Module 2 Theorems of Limits
Module 2 Theorems of Limits
lim f(x)
x a
means that we are to find the number L that f(x) is near, whenever x is near a but not equal
to a. Of course, when x = a, the value of the function is f(a). It may be that f(a) is also the limit, i.e. L=
f(a). Thus, to evaluate
lim (4 – x2)
x 1
means to find a number which 4 – x2 is near whenever x is near the number 1. By definition
1.1, we know that
limit (4 - x2) = 3
x 1
7. lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√lim𝑓(𝑥) ; n = any positive integer and f(x) > 0 if n is even.
x a x a
Indeterminate forms
Consider the function defined by
𝑁(𝑥)
f(x) = ; D(x) ≠ 0
𝐷(𝑥)
𝑁(𝑎) 0
f(a) = =
𝐷(𝑎) 0
∞
which is undefined. It assumes an indeterminate form like . Obtaining any of these forms
∞
by straight substitution does not necessarily mean that f(x) has no limit. With the indeterminate
form at x = a, the limit of f(x) may be definite, i.e., the limit exists. This limit is usually found by
changing the expression defined by f(x) into a form to which the theorems on limits can be used.
Consider the following examples.
Ex:
The example above illustrates the fact that f(x) may have a limit at a number a even though
the value f(a) of the function is undefined. Moreover, it shows that the limit and value of the
function are two different concepts.
Infinity
Let f(x) be a function. If we can make f(x) as large as we please by making x close enough,
but not equal, to a real number a, then we describe this situation by writing.
lim f(x) = ∞
X a
Consider the function f(x) = 1/x. As shown in the table, as x takes on values successively
approaching 0, the value 1/x grows larger and larger. So that,
lim 1/x = ∞
X 0
Limit at Infinity
A function f(x) may have a finite limit even when the independent variable x becomes
infinite. This statement “x becomes infinite” is customarily expressed in symbolism by “ x ∞ “.
Consider again the function f(x) = 1/x. It can be shown (intuitively or formally) that 1/x
approaches a finite limit (the number 0) as x increases without bound. That is,
1/x 0 as x ∞
L9 Lim (1/x) = 0
x ∞
Example:
Lim (1/xn) = 0
x ∞
𝑁(𝑥)
A function f(x) = may assume the indeterminate form when x is replaced by ∞.
𝐷(𝑥)
However, the limit of f(x) as x becomes infinite may be definite. To find this limit we first divide
N(x) and D(x) by the highest power of x. Then we evaluate the limit by use of L9.
Ex:
Ex: The function f(x) = 1/x is continuous at x = 3 because lim 1/x = f(3) = 1/3. It is however,
x 3
discontinuous at x = 0 since lim 1/x = ∞. The graph of the function contains a break at x = 0.
X0