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Basic Calculus: Limit of A Function

This document discusses key concepts in calculus including limits of functions, infinite limits, evaluating limits of logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, transcendental functions, continuity, and types of discontinuity. It also discusses how to find limits of functions algebraically through techniques like plugging in values, factoring, rationalizing the numerator, and finding the lowest common denominator. The unit circle and trigonometric identities are also briefly mentioned.

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Christine Evangelista
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57 views8 pages

Basic Calculus: Limit of A Function

This document discusses key concepts in calculus including limits of functions, infinite limits, evaluating limits of logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, transcendental functions, continuity, and types of discontinuity. It also discusses how to find limits of functions algebraically through techniques like plugging in values, factoring, rationalizing the numerator, and finding the lowest common denominator. The unit circle and trigonometric identities are also briefly mentioned.

Uploaded by

Christine Evangelista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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@Kianshaen

Basic Calculus
Limit of a Function
Archimedes technique, which was mentioned in the introduction, is an example of a process that is
commonly known as limiting process. The concept of limit allows us to study continuous change. This
is basically the idea of calculus, which is commonly described as the mathematics of change.
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Infinite Limits
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Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic and Trigonometric Funtions

Evaluating Limits of Logarithmic Functions

Evaluating Limits of Exponential Functions


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Trigonometric functions
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A transcendental function is an analytic function that does not satisfy a polynomial equation, in contrast to an
algebraic function. Examples include the functions log x, sin x, cos x, ex and any functions containing them. Such
functions are expressible in algebraic terms only as infinite series. In general, the term transcendental means
nonalgebraic.

Two Special Trigonometric Limits


1  cos x sin x
lim 0 lim 1
x 0 x x 0 x
Theorem 2.1 Let a be a real number in the domain of sine and cosine function. Then

Theorem 2.1.1 Let f(x) be one of the tangent, cosecant, secant and cotangent functions. Then for any a in the domain
of f(x),
lim f ( x )  f ( a ).
xa

Definition 2.1 Let b > 0 but not equal to 1. For any x in the set of real numbers R, the exponential function in base b is
defined as

f (x)  b x
Note: The logarithmic function is the inverse of the exponential function. Sometimes the value of b is expressed as e
which is referred to as Euler’s number. The function f ( x )  b x becomes

f ( x)  e x
is called the natural exponential function and its inverse is called the natural logarithmic function in the form f ( x )  ln x.
Definition 2.1.1 Let b > 0 but not equal to 1. For any x greater than 0, the logarithmic function in base b is defined as

f ( x)  log b x

Theorem 2.2 The basic exponential and logarithmic functions are continuous at every point in their respective domains.
Let b > 0 but not equal to 1. Then, and for a > 0.

Another important limit of exponential and logarithmic functions are as follows:


@Kianshaen
@Kianshaen
How to Find the Limit of a Function Algebraically

 Find the limit by plugging in the x value


The first technique for algebraically solving for a limit is to plug the number that x is approaching into the function. If
you get an undefined value (0 in the denominator), you must move on to another technique. But if your function is
continuous at that x value, you will get a value, and you’re done; you’ve found your limit!

 Find the limit by factoring


Factoring is the method to try when plugging in fails — especially when any part of the given function is a polynomial
expression.

 Find the limit by rationalizing the numerator


The third technique you need to know to find limits algebraically requires you to rationalize the numerator. Functions
that require this method have a square root in the numerator and a polynomial expression in the denominator.
1. Multiply the top and bottom of the fraction by the conjugate.
2. Cancel factors.
3. Calculate the limits.

 Find the limit by finding the lowest common denominator


When you’re given a complex rational function, you use the fourth and final algebraic limit-finding technique. The
technique of plugging fails, because you end up with a 0 in one of the denominators. The function isn’t factorable,
and you have no square roots to rationalize. Therefore, you know to move on to the last technique. With this method,
you combine the functions by finding the least common denominator (LCD). The terms cancel, at which point you can
find the limit.

1. Find the LCD of the fractions on the top 4. Use the rules for fractions to simplify further.
2. Distribute the numerators on the top. 5. Substitute the limit value into this function and
3. Add or subtract the numerators and then cancel simplify.
terms.

CONTINUITY
A function is continuous at a point if and only if
lim f ( x)  f (a ).
xa
The definition above implies that the three conditions must be satisfied for a function
f to be continuous at a. These are the following:

f (a ) Exists Exists

Bear in Mind!
If at least one of these three conditions fail, we can say that the function f has a discontinuity at a, or f is discontinuous
at a.

Types of Discontinuity
1. If f is discontinuous at a and the second condition is 2. If f satisfies the second condition but fails to satisfy first
not satisfied, the discontinuity is called essential or and third, the discontinuity is called removable. A
nonremovable. Essential discontinuity can be classified function with removable discontinuity at a point can be
as infinite or jump discontinuity. redefined or manipulated so that it will no longer be
discontinuous at that point.
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Trig Identities

Pre-Calculus Unit Circle

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