Calculating Limits
A delivery app in Mexico City estimates that, after $t$ months, it will have $(1+\frac{1}{t})^{t}$ thousand users. At first it looks like the base gets close to $1$ and that $1$ raised to any power is $1$. Do the users level off at $1$ thousand, or at some other value? To answer, you need a toolkit of techniques. In this section you will turn them into reflexes: reading limits, factoring, using the conjugate, comparing which function grows faster, and using the number $e$.
Properties and one-sided limits
You already know that $\lim_{x\to a} f(x)=L$ describes the value that $f(x)$ approaches as $x$ gets close to $a$, no matter what happens at $a$. To calculate almost every limit, you rely on these properties.
If substitution gives $\frac{0}{0}$, $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$, or $\infty-\infty$, there is no answer yet: it is an indeterminate form and you have to transform the expression. If it gives $\frac{k}{0}$ with $k\neq0$, the function shoots off to $+\infty$ or $-\infty$, and the sign depends on which side you approach from.
Given the graph of the function $f(x)$ shown below, visually identify the value of the following limits: a) $\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x)$ b) $\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x)$ c)…
Given the graph of the function $f(x)$ shown below, visually identify the value of the following limits:
- a) $\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x)$
- b) $\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x)$
- c) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x)$
Calculate the one-sided limits of the function $f(x) = \frac{3}{x - 5}$ at the point where the denominator vanishes. To do so, study the behavior of $f(x)$ as you…
Calculate the one-sided limits of the function $f(x) = \frac{3}{x - 5}$ at the point where the denominator vanishes. To do so, study the behavior of $f(x)$ as you approach from the left and from the right, paying attention to the sign of the numerator and the denominator:
- a) $\lim_{x \to 5^-} \frac{3}{x - 5}$
- b) $\lim_{x \to 5^+} \frac{3}{x - 5}$
The diagram shows the axes, the vertical asymptote $x=5$ and the direction in which we approach it from each side:
Factoring for $\frac{0}{0}$
With quotients of polynomials, if $x=a$ makes both the numerator and denominator zero, both have the factor $(x-a)$. You pull it out (using special products or Ruffini's rule), cancel it, and substitute again. This is valid because the limit only looks at what happens near $a$, and there $x-a\neq0$.
The altitude of a reconnaissance drone (in meters) with respect to the horizontal distance $x$ covered is given by the function $h(x) = \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3}$. Although…
The altitude of a reconnaissance drone (in meters) with respect to the horizontal distance $x$ covered is given by the function $h(x) = \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3}$. Although the drone cannot physically be at position $x = 3$ due to a software restriction, calculate the limit of the altitude as it approaches that point:
$$\lim_{x \to 3} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3}$$Resolve the indeterminate form $\frac{0}{0}$ by simplifying the fraction through factorising the polynomials (you can use algebraic identities or Ruffini's rule):…
Resolve the indeterminate form $\frac{0}{0}$ by simplifying the fraction through factorising the polynomials (you can use algebraic identities or Ruffini's rule):
$$\lim_{x \to 2} \frac{x^2 - 4}{x^2 - 2x}$$The conjugate for roots
When there are roots, there is no visible factor. The way out is to multiply and divide by the conjugate, to take advantage of $(a-b)(a+b)=a^2-b^2$ and eliminate the root.
The conjugate also resolves $\infty-\infty$ with roots. After multiplying, the numerator becomes a polynomial and the limit is found with the dominant terms (next section).
A precision sensor in a nanotechnology laboratory measures the attractive force between two particles. The signal intensity $S$ as a function of the distance $x$ (in…
A precision sensor in a nanotechnology laboratory measures the attractive force between two particles. The signal intensity $S$ as a function of the distance $x$ (in nanometers) is given by the following function:
$$S(x) = \frac{\sqrt{x+5} - 3}{x-4}$$The figure shows the graph of $S(x)$: for $x=4$ the function is not defined (point with the empty circle).
Calculate the value the signal approaches as the distance $x$ gets closer to $4$ nanometers. Explain which mathematical technique you used to resolve the indeterminate form.
Calculate the following limit by resolving the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$ using the conjugate expression: $$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 6x} - x…
Calculate the following limit by resolving the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$ using the conjugate expression:
$$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 6x} - x \right)$$Sketch a graph showing what this result means regarding the distance between the radical function and the line $y = x$.
You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.
A satellite describes a trajectory whose radial distance to the center of a planet, in thousands of kilometers, is given by $d(x) = \sqrt{x^2 + ax} - \sqrt{x^2 - 1}$,…
A satellite describes a trajectory whose radial distance to the center of a planet, in thousands of kilometers, is given by $d(x) = \sqrt{x^2 + ax} - \sqrt{x^2 - 1}$, where $x$ represents the mission time. Given that after a long time ($x \to +\infty$) the distance stabilizes at $4$ thousand kilometers, determine the value of the orbital constant $a$.
Limits at infinity of polynomials and quotients
When $x\to+\infty$ in a polynomial, the highest-degree term dominates. If you factor it out, the rest becomes negligible: $-40x^3+1{,}000x^2-2{,}000=x^3\left(-40+\frac{1{,}000}{x}-\frac{2{,}000}{x^3}\right)$, and the expression inside tends to $-40$.
With roots, the degree of $\sqrt{x^2+\dots}$ counts as $1$, and $\sqrt{t^4+1}$ counts as degree $2$.
Calculate the limit at infinity of the following polynomial function, which represents the evolution of the profits of a tech startup (in thousands of pesos) over time…
Calculate the limit at infinity of the following polynomial function, which represents the evolution of the profits of a tech startup (in thousands of pesos) over time $x$:
$$\lim_{x \to +\infty} ( -40x^3 + 1 000x^2 - 2 000 )$$State which is the dominant term and justify why the sign of the leading coefficient determines the end behavior of the function.
A video game server manages the number of connected players using the function $P(x) = \frac{6x^2 + 20}{2x^2 + 5}$, where $x$ is the time in hours since the launch of an…
A video game server manages the number of connected players using the function $P(x) = \frac{6x^2 + 20}{2x^2 + 5}$, where $x$ is the time in hours since the launch of an event. Calculate the limit of players as time tends to infinity:
$$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{6x^2 + 20}{2x^2 + 5}$$In a chemistry laboratory, the concentration of a reactant in a mixture (in mg/l) follows the function $C(t) = \frac{5t + 8}{t^2 + 2}$, where $t$ is the time in minutes.…
In a chemistry laboratory, the concentration of a reactant in a mixture (in mg/l) follows the function $C(t) = \frac{5t + 8}{t^2 + 2}$, where $t$ is the time in minutes. Determine the long-term value to which the concentration tends by calculating:
$$\lim_{t \to +\infty} \frac{5t + 8}{t^2 + 2}$$In the study of news propagation on social networks, it is estimated that the number of users reached $U$ (in thousands) after $t$ hours follows the expression: $$U(t) =…
In the study of news propagation on social networks, it is estimated that the number of users reached $U$ (in thousands) after $t$ hours follows the expression:
$$U(t) = \frac{5t^2 - 3t + 2}{2t^2 + \sqrt{t^4 + 1}}$$Calculate the limit of users reached as time increases indefinitely ($t \to +\infty$). Does the function have a horizontal asymptote? Justify your answer by comparing the degrees of the dominant terms.
Comparing infinities
For $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$ with logarithms, powers, and exponentials, the key is knowing which one grows faster.
Based on comparing orders of infinity, determine the value of the following limits without performing complex operations: a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{e^x}{x^{10}}$ b)…
Based on comparing orders of infinity, determine the value of the following limits without performing complex operations:
- a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{e^x}{x^{10}}$
- b) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln(x)}{x^2}$
- c) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{2^x}{3^x}$
Calculate the value of the following limits by comparing the orders of magnitude at infinity of the functions involved (exponentials, powers, and logarithms): a)…
Calculate the value of the following limits by comparing the orders of magnitude at infinity of the functions involved (exponentials, powers, and logarithms):
- a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\ln(x^{10} + 5)}{x}$
- b) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{3^x}{x^2 + 100x}$
- c) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{e^x + x^5}{2e^x - \sqrt{x}}$
Calculate the value of the following limit using the comparison of infinities or L'Hôpital's Rule, analysing in detail the order of magnitude of each term: $$\lim_{x \to…
Calculate the value of the following limit using the comparison of infinities or L'Hôpital's Rule, analysing in detail the order of magnitude of each term:
$$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{e^x + x^{10}}{2e^x - \ln(x^5 + 1)}$$Which term dominates the growth of the function in the numerator and which in the denominator?
The number $e$ and the indeterminate form $1^\infty$
A base that tends to $1$ raised to an exponent that tends to infinity is not automatically $1$: it depends on how fast the base approaches $1$.
Back to the start: in $(1+\frac1t)^t$ you have $L=\lim t\cdot\frac1t=1$, so the users tend to $e\approx2.718$ thousand, that is, almost three thousand users. The base gets close to $1$, but the exponent pushes just the right amount.
The growth of a bird population in a protected nature reserve is governed by the following idealised continuous compound growth law: $$P(t) = \left( \frac{3t + 5}{3t -…
The growth of a bird population in a protected nature reserve is governed by the following idealised continuous compound growth law:
$$P(t) = \left( \frac{3t + 5}{3t - 2} \right)^{2t}$$Calculate the limit of the population as time $t$ tends to infinity. Express the result in terms of the number $e$.
A multiplayer video game server has detected that the number of active users, $N(t)$, in thousands, follows an exponential growth model as a function of time $t$ (in…
A multiplayer video game server has detected that the number of active users, $N(t)$, in thousands, follows an exponential growth model as a function of time $t$ (in months) defined by the expression:
$$N(t) = \left( \frac{3t^2 + 5t + 1}{3t^2 + 2t} \right)^{2t}$$Calculate the limit of active users as time tends to infinity ($t \to +\infty$). Does the player population stabilise at a finite value or grow indefinitely?
Study the behavior of the function $f(x) = \left( \cos x \right)^{1/x^2}$ as $x$ approaches zero. To do so, calculate: $$\lim_{x \to 0} (\cos x)^{1/x^2}$$ Explain why…
Study the behavior of the function $f(x) = \left( \cos x \right)^{1/x^2}$ as $x$ approaches zero. To do so, calculate:
$$\lim_{x \to 0} (\cos x)^{1/x^2}$$Explain why this limit leads to an indeterminate form of the type $1^\infty$ and solve it using natural logarithms or the specific formula for this type of limit.
Calculate the limit of the following sequence, which frequently appears in continuous compound interest and probability problems: $$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{n^2…
Calculate the limit of the following sequence, which frequently appears in continuous compound interest and probability problems:
$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \sqrt{n^2 + n} - n \right)^n$$Note: This exercise requires careful treatment of the inner indeterminacy before evaluating the overall power.
Extension: equivalent infinitesimals
Calculate the limit at $x = 0$ of the following trigonometric expression, using equivalent infinitesimals or known trigonometric identities: $$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x…
Calculate the limit at $x = 0$ of the following trigonometric expression, using equivalent infinitesimals or known trigonometric identities:
$$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x \times \text{tg}(3x)}{\cos(x) - 1}$$Parameters and piecewise functions
Many problems ask for a parameter so that the limit exists or is finite. The idea is always the same: force the indeterminate form to appear and disappear.
These same methods work with logarithms: in $\lim_{x\to0^+}\frac{\ln(1+kx)}{x}$ you use $\ln(1+kx)\sim kx$, and the limit is $k$.
Given the rational function depending on a parameter $k \in \mathbb{R}$: $$f(x) = \frac{x^3 - kx^2 + 4}{x-2}$$ Find the value of $k$ so that the limit…
Given the rational function depending on a parameter $k \in \mathbb{R}$:
$$f(x) = \frac{x^3 - kx^2 + 4}{x-2}$$Find the value of $k$ so that the limit $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x)$ is finite. Once this value is found, calculate the value of the limit.
Consider the piecewise function $f(x)$: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} & \text{if } x < 3 \\ \sqrt{2x + a} & \text{if } x \ge 3 \end{cases}$$ Calculate the…
Consider the piecewise function $f(x)$:
$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} & \text{if } x < 3 \\ \sqrt{2x + a} & \text{if } x \ge 3 \end{cases}$$Calculate the value of the parameter $a$ so that the limit of the function exists at $x = 3$. What is the value of this limit?
Let the function be $g(x) = \dfrac{x^3 - 2x^2 + k}{x^2 - 4}$. a) Calculate the value of $k$ so that the limit of the function as $x \to 2$ is finite. b) Once you have…
Let the function be $g(x) = \dfrac{x^3 - 2x^2 + k}{x^2 - 4}$.
- a) Calculate the value of $k$ so that the limit of the function as $x \to 2$ is finite.
- b) Once you have found $k$, calculate that limit.
- c) Classify the type of discontinuity that the function has at $x = 2$ and at $x = -2$.
When designing a new ramp for a skatepark, engineers need to ensure that the transition between two sections of the track is smooth (continuous). The height of the ramp…
When designing a new ramp for a skatepark, engineers need to ensure that the transition between two sections of the track is smooth (continuous). The height of the ramp $h(x)$ in meters is given by the following function:
$$h(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{\ln(1 + kx)}{x} & \text{if } x > 0 \\ \cos(x) + a & \text{if } x \le 0 \end{cases}$$Determine the values of the parameters $k$ and $a$ such that $\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} h(x)$ exists and is equal to the initial height of the ramp, which is $2$ meters.
Give reasons to determine the value of the parameters $a$ and $b$ (where $a, b \in \mathbb{R}$) such that the following equality of limits holds: $$\lim_{x \to 0}…
Give reasons to determine the value of the parameters $a$ and $b$ (where $a, b \in \mathbb{R}$) such that the following equality of limits holds:
$$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{ax^2 + bx + 1 - e^x}{x^2} = 3$$