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Functions · Limits and continuity

Calculating limits of functions

You already know how to estimate a limit using a table and how to tell when it exists. Now it is time to calculate it exactly, with no approximations: by factorising, multiplying by the conjugate or using the number $e$, just as you did with sequences, but now with $x$ approaching a specific point, not infinity.

Before you start, make sure you know: Factorisation and the factor theorem (Ruffini's rule) (4th ESO)
Before you start, make sure you know: Properties of radicals and rationalising denominators (4th ESO)

Factorising to resolve $\frac{0}{0}$

When the numerator and denominator are polynomials that both vanish at $x=a$, they both have the factor $(x-a)$. By factorising and cancelling, the troublesome factor disappears.

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Calculate the following algebraic limit by resolving the indeterminate form using factorisation: $\lim_{x \to 5} \frac{x^2 - 25}{x^2 - 7x + 10}$

Calculate the following algebraic limit by resolving the indeterminate form using factorisation:

$\lim_{x \to 5} \frac{x^2 - 25}{x^2 - 7x + 10}$

Solve
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Resolve the following indeterminate form by factorising the polynomials: $\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x^2 - 5x + 6}$

Resolve the following indeterminate form by factorising the polynomials:

$\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x^2 - 5x + 6}$

Solve
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Calculate the value of the limit presenting an indeterminate form of the subtraction of algebraic fractions type:…

Calculate the value of the limit presenting an indeterminate form of the subtraction of algebraic fractions type:

$\lim_{x \to 2} \left( \frac{1}{x - 2} - \frac{4}{x^2 - 4} \right)$

Solve

The conjugate with square roots

If the indeterminate form $\frac{0}{0}$ or $\infty-\infty$ comes with a root, multiplying and dividing by the conjugate turns the root into a square and removes the problem.

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Evaluate the following limit by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the corresponding conjugate expression: $\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{\sqrt{x + 6} - 3}{x - 3}$

Evaluate the following limit by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the corresponding conjugate expression:

$\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{\sqrt{x + 6} - 3}{x - 3}$

Solve
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Evaluate the following limit with indeterminate form $\frac{0}{0}$ containing two radicals in the numerator: $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{4 + x} - \sqrt{4 - x}}{3x}$

Evaluate the following limit with indeterminate form $\frac{0}{0}$ containing two radicals in the numerator:

$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{4 + x} - \sqrt{4 - x}}{3x}$

Solve
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Calculate the following limit, which presents an indeterminate form of type $\infty - \infty$ involving square roots:…

Calculate the following limit, which presents an indeterminate form of type $\infty - \infty$ involving square roots:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 6x} - x \right)$

Solve

Parameters, pieces and the number $e$

Two common situations: finding a parameter so that a limit exists, and resolving the indeterminate form $1^\infty$ using the number $e$.

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Given the following piecewise function, calculate the left- and right-hand limits at $x = 2$ and determine whether $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x)$ exists:…

Given the following piecewise function, calculate the left- and right-hand limits at $x = 2$ and determine whether $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x)$ exists:

$f(x) = \begin{cases} 2x + 1 & \text{if } x < 2 \\ x^2 + 1 & \text{if } x \ge 2 \end{cases}$

Solve
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An electricity company sets its tariff $T(x)$ in euros based on electricity consumption $x$ in kWh. For consumption less than $100$ kWh, the tariff is…

An electricity company sets its tariff $T(x)$ in euros based on electricity consumption $x$ in kWh. For consumption less than $100$ kWh, the tariff is $T(x) = 0,15x + 5$. For consumption greater than or equal to $100$ kWh, the tariff changes to $T(x) = \frac{ax^2 + 200}{x}$. Find the value of the parameter $a$ so that the limit of the tariff exists as consumption approaches $100$ kWh.

Solve
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Determine the value of the following limit by resolving the indeterminate form associated with the number $e$:…

Determine the value of the following limit by resolving the indeterminate form associated with the number $e$:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \frac{x + 5}{x - 2} \right)^{3x}$

Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section