑥2 −4
𝑥→2
0
Solution: Since lim 𝑥 − 2 = 0 and lim 𝑥 2 − 4 = 0, so this is a 0 case and we apply
𝑥→2 𝑥→2
L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit.
𝑑
𝑥−2 (𝑥−2) 1 lim 1 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥→2
lim 𝑥2 −4 = lim 𝑑 = lim 2𝑥 = lim =4
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 (𝑥 2 −4) 𝑥→2 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥→2

∞
2.2.2.2 L’Hospital’s Rule ( Case )
∞

Suppose 𝑓 and 𝑔 are differentiable functions over an open interval containing 𝑎, except
possibly at 𝑎. If lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ∞ or (−∞) and lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) == ∞ or (−∞), then
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥)
lim = lim 𝑔′(𝑥)′
𝑥→𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑎
assuming the limit on the right exists or is ∞ or −∞. This result also holds if we are considering
one-sided limits, or if a=∞ or a=−∞.

3𝑥+5
Example 1. Evaluate lim
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥+1
Solution. Since lim 3𝑥 + 5 = ∞ and lim 2𝑥 + 1 = ∞, we can apply L’Hospital’s rule to
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞
evaluate this limit.
𝑑
3𝑥+5 (3𝑥+5) 3 3
𝑑𝑥
lim = lim 𝑑 = lim =2
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥+1 𝑥→∞ (2𝑥+1) 𝑥→∞ 2
𝑑𝑥
2𝑥 2
Example 2. Evaluate lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑒 3𝑥
∞
Solution. Since lim 2𝑥 2 = ∞ and lim 𝑒 3𝑥 = ∞, so this is ∞ case and we apply
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞
L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit.
𝑑
2𝑥 2 (2𝑥 2 ) 4𝑥
𝑑𝑥
lim = lim 𝑑 = lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑒 3𝑥 𝑥→∞ (𝑒 3𝑥 ) 𝑥→∞ 3𝑒 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥
∞
This is still ∞ case and therefore we will apply L’Hospital’s rule again.
𝑑
4𝑥 (4𝑥) 4 4
𝑑𝑥
lim = lim 𝑑 = lim =∞ = 0
𝑥→∞ 3𝑒 3𝑥 𝑥→∞ (9𝑒 3𝑥 ) 𝑥→∞ 9𝑒 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥

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2.2.2.3 L’Hospital’s Rule ( 𝟎 ∙ ∞ Case )

Suppose we want to evaluate lim [f(x) ∙ g(x)], where (𝑥) → 0 and (𝑥) → ∞ or (−∞) as 𝑥
𝑥→∞
→ ∞. Since one term in the product is approaching zero but the other term is becoming arbitrarily
large (in magnitude), anything can happen to the product. We use the notation 0 ∙ ∞ to denote the
form that arises in this situation. The expression 0 ∙ ∞ is considered indeterminate because we cannot
determine without further analysis the exact behavior of the product 𝑓(𝑥) ∙𝑔(𝑥) as 𝑥 → ∞.
In this case we rewrite the function as a quotient so we can use the L’Hospital’s rule.

Example 1. Evaluate lim 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥

𝑥→0
Solution. Since lim 𝑥 = 0 and lim cot 𝑥 = ∞ , this means that this is a 0 ∙ ∞ case. We can
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
apply L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit but we must rewrite first the function as a
quotient.

𝑑
(𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥) −𝑥 sin 𝑥+cos 𝑥 lim −𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥+cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
lim 𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥 = lim 𝑑 = lim = 𝑥→0 =1
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 (sin 𝑥) 𝑥→0 cos 𝑥 lim cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥→0
1
Example 2. lim 𝑥 sin 𝑥
𝑥→∞
1
Solution. Since lim 𝑥 = ∞ and lim sin 𝑥 = 0 , this means that this is a 0 ∙ ∞ case. We can
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞
apply L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit but we must rewrite first the function as a
quotient.
1 𝑑 1 1 −1
1 sin (sin ) cos( )( 2 )
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
lim 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = lim 1 = lim 𝑑 1 = lim −1
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ ( ) 𝑥→∞
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑥2
1
= = lim 𝑐𝑜𝑠 = lim cos(0) = 1
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞

2.2.2.4 L’Hospital’s Rule ( ∞ − ∞ Case )

Another type of indeterminate form is ∞ − ∞. Consider the following example. Let 𝑛

be a positive integer and let (𝑥) = 3𝑥 𝑛 and (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 5. As 𝑥 → ∞, 𝑓(𝑥 ) → ∞ and 𝑔(𝑥) → ∞. We are
interested lim [f(x) − g(x)]. Depending on whether (𝑥) grows faster, (𝑥) grows faster, or they grow
𝑥→∞
at the same rate, anything can happen in this limit. Same with other indeterminate forms, ∞ − ∞ has
no meaning on its own and we must do more analysis to determine the value of the limit. Therefore,
the limit cannot be determined by considering only ∞ − ∞. We need to rewrite an expression
involving the indeterminate form ∞ − ∞ as a fraction to apply L’Hôpital’s rule.

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1 1
Example 1. Evaluate lim+ (𝑥2 − tan 𝑥)
𝑥→0
1 1
Solution. Since lim+ 𝑥2 = ∞ and lim+ tan 𝑥 = ∞ this means that this is a ∞ − ∞ case. We
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
can apply L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit but we must rewrite this as a single
fraction
𝑑
1 1 tan 𝑥−𝑥 2 (tan 𝑥−𝑥 2 ) 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥−2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
lim+ (𝑥2 − tan 𝑥) = lim+ = lim 𝑑 = lim+ 𝑥2 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥+2𝑥 tan 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 2 tan 𝑥 𝑥→0+ (𝑥 2 tan 𝑥) 𝑥→0
𝑑𝑥
lim 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥−2𝑥
𝑥→0+ 1
= =0=∞
lim 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥+2𝑥 tan 𝑥
𝑥→0+
1 1
Example 2. Evaluate lim+ (𝑥−1 − ln 𝑥)
𝑥→1
1 1
Solution. Since lim+ 𝑥−1 = ∞ and lim+ ln 𝑥 = ∞, this means that this is a ∞ − ∞ case. We
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
can apply L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit but we must rewrite this as a single
fraction.
𝑑 1
1 1 ln(𝑥)−(𝑥−1) (ln(𝑥)−(𝑥−1)) −1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
lim ( − ln 𝑥) = lim+ (𝑥−1) ln 𝑥 = lim 𝑑 = lim 1
𝑥→1+ 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1+ ((𝑥−1) ln 𝑥) +
𝑥→1 (𝑥−1)(𝑥)+ln 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

This is still ∞ − ∞ case and therefore we will apply L’Hospital’s rule again
1 1 −1
−1 −1 −1 −1
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥2
lim 1 = lim 1 = lim 1 1 = 1+1 =
𝑥→1+ (𝑥−1)(𝑥)+ln 𝑥 𝑥→1+ (1−𝑥)+ln 𝑥 𝑥→1+ 𝑥2 +𝑥 2

2.2.2.5 L’Hospital’s Rule ( 𝟎𝟎 , ∞𝟎 , 𝟏∞ Case )

Another type of indeterminate form that arises when evaluating limits involves
exponents. The expression 00 , ∞0 , and 1∞ are all indeterminate forms. On their own, these
expressions are meaningless because we cannot actually evaluate these expressions as we would
evaluate an expression involving real numbers.
In order to use L’Hospital’s rule in these indeterminate forms, we will use the natural
logarithm function and its properties to reduce a problem evaluating a limit involving exponents to
a related problem involving a limit of a quotient.
Suppose we want to evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥) and we arrive at the indeterminate form ∞0
𝑥→𝑎
(00 and 1∞ can be handled similarly). We proceed as follows.
Let
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)
Then,
ln 𝑦 = ln ln 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥 ) ln 𝑓(𝑥)
Therefore
lim [ln(𝑦)] = lim [𝑔(𝑥 ) ln((𝑓 (𝑥 ))]
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

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Since lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = ∞, we know that lim 𝑙𝑛( 𝑓 (𝑥 )) = ∞. Therefore, lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑙𝑛( 𝑓 (𝑥 )) is of
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
the indeterminate form 0 ∙ ∞, and we can use the techniques discussed earlier to rewrite the
expression (𝑥) ln(𝑓(𝑥)) in a form so that we can apply L’Hospital’s rule. Suppose
lim [𝑔(𝑥) 𝑙𝑛( 𝑓 (𝑥 ))] = 𝐿, where 𝐿 may be ∞ or −∞. Then
𝑥→𝑎
lim [ln(𝑦)] = 𝐿,
𝑥→𝑎
Since the natural logarithm function is continuous, we conclude that
ln(lim 𝑦) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎
which gives us
lim 𝑦 = lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

1
Example 1. Evaluate lim 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥→0
1
Solution. Since lim 𝑥 𝑥 = ∞0 this means that this is a ∞0 . We can apply L’Hospital’s rule
𝑥→0
to evaluate this limit but we must express the function as a quotient.
1
Let 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥
1
1 ln 𝑥
ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 𝑥 = 𝑥 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥
𝑑 1
ln 𝑥 ln 𝑥 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
lim = lim 𝑑 = lim =∞=0
𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 𝑥 𝑥→∞ 1
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, lim ln 𝑦 = 0. Since the natural logarithm is continuous, we conclude that

𝑥→∞

ln ( lim 𝑦) = 0
𝑥→∞
which leads to
1
lim 𝑦 = lim 𝑥 𝑥 = 𝑒 0 = 1
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞
Hence,
1
lim 𝑥 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→∞
Example 2. Evaluate lim+ 𝑥 sin 𝑥
𝑥→0
Solution. Since lim+ 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 00 this means that this is a 00 case. We can apply L’Hospital’s
𝑥→0
rule to evaluate this limit but we must express the function as a quotient.
Let
𝑦 = 𝑥 sin 𝑥
ln 𝑥 ln 𝑥
ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 ln 𝑥 = 1 = csc 𝑥
sin 𝑥
𝑑 1
ln 𝑥 (ln 𝑥) −1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
lim+ = lim+ 𝑑 = lim+ = lim+
𝑥→0 csc 𝑥 𝑥→0 (csc 𝑥) 𝑥→0 − csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 cot 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

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− sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥 sin 𝑥

= lim+ = lim+ ∙ lim+ (− tan 𝑥) = 1 ∙ 0 = 0
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0
Therefore, lim+ ln 𝑦 = 0. We also conclude that
𝑥→0

𝑙𝑛 ( lim+ 𝑦) = 0
𝑥→0
which leads to
lim 𝑦 = lim+ 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 𝑒 0 = 1
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0
Hence,
lim 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→0+
Example 3. Evaluate lim+ (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )1/𝑥
𝑥→0
Solution. Since lim+ (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )1/𝑥 = 10 this means that this is a 10 case. We can apply
𝑥→0
L’Hospital’s rule to evaluate this limit but we must express the function as a quotient.
Let
𝑦 = (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )1/𝑥
1
1 ln(𝑒 𝑥 +𝑥)
ln 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )𝑥 = ln(𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 ) =
𝑥 𝑥
𝑑 𝑒𝑥 +1
ln(𝑒 𝑥 +𝑥) (ln(𝑒 𝑥 +𝑥)) 𝑒 𝑥 +1 1+1
𝑑𝑥 𝑒𝑥 +𝑥
lim+ = lim 𝑑 = lim+ = lim+ = =2
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0+ (𝑥) 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑒 𝑥 +𝑥 1+0
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, lim+ ln 𝑦 = 2. We also conclude that

𝑥→0

ln ( lim+ 𝑦) = 2
𝑥→0
which leads to
lim 𝑦 = lim+ (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )1/𝑥 = 𝑒 2
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0
Hence,
lim (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 )1/𝑥 = 𝑒 2
𝑥→0+

’ ’ Practice Exercises

Name: ________________________________________ Instructor: _______________________

Course/ Year & Sec.: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Note: Use separate sheet/s (short bond paper) for your solutions and answers. This will be retrieved upon
completion.

A. Identify which of the following limits produce an indeterminate form.

𝑡+2 𝑥−5
1. lim 6. lim 𝑥2 +5𝑥−50
𝑡→−2 𝑡 2 −4 𝑥→5
2𝑥−8
2. lim 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 2 7. lim 5𝑥+2
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→1

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 2 | Calculus 3 18

𝑥 2 +7𝑥−8
3. lim 𝑥2 −3𝑥+2 8. lim 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥
𝑥→1 𝑥→0
2
√4−𝑢−2
4. lim 𝑢 9. lim 𝑥 3𝑥
𝑢→0 𝑥→∞
𝑡 2 −9
5. lim 10. lim 𝑢2 − 16
𝑡→3 𝑡−3 𝑢→0

B. Find the limit. Use L’Hospital’s Rule where appropriate. If L’Hospital’s Rule doesn’t apply,
explain why.
sin 𝑥
1. lim 𝑥 𝑥 6. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 3
1
ln (1+𝑒 𝑥 )
2. lim 𝑥 ln 𝑥 7. lim
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞ 5𝑥
𝑒𝑥 1 1
3. lim 𝑥 8. lim (𝑥4 − 𝑥2 )
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→0
tan 2𝑥
4. lim tanh 3𝑥 9. lim 𝑒 −𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→∞
tan 2𝑥 𝑥 2 +3𝑥−4
5. lim 10. lim
𝑥→−1 tanh 3𝑥 𝑥→1 𝑥−1

2.3 References

Johnson, C. (2019). What Are Indeterminate Forms?. https://www.expii.com/t/whatare-

indeterminate-forms-382

Lazarus, T. (2018, October 29). L’Hˆopital’s Rule and Indeterminate Forms.

https://www.math.arizona.edu/~tlazarus/files/L'Hopital.pdf

LibreTexts. (2019, April 28). 4.4: Indeterminate Forms and l'Hospital's Rule.
https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Calculus/Map%3A_Calculus__Early_
Transcendentals_(Stewart)/04%3A_Applications_of_Differentiation/4.04%3A_
Indeterminate_Forms_and_l'Hospital's_Rule

1.4 Acknowledgment

The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were
taken from the references cited above.

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 2 | Calculus 3 19

UNIT 3: Improper Integrals

3.0 Intended Learning Outcomes

a. Discuss the different conditions of improper integral; and
b. Evaluate improper integrals.

3.1 Introduction
This unit introduces another important topic in Calculus which is the improper integral and
the use of limits in solving for it. Identifying whether the improper integral converges or diverges
is also covered in this unit.

3.2 Topics

3.2.1 Improper Integrals

𝑏
In the discussion about definite integrals ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 , you learned that definite integrals have
a finite domain of integration [a, b] and the integrand is bounded and continuous (except for
functions that have finitely many jump discontinuities).
𝑏
On the other hand, an integral ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 is improper if:
a. Upper and/or lower limits of integration are infinite; or
b. The integrand (𝑥) has a finite number of infinite discontinuities.
Improper integral is either convergent or divergent. Convergent if the limit is finite and that
limit is the value of the improper integral. Divergent if the limit does not exist. Improper integral
is defined as a limit. If the limit is finite, then the integral converges, while if the limit is infinite or
does not exist, then the integral diverges.
Convergence is good (means we can do the integral); divergence is bad (means wecan’t do
the integral).

3.2.1.1 Integrals with Infinite Limits

One type of improper integral has one or both of the limits of integration that is/are infinity.
In these cases, the interval of integration is said to be over an infinite interval.
There are essentially three cases for this type of improper integral as follows:
𝑡
1. If ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 exist for every 𝑡 > 𝑎 then,
∞ 𝑡
∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = lim ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
𝑡→∞
provided the limit exist and finite.

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20

𝑏
2. If ∫𝑡 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 exist for every 𝑡 < 𝑏 then,
𝑏 𝑏
∫−∞ 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = lim ∫𝑡 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
𝑡→−∞
provided the limit exist and finite.
𝑐 ∞
3. If ∫−∞ 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 and ∫𝑐 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 are both convergent then,
∞ 𝑐 ∞
∫−∞ 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = ∫−∞ 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + ∫𝑐 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
where c is any number.
Note as well that this requires BOTH of the integrals to be convergent in order for this integral to also be
convergent. If either of the two integrals is divergent then this integral is also divergent.

Example 1. Determine if the following integral is convergent or divergent and if it’s

convergent find its value.
∞1
∫1 𝑑𝑦
𝑦
Solution: This is case 1. Hence,
∞1 𝑡1
∫1 𝑑𝑦 = lim ∫1 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑦 𝑡→∞
= lim [ln 𝑦]1𝑡
𝑡→∞
= lim [ln 𝑡 − ln 1]
𝑡→∞
= [ln ∞ − ln 1]
= ∞ (𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡)
The limit is infinite; therefore, the integral is divergent.

Example 2. Determine if the following integral is convergent or divergent and if it’s

convergent find its value.
0 1
∫−∞ √3−𝑢 𝑑𝑢
Solution. This is case 2. Hence,
0 1 0 1
∫−∞ 𝑑𝑢 = lim ∫𝑡 𝑑𝑢
√3−𝑢 𝑡→−∞ √3−𝑢

= lim [−2√3 − 𝑢]0𝑡

𝑡→−∞
= lim [−2√3 − 0 − (−2√3 − 𝑡)]
𝑡→−∞

= [−2√3 + 2√3 − (−∞)]

= [−2√3 + ∞]
= ∞ (𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡)
The limit is infinite; therefore, the integral is divergent.

3.2.1.2 Infinite Discontinuities of the Integrand

The second type of improper integrals are those with discontinuous integrands. An

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integrand 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if

lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑥→−𝑎
Note that this definition is also implicitly assuming that both (𝑎) and lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) exist.
𝑥→−𝑎
If either of these do not exist the function will not be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
The integrand (𝑥) is also said to be continuous on the interval 𝑎, 𝑏 if it is continuous at each
point in the interval, otherwise, it is discontinuous.
The process in solving for the improper integral with infinite discontinuities of the
integrand is somewhat the same as the integrals with infinite limits with one subtle difference.
The difference is that we should work inside the interval. Thus, we will make use of one-sided
limits to make sure we stay inside the interval. Shown below are the different cases of improper
integrals of this type.
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on the interval [a,b) and not continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑏 then,
𝑏 𝑡
∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = lim− ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
𝑡→𝑏
2. If 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on the interval (a,b] and not continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 then,
𝑏 𝑏
∫ 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = lim+ ∫ 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑡→𝑎 𝑡
provided the limit exist and finite.
Note that we do need to use a left-hand limit here since the interval of integration is entirely on the
left side of the upper limit.
𝑐 𝑏
3. If 𝑓(𝑥) is not continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐 where 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏 and ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 and ∫𝑐 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
are both convergent then,
𝑏 𝑐 𝑏
∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + ∫𝑐 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥
Note as well that this requires BOTH of the integrals to be convergent in order for this integral to
also be convergent. If either of the two integrals is divergent then this integral is also divergent.
Example 1. The point of discontinuity is the upper limit, so this is a first case.
3 1
∫0 𝑑𝑦
√3−𝑦
Solution. The point of discontinuity is the upper limit, so this is a first case.
3 1 3 1
∫0 𝑑𝑦 = lim ∫0 𝑑𝑦
√3−𝑦 𝑡→3 √3−𝑦

= lim[ −2√3 − 𝑦]𝑡0

𝑡→3
= lim[−2√3 − 𝑡 − (−2√3 − 𝑡)]
𝑡→3
= lim[2√3 + 2√3 − 𝑡]
𝑡→3
= [2√3 + 2√3 − 3−]
= 2√3 (𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡)
The limit exists and is finite and so the integral converges and the integral’s value is
2√3 .

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Example 2. Determine if the following integral is convergent or divergent and if it’s convergent
find its value.
3 1
∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢

Solution. The point of discontinuity is at 𝑢 = 0 which is located between the lower and
upper limits, so this is a third case.
3 1 0 1 3 1
∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 = ∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 + ∫0 𝑢3
𝑑𝑢
0 1 3 1
Checking whether ∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∫0 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 are both convergent:
0 1 𝑡 1
∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 = lim− ∫−2 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢
𝑡→0
−1
= lim−[2𝑥2 ]𝑡−2
𝑡→0
−1 −1
= lim−[2𝑡 2 − 2(−2)2]
𝑡→0
−1 1
= lim−[ + ]
𝑡→0 2𝑡 2 8
−1 1
= [2(0− )2 + 8]
= −∞ (𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡)
One of the integrals is divergent that means the integral that we were asked to look at
is also divergent
Example 3. Determine if the following integral is convergent or divergent and if it’s convergent
find its value.
∞ 1
∫0 𝑑𝑥
𝑥2
Solution. This is a case in which the integrand is discontinuous and the interval is infinite.
So, we need to split this up into two integrals so that each integral contains only one problem
point. To do this, just pick a value between the lower and upper interval but make sure that
you choose a value that is convenient for evaluation purposes. Here, let’s choose 𝑥 = 1. Thus,
∞ 1 1 1
∞ 1
∫0 𝑑𝑥 = ∫0
𝑑𝑥 + ∫1 𝑥2 𝑑𝑥
𝑥2 𝑥2
1 1 ∞ 1
Checking whether ∫0 𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 and ∫1 𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 are both divergent:
1 1 1 1
∫0 𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 = lim+ ∫𝑡 𝑥2 𝑑𝑥
𝑡→0
1 1
= lim+ [− 𝑥]
𝑡→0 𝑡
−1 −1
= lim+ [ 1 − ]
𝑡→0 𝑡
1
= [−1 + 0+ ]
= ∞ (𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡)
One of the integrals is divergent that means the integral that we were asked to
look at is also divergent.

C. M. D. Hamo-ay
 2 | Calculus 3 23

Practice Exercises

A. Identify whether the following functions is continuous or discontinuous on the given

interval. For discontinuous function, give the location of discontinuity.
𝑥
1. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥−2 ; 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5
2. ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡 3 − 5; 10 < 𝑡 < 5
1
3. 𝑓 (𝑡) = 𝑡 2 ; −2 < 𝑡 < 2
2
4. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥2 ; 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 6
sin 𝑥
5. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = { 𝑥 ; 𝑥 ≠ 0, 𝑥 = 0
1

B. For each of the following problems, (a) Discuss the conditions why the integrals are
improper; and (b) Evaluate the integral and identify whether the integral is convergent or
divergent.
0 𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡
1. ∫∞ 2𝑦 𝑑𝑦 6. ∫0 𝑑𝑡
√𝑡
∞ 5 𝑥
2. ∫−∞ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜋𝑥 𝑑𝑥 7. ∫0 𝑥−2 𝑑𝑥
∞ 𝑒𝑡 1 ln 𝑢
3. ∫0 𝑑𝑡 8. ∫0 𝑑𝑢
𝑒 2𝑡 +3 √𝑢
∞ 2 1
4. ∫−∞(𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 9. ∫−2 𝑦2 𝑑𝑦
∞ 1 ∞ 1+𝑒 −𝑤
5. ∫0 4 𝑑𝑟 10. ∫0 𝑑𝑤
√1+𝑟 𝑤

3.3 References

Blair, R. (2013, March 12). Math 104: Improper Integrals (With Solutions).
https://www.math.upenn.edu/~ryblair/Math104/papers/Lec3_12Sol.pdf
Dawkins, P. (2020, January 21). Section 1-8 : Improper Integrals.
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calcii/ImproperIntegrals.aspx
Kala, V. (2014, December 6). Practice Problems: Improper Integrals.
http://web.math.ucsb.edu/~vtkala/2014/Math3B/Math3BImproperIntegrals
Solutions.pdf

3.4 Acknowledgment

The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were taken from
the references cited above.

C. M. D. Hamo-ay