AS BasicCalculusWeek1to3
AS BasicCalculusWeek1to3
Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheets
Quarter 3, Weeks 1-3
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iii
11
Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheets
Quarter 3, Weeks 1-3
iv
Introductory Message
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
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
lim 𝑓(𝑐) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑐
This is read, “The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L”.
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 .
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.
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
lim = 0.
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
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,
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
|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
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.
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
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.
8
Remark 1: The Addition and Multiplication Theorems may be applied to
sums, differences, and products of more than two functions.
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.
For example,
i. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = −7,
𝑥→𝑐 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
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
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,
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,
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
1 − 5𝑥 1 − 5(1) 4 1
lim = = − = − .
𝑥→1 1 + 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 3 1 + 3(1)2 + 4(1)3 8 2
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−
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−
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
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 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
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.
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
17
Week Limits of Some Transcendental
Let’s Learn
Objectives:
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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𝑥2 − 1
lim = lim (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1) = 4.
𝑥→1 √𝑥 −1 𝑥→1
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
𝑥 2 −1 √𝑥 2 +3−2
1. lim 2. lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥 2 +4𝑥+3 𝑥→−1 𝑥 2 −1
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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
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Is the function continuous at 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
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
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
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
(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, ∞).
(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].
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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, ∞).
𝑥
Example 10: Determine the largest interval over which ℎ(𝑥) = is
𝑥 2 −1
continuous.
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Let’s Do It
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
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
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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
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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