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Determine the Limit of Each of the Following Bc Calculus Review 1-1

2. Limits

2.2 The Limit of a Role

Learning Objectives

  • Using correct annotation, depict the limit of a part.
  • Use a tabular array of values to estimate the limit of a office or to identify when the limit does not exist.
  • Utilise a graph to gauge the limit of a function or to identify when the limit does not exist.
  • Ascertain one-sided limits and provide examples.
  • Explain the relationship between one-sided and ii-sided limits.
  • Using right notation, describe an infinite limit.
  • Define a vertical asymptote.

The concept of a limit or limiting procedure, essential to the understanding of calculus, has been around for thousands of years. In fact, early mathematicians used a limiting process to obtain ameliorate and ameliorate approximations of areas of circles. Yet, the formal definition of a limit—equally we know and empathize it today—did not appear until the late 19th century. We therefore begin our quest to understand limits, equally our mathematical ancestors did, past using an intuitive arroyo. At the end of this chapter, armed with a conceptual understanding of limits, we examine the formal definition of a limit.

We begin our exploration of limits by taking a look at the graphs of the functions

f(x)=\frac{x^2-4}{x-2}, \, g(x)=\frac{|x-2|}{x-2}, and h(x)=\frac{1}{(x-2)^2},

which are shown in (Figure). In particular, allow'due south focus our attention on the behavior of each graph at and around x=2.

Each of the three functions is undefined at x=2, but if we make this statement and no other, we requite a very incomplete movie of how each office behaves in the vicinity of x=2. To limited the behavior of each graph in the vicinity of ii more completely, nosotros demand to innovate the concept of a limit.

Intuitive Definition of a Limit

Permit'due south commencement have a closer look at how the function f(x)=(x^2-4)/(x-2) behaves around x=2 in (Figure). As the values of x approach 2 from either side of ii, the values of y=f(x) arroyo four. Mathematically, we say that the limit of f(x) as x approaches 2 is 4. Symbolically, we express this limit as

\underset{x \to 2}{\lim}f(x)=4.

From this very brief informal wait at i limit, let'southward commencement to develop an intuitive definition of the limit. We tin can call back of the limit of a office at a number a as existence the one real number L that the functional values approach as the x-values approach a , provided such a real number L exists. Stated more carefully, nosotros have the following definition:

We can approximate limits by constructing tables of functional values and by looking at their graphs. This process is described in the following Problem-Solving Strategy.

Problem-Solving Strategy: Evaluating a Limit Using a Table of Functional Values

  1. To evaluate \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x), we begin past completing a table of functional values. We should cull ii sets of x-values—ane ready of values budgeted a and less than a, and another set of values approaching a and greater than a. (Effigy) demonstrates what your tables might look like.
    Table of Functional Values for \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)
    x f(x) x f(x)
    a-0.1 f(a-0.1) a+0.1 f(a+0.1)
    a-0.01 f(a-0.01) a+0.01 f(a+0.01)
    a-0.001 f(a-0.001) a+0.001 f(a+0.001)
    a-0.0001 f(a-0.0001) a+0.0001 f(a+0.0001)
    Use boosted values as necessary. Use additional values every bit necessary.
  2. Next, let's await at the values in each of the f(x) columns and decide whether the values seem to be approaching a single value every bit we move downwards each column. In our columns, nosotros await at the sequence f(a-0.1), \, f(a-0.01), \, f(a-0.001), \, f(a-0.0001), and and then on, and f(a+0.1), \, f(a+0.01), \, f(a+0.001), \, f(a+0.0001) and so on. (Note: Although we have chosen the x-values a \pm 0.1, \, a \pm 0.01, \, a \pm 0.001, \, a \pm 0.0001, then along, and these values will probably work well-nigh every time, on very rare occasions we may need to modify our choices.)
  3. If both columns approach a common y-value L, we state \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=L. We tin can use the following strategy to ostend the effect obtained from the table or equally an alternative method for estimating a limit.
  4. Using a graphing estimator or estimator software that allows us graph functions, we can plot the office f(x), making sure the functional values of f(x) for x-values near a are in our window. Nosotros can apply the trace characteristic to motility along the graph of the function and watch the y-value readout equally the x-values approach a. If the y-values approach L as our x-values arroyo a from both directions, then \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=L. Nosotros may need to zoom in on our graph and repeat this procedure several times.

We utilize this Problem-Solving Strategy to compute a limit in (Figure).

Evaluating a Limit Using a Tabular array of Functional Values ane

Evaluate \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}\frac{\sin x}{x} using a tabular array of functional values.

Evaluating a Limit Using a Tabular array of Functional Values two

Evaluate \underset{x\to 4}{\lim}\frac{\sqrt{x}-2}{x-4} using a table of functional values.

Estimate \underset{x\to 1}{\lim}\frac{\frac{1}{x}-1}{x-1} using a tabular array of functional values. Use a graph to confirm your gauge.

Solution

\underset{x\to 1}{\lim}\frac{\frac{1}{x}-1}{x-1}=-1

At this point, nosotros encounter from (Figure) and (Effigy) that it may exist but as piece of cake, if not easier, to gauge a limit of a function past inspecting its graph as information technology is to estimate the limit by using a tabular array of functional values. In (Figure), we evaluate a limit exclusively by looking at a graph rather than by using a table of functional values.

Evaluating a Limit Using a Graph

For g(x) shown in (Figure), evaluate \underset{x\to -1}{\lim}g(x).

Based on (Figure), we make the following observation: It is possible for the limit of a function to exist at a point, and for the function to be defined at this indicate, but the limit of the function and the value of the part at the betoken may be different.

Use the graph of h(x) in (Effigy) to evaluate \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}h(x), if possible.

Solution

\underset{x\to 2}{\lim}h(x)=-1.

Looking at a table of functional values or looking at the graph of a function provides united states of america with useful insight into the value of the limit of a office at a given point. However, these techniques rely likewise much on guesswork. Nosotros eventually need to develop culling methods of evaluating limits. These new methods are more algebraic in nature and we explore them in the next section; nevertheless, at this point we introduce two special limits that are foundational to the techniques to come.

Two Important Limits

Let a be a real number and c be a constant.

  1. \underset{x\to a}{\lim}x=a

  2. \underset{x\to a}{\lim}c=c

We can brand the following observations about these 2 limits.

  1. For the first limit, observe that every bit x approaches a, so does f(x), because f(x)=x. Consequently, \underset{x\to a}{\lim}x=a.
  2. For the 2d limit, consider (Figure).
Tabular array of Functional Values for \underset{x\to a}{\lim}c=c
x f(x)=c x f(x)=c
a-0.1 c a+0.1 c
a-0.01 c a+0.01 c
a-0.001 c a+0.001 c
a-0.0001 c a+0.0001 c

Observe that for all values of x (regardless of whether they are approaching a), the values f(x) remain constant at c. Nosotros accept no selection but to conclude \underset{x\to a}{\lim}c=c.

The Existence of a Limit

Equally nosotros consider the limit in the side by side instance, go on in mind that for the limit of a part to exist at a signal, the functional values must approach a unmarried real-number value at that point. If the functional values do not approach a single value, then the limit does non exist.

Evaluating a Limit That Fails to Be

Evaluate \underset{x\to 0}{\lim} \sin (1/x) using a table of values.

Employ a table of functional values to evaluate \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2}, if possible.

Solution

\underset{x\to 2}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2} does not exist.

One-Sided Limits

Sometimes indicating that the limit of a function fails to be at a point does not provide united states of america with plenty data nigh the behavior of the function at that particular signal. To see this, we now revisit the function g(x)=|x-2|/(x-2) introduced at the beginning of the section (run into (Effigy)(b)). Equally nosotros option values of x close to 2, g(x) does not approach a single value, so the limit as x approaches 2 does not exist—that is, \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}g(x) DNE. However, this argument alone does not give u.s. a complete motion picture of the beliefs of the function around the x-value 2. To provide a more than authentic clarification, we introduce the idea of a one-sided limit. For all values to the left of ii (or the negative side of 2), g(x)=-1. Thus, as x approaches 2 from the left, g(x) approaches −i. Mathematically, we say that the limit as x approaches two from the left is −1. Symbolically, we express this idea equally

\underset{x\to 2^-}{\lim}g(x)=-1.

Similarly, as x approaches 2 from the right (or from the positive side), g(x) approaches 1. Symbolically, we express this thought as

\underset{x\to 2^+}{\lim}g(x)=1.

We tin now present an breezy definition of one-sided limits.

Evaluating 1-Sided Limits

Employ a table of functional values to judge the following limits, if possible.

  1. \underset{x\to 2^-}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2}
  2. \underset{x\to 2^+}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2}

Solution

a. \underset{x\to 2^-}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2}=-4; b. \underset{x\to 2^+}{\lim}\frac{|x^2-4|}{x-2}=4

Let u.s. at present consider the relationship between the limit of a function at a signal and the limits from the right and left at that indicate. It seems clear that if the limit from the right and the limit from the left have a common value, then that common value is the limit of the function at that bespeak. Similarly, if the limit from the left and the limit from the correct take on unlike values, the limit of the role does not be. These conclusions are summarized in (Effigy).

Infinite Limits

Evaluating the limit of a function at a point or evaluating the limit of a part from the right and left at a point helps the states to characterize the behavior of a function around a given value. As we shall meet, we tin can also describe the behavior of functions that do not have finite limits.

We now plough our attention to h(x)=1/(x-2)^2, the third and final function introduced at the outset of this section (see (Figure)(c)). From its graph we run into that equally the values of x approach 2, the values of h(x)=1/(x-2)^2 become larger and larger and, in fact, become infinite. Mathematically, we say that the limit of h(x) equally x approaches 2 is positive infinity. Symbolically, we express this thought equally

\underset{x\to 2}{\lim}h(x)=+\infty .

More by and large, nosotros define space limits as follows:

It is important to sympathise that when we write statements such every bit \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=+\infty or \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty we are describing the behavior of the function, every bit we have just defined information technology. Nosotros are not asserting that a limit exists. For the limit of a function f(x) to be at a, it must arroyo a real number L every bit x approaches a. That said, if, for case, \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=+\infty, we ever write \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)=+\infty rather than \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x) DNE.

Recognizing an Space Limit

It is useful to point out that functions of the form f(x)=1/(x-a)^n, where n is a positive integer, have infinite limits equally x approaches a from either the left or right ((Figure)). These limits are summarized in (Figure).

Infinite Limits from Positive Integers

If n is a positive even integer, and then

\underset{x\to a}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-a)^n}=+\infty.

If n is a positive odd integer, then

\underset{x\to a^+}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-a)^n}=+\infty

and

\underset{x\to a^-}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-a)^n}=−\infty.

We should as well signal out that in the graphs of f(x)=1/(x-a)^n, points on the graph having x-coordinates very most to a are very close to the vertical line x=a. That is, as x approaches a, the points on the graph of f(x) are closer to the line x=a. The line x=a is chosen a vertical asymptote of the graph. We formally define a vertical asymptote every bit follows:

Definition

Allow f(x) exist a office. If any of the following weather condition hold, then the line x=a is a vertical asymptote of f(x):

\begin{array}{ccc}\hfill \underset{x\to a^-}{\lim}f(x)& =\hfill & +\infty \, \text{or} \, -\infty \hfill \\ \hfill \underset{x\to a^+}{\lim}f(x)& =\hfill & +\infty \, \text{or} \, −\infty \hfill \\ & \text{or}\hfill & \\ \hfill \underset{x\to a}{\lim}f(x)& =\hfill & +\infty \, \text{or} \, −\infty \hfill \end{array}

Finding a Vertical Asymptote

Solution

a. \underset{x\to 2^-}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-2)^3}=−\infty;

b. \underset{x\to 2^+}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-2)^3}=+\infty;

c. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}\frac{1}{(x-2)^3} DNE. The line x=2 is the vertical asymptote of f(x)=1/(x-2)^3.

In the next case we put our knowledge of various types of limits to utilize to clarify the behavior of a function at several different points.

Behavior of a Function at Different Points

Chapter Opener: Einstein's Equation

A picture of a futuristic spaceship speeding through deep space.
Effigy 11. (credit: NASA)

In the chapter opener we mentioned briefly how Albert Einstein showed that a limit exists to how fast any object can travel. Given Einstein'due south equation for the mass of a moving object, what is the value of this leap?

Solution

Our starting point is Einstein'due south equation for the mass of a moving object,

m=\frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}},

where m_0 is the object'south mass at rest, v is its speed, and c is the speed of lite. To see how the mass changes at high speeds, we can graph the ratio of masses m/m_0 every bit a function of the ratio of speeds, v/c ((Figure)).

A graph showing the ratio of masses as a function of the ratio of speed in Einstein's equation for the mass of a moving object. The x axis is the ratio of the speeds, v/c. The y axis is the ratio of the masses, m/m0. The equation of the function is m = m0 / sqrt(1 – v2 / c2 ). The graph is only in quadrant 1. It starts at (0,1) and curves up gently until about 0.8, where it increases seemingly exponentially; there is a vertical asymptote at v/c (or x) = 1.
Figure 12. This graph shows the ratio of masses as a function of the ratio of speeds in Einstein'due south equation for the mass of a moving object.

We tin can come across that as the ratio of speeds approaches ane—that is, as the speed of the object approaches the speed of light—the ratio of masses increases without bound. In other words, the function has a vertical asymptote at v/c=1. We tin can try a few values of this ratio to examination this idea.

Ratio of Masses and Speeds for a Moving Object
\frac{v}{c} \sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}} \frac{m}{m_0}
0.99 0.1411 7.089
0.999 0.0447 22.37
0.9999 0.0141 seventy.71

Thus, according to (Figure), if an object with mass 100 kg is traveling at 0.9999c, its mass becomes 7071 kg. Since no object can have an infinite mass, we conclude that no object can travel at or more than the speed of light.

Key Concepts

  • A tabular array of values or graph may be used to estimate a limit.
  • If the limit of a function at a signal does not exist, it is still possible that the limits from the left and right at that point may exist.
  • If the limits of a part from the left and right exist and are equal, then the limit of the function is that common value.
  • We may utilise limits to depict space beliefs of a role at a indicate.

Fundamental Equations

For the following exercises, consider the function f(x)=\frac{x^2-1}{|x-1|}.

2.What do your results in the preceding exercise indicate near the two-sided limit \underset{x\to 1}{\lim}f(x)? Explain your response.

Solution

\underset{x\to 1}{\lim}f(x) does not exist because \underset{x\to 1^-}{\lim}f(x)=-2 \ne \underset{x\to 1^+}{\lim}f(x)=2.

For the following exercises, consider the function f(x)=(1+x)^{1/x}.

four.What does the tabular array of values in the preceding do betoken virtually the function f(x)=(1+x)^{1/x}?

Solution

\underset{x\to 0}{\lim}(1+x)^{1/x}=2.7183

5.To which mathematical constant does the limit in the preceding exercise appear to be getting closer?

In the post-obit exercises, use the given values of x to prepare a tabular array to evaluate the limits. Round your solutions to eight decimal places.

Solution

a. i.98669331; b. 1.99986667; c. 1.99999867; d. 1.99999999; e. 1.98669331; f. 1.99986667; g. 1.99999867; h. 1.99999999; \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}\frac{\sin 2x}{x}=2

8.Use the preceding two exercises to conjecture (guess) the value of the following limit: \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}\frac{\sin ax}{x} for a, a positive existent value.

Solution

\underset{x\to 0}{\lim}\frac{\sin ax}{x}=a

In the following exercises, set up up a table of values to find the indicated limit. Round to eight digits.

Solution

a. −0.80000000; b. −0.98000000; c. −0.99800000; d. −0.99980000; east. −i.2000000; f. −one.0200000; thou. −1.0020000; h. −1.0002000;

\underset{x\to 1}{\lim}(1-2x)=-1

Solution

a. −37.931934; b. −3377.9264; c. −333,777.93; d. −33,337,778; eastward. −29.032258; f. −3289.0365; g. −332,889.04; h. −33,328,889

\underset{x\to 0}{\lim}\frac{z-1}{z^2(z+3)}=−\infty

Solution

a. 0.13495277; b. 0.12594300; c. 0.12509381; d. 0.12500938; e. 0.11614402; f. 0.12406794; k. 0.12490631; h. 0.12499063;

\underset{x\to 2}{\lim}\frac{1-\frac{2}{x}}{x^2-4}=0.1250=\frac{1}{8}

In the following exercises, gear up up a table of values and round to viii pregnant digits. Based on the table of values, brand a guess near what the limit is. And then, employ a calculator to graph the office and determine the limit. Was the conjecture right? If not, why does the method of tables fail?

Solution

a. −x.00000; b. −100.00000; c. −1000.0000; d. −10,000.000; Guess: \underset{\alpha \to 0^+}{\lim}\frac{1}{\alpha } \cos (\frac{\pi }{\alpha })=\infty, Actual: DNE

A graph of the function (1/alpha) * cos (pi / alpha), which oscillates gently until the interval [-.2, .2], where it oscillates rapidly, going to infinity and negative infinity as it approaches the y axis.

In the post-obit exercises, consider the graph of the function y=f(x) shown here. Which of the statements most y=f(x) are true and which are faux? Explain why a argument is imitation.

A graph of a piecewise function with three segments and a point. The first segment is a curve opening upward with vertex at (-8, -6). This vertex is an open circle, and there is a closed circle instead at (-8, -3). The segment ends at (-2,3), where there is a closed circle. The second segment stretches up asymptotically to infinity along x=-2, changes direction to increasing at about (0,1.25), increases until about (2.25, 3), and decreases until (6,2), where there is an open circle. The last segment starts at (6,5), increases slightly, and then decreases into quadrant four, crossing the x axis at (10,0). All of the changes in direction are smooth curves.

17. \underset{x\to 10}{\lim}f(x)=0

18. \underset{x\to -2^+}{\lim}f(x)=3

Solution

False; \underset{x\to -2^+}{\lim}f(x)=+\infty

nineteen. \underset{x\to -8}{\lim}f(x)=f(-8)

xx. \underset{x\to 6}{\lim}f(x)=5

In the following exercises, use the following graph of the function y=f(x) to notice the values, if possible. Estimate when necessary.

image one. The offset segment is linear with a slope of 1 and goes through the origin. Its endpoint is a closed circle at (1,1). The 2nd segment is also linear with a slope of -ane. It begins with the open circle at (i,two).">

21. \underset{x\to 1^-}{\lim}f(x)

22. \underset{x\to 1^+}{\lim}f(x)

23. \underset{x\to 1}{\lim}f(x)

24. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}f(x)

25. f(1)

In the following exercises, utilize the graph of the part y=f(x) shown here to find the values, if possible. Approximate when necessary.

A graph of a piecewise function with ii segments. The first is a linear function for x < 0. There is an open circle at (0,1), and its slope is -1. The second segment is the right half of a parabola opening upward. Its vertex is a closed circle at (0, -4), and it goes through the point (2,0).

26. \underset{x\to 0^-}{\lim}f(x)

27. \underset{x\to 0^+}{\lim}f(x)

28. \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}f(x)

29. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}f(x)

In the following exercises, apply the graph of the function y=f(x) shown here to observe the values, if possible. Estimate when necessary.

image2, has a gradient of 1, and begins at the open circle (2,2).">

30. \underset{x\to -2^-}{\lim}f(x)

31. \underset{x\to -2^+}{\lim}f(x)

32. \underset{x\to -2}{\lim}f(x)

33. \underset{x\to 2^-}{\lim}f(x)

34. \underset{x\to 2^+}{\lim}f(x)

35. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}f(x)

In the following exercises, use the graph of the function y=g(x) shown hither to find the values, if possible. Estimate when necessary.

image=0 and is the left one-half of an upward opening parabola with vertex at the closed circle (0,iii). The second exists for x>0 and is the right one-half of a downwards opening parabola with vertex at the open circle (0,0).">

36. \underset{x\to 0^-}{\lim}g(x)

37. \underset{x\to 0^+}{\lim}g(x)

38. \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}g(x)

In the post-obit exercises, use the graph of the role y=h(x) shown hither to find the values, if possible. Estimate when necessary.

A graph of a function with two curves approaching 0 from quadrant 1 and quadrant 3. The curve in quadrant one appears to be the top half of a parabola opening to the right of the y axis along the x axis with vertex at the origin. The curve in quadrant three appears to be the left half of a parabola opening downward with vertex at the origin.

39. \underset{x\to 0^-}{\lim}h(x)

xl. \underset{x\to 0^+}{\lim}h(x)

41. \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}h(x)

In the following exercises, employ the graph of the part y=f(x) shown hither to find the values, if possible. Gauge when necessary.

image 0, and in that location is a airtight circumvolve at the origin.">

42. \underset{x\to 0^-}{\lim}f(x)

43. \underset{x\to 0^+}{\lim}f(x)

44. \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}f(x)

45. \underset{x\to 1}{\lim}f(x)

46. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}f(x)

In the following exercises, sketch the graph of a part with the given properties.

47. \underset{x\to 2}{\lim}f(x)=1, \, \underset{x\to 4^-}{\lim}f(x)=3, \, \underset{x\to 4^+}{\lim}f(x)=6, the function is non divers at x=4.

48. \underset{x\to -\infty }{\lim}f(x)=0, \, \underset{x\to -1^-}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty, \underset{x\to -1^+}{\lim}f(x)=\infty, \, \underset{x\to 0}{\lim}f(x)=f(0), \, f(0)=1, \, \underset{x\to \infty }{\lim}f(x)=−\infty

Solution

Answers may vary.

A graph of a piecewise function with two segments. The first segment is in quadrant three and asymptotically goes to negative infinity along the y axis and 0 along the x axis. The second segment consists of two curves. The first appears to be the left half of an upward opening parabola with vertex at (0,1). The second appears to be the right half of a downward opening parabola with vertex at (0,1) as well.

49. \underset{x\to -\infty}{\lim}f(x)=2, \, \underset{x\to 3^-}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty, \underset{x\to 3^+}{\lim}f(x)=\infty, \, \underset{x\to \infty }{\lim}f(x)=2, \, f(0)=\frac{-1}{3}

50. \underset{x\to -\infty }{\lim}f(x)=2, \, \underset{x\to -2}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty,\underset{x\to \infty }{\lim}f(x)=2, \, f(0)=0

Solution

Answers may vary.

A graph containing two curves. The first goes to 2 asymptotically along y=2 and to negative infinity along x = -2. The second goes to negative infinity along x=-2 and to 2 along y=2.

51. \underset{x\to -\infty }{\lim}f(x)=0, \, \underset{x\to -1^-}{\lim}f(x)=\infty, \, \underset{x\to -1^+}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty, \, f(0)=-1, \, \underset{x\to 1^-}{\lim}f(x)=−\infty, \, \underset{x\to 1^+}{\lim}f(x)=\infty, \, \underset{x\to \infty }{\lim}f(x)=0

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