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Secondary 6 · Mathematics
Limits and continuity · Revision

Real numbers

At a corner store in Santiago they sell 5-pound bags of rice. Because of the scale and the packaging, each bag can vary by up to 0.1 pounds more or less. What weights make a bag "good"? To answer, you need ideas that you will use throughout the Limits chapter: intervals, absolute value, and neighborhoods. This review brings them together before you begin.

Number sets

Inclusion diagram of the number sets: natural numbers inside integers, integers inside rational numbers, and rational numbers together with irrational numbers forming the real numbers, with examples in each region. R — reals Q Z N 3/4, 2.5 -3, -7 I π, √2, e

A decimal that terminates ($-4.25$) or repeats ($2.1313\ldots$) is rational, because it can be written as a fraction. A non-exact root such as $\sqrt{7}$ is irrational.

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Classify the following real numbers, indicating which number sets they belong to: natural numbers ($\mathbb{N}$), integers ($\mathbb{Z}$), rational numbers…

Classify the following real numbers, indicating which number sets they belong to: natural numbers ($\mathbb{N}$), integers ($\mathbb{Z}$), rational numbers ($\mathbb{Q}$), or irrational numbers ($\mathbb{I}$). Briefly justify your answer for decimal numbers and roots:

  • $a) \ - \sqrt{16}$

  • $b) \ \frac{15}{3}$

  • $c) \ 2.131313...$

  • $d) \ \sqrt{7}$

  • $e) \ \frac{\pi}{2}$

  • $f) \ -4.25$

Solve

Powers and radicals

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Simplify the following expressions using the properties of powers and roots, giving the result in the form of a power with a fractional exponent:…

Simplify the following expressions using the properties of powers and roots, giving the result in the form of a power with a fractional exponent:

  • $a) \ \sqrt[3]{x^2} \times \sqrt{x}$

  • $b) \ \frac{x^3}{\sqrt[4]{x}}$

  • $c) \ (\sqrt[5]{x^2})^3$

Solve
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Simplify the following expression involving radicals and powers, expressing the final result as a single power of base $a$ with a rational exponent:…

Simplify the following expression involving radicals and powers, expressing the final result as a single power of base $a$ with a rational exponent:

$$\frac{\sqrt[3]{a^2} \times a^{-1/2}}{\sqrt{a \times \sqrt[3]{a}}}$$

Note: Assume that $a > 0$.

Solve
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The design of a triangular metal part requires its sides to measure $\sqrt{18}$ cm, $\sqrt{50}$ cm, and $\sqrt{98}$ cm. a) Simplify each of the radicals by extracting…

The design of a triangular metal part requires its sides to measure $\sqrt{18}$ cm, $\sqrt{50}$ cm, and $\sqrt{98}$ cm.

a) Simplify each of the radicals by extracting factors.

b) Calculate the exact perimeter of the part, expressing it as a single radical.

c) If the material used costs $150$ pesos per centimeter of perimeter, calculate the total cost rounded to two decimal places.

√18 cm √50 cm √98 cm
Solve

Logarithms

With $\log$ (base 10) and $\ln$ (base $e$), the same properties hold. Remember that $\sqrt{y} = y^{1/2}$ and that $100 = 10^2$, so $\log 100 = 2$.

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Using the properties of logarithms, expand the following expression in terms of $\log x$, $\log y$, and $\log z$: $$L = \log \left( \frac{100 \times x^3 \times…

Using the properties of logarithms, expand the following expression in terms of $\log x$, $\log y$, and $\log z$:

$$L = \log \left( \frac{100 \times x^3 \times \sqrt{y}}{z^2} \right)$$

Then, given that $\log x = 0.5$, $\log y = 1.2$, and $\log z = 0.8$, calculate the numerical value of $L$.

Solve

Intervals and the real number line

An interval is a set of numbers between two endpoints. It is written in three ways: with inequalities, with interval notation, and on the number line.

Inequality Interval Endpoints
$a < x < b$ $(a, b)$ both excluded
$a \le x \le b$ $[a, b]$ both included
$a \le x < b$ $[a, b)$ includes $a$, excludes $b$
$x \ge a$ $[a, +\infty)$ ray
$x < b$ $(-\infty, b)$ ray

The bracket includes the endpoint (filled dot on the line). The parenthesis excludes it (open dot). With $\infty$ you always use a parenthesis, because $\infty$ is not a number.

With sets there are two operations: the union $A \cup B$ (what is in at least one) and the intersection $A \cap B$ (what is in both).

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Represent the following intervals and rays on the real number line, and express them using set notation (using inequalities). For $I_3$, which already appears with…

Represent the following intervals and rays on the real number line, and express them using set notation (using inequalities). For $I_3$, which already appears with inequalities, also write it in interval notation.

  • $I_1 = (-3, 2]$

  • $I_2 = [0, +\infty)$

  • $I_3 = \{x \in \mathbb{R} \mid -1 < x < 4\}$

Solve
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Given the following subsets of the real line: $A = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : |x - 2| < 3 \}$ $B = [ -1, 4 ]$ a) Express the set $A$ using interval notation. b) Calculate and…

Given the following subsets of the real line:

$A = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} : |x - 2| < 3 \}$

$B = [ -1, 4 ]$

a) Express the set $A$ using interval notation.

b) Calculate and express using interval notation the set resulting from the intersection $A \cap B$.

c) Calculate and express using interval notation the set resulting from the union $A \cup B$.

Solve

Absolute value: distance, equations, and inequalities

The distance between $x$ and $y$ is $|x-y|$. For example, between $5$ and $-2$: $|5-(-2)| = 7$.

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Calculate the distance between the following pairs of points on the number line using the concept of modulus: $a)$ $x = 5$ and $y = -2$ $b)$ $x = -8$ and $y = -3$ $c)$…

Calculate the distance between the following pairs of points on the number line using the concept of modulus:

  • $a)$ $x = 5$ and $y = -2$

  • $b)$ $x = -8$ and $y = -3$

  • $c)$ $x = \frac{1}{2}$ and $y = \frac{3}{4}$

Solve
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Find the values of $x$ that satisfy the following equations and inequalities involving absolute values. Express the result as an interval: $a) \ |x| = 7$…

Find the values of $x$ that satisfy the following equations and inequalities involving absolute values. Express the result as an interval:

  • $a) \ |x| = 7$

  • $b) \ |x - 2| = 5$

  • $c) \ |x| < 3$

  • $d) \ |x + 1| \leq 2$

Solve
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A biotechnology laboratory maintains an enzyme sample in a climate chamber. To prevent the enzymes from denaturing, the temperature $T$ (in degrees Celsius) must satisfy…

A biotechnology laboratory maintains an enzyme sample in a climate chamber. To prevent the enzymes from denaturing, the temperature $T$ (in degrees Celsius) must satisfy the following condition:

$$|2T - 15| \le 25$$

Solve the inequality and determine the temperature range (interval) in which researchers can work without damaging the sample.

Solve

Tolerances: from the problem to the inequality

Back to the bag of rice. If $x$ is its actual weight in pounds, "differs from the nominal weight by at most $0.1$" is written $|x - 5| \le 0.1$. This gives $4.9 \le x \le 5.1$, that is, $x \in [4.9, 5.1]$. A "good" bag weighs between 4.9 and 5.1 pounds.

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In the manufacturing process of microchips for satellites, the length of a copper track must be $12.5$ microns. For thermal reasons, a margin of error (tolerance) is…

In the manufacturing process of microchips for satellites, the length of a copper track must be $12.5$ microns. For thermal reasons, a margin of error (tolerance) is allowed such that the difference between the actual length $x$ and the theoretical one is at most $0.05$ microns.

a) Express this condition by means of an inequality with absolute value.

b) Determine the interval of acceptable values for the length of the track using interval notation.

c) Graphically represent this interval on the real number line.

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve
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In an electronic component store, the price of a racing drone model fluctuates according to market supply. It is known that the price $p$ in pesos satisfies the…

In an electronic component store, the price of a racing drone model fluctuates according to market supply. It is known that the price $p$ in pesos satisfies the condition $|p - 9\,000| \leq 1\,200$.

  • $a)$ Determine the interval of possible prices for this drone.

  • $b)$ What are the minimum and maximum prices that a user could pay?

|p - 9 000| ≤ 1 200 Price p (RD$) +1 200 −1 200 9 000 7 800 10 200 MINIMUM MAXIMUM
Solve

Several absolute values and quotients

When there is more than one absolute value, you work piece by piece. You find the points where each inside expression equals $0$ and solve on each piece without the bars.

If there is also a quotient, as in $\dfrac{|2x-5|}{x+1}\le 1$, first exclude $x=-1$. Then split into cases according to the sign of the expression inside the absolute value. Within each case, the sign of $x+1$ decides whether the inequality flips when you multiply it across.

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Find the set of real values satisfying the following inequality with double modulus: $$|x - 2| + |x + 3| < 7$$ Represent the solution on the number line and express it…

Find the set of real values satisfying the following inequality with double modulus:

$$|x - 2| + |x + 3| < 7$$

Represent the solution on the number line and express it as a single open interval.

Solve
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Determine, giving reasons, the set of values of $x \in \mathbb{R}$ satisfying the following compound inequality, expressing the final result as a union of intervals:…

Determine, giving reasons, the set of values of $x \in \mathbb{R}$ satisfying the following compound inequality, expressing the final result as a union of intervals:

$$\frac{|2x - 5|}{x + 1} \leq 1$$

Take into account domain restrictions and analyse the different cases depending on the sign of the expression inside the modulus.

Region f(x) ≤ 1 x y 0 x = −1 x≠-1 y = 1 f(x) x=? x=? |2x - 5| x + 1 ≤ 1 Solution: x ∈ ?
Solve

Quadratic inequalities

To solve $ax^2+bx+c \gtrless 0$, you find the roots, which divide the line into pieces, and you check the sign of the polynomial on each one. The parabola opens upward if $a>0$ and downward if $a<0$.

If the coefficient of $x^2$ is negative, as in $-x^2+5x-4>0$, you can multiply by $-1$ and reverse the direction: $x^2-5x+4<0$. Its roots are $1$ and $4$, and the solution is $(1, 4)$.

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To determine the domain of a future function, we need to solve the following quadratic inequality: $$-x^2 + 5x - 4 > 0$$ a) Find the roots of the associated polynomial.…

To determine the domain of a future function, we need to solve the following quadratic inequality:

$$-x^2 + 5x - 4 > 0$$

a) Find the roots of the associated polynomial.

b) Determine the solution set in interval form.

c) Justify the result by analysing the sign of the polynomial in each section of the number line.

X Y 1 2 3 4 5 0 ? ? ? x₁=? x₂=? -x² + 5x - 4 > 0 Solution: x ∈ ( ?, ? )
Solve

Domains with roots and logarithms

The domain of a function is the set of values of $x$ for which it can be calculated. Two rules:

  • $\sqrt{g(x)}$ requires $g(x)\ge 0$.

  • $\ln g(x)$ requires $g(x)>0$ (strictly: $\ln 0$ does not exist).

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The function $f(x) = \sqrt{x^2 - kx + 9}$ is defined. Determine the set of values of the real parameter $k$ for which the domain of the function is the entire real line…

The function $f(x) = \sqrt{x^2 - kx + 9}$ is defined. Determine the set of values of the real parameter $k$ for which the domain of the function is the entire real line $\mathbb{R}$.

For the largest value in this set, determine whether there is any horizontal or oblique asymptote as $x \to +\infty$.

Solve

Types of functions and composition

In Limits you will work with families of functions. For each one it helps to know its domain by heart.

Type Example Domain
Linear $f(x)=2x-3$ $\mathbb{R}$
Quadratic $f(x)=x^2-4x$ $\mathbb{R}$
Rational $f(x)=\dfrac{x+1}{x-2}$ $\mathbb{R}$ minus the $x$ where the denominator is $0$
Radical (even index) $f(x)=\sqrt{x-4}$ the $x$ with radicand $\ge 0$
Exponential $f(x)=2^x$ $\mathbb{R}$
Logarithmic $f(x)=\ln x$ the $x$ with argument $>0$

Why? You cannot divide by $0$, the real square root of a negative number does not exist, and the logarithm is only defined for positive numbers. Everything else can always be calculated.

The composition $(f\circ g)(x)=f(g(x))$ means: first you apply $g$ and then you apply $f$ to the result. Its domain is the set of $x$ that are in the domain of $g$ and whose $g(x)$ falls in the domain of $f$.

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Given the function $f(x) = \ln(|x^2 - 4| - 5)$, determine its domain of definition in exact form. Express the result as a union of intervals, paying special attention to…

Given the function $f(x) = \ln(|x^2 - 4| - 5)$, determine its domain of definition in exact form. Express the result as a union of intervals, paying special attention to the values where the argument of the logarithm becomes zero or negative. Analyse the symmetry of this domain.

Solve

Neighborhoods

Representation on the real number line of an open neighborhood with center a and radius r, and of its deleted neighborhood, with the central point excluded by an open dot. a−r a a+r r r a (excluded in E*) E*(a, r) = (a−r, a) ∪ (a, a+r)
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Express the following neighborhoods as open intervals and represent them graphically on the real number line: a) $E(2; 3)$ (neighborhood with center 2 and radius 3) b)…

Express the following neighborhoods as open intervals and represent them graphically on the real number line:

  1. a) $E(2; 3)$ (neighborhood with center 2 and radius 3)
  1. b) $E(-1; 0.5)$ (neighborhood with center $-1$ and radius $0.5$)
  1. c) $E^*(0; 4)$ (punctured neighborhood with center 0 and radius 4)
Solve
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In designing a high-precision part for an aerospace engine, the radius of a cylinder, denoted by $x$, must be sufficiently close to the nominal radius of $5\text{ cm}$…

In designing a high-precision part for an aerospace engine, the radius of a cylinder, denoted by $x$, must be sufficiently close to the nominal radius of $5\text{ cm}$ so that the error in its cross-sectional area, $A(x) = \pi x^2$, does not exceed $0.01\text{ cm}^2$.

Using the formal definition of a deleted neighbourhood $E^*(a, \delta)$, find the maximum value of the tolerance $\delta$ that the radius $x$ can have to ensure that the area remains within the neighbourhood $E(25\pi, 0.01)$. Express $\delta$ in terms of $\pi$ in exact form.

Solve
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Prove, using exclusively the metric definition of a limit ($\varepsilon - \delta$), that: $$\lim_{x \to 3} (x^2 - 2x) = 3$$ To do this, given $\varepsilon > 0$, find an…

Prove, using exclusively the metric definition of a limit ($\varepsilon - \delta$), that:

$$\lim_{x \to 3} (x^2 - 2x) = 3$$

To do this, given $\varepsilon > 0$, find an expression for $\delta$ in terms of $\varepsilon$ (you may assume an initial bound for $\delta$, for example $\delta \leq 1$).

Solve

First contact with limits: sequences and infinity

A sequence $a_n$ has limit $L$ if its terms get as close as you want to $L$ as $n$ grows. For a rational sequence, the limit is calculated by dividing by the highest power of $n$: the terms with $\frac{1}{n}$ or $\frac{1}{n^2}$ tend to $0$.

The same works for functions when $t\to+\infty$. For $V(t)=\dfrac{240t^2+k}{t^2+1}$, divide by $t^2$: $V(t)\to\dfrac{240}{1}=240$. It is the long-term value.

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Consider the sequence defined by the general term $a_n = \frac{3n^2 - 1}{n^2 + 2n}$. a) Calculate the limit $L$ of the sequence as $n \to \infty$. b) Determine from…

Consider the sequence defined by the general term $a_n = \frac{3n^2 - 1}{n^2 + 2n}$.

  1. a) Calculate the limit $L$ of the sequence as $n \to \infty$.
  2. b) Determine from which index $n_0 \in \mathbb{N}$ all terms of the sequence are at a distance from $L$ of less than one thousandth ($\varepsilon = 10^{-3}$).
n aₙ L L+ε L-ε ε ε n₀ |aₙ - L| < ε Qualitative sketch (not to scale)
Solve
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An investor analyzes the growth of a financial asset whose value in thousands of pesos is given by the function $V(t) = \frac{240t^2 + k}{t^2 + 1}$, where $t \geq 0$ is…

An investor analyzes the growth of a financial asset whose value in thousands of pesos is given by the function $V(t) = \frac{240t^2 + k}{t^2 + 1}$, where $t \geq 0$ is the time in years.

  1. a) Given that the initial value of the asset was $60\,000$ pesos, determine the value of the constant $k$.
  2. b) What will be the value of the asset in the "very long term"? Justify your answer using the concept of a limit at infinity.
  3. c) Will the value of the asset exceed $240\,000$ pesos at any point? Prove it analytically using an inequality.
Time t (years) Value V(t) (thousands of RD$) 2 4 6 8 10 0 60 120 180 240 300 V(0) = 60 y = 240
Solve

Scientific notation and errors

Scientific notation

Very large or very small numbers are written as $m\times10^n$, with $1\le m<10$ and $n$ an integer. For example, $456{,}000{,}000=4.56\times10^8$. To add or subtract, keep the same power of 10 and operate on the leading numbers.

Absolute and relative error

The relative error of the rice bags that weigh $4.9$ pounds when they should weigh $5$ is $E_r=\dfrac{0.1}{5}=0.02=2\,\%$.

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A temperature sensor on a data server indicates that the CPU is at $42.6^{\circ}C$. If the actual value measured with a precision thermometer is $42.45^{\circ}C$,…

A temperature sensor on a data server indicates that the CPU is at $42.6^{\circ}C$. If the actual value measured with a precision thermometer is $42.45^{\circ}C$, calculate:

  • $a)$ The absolute error of the sensor measurement.

  • $b)$ The relative error made, expressed as a percentage.

Solve
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In astrophysics, the distance between two celestial bodies is often measured in astronomical units (AU). Suppose two measurements of the distance to an exoplanet have…

In astrophysics, the distance between two celestial bodies is often measured in astronomical units (AU). Suppose two measurements of the distance to an exoplanet have been made: $d_1 = 4.56 \times 10^8$ km and $d_2 = 4.562 \times 10^8$ km.

a) Calculate the absolute error and the relative error made if we take the first measurement as an approximation of the second.

b) Express the result of the relative error as a percentage and comment on whether the approximation is acceptable for a scientific context.

Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section