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AS BasicCalculusWeek1to3

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8 views40 pages

AS BasicCalculusWeek1to3

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11

Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheets
Quarter 3, Weeks 1-3

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BAYUGAN CITY


ii
General Mathematics 11
Weekly Learning Activity Sheets
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of
such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a
condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright
holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these
materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not
represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by Schools Division of Bayugan City Division


Kaagabay: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheets

Authors: Kenn Louren G. Montera


Editors: Liwayway J. Lubang
Reviewers: Liwayway J. Lubang,
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Eljun A. Calimpusan
Management Team:
Schools Division Superintendent MINERVA T. ALBIS, PhD
OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent RITA S. REYES,EdD., CESE
Chief Education Supervisor, CID IMEE R. VICARIATO
Education Program Supervisor. Mathematics LIWAYWAY J. LUBANG
Education Program Supervisor, LRMS GENEVIEVE S. VERCELES
Project Development Officer II ELJUN A. CALIMPUSAN
SDO Librarian II JOCEL P. PURGANAN

Printed in the Philippines by ______________________________

Department of Education – Learning Resource Management Section


Office Address: Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City
E-mail Address: [email protected]

iii
11

Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheets
Quarter 3, Weeks 1-3

Ang learning activity sheets na ito ay magkatuwang na


inihanda at sinuri ng mga guro at mga program supervisor
mula sa mga pampublikong paaralan ng Dibisyon ng
Lungsod ng Bayugan City. Hinihikayat namin ang ibang mga
guro at ibang nasa larangan ng edukasyon na mag-email ng
kanilang puna at mungkahi sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa
[email protected].
Mahalaga sa amin ang inyong mga puna at mungkahi.

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BAYUGAN CITY

iv
Introductory Message

For the Teacher:

This Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) was collaboratively designed, developed


and reviewed by teachers and program supervisor to assist the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore,
this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
learning activity sheets. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress
while allowing them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are
expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks
contained in the weekly learning activity sheets.
For the Learner:
This learning activity sheets was designed to provide you with fun and
meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own
pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning
resource while being an active learner.
These learning activity sheets have the following parts and corresponding
icons:
This gives you an idea of the skills
or competencies you are expected to
Let’s Learn learn and the discussion of the
lesson in each activity.
This comprises activities for
independent practice to solidify your
Let’s Do It understanding and skills of the
topic. You may check the answers
to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the LAS.
This contains answers to all
Answer Key
activities in the module.

If you find it difficult to answer the tasks in each activity, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher or facilitator. You can also seek help from your parents, your
older sibling or any of your housemates who are older than you. Always have in
your mind that you are not alone. We hope, through these learning activity sheets
will give you an experience of meaningful learning and gain a deeper understanding
of relevant competencies. You can do it!

ii
Week

1 The Limit of a Function

Let’s Learn

Objectives:

1. Illustrates the limit of a function using a table of values and the graph
of the function. STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-1
2. Distinguish between lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑐) STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-2
𝑥→𝑐
3. Illustrate the limit laws STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-3
4. Apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions
(polynomial, rational and radical) STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-4

Consider a function f of a single variable x. Consider a constant c which the


variable x will approach (c may or may not be in the domain of f ). The limit,
to be denoted by L, is the unique real value that f(x) will approach as x
approaches c. In symbols, we write this process as

lim 𝑓(𝑐) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
This is read, “The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L”.

To illustrate, let us consider


lim(1 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2

Here, f(x) is 1+3x and the constant c, which x will approach, is 2. To evaluate
the given limit, we will make use of a table to help us keep track of the effect
that the approach of x toward 2 will have on f(x). Of course, on the number
line, x may approach 2 in two ways: through values on its left and through
values on its right.

We first consider approaching 2 from its left or through values less than 2.
Remember that the values to be chosen should be close to 2.

1
x f(x)
1 4
1.4 5.2
1.7 6.1
1.9 6.7
1.95 6.85
1.997 6.991
1.9999 6.9997
1.9999999 6.9999997

Now we consider approaching 2 from its right or through values greater than
2.
x f(x)
3 10
2.5 8.5
2.2 7.6
2.1 7.3
2.03 7.09
2.009 7.027
2.0005 7.0015
2.0000001 7.0000003

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 2, the values of f(x)
get closer and closer to 7. This behavior can be show no matter what set of
values, or what direction, is taken in approaching 2. In symbols,

lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7
𝑥→2
EXAMPLE 1: Investigate
lim 𝑥 2
𝑥→0
𝑏y constructing table of values. Here, 𝑐 = 0 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .

We start again by approaching 0 from the left.


x f(x)
-0.5 0.25
-0.2 0.04
-0.01 0.0001
-0.0001 0.00000001

Now approach 0 from its right.


x f(x)
0.5 0.25
0.2 0.04
0.01 0.0001
0.0001 0.00000001
The table shows that as x approaches 0, f(x) approaches 0. In symbols,
lim 𝑥 2 = 0.
𝑥→0

2
EXAMPLE 2: Investigate
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
lim
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1
𝑏y constructing table of values. Here, 𝑐 = 1 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 . Take note that
1 is not in the domain of f. In evaluating a limit, remember that we only
need to go very close to 1; we will not go to 1 itself.

We now approaching 1 from the left.


x f(x)
0.5 -0.5
0.9 -0.1
0.99 -0.01
0.9999 -0.0001

Approach 1 from its right.


x f(x)
1.6 0.6
1.2 0.2
1.01 0.01
1.0001 0.0001

The table show that as x approaches 1, f(x) approaches 0. In symbols,

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
lim = 0.
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

EXAMPLE 3: Investigate through a table of values


lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→4
if
𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
𝑓(𝑥) = { 2
(𝑥 − 4) + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4

This looks a bit different, but the logic and procedure are exactly the same.
We still approach the constant 4 from the left and from the right, but note
that we should evaluate the appropriate corresponding functional
expression.

In this case, when x approaches 4 from the left, the values taken should be
substituted in f(x) = x + 1. Indeed, this is the part of the function which
accepts values less than 4. So,

x f(x)
3.7 4.7
3.85 4.85
3
3.95 4.995
3.99999 4.99999

On the other hand, when x approaches 4 from the right, the values taken
should be substituted in f(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4)2 + 3. So,

x f(x)
4.3 3.09
4.1 3.01
4.001 3.000001
4.00001 3.0000000001

Observe that the values that f(x) approaches are not equal, namely, f(x)
approaches 5 from the left while it approaches 3 from the right. In such
case, we say that the limit of the given function does not exists (DNE). In
symbols,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸.


𝑥→4

Remark 1: We do not say that lim 𝑓(𝑥) “equals DNE”, nor do we write
𝑥→4
“lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐷𝑁𝐸”, because “DNE” is not a value. In the previous example,
𝑥→4
“DNE” indicates that the function moves in different directions as its
variable approaches c from the left and from the right. In other cases, the
1
limit fails to exist because it is undefined, such as for lim 𝑥 which leads to
𝑥→0
division of 1 by zero.

Remark 2: We have been specifying whether x will approach a value c from


the left, through values less than c, or from the right, through values greater
than c. this direction may be specified in the limit notation, lim 𝑓(𝑥) by
𝑥→𝑐
adding certain symbols.

• If x approaches c from the left, or through values less than c, then we


write lim− 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→𝑐
• If x approaches c from the right, or through values greater than c, then we
write lim+ 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→𝑐
Furthermore, we say
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
if and only if
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿 and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿.
𝑥→𝑐 − 𝑥→𝑐

In other words, for a limit L to exist, the limits from the left and from the
right must both exist and be equal to L. Therefore
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 whenever lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

4
These limits, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥), are also referred to as one-sided limits,
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
since you only consider values on one side of c.

Thus, we may say:


• In illustration, lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7 because lim−(1 + 3𝑥) = 7 and lim+ (1 + 3𝑥) = 7.
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
• In Example 1, lim 𝑥 2 = 0 because lim− 𝑥 2 = 0 and lim+ 𝑥 2 = 0.
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0
𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1
• In Example 2, lim = 0 because lim− = 0 and lim+ = 0.
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
• In Example 3, lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 because lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→4 𝑥→4 𝑥→4

Another way to illustrate is to look at the graph of f(x).

Consider again 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 + 3𝑥. Its graph is the straight line with slope 3 and
intercepts (0,1) and (-1/3,0). Look at the graph in the vicinity of x=2.

You can easily see the points (from the table of values in page 2) (1,4),
(1.4,5.2), (1.7,6.1) and so on, approaching the level where y=7.
The same can be seen from the right. Hence the graph clearly confirms that
lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7.
𝑥→2

Let us look at the example again, one by one.

Recall Example 1 where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . Its graph is given by

5
It can be seen from the graph that as values of x approach 0, the values of
f(x) approach 2.

𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1
Recall Example 2 where 𝑓(𝑥) = .
𝑥−1

𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1 (𝑥−1)2
Take note that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 = 𝑥−1 = 𝑥 − 1, provided 𝑥 ≠ 1. Hence, the
graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is also the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1, excluding the point where 𝑥 = 1.

Recall Example 3 where


𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
𝑓(𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4

We now investigate the difference between the value of lim 𝑓(𝑥) versus the
𝑥→𝑐
value of the function at 𝑥 = 𝑐, that is, 𝑓(𝑐).

From the previous examples, the limit may be evaluated at values not
included in the domain of f. Thus, it must be clear that the exclusion of a
value from the domain of a function does not prohibit the evaluation of the
limit of that function at that excluded value, provided of course that f is
defined at the points near c.

We will mostly recall our examples. Let us again consider


lim(1 + 3𝑥)
𝑥→2

6
And we had concluded that lim (1 + 3𝑥) = 7. In comparison, 𝑓(2) = 7. So, in
𝑥→2
this example, lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(2) are equal. The same holds true for the next
𝑥→2
example discussed:
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑥 2 = 0 𝑓(0) = 0
𝑥→0

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
lim =0 𝑓(1) = 0
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

This, however, is not always the case. Let us consider Example 3

|𝑥| 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 2
𝑓(𝑥) = {
3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 2
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 𝑓(2) = 3
𝑥→2

Does this in any way affect the existence of the limit? Not at all. This
example shows that lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑐) may be distinct.
𝑥→𝑐

Furthermore, consider Example 3 where


𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
𝑓(𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4
We have:
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸 𝑓(4) = 2
𝑥→4

Once again we see that lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑐) are not the same.
𝑥→𝑐

We are now ready to list down the basic theorems on limits. We will state
eight theorems. These will enable us to directly evaluate limits, without need
for a table or a graph.

In the following statements, c is a constant, and f and g are functions which


may or may not have c in their domains.

1. The limit of a constant is itself. If k is any constant, then


lim 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→𝑐
For example,
i. lim 5 = 5
𝑥→𝑐
ii. lim 𝜋 = 𝜋, where 𝜋 = 3.14159265 …
𝑥→𝑐
iii. lim 𝑒 = 𝑒, where 𝑒 = 2.71828182 …
𝑥→𝑐

7
2. The limit of x as x approaches c is equal to c. This may be thought of as
the “substitution law”, because x is simply substituted by c.
lim 𝑥 = 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐
For example,
i. lim 𝑥 = 10
𝑥→10
ii. lim 𝑥 = 𝜋
𝑥→𝜋
iii. lim 𝑥 = 𝑒
𝑥→𝑒

For the remaining theorems, we will assume that the limits of f and g
both exist as x approaches c and that they are L and M, respectively. In
other words,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿, and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

3. The Constant Multiple Theorem: This says that the limit of a multiple of a
function is simply that multiple of the limit of the function.
lim 𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3/4, then


𝑥→𝑐
3
i. lim 8 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 8 ∙ (4) = 6
𝑥→𝑐
3 15
ii. lim −5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = −5 ∙ (4) = −
𝑥→𝑐 4
4 4 3 3
iii. lim 5 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 ∙ 4 = 5
𝑥→𝑐

4. The Addition Theorem: This says that the limit of a sum of functions is
the sum of the limits of the individual functions. Subtraction is also
included in this law, that is, the limit of a difference of functions is the
difference of their limits.

lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 + 𝑀


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim(𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 − 𝑀


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −7, then


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
i. lim(𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + (−7) = 4
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
ii. lim(𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 − (−7) = 10
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

5. The Multiplication Theorem: This is similar to the Addition Theorem, with


multiplication replacing addition as the operation involved. Thus, the limit of
a product of functions is equal to the product of their limits.
lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝐿 ∙ 𝑀
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Again, let lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −7, then


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim(𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 ∙ (−7) = −21
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

8
Remark 1: The Addition and Multiplication Theorems may be applied to
sums, differences, and products of more than two functions.

Remark 2: The Constant Multiple Theorem is a special case of the


Multiplication Theorem. Indeed, in the Multiplication Theorem, if the first
function f(x) is replaced by a constant k, the result is the Constant Multiple
Theorem.

6. The Division Theorem: This says that the limit of a quotient of functions
is equal to the quotients of the limits of the individual functions, provided
the denominator limit is not equal to 0.

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐿


𝑥→𝑐
lim ( )= = , provided 𝑀 ≠ 0.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑀
𝑥→𝑐

For example,
i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −7,
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 3 3


𝑥→𝑐
lim ( )= = =− .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) −7 7
𝑥→𝑐

ii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 5,


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 0


lim ( ) = 𝑥→𝑐 = = 0.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 5
𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥)
iii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, it is not possible to evaluate lim (𝑔(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
or we may say that the limit does not exists.

7. The Power Theorem: This theorem states that the limit of an integer power
p of a function is just that power of the limit of the function.

𝑝 𝑝
lim(𝑓(𝑥)) = (lim 𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝐿𝑝 .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5, then


𝑥→𝑐

3
i. lim 𝑓(𝑥)3 = (lim 𝑓(𝑥)) = 53 = 125
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
−2 1
ii. lim 𝑓(𝑥) −2
= (lim 𝑓(𝑥)) = 5−2 = 25
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

8. The Radical/Root Theorem: This theorem states that if n is a positive


integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is just the nth root of the limit
of the function, provided the nth root of the limit is a real number. Thus, it

9
is important to keep in mind that if n is even, the limit of the function must
be positive.

𝑛 𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝐿.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
For example,

i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 27, then


𝑥→𝑐
3 3
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = 3√lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √27 = 3.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
1
ii. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 16, then
𝑥→𝑐
4 1 1
lim 4√𝑓(𝑥) = 4√lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √ = .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 16 2
We will now show how these limit theorems are used in evaluating algebraic
functions. Particularly, we will illustrate how to use them to evaluate the
limits of polynomial, rational and radical functions.

We start evaluating the limits of polynomial functions.

Example 1: Determine lim (3𝑥 − 2)


𝑥→1

Solution. From the theorems above,

lim (3𝑥 − 2) = lim 3𝑥 − lim 2 (Addition)


𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= 3 (lim 𝑥) − lim 2 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= 3(1) − 2 ( lim 𝑥 = 𝑐 )
𝑥→𝑐
=3−2
=1

Example 2: Determine lim (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1)


𝑥→1

Solution. From the theorems above,

lim (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) = lim 𝑥 2 − lim 2𝑥 + lim 1 (Addition)


𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
2
= (lim 𝑥) − 2 (lim 𝑥) + lim 1 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (1)2 − 2(1) + 1 ( lim 𝑥 = 𝑐 )
𝑥→𝑐
=1−2+1
=0
We will now apply the limit theorems in evaluating rational functions.

1
Example 3: Determine lim (𝑥)
𝑥→1

10
Solution. First, note that lim 𝑥 = 1. Since the limit of the denominator is
𝑥→1
nonzero, we can apply the Division Rule. Thus,

1 lim 1
lim (𝑥) = 𝑥→1 (Division)
𝑥→1 lim 𝑥
𝑥→1
1
=
1
=1

(𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2)
Example 4: Determine lim ( )
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1

Solution. First, note that lim 𝑥 2 + 1 = 2. Since the limit of the denominator is
𝑥→1
nonzero, we can apply the Division Rule. Thus,

(𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2) lim (𝑥−3)(𝑥 2 −2)


lim ( ) = 𝑥→1lim (𝑥2 +1) (Division)
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1
𝑥→1
lim (𝑥−3)∙lim (𝑥 2 −2)
= 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
(Multiplication)
2
(lim 𝑥−lim 3)∙(lim 𝑥 2 −lim 2)
= 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
(Addition)
2
(1 − 3)(12 − 2)
=
2
=1

Theorem: Let f be a polynomial of the form


𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
If c is a real number, then
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).
𝑥→𝑐
Proof. Performance Task 1

Example 5: Evaluate lim (3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3)


𝑥→−1

Solution. Observe that the given function is a polynomial,


𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3.
Computing for the value of f at -1, we get
𝑓(−1) = 3(−1)2 + 2(−1) + 3 = 3 − 2 + 3 = 4.
Therefore,
lim (3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3) = 4.
𝑥→−1

Theorem: Let f be a rational function of the form


𝑓(𝑥)
ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑔(𝑥)
where f and g are polynomial functions. If c is a real number and 𝑔(𝑐) ≠ 0,
then

11
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
lim ℎ(𝑥) = = .
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
Proof. Performance Task 1

1−5𝑥
Example 6: Evaluate lim 1+3𝑥 2 +4𝑥 3
𝑥→1

Solution. Since the denominator is not zero when evaluated at 𝑥 = 1, we


apply the theorem above.

1 − 5𝑥 1 − 5(1) 4 1
lim = = − = − .
𝑥→1 1 + 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 3 1 + 3(1)2 + 4(1)3 8 2

We will now evaluate limits of radical functions using limit theorems.

Example 7: Evaluate lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4


𝑥→0

Solution. Note that lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4) = 4 > 0. Hence, by the Radical/Root


𝑥→0
Rule,
lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4 = √lim(𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4) = √0 + 3(0) + 4 = √4 = 2.
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Now, let us investigate the limit at a point c of a rational function of the form
𝑓(𝑥)
, where f and g are polynomial functions with 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 0 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 0.
𝑔(𝑥)

1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , with graph given below.

Note that the function is not defined at 𝑥 = 0 but we can check the behavior
of the function as x approaches 0 intuitively. We first consider approaching
0 from the left.

x f(x)
-0.9 1.2345679
-0.5 4

12
-0.1 100
-0.01 10,000
-0.001 1,000,000
-0.0001 100,000,000

Observe that as x approaches 0 from the left, the value of the function
increases without bound. When this happens, we say the limit of f(x) as x
approaches 0 from the left is positive infinity, that is,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→0−

Similarly, as x approaches 0 from the right

x f(x)
0.9 1.2345679
0.5 4
0.1 100
0.01 10,000
0.001 1,000,000
0.0001 100,000,000

the value of the function increases without bound, we say the limit of f(x) as
x approaches 0 from the right is positive infinity, that is,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→0+

Since lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞, we may conclude that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

1
Now, consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = − 𝑥 2, with graph given below.

Note that the function is not defined at 𝑥 = 0 but we can check the behavior
of the function as x approaches 0 intuitively. We first consider approaching
0 from the left.

13
x f(x)
-0.9 -1.2345679
-0.5 -4
-0.1 -100
-0.01 -10,000
-0.001 -1,000,000
-0.0001 -100,000,000

This time as x approaches 0 from the left, the value of the function
decreases without bound. When this happens, we say the limit of f(x) as x
approaches 0 from the left is negative infinity, that is,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0−

Similarly, as x approaches 0 from the right

x f(x)
0.9 -1.2345679
0.5 -4
0.1 -100
0.01 -10,000
0.001 -1,000,000
0.0001 -100,000,000

the value of the function decreases without bound, we say the limit of f(x) as
x approaches 0 from the right is negative infinity, that is,

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0+

Since lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞, we may conclude that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

We now state the intuitive definition of infinite limits of functions:

The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is positive infinity, denoted by,


lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞
𝑥→𝑐
If the value of f(x) increases without bound whenever the values of x get
closer and closer to c.

The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is negative infinity, denoted by,


lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞
𝑥→𝑐
If the value of f(x) decreases without bound whenever the values of x get
closer and closer to c.

14
1
Let us consider 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥. The graph below suggest that lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ and
𝑥→0
lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞. Because the one-sided limits are not the same, we say that
𝑥→0
lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸
𝑥→0

Remark 1: Remember that ∞ is NOT a number. It holds no specific value.


So, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ or lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ describes the behavior of the function
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
near 𝑥 = 𝑐, but it does not exist as a real number.

Remark 2: Whenever lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞ or lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞, we normally see the
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 −
dashed vertical line 𝑥 = 𝑐. This is to indicate that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is
asymptotic to 𝑥 = 𝑐, meaning, the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑥 = 𝑐 are very close
to each other near c. In this case, we call 𝑥 = 𝑐 a vertical asymptote of the
graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

15
Let’s Do It

Learning Activity 1. Complete the following tables of values to investigate

1. lim 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4
𝑥→1

x f(x) x f(x)
0.5 1.4
0.7 1.2
0.9 1.05
0.99 1.01
0.999 1.001

𝑥−1
2. lim 𝑥+1
𝑥→0

x f(x) x f(x)
-0.8 0.7
-0.6 0.4
-0.2 0.1
-0.01 -0.01
-0.001 -0.001

Learning Activity 2. Consider the function f(x) whose graph is given below.

16
Based on the graph, fill in the table with the appropriate values.

x lim 𝑓(𝑥) f(c)


𝑥→𝑐
-2
-1/2
0
1
3
4

Learning Activity 3. Assume the following:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3, lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −4, lim ℎ(𝑥) = 1/12


𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Compute the following limits:

a. lim(−2 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐
2
b. lim (3 ∙ (𝑔(𝑥)) )
𝑥→𝑐
𝑔(𝑥)
c. lim ( ℎ(𝑥) ∙ 𝑓(𝑥))
𝑥→𝑐

d. lim √ℎ(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)


𝑥→𝑐

17
Week Limits of Some Transcendental

2 Functions and Some


Indeterminate Forms

Let’s Learn

Objectives:

1. Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric


functions using table of values and graphs of the function.
STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-1
sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
2. Illustrate limits involving the expressions , , and using
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
table of values. STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-2

EVALUATING LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

First we consider the natural exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where e is


called the Euler number, and has value 2.718281…

Example 1: Evaluate the lim 𝑒 𝑥


𝑥→0
Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 . Approaching 0
from the left, we have
x f(x)
-1 0.367879
-0.5 0.606531
-0.1 0.904837
-0.01 0.990050
-0.001 0.999000
-0.0001 0.999900

Intuitively, we can say that lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. Approaching 0 from the right,


𝑥→0

x f(x)
1 2.718281
0.5 1.648721
0.1 1.105171
0.01 1.010050
0.001 1.001001
0.0001 1.000100

18
We can say that lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. Combining the two one-sided limits allows us to
𝑥→0
conclude that
lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥→0
Looking at the graph below, as the value of x approach 0, either from the
right or left, the values of f(x) will get closer and closer to 1.

EVALUATING LIMITS OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Now consider the natural logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. Recall that ln 𝑥 =


log 𝑒 𝑥. Moreover, it is the inverse of the natural exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 .

Example 2: Evaluate the lim ln 𝑥


𝑥→1
Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥. We first
approach the number 1 from the left or through values less than but close
to 1.
x f(x)
0.1 -2.302585
0.5 -0.693147
0.9 -0.105361
0.99 -0.010050
0.999 -0.001001
0.9999 -0.000100

Intuitively, lim− ln 𝑥 = 0. Now we consider approaching 1 from its right or


𝑥→1
through values greater than but close to 1.

x f(x)
2 0.693147
1.5 0.405465
1.1 0.095310
1.01 0.009950
1.001 0.000100
1.0001 0.000010

19
Intuitively, lim+ ln 𝑥 = 0. As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the
𝑥→1
values of f(x) get closer and closer to 0. In symbols,
lim ln 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→1

Example 3. Evaluate the lim log 𝑥


𝑥→1
Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥. We first
approach the number 1 from the left.

x f(x)
0.1 -1
0.5 -0.301030
0.9 -0.045757
0.99 -0.004365
0.999 -0.000434
0.9999 -0.000043

Intuitively, lim− log 𝑥 = 0. Now we consider approaching 1 from its right.


𝑥→1

x f(x)
2 0.301030
1.5 0.176091
1.1 0.041393
1.01 0.004321
1.001 0.000434
1.0001 0.000043

Intuitively, lim+ log 𝑥 = 0. As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the
𝑥→1
values of f(x) get closer and closer to 0. In symbols,
lim log 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→1

Consider now the graphs of both the natural and common logarithmic
functions.

f(x) = ln x

f(x) = log x

20
EVALUATING LIMITS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Example 4: Evaluate lim sin 𝑥


𝑥→0

Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥. We first
approach 0 from the left.

x f(x)
-1 -0.841471
-0.5 -0.479426
-0.1 -0.099833
-0.01 -0.009999
-0.001 -0.000999
-0.0001 -0.000099

Now we consider approaching 0 from its right.

x f(x)
1 0.841471
0.5 0.479426
0.1 0.099833
0.01 0.009999
0.001 0.000999
0.0001 0.000099

As the value of x gets closer and closer to 1, the values of f(x) get closer and
closer to 0. In symbols,
lim sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0
We can also find lim sin 𝑥 by using the graph of the sine function. Consider
𝑥→0
the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥.

21
THREE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

We start by evaluating the function


sin 𝑡
𝑓(𝑡) =
𝑡
sin 𝑡
Example 5: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑓(𝑡). We first approach 0
from the left.

t f(t)
-1 0.841471
-0.5 0.958851
-0.1 0.998334
-0.01 0.999983
-0.001 0.999999
-0.0001 0.999999

Now we consider approaching 0 from its right.

t f(t)
1 0.841471
0.5 0.958851
0.1 0.998334
0.01 0.999983
0.001 0.999999
0.0001 0.999999

sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡
Since lim− = 1 and lim+ = 1, we conclude that
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
sin 𝑡
lim = 1.
𝑡→0 𝑡

sin 𝑡
The graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = below confirms that the y-values approaches 1 as t
𝑡
approaches 0.

22
1−cos 𝑡
Now, consider the function 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡

1−cos 𝑡
Example 6: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution. We will construct the table of values for 𝑔(𝑡). We first approach 0
from the left.

t g(t)
-1 -0.459698
-0.5 -0.244835
-0.1 -0.049958
-0.01 -0.004999
-0.001 -0.000499
-0.0001 -0.000049

Now we consider approaching 0 from its right.

t g(t)
1 0.459698
0.5 0.244835
0.1 0.049958
0.01 0.004999
0.001 0.000499
0.0001 0.000049

1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡
Since lim− = 0 and lim+ = 0, we conclude that
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
1 − cos 𝑡
lim = 0.
𝑡→0 𝑡
1−cos 𝑡
The graph of 𝑔(𝑡) = below confirms that the y-values approaches 0 as t
𝑡
approaches 0.

23
𝑒 𝑡 −1
Now, consider the function ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Example 6: Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution. We will construct the table of values for ℎ(𝑡). We first approach 0
from the left.

t h(t)
-1 0.632121
-0.5 0.786939
-0.1 0.951626
-0.01 0.995017
-0.001 0.999500
-0.0001 0.999950

Now we consider approaching 0 from its right.

t h(t)
1 1.718282
0.5 1.297443
0.1 1.051709
0.01 1.005017
0.001 1.000500
0.0001 1.000050

𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Since lim− = 1 and lim+ = 1, we conclude that
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒𝑡 − 1
lim = 1.
𝑡→0 𝑡
𝑒 𝑡 −1
The graph of ℎ(𝑡) = below confirms that the y-values approaches 1 as t
𝑡
approaches 0.

24
0
INDETERMINATE FORM “0”

There are functions whose limits cannot be determined immediately using


the Limit Theorems we have so far. In these cases, the functions must be
manipulated so that the limit, if it exists, can be calculated. We call such
limit expressions indeterminate forms.

0
We will define a particular indeterminate form, “ 0”, and discuss how to
evaluate a limit which will initially result in this form.

0
Definition of Indeterminate Form of Type “0”

𝑓(𝑥)
If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, then lim 𝑔(𝑥) is called an indeterminate
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
𝟎
form of type “𝟎”.

0
Remark 1: A limit that is indeterminate of type “ 0” may exist. To find the
actual value, one should find an expression equivalent to the original. This
is commonly done by factoring or by rationalizing. Hopefully, the expression
that will emerge after factoring or rationalizing will have a computable limit.

𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1
Example 7: Evaluate lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1

Solution. The limit of both the numerator and denominator as x approaches


-1 is 0. Thus, this limit as currently written is an indeterminate form of type
0
. However, observe that (𝑥 + 1) is a factor common to the numerator and
0
the denominator, and

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 + 1)2
= = 𝑥 + 1, when 𝑥 ≠ −1.
𝑥+1 𝑥+1

Therefore,
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1
lim = lim 𝑥 + 1 = 0.
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1 𝑥→−1

𝑥 2 −1
Example 7: Evaluate lim
𝑥→1 √𝑥−1

𝑥 2 −1
Solution. Since lim 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 and lim √𝑥 − 1 = 0, then lim is an
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 √𝑥−1
0
indeterminate form of type “0”. To find the limit, observe that if 𝑥 ≠ 1, then

𝑥 2 − 1 √𝑥 + 1 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1)
∙ = = (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1)
√𝑥 − 1 √𝑥 + 1 𝑥−1

So we have

25
𝑥2 − 1
lim = lim (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1) = 4.
𝑥→1 √𝑥 −1 𝑥→1

Remark 2: We not that the three limits discussed earlier,

sin 𝑡 1 − cos 𝑡 𝑒𝑡 − 1
lim , lim , and lim
𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡
0
will result in “0” upon direct substitution. However, they are not resolved by
factoring or rationalization.

Let’s Do It

Learning Activity 1. Evaluate the following limits by constructing the table


of values.

1. lim 3𝑥 2. lim log 𝑥


𝑥→1 𝑥→4
𝑥
3. lim tan 𝑥 4. lim sin 𝑥
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
1−cos 𝑥
5. lim
𝑥→0 sin 𝑥

Learning Activity 2. Evaluate the following limits.

𝑥 2 −1 √𝑥 2 +3−2
1. lim 2. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+3 𝑥→−1 𝑥 2 −1

26
Week

3 Continuity of Functions

Let’s Learn

Objective:
1. Illustrate continuity of a function at a number.
STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-1
2. Determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not.
STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-2
3. Illustrate continuity of a function on an interval.
STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-3
4. Solve problems involving continuity of a function
STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-4

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY AT A POINT

What does “continuity at a point” mean? Intuitively, this means that in


drawing the graph of a function, the point in question will be traversed. We
start by graphically illustrating what it means to be continuous at a point.

Example 1: Consider the graph of f(x). Is the function continuous at 𝑥 = 1?

Solution. To check if the function is


continuous at 𝑥 = 1, use the given
graph. Note that one is able to trace the
graph from the left side of 𝑥 = 1 going to
the right side of 𝑥 = 1, without lifting
f(x)=3x-1
one’s pen. Hence, we can say that the
function is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.

Example 2: Consider the graph of g(x).

27
Is the function continuous at 𝑥 = 1?

Solution. We follow the process in the previous


example. Tracing the graph from left to right, one
finds that s/he must lift her/his pen briefly upon
reaching 𝑥 = 1, creating a hole in the graph. Thus
3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
the function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 1. 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥−1

1
Example 3. Consider the graph of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥. Is the function continuous at 𝑥 =
0?

1
ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥

Solution. If we trace the graph from left to right, we have to lift our pen since
at the left of 𝑥 = 0, the function values will go downward indefinitely, while
at the right of 𝑥 = 0, the function values will go upward indefinitely. In other
words,

1 1
lim− = −∞ and lim = +∞
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→+ 𝑥

Thus, the function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 0.

Now, suppose we are not given the graph of a function but just the function
itself. How do we determine if the function is continuous at a given number?
In this case, we have to check three conditions.

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THREE CONDITIONS OF CONTINUITY

A function f(x) is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐 if the following three


conditions are satisfied:

(i) 𝑓(𝑐) exists;


(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and
𝑥→𝑐
(iii) 𝑓(𝑐) = lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→𝑐

If at least one of these conditions is not met, f is said to be discontinuous at


𝑥 = 𝑐.

Example 4: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1 is continuous or not at 𝑥 = 1.

Solution. We have to check the three conditions of continuity of a function.

(i) If 𝑥 = 1, then 𝑓(1) = 4;


(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1 = 13 + 12 + 1 + 1 = 4 exists; and
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
(iii) 𝑓(1) = 4 = lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→1

Therefore, f is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
Example 5: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous or not at 𝑥 = 2.
𝑥−2

Solution. Note that f is not defined at 𝑥 = 2 since 2 is not in the domain of f.


Hence, the first condition is not satisfied. Therefore, f is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.

Example 6: Determine if
𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
𝑓(𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4

is continuous or not at 𝑥 = 4.

Solution. Note that f is defined at 𝑥 = 4 since 𝑓(4) = 3. However, lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝐷𝑁𝐸.
𝑥→4
Thus f is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 4.

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LIMITS AND CONTINUITY ON AN INTERVAL

Here are known facts on continuities of functions over intervals:

i. Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.

ii. The absolute value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is continuous everywhere.

iii. Rational functions are continuous on their respective domains.

iv. the square root function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 is continuous on [0, ∞)

We first look at graphs of functions to illustrate continuity on an interval.

Example 7: Consider the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 − 𝑥 2 given below.

Using the given graph, determine if the function is continuous on the


following intervals:

(𝑎)(−1,1)(𝑏)(−∞, 0)(𝑐)(0, ∞)

Solution. Remember that when we say “trace from the right side of 𝑥 = 𝑐”, we
are tracing not from 𝑥 = 𝑐 on the x-axis, but from the point (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐)) along the
graph.

(a) We can trace the graph from the right side of 𝑥 = −1 to the left side of 𝑥 =
1 without lifting the pen we are using. Hence, we can say that the function f
is continuous on the interval (−1,1).

(b) We can trace the graph from any negatively large number up to the left
side of 0, we will not lift our pen and so, f is continuous on (−∞, 0).

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(c) We can trace the graph from the right side of 0 to any large number, and
find that we will not lift our pen. Thus, the function f is continuous on (0, ∞).

Example 8: Consider the graph of the function h below.

Determine if the function is continuous on the following intervals:


(𝑎)(−1,1)(𝑏)[0.5,2]
Solution. Because we are already given the graph of h, we characterize the
continuity of h by the possibility of tracing the graph without lifting the pen.

(a) If we trace the graph of the function h from the right side of 𝑥 = −1 to the
left side of 𝑥 = 1, we will be interrupted by a hole when we reach 𝑥 = 0. We
are forced to lift our pen just before we reach 𝑥 = 0 to indicate that h is not
defined at 𝑥 = 0 and continue tracing again starting from the right of 𝑥 = 0.
Therefore, we are not able to trace the graph of h on (-1,1) without lifting our
pen. Thus, the function h is not continuous on (-1,1).
(b) For the interval [0.5,2], if we trace the graph from 𝑥 = 0.5 to 𝑥 = 2, we do
not have to lift the pen. Thus, the function h is continuous on [0.5,2].

Now, if a function is given without its corresponding graph, we must find


other means to determine if the function is continuous or not on an interval.
Here are definitions that will help us do just that.

A function f is said to be continuous…

(a) everywhere if f is continuous at every real number. In this case, we also


say f is continuous on ℝ.
(b) on (a,b) if f is continuous at every point x in (a,b).
(c) on [a,b) if f is continuous on (a,b) and from the right at a.
(d) on (a,b] if f is continuous on (a,b) and from the left at b.
(e) on [a,b] if f is continuous on (a,b] and on [a,b).
(f) on (a, ∞) if f is continuous at all 𝑥 > 𝑎.
(g) on [a, ∞) if f is continuous on (a, ∞) and from the right at a.

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(h) on (−∞, b) if f is continuous at all 𝑥 < 𝑏.
(i) on (−∞, b] if f is continuous on (−∞, b) and from the left at b.

Example 9: Determine the largest interval over which the function 𝑓(𝑥) =
√𝑥 + 2 is continuous.

Solution. Observe that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2 has function values only if
𝑥 + 2 ≥ 0 that is, if 𝑥 ∈ [−2, ∞).

For all 𝑐 ∈ (−2, ∞),


𝑓(𝑐) = √𝑐 + 2 = lim √𝑥 + 2.
𝑥→𝑐
Moreover, f is continuous from the right at -2 because
𝑓(−2) = 0 = lim+ √𝑥 + 2.
𝑥→2
Therefore, for all 𝑥 ∈ [−2, ∞), the function 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2 is continuous.

𝑥
Example 10: Determine the largest interval over which ℎ(𝑥) = is
𝑥 2 −1
continuous.

Solution. Observe that the given rational function is not defined at 𝑥 =


1 and 𝑥 = −1. Hence, the domain of h is the set ℝ\{−1,1}. As mentioned
earlier, a rational function is continuous on its domain. Hence, h is
continuous over ℝ\{−1,1}.

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Let’s Do It

Learning Activity 1: Determine if the following functions are continuous at


the given value of x.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 − 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1
1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 2
𝑥+1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1

Learning Activity 2: Determine if the following function is continuous on


the given interval.

𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
3 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑔(𝑥) = {
3 − 𝑥2 if 1 < 𝑥 ≤ 4
𝑥−3 if 𝑥 > 4
Is the function continuous on

1. [1,4] 2. (−∞, 0) 3. [0,1)

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Answer Key

Week 1.
Learning Activity 1
1.
x f(x) x f(x)
0.5 3.25 1.4 3.16
0.7 3.09 1.2 3.04
0.9 3.01 1.05 3.0025
0.99 3.0001 1.01 3.0001
0.999 3.000001 1.001 3.000001

2.
x f(x) x f(x)
-0.8 -9 0.7 -0.176471
-0.6 -4 0.4 -0.428571
-0.2 -1.5 0.1 -0.818182
-0.01 -1.020202 0.01 -0.980198
-0.001 -1.002002 0.001 -0.998002

Learning Activity 2

x lim 𝑓(𝑥) f(c)


𝑥→𝑐
-2 2 2
-1/2 3.5 1
0 DNE 3
1 DNE 0
3 DNE 4
4 5 5

Learning Activity 3
1
a.−6 b. 48 c. −144 d. √12 − 7
Week 2.
Learning Activity 1
1. 3 2. 0.60206 3. 0 4. 1 5. 0
Learning Activity 2
1. -1 2. 1/4
Week 3
Learning Activity 1
1. continuous 2. continuous 3. discontinuous 4. discontinuous
Learning Activity 2
1.discontinuous 2.continuous 3.discontinuous

References
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CHED. (2016) Teaching Guide for Senior High School Basic Calculus, pp. 1-
63. EC-TEC Commercial, No. 32 St Louis Compound 7, Baesa, Quezon City.

https://www.geogebra.org/calculator

https://opencurriculum.org/5482/graphing-the-trigonometric-functions/

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For inquiries or feedback, please write:

Department of Education – Learning Resource Management Section


Office Address: Lanzones Street, Poblacion, Bayugan City
E-mail Address: [email protected].

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