BASIC CALCULUS WEEK

LIMITS OF POLYNOMIAL, RATIONAL, AND RADICAL FUNCTION AND

SOME TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS AND SOME INDETERMINATE FORMS

LESSON 1: THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION USING TABLE OF VALUES

The concept of limit is important in calculus.

The limit of a function f(x) is the value it approaches as the value of x approaches a certain value.
“As x approaches a, the limit of f(x) approaches L.” This is written in symbol as follows:

��� � � = �
�→�

Example 1. Find ��� � + �.

�→�

Solution: The arrow pointing at 4 indicates that x is approaching 4 from the left side and from the right side of 4.
This means that x can take on values less than 4 and values greater than 4. It cannot take 4 as a value because
it is just approaching 4. The first thing to do to find the limit of the given function is to construct table of
values.

In table 1, let x take on some values of x that are less than 4. These values of x get closer and closer to 4. In
table 2, let x take on some values x that are greater than 4. These values of x get closer and closer to 4.

Table 1 Table 2
x 2 2.5 3 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 3.99 3.999 x 6 5.5 5 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.3 4,.1 4.01 4.001
f(x) 4 4.5 5 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.7 5.9 5.99 5.999 f(x) 8 7.5 7 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.3 6.1 6.01 6.001

The graph is shown on the right

As the value of x gets closer to 4 from the left or as x approaches 4

from the left, the value of f(x) approaches 6. As the value of x gets closer to
4 from the right or as x approaches from the right, f(x) approaches 6. In
other words, the value of f(x) gets closer and closer to 6 as the value of x
gets closer and closer to 4 from either side. This can be written as follows:
lim � + 2 = 6
�→4
This means that the limit of (x+2) is 6 as x approaches 4
from either side.

Example 2. Find ��� � − �.

�→�
Solution: Construct a table of values.
Table 1 Table 2
x 0.5 1 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.99 1.999 x 4 3.5 3 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.1 2.01 2.001
f(x) -2.5 -2 -1.9 -1.7 -1.5 -1.3 -1.1 -1.01 -1.001 f(x) 1 0.5 0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.5 -0.9 -0.99 -0.999

In table 1, as the value of x gets closer and closer to 2 from the left of 2, the value of f(x) gets closer and
closer to -1. In table 2, as the value of x gets closer and closer to 2 from the right of 2, the value of f(x) gets closer
and closer to -1.

Hence, ��� � − � =− �
�→�

The graph is shown on the right

(2, -1)

1
 ��−��+�
Example 3. Find ��� �−�
�→�
��−��+� 0
Solution: let f(x) = �−� . Notice that f(x) is not defined at x=3. If x is 3, then f(x) = 0 which is undefined. In the
language of calculus, it is indeterminate. What should be done here is to simplify the expression by factoring its
numerator. This can be done because x≠3; it is only approaching 3.
��−��+� (�−�)(�−�)
��� �−�
= ��� �−�
= ��� � − �
�→� �→� �→�

Construct a table of values.

Table 1 Table 2
x 1 2 2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.9 2.99 2.999 x 4.5 4 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.1 3.01 3.001
f(x) 0 1 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.99 1.999 f(x) 3.5 3 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.01 2.001

The graph is shown on the right

As the value of x that is less than 3 gets closer and closer to 3, the value of (3, 2)
f(x) gets closer and closer to 2. As the value of x that is greater than 3 gets closer
and closer to 3, the value of f(x) gets closer and closer to 2.
�2 −4�+3 (�−3)(�−1)
Hence, lim = lim = lim � − 1 = 2
�→3 �−3 �→3 �−3 �→3

�� +��−�−�
Example 4. Find ��� �−�
.
�→�
� �
� +� −�−�
Solution: Let f(x) = �−�
. Notice that f(x) is not defined when x =1. Factor the numerator of the expression
and cancel one of the factors with (x -1).
��+�� −�−� (�� +��+�)(�−�)
��� �−�
= ��� �−�
=��� �� + �� + �
�→� �→� �→�
Construct the following table of values.
Table 1 Table 2
x -3 -2 0 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 0.99 0.999 x 3 2 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.1 1.01 1.001
f(x) 4 1 1 1.69 2.25 2.89 3.61 3.9601 3.996 f(x) 16 9 8.41 7.29 6.25 5.29 4.41 4.040 4.004

The graph is shown on the right

The graph of the function is the graph of the parabola y = x2 + 2x + 1.

As the value of x gets closer and closer to 1 from left, or as x approaches 1 from the
left, the value of x gets closer and closer to 1 from the right or as x approaches 1 from the (1,4)
right, f(x) approaches 4. In other words, the value of f(x) gets closer and closer to 4 as the
value gets closer and closer to 1 from either side.
�3 +�2 −�−1 (�2 +2�+1)(�−1)
Hence, lim �−1
= lim �−1
=lim �2 + 2� + 1 = 4
�→3 �→3 �→1

One-Sided Limit
Example 5. Let f be defined by the equation f(x) = � − � .
a. Evaluate lim− �(�) b. Evaluate lim+ �(�)
�→2 �→2
Solution:
a. The lim− �(�) = � − 2 does not exist because � − 2 is not a real number if x < 2.
�→2
b. Table 1
X 6 4 3 2.7 2.5 2.1 2.01 2.001 2.0001
f(x) 2 1.414 1 0.8367 0.7071 0.3162 0.1 0.031 0.01

The graph is shown on the right.

Hence, this is a one-sided limit from the right. The independent variable
x approaches 2 from the right.
lim �−� =0
�→2−

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Example 6. Let f be defined by the equation f(x) = � − �
a. Evaluate lim+ �(�) b. Evaluate lim− �(�)
�→3 �→3
Solution:
a. The lim+ �(�) = 3 − � does not exist because 3 − � is not a real number if x > 3.
�→3
b. Table 1
X -2 -1 0 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.9 2.99 2.9999
f(x) 2.223 2 1.732 0.863 0.7071 0.5477 0.3162 0.1 0.01

The graph is shown on the right.

Hence, this is a one-sided limit from the left.

lim �−� =0
�→3−

LESSON 2: THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION AT � VERSUS THE VALUE OF THE FUNCTION AT �

In simple thinking, finding limit of a function is easy as solving �(�) given the value of �. In some case it is
true but in some functions it is not applicable. This lesson will show us the difference of limit of a function and
the value of �(�).

Example 2.1. Given the function � � = 2� + 3, determine if lim �(�) = �(2).

�→2

Solution:
In comparison, using table of values, the limit of the function is 7, while solving �(2) will results 7. Noticed that
lim �(�) = �(2).
�→2

lim �(�) �(�)

�→�

Limit from left: lim− �(�) = 7 � 2 =7

�→2

Limit from right: lim+ �(�) = 7

�→2

Then, lim �(�) = 7

�→2

�+2 �� � ≠ 0
Example 2.2. Given the function � � = , determine if lim �(�) = �(0).
3 �� � = 0 �→0

Solution:
To find limit of the given function we used table of values and it shows that limit from left and from right
is different which implies that the limit does not exist. On the other hand, solving �(0) will result 3. Then, limit of
the function as � approaches 0 is different from �(0). Thus, lim �(�) ≠ �(0).
�→0
At this point, we can conclude that we
can find limits of some functions by simple lim �(�) �(�)
�→�
solving for �(�) using the given value of �. Limit from left: lim− �(�) = 2 � 2 =3
�→0
However, finding limit of functions that cannot
solve by substitution can done using table of Limit from right: lim+ �(�) = 2
�→0
values. Then, lim �(�) = 2
�→0

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Example 2.3. Given the graph of the function �(�) below, determine if

lim �(�) = �(�). At

�→�

a. � =− 3
b. � =− 2
c. � = 1

Solution: Base on the graph, it is clear that

a. lim �(�) = � −3 = 0
�→−3

b. lim �(�) = 1 while

�→−−2

� −2 = ���� ��� �����

then lim �(�) ≠ �( −
�→−2

2).
c. lim �(�) = ��� while � 1 = 0, then lim �(�) ≠ �(1).
�→1 �→1

LESSON 3: Limits of Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Functions

In evaluating limits of a functions, table of values can be use but it takes time considering its process. The
easier way in finding limits is using limits theorems as presented below.
Theorem 3.1. Let �. �, � ��� � be real numbers, and let �(�) ��� �(�) be functions defined on some open
interval containing �, except possibly at �.
1. if lim �(�) exist, then it is unique. That is, if lim �(�) = � and lim �(�) = �, then � = �.
�→� �→� �→�
2. lim � = �
�→�
3. lim � = �
�→�
4. Suppose lim �(�) = � and lim � � = �.
�→� �→�
a. (Constant Multiple) lim �. � � = ��
�→�
b. (Addition) lim � � ± � � =�±�
�→�
c. (Multiplication) lim � � . � � = ��
�→�
�(�) �
d. (Division) lim �(�) = �, provided � ≠ 0
�→�
e. (Power) lim �(�) � = �� for �, a positive integer.
�→�
� �
f. (Root/ Radical) lim �(�) = � for positive integers n, and provided that � > 0 when n is
�→�
even.

Theorem 2. Let � be polynomial of the form

� � = �� �� + ��−1 ��−1 + ��−2 ��−2 + … + �1 �1 + �0 . If � is a real number, then lim � � = �(�) .
�→�

�(�)
Theorem 3. Let ℎ be rational function of the form ℎ(�) = �(�),where � ��� � are polynomial functions. If � is a
�(�) �(�)
real number and �(�) ≠ 0, then lim �(�) = �(�)
�→�

Example 3.2: Given � � = �2 − 3 and ℎ � = � + 3. Evaluate the limits of the following.

a. lim 7 c. lim 5. �(�) e. lim � � . ℎ � g. lim �(�)
�→7 �→3 �→2 �→2
�(�)
b. lim � d. lim � � + ℎ � f. lim ℎ(�)
�→3 �→1 �→−3

Solutions:
a. Note that limit of a constant is a constant itself, then lim 7 = 7
�→7
b. Using limit theorem 1, lim � = 3
�→3
c. From the constant multiple theorem above, lim 5. �(�) = 5 lim �2 − 3 = 5 6 = 30.
�→3 �→3
d. From the addition theorem above, we have

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 lim � � + ℎ � = lim �(�) + lim �(�) .
�→1 �→1 �→1
Then, lim �2 − 3 + lim � + 3 =− 2 + 4=2. Thus, lim � � + ℎ � =2
�→1 �→1 �→1
e. Based on multiplication theorem above,
lim � � . ℎ � = lim �(�) . lim �(�). Then it follows that
�→2 �→2 �→2
lim �2 −3 lim � + 3 = 1 5 = 5. Thus, lim � � . ℎ � = 5.
�→2 �→2 �→2
lim �2 −3
�(�) 6
f. Observe that division theorem above states lim = �→−3
lim �+3
. Simplifying the expression, will give us
�→−3 ℎ(�) 0
�→−3
which is undefined number. In this case we can use table of values to find its limit or to simplify the
resulting expression that is
�2 −3 �+3 �−3 �(�)
lim = lim = lim � − 3 = − 6. Therefore, lim =−6
�→−3 �+3 �→−3 �+3 �→−3 �→−3 ℎ(�)
g. Applying radical theorem in the given, we have lim �(�) = lim �2 − 3 = 1.
�→2 �→2

Example 3.3. Evaluate lim 2�2 − 3� + 5

�→3
Solution: Applying limits of polynomial theorem, will implies that lim 2�2 − 3� + 5 = 2 3 2
− 3 3 + 5 = 14
�→3
2�3 +4�2 −12
Example 3.4. Evaluate lim 3�−2
�→1
2�3 +4�2 −12 2 1 3 +4 1 2 −12 −6
Solution: Based on limits of rational theorem, we have lim 3�−2
= 3 1 −2
= 1
.
�→1
2�3 +4�2 −12
Thus, lim 3�−2
=− 6
�→1

Example 3.5. Evaluate lim �2 + 2� + 8.

�→2
Solution: Based on limit theorem of radicals, it states that
lim �2 + 2� + 8 = 2 2 + 2 2 + 8 = 16 = 4. Thus the limits of the given radical function is 4.
�→2
EVALUATING LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

First, we consider the natural exponential function � � = �� , where e is called the Euler number, and has
a value of 2.718281…

Example 3.6: Evaluate the ��� ��.

�→�

Solution: we will construct the table of values for � � = �� . We start by x f(x)

-1 0.36787944117
approaching the number 0 from the left or through the values less
-0.5 0.60653065971
than but closer to 0.
-0.1 0.90483741803
Intuitively, from the table above, lim �� = 1. Now we consider -0.01 0.99004983374
�→0−
-0.001 0.99900049983
approaching 0 from its right or through values greater than but close to 0.
-0.0001 0.999900049983
-0.00001 0.99999000005
x f(x)
1 2.71828182846 From the table, as the values f (x) get and closer to 0, the values of f(x)
0.5 1.6487212707 get closer and closer to 1. So lim �� = 1 . Combining the two one-sided limits
�→0+
0.1 1.10517091808 allows us to conclude that lim �� = 1.
�→0
0.01 1.01005016708
0.001 1,00100050017 We can use the graph of � � = �� to
0.0001 1.000100005 determine its limit as x approaches 0. The
0.00001 1.00001000005 figure below is the graph of � � = �� .

Looking at figure 1.1, as the values of x approach to 0, either from the

right or the left, the values of f(x) will get closer and closer to 1. We also have
the following.

a. lim �� = � = 2.718…
�→1

b. lim �� = �2 = 7.389…
�→2

c. lim �� = �−1 = 0.367…

�→−1

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LESSON 4. EVALUATING LIMITS OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Now, consider the natural logarithmic function � � = I� �.

Recall that In � = log� � . Moreover, it is the inverse of the natural exponential function � = �� .
Example 4.1: Evaluate lim In �.
�→1
Solution: We will construct table of values for � � = In �.
We First approach the number 1 from the left or through
values less than but close to 1.
Intuitively, lim In � = 0. Now we consider
�→1−
approaching 1 from its right or through values greater than
but close to 1.
Intuitively, lim �� � = 0. As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the values of � � get closer to 0.
�→1+
In symbols, lim �� � = 0.
�→1

We now consider the common logarithmic function � � = log10 � . Recall that � � = log10 � = log � .

Example 4.2: Evaluate ��� ��� �

�→�

Solution. We will construct the table of values for � � = log �.

We first approach the number 1 from the left or
through the values less than but close to 1.

Now we consider approaching 1 from its or through

values greater than but close to 1.

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

We consider now the graphs of both the natural and common

logarithmic functions. We can use the following graphs to determine their limits
as x approaches 1.

The figure helps verify our observations that lim �� � = 0 and

�→1
lim lim log � = 0. Also, based on the figure, we have
�→0

a. lim �� � = 1 d. lim log � = log 3 = 0.47…

�→� �→3

b. lim log � = 1 e. lim �� � =− ∞

�→10 �→0+

c. lim �� � = �� 3 = 1.09 f. lim ��� � = −∞

�→3 �→0+

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Example 4.3: Evaluate lim sin �.

�→0
Solution: We will construct the table of values for � � =
sin �. We first approach 0 from the left or through
the values less than but close to 0.
Now we consider approaching 0 from its right or
through values greater than but close to 0.
As the values of x get closer and closer to 1, the
values of �(�) get closer and closer to 0. lim sin � = 0
�→0

We can also find lim sin � by using the graph of the sine function. Consider the graph of � � = sin �.
�→0

The graph validates our observation in

example 4 that lim sin � = 0 . Also, using the graph,
�→0
we have the following.

6
a. lim� sin � = 0 c. lim� sin � =− 1
�→ �→
2 2

b. lim� sin � = 0 d. lim sin � = 0

�→ �→−�
2

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NAME: _______________________ Date Submitted: ___________ Score: _______

WORKSHEET IN BASIC CALCULUS #1

Limits of Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Function and
Some Transcendental Functions and Some Indeterminate Forms

A. Match Column A with Column B by evaluating the given limits. Write your answer on the space
provided before the number. Finding limits of each function will make you realize that limit theorems
will make the computation easy but in some case, the only way to find limits is to use table of values.
Column A Column B Column A Column B
1. lim 2� + 1 A. 1_ 9. lim+ 2� − 5 I. -2
�→2 �→3

2. lim 2� − 5 B. -6 �2 −4 J. 2
�→4 10. lim
�→−2 �+2

3. lim � + 2 C. 0 �2 −4�+3 K. DNE

�→7 11. lim �−1
�→2

�2 −�−2 D. 5 �2−6�+9 L. −∞
4. lim �−2
12. lim �−3
�→7 �→3

�2−2�−3 E. -1 �3 −8�2+18�−8 M. 3
5. lim �−3
13. lim �−4
�→3 �→4

�2 −8�+16 3
6. lim F. 9 14. lim �−3 N. -1
�→4 �−4 �→3

�3 −5�2 +7�−2 G. 8 �−8 � ≤ 2 O. 4

7. lim 15. lim
�→2 �−2 �→2 −6 �>2
�3 −7�2 +13�−3 H. -4
8. lim �−3
�→3

B. Determine if ��� � � = �(�). Please show your solutions

�→�

1. � � = � + 2; � =− 1 _____________ 6. � � = �3 − 3�; � = 1 _____________

2. � � = � − 2; � = 0 _____________ 7. � � = �2 − 4; � = 2 _____________
3. � � = �2 + 2; � = 1 _____________ 8. � � = �4 − 1; � = 1 _____________
�3 −�
4. � � = �2 − 1; � =− 1 _____________ 9. � � = �
; �=0 _____________
� − 1 �� � < 2,
5. � � = �3 − �; � = 0 _____________ 10. (at � = 2), � � =
� − 2 2 + 1 �� � ≥ 2
_____________
C. Evaluate the following limits. If the given problems can’t be solve using limit theorems, you can use table of
values to determine the limits if exist.

1. lim 3.1416 7. lim

5
�→2 �→2 �−2 2

2. lim � 8. Let lim � � = 5 and lim � � =− 2, find lim � � − � �

�→1.25 �→−3 �→−3 �→−3
�2 −64
3. lim �+8 9. Let lim � � = 12 and lim � � =− 3, find lim � � •� �
�→8 �→−3 �→−3 �→−3
�3 −6�+8 �2 +15�+50
4. lim �−2 10. lim �+10
�→0 �→−10
5. lim �3 + �2 − 7� + 1 11. lim 3� − 1
�→2 �→2
1
6. lim �+3 3 12. lim 2�2 + 14� + 49
�→−3 �→5
Find the limits at c.
13. � � = 3� + 7 at � = 5 14. � � =
�3 −3�
at � = 1
�

D. Evaluate the following limits by constructing the table of values (Note: Please use a minimum of 5 values
of x for the table of values)
1. lim 2� 2. lim 5� 3. lim cos �
�→1 �→0 �→0

8
 E. Evaluate the following limits
1. lim 6� 3. lim 4� 5. lim log � 7. lim cos � 9. lim cos �
�→2 �→3 �→4 �→0 �→�
2. lim 2� 4. lim 2.5� 6. lim log � 8. lim tan � 10. lim sin �
�→1.5 �→1 �→2 �→0 �→�

F. MATH MAZE. DIRECTION: In this maze, the path from the entrance to the exit is hidden by limit of the
functions. Evaluate the limit from the start and follow the language of direction to guide you in the next
problem and eventually to the end of the maze. God bless and have a nice game.

G.
H.

God bless You!!!

Note: Please detach and submit only this activity sheets together with your answers. Please show your solutions
especially to those task which requires computation. Submit your task on time. Thank you.

Prepared by:
VANGELINE C. VALERIANO
SHS Teacher III