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.
The catalogue of indeterminate forms
When you substitute $x=a$ directly, some expressions do not give an automatic result.
The temperature of an electronic component (in degrees Celsius) as a function of time $t$ (in hours) is given by the expression $T(t) = \frac{3t^2 - 5t + 12}{t + 2}$.…
The temperature of an electronic component (in degrees Celsius) as a function of time $t$ (in hours) is given by the expression $T(t) = \frac{3t^2 - 5t + 12}{t + 2}$. Calculate the limit of the temperature as $t$ approaches $3$ hours.
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.
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:
$\lim_{x \to 5} \frac{x^2 - 25}{x^2 - 7x + 10}$
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:
$\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x^2 - 5x + 6}$
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:
$\lim_{x \to 2} \left( \frac{1}{x - 2} - \frac{4}{x^2 - 4} \right)$
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.
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:
$\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{\sqrt{x + 6} - 3}{x - 3}$
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:
$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{4 + x} - \sqrt{4 - x}}{3x}$
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:
$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 6x} - x \right)$
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 $e$.
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:
$f(x) = \begin{cases} 2x + 1 & \text{if } x < 2 \\ x^2 + 1 & \text{if } x \ge 2 \end{cases}$
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.
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 $e$:
$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \frac{x + 5}{x - 2} \right)^{3x}$