Back to homeMathematics · Precalculus · Change subject
Start for free
Precalculus · Mathematics
Functions · Types of limits and continuity

Limits at Infinity

Before you start, make sure you know: Algebraic fractions (Algebra 1)
Before you start, make sure you know: Properties of powers (Algebra 2)

Emma sells custom phone cases at school fairs. Setting up costs $\$200$, and each case costs $\$5$ to make. After making $x$ cases, her average cost per case is $A(x) = \dfrac{200 + 5x}{x}$ dollars. With 1 case the average is $\$205$. With 100 cases it is $\$7$. With 1,000 cases it is $\$5.20$. What happens if she keeps going forever? Limits at infinity answer exactly this kind of question, and the patterns are very predictable.

End behavior and polynomials

So far you have asked what $f(x)$ does when $x$ gets close to a number. Now we ask what $f(x)$ does when $x$ goes very far out, toward $+\infty$ or $-\infty$. This is called the end behavior of the function.

Let's start with polynomials. Compare $x^2 + 10x$ with just $x^2$ as $x$ grows:

$x$ $x^2$ $x^2 + 10x$ ratio $\dfrac{x^2 + 10x}{x^2}$
10 100 200 2
100 10,000 11,000 1.1
1,000 1,000,000 1,010,000 1.01

The extra term $10x$ matters less and less. Far from the origin, the polynomial behaves like its highest-degree term.

Diagram showing that the polynomial 3x⁴ − 7x³ + x reduces to its leading term 3x⁴ when x tends to plus or minus infinity. 3x⁴ − 7x³ + x x → ±∞ 3x⁴ only the highest-degree term matterswhen x → ±∞

The sign of the answer depends on the sign of the leading coefficient and on whether the degree is even or odd:

Degree Leading coeff. $x \to +\infty$ $x \to -\infty$
even positive $+\infty$ $+\infty$
even negative $-\infty$ $-\infty$
odd positive $+\infty$ $-\infty$
odd negative $-\infty$ $+\infty$

Drag $a$ from negative to positive. Watch how the two ends of the graph flip.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Calculate the value of the following polynomial limits as $x \to +\infty$ and as $x \to -\infty$: a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} (-2x^3 + 5x^2 - x + 7)$ b)…

Calculate the value of the following polynomial limits as $x \to +\infty$ and as $x \to -\infty$:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} (-2x^3 + 5x^2 - x + 7)$
  2. b) $\lim_{x \to -\infty} (4x^4 - 3x^3 + 2)$
Solve

Rational functions: compare the degrees

A rational function is a quotient of two polynomials. Both the numerator and the denominator can grow, so which one "wins"? That is decided by the degrees.

The graph above has equal degrees. The dashed line shows the ratio of leading coefficients, $\tfrac48 = 0.5$.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Determine the value of the following limits of rational functions where the degree of the numerator and the denominator are equal: a)…

Determine the value of the following limits of rational functions where the degree of the numerator and the denominator are equal:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{6x^2 - 3x + 1}{2x^2 + 5}$
  2. b) $\lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{-5x^3 + x}{4x^3 - 2x^2 + 1}$
Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the limit of the following rational functions knowing that the degree of the denominator is greater than that of the numerator: a)…

Find the limit of the following rational functions knowing that the degree of the denominator is greater than that of the numerator:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{3x + 8}{x^2 - 4x + 2}$
  2. b) $\lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{x^2 - 1}{x^3 + x^2 - 5}$
Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the value of the following limits where the degree of the numerator is greater than that of the denominator: a)…

Find the value of the following limits where the degree of the numerator is greater than that of the denominator:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{x^3 - 2x^2 + 1}{5x^2 - 3}$
  2. b) $\lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{-2x^4 + x}{x^2 + 3x - 1}$
Solve

Horizontal asymptotes

When $f(x)$ settles on a finite number at one end of the graph, the graph hugs a horizontal line there.

You can read the limits straight off a graph. Look at the far left and far right ends and see which height the curve approaches.

Graph of a function that levels off at y = −1 on the far left and at y = 2 on the far right, with both horizontal asymptotes drawn as dashed lines. y = 2 y = −1 x → −∞ x → +∞

From this graph, $\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = -1$ and $\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x) = 2$. The horizontal asymptotes are $y = -1$ and $y = 2$.

For a rational function, the degree rule gives the asymptote. If $\deg P = \deg Q$, then $y = $ (ratio of leading coefficients). If $\deg P < \deg Q$, then $y = 0$. If $\deg P > \deg Q$, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the equation of the horizontal asymptote of the function $f(x) = \frac{8x - 5}{2x + 3}$ by calculating the corresponding limits as $x \to +\infty$ and…

Find the equation of the horizontal asymptote of the function $f(x) = \frac{8x - 5}{2x + 3}$ by calculating the corresponding limits as $x \to +\infty$ and $x \to -\infty$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Observe the graph of the function $f(x)$ and visually determine the limits $\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x)$ and $\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x)$. From these, write the equations…

Observe the graph of the function $f(x)$ and visually determine the limits $\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x)$ and $\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x)$. From these, write the equations of the horizontal asymptotes of the function.

X Y y = 3 y = −1 f(x) 1 2 3 −1 2 4 −2
Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
The concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, in milligrams per liter, $t$ hours after being administered is given by the function $C(t) = \frac{15t}{t^2 + 4}$.…

The concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, in milligrams per liter, $t$ hours after being administered is given by the function $C(t) = \frac{15t}{t^2 + 4}$. Calculate the limit of the concentration as $t \to +\infty$ and interpret the result in the context of the medical problem.

Solve

Exponentials and growth rates

When an expression mixes exponentials with polynomials, you need to know who grows faster. For large $x$, with $a > 1$ and $p > 0$:

$$\ln x \ll x^p \ll a^x$$

A logarithm grows slower than any power, and any power grows slower than any exponential. Even $1.01^x$ eventually beats $x^{100}$.

For a piecewise function, use the piece that applies at each end. As $x \to -\infty$ you use the formula for very negative $x$, and as $x \to +\infty$ the formula for very positive $x$. The two pieces can give different asymptotes.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Calculate the limits of the following exponential functions as $x \to +\infty$ and as $x \to -\infty$: a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x$ b)…

Calculate the limits of the following exponential functions as $x \to +\infty$ and as $x \to -\infty$:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x$
  2. b) $\lim_{x \to -\infty} 4^x$
Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Calculate the limit of the following function combining exponential and polynomial terms. Take into account which terms grow faster as $x \to +\infty$:…

Calculate the limit of the following function combining exponential and polynomial terms. Take into account which terms grow faster as $x \to +\infty$:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{5 \cdot 3^x - x^4}{2 \cdot 3^{x+1} + x^2}$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Given the piecewise function $f(x)$, which is equal to $\frac{3x^2 - 1}{x^2 + 2}$ if $x \le 0$, and is equal to $\frac{2e^x + 5}{e^x - 1}$ if $x > 0$. Calculate the…

Given the piecewise function $f(x)$, which is equal to $\frac{3x^2 - 1}{x^2 + 2}$ if $x \le 0$, and is equal to $\frac{2e^x + 5}{e^x - 1}$ if $x > 0$. Calculate the horizontal asymptotes of the function by determining the limits $\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x)$ and $\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x)$.

Solve

Square roots at infinity

When $x$ is very large, $\sqrt{9x^2 + 4x - 1}$ is close to $\sqrt{9x^2}$. But $\sqrt{x^2}$ is not $x$, it is $|x|$, the absolute value. (Some problems call $|x|$ the modulus of $x$.)

Number line showing that for x = −10 the square root of x squared equals 10, which is −x. −10 0 10 |x| = 10 x = −10: √(x²) = 10 = −x
Practice★☆☆Not started
Calculate the following limit involving a square root in the numerator: $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\sqrt{9x^2 + 4x - 1}}{3x + 2}$

Calculate the following limit involving a square root in the numerator:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{\sqrt{9x^2 + 4x - 1}}{3x + 2}$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Calculate the following limit as $x \to -\infty$, paying special attention to the sign of the variable when extracting it from the square root:…

Calculate the following limit as $x \to -\infty$, paying special attention to the sign of the variable when extracting it from the square root:

$\lim_{x \to -\infty} \frac{\sqrt{4x^2 - 3x + 2}}{5x - 1}$

Solve

Indeterminate $\infty - \infty$: fractions and logarithms

When you subtract two expressions that each tend to $+\infty$, you cannot tell the result in advance. It might be $0$, a number, or infinite. You have to rewrite the expression first.

Two fractions: combine them over a common denominator, then compare degrees.

Logarithms: use $\ln a - \ln b = \ln\dfrac{a}{b}$ and $n \ln a = \ln a^n$ to combine everything into one logarithm. Then take the limit inside. Because $\ln$ is continuous, if the inside tends to a positive number $L$, the whole thing tends to $\ln L$.

Practice★★☆Not started
Resolve the following limit which presents an indeterminate form of type $\infty - \infty$ by first subtracting the algebraic fractions:…

Resolve the following limit which presents an indeterminate form of type $\infty - \infty$ by first subtracting the algebraic fractions:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \frac{x^2 + 2x}{x - 1} - \frac{x^2 - 3}{x + 2} \right)$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Calculate the following limit by applying the properties of logarithms to first resolve the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$:…

Calculate the following limit by applying the properties of logarithms to first resolve the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$:

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

Solve

Indeterminate $\infty - \infty$: radicals and the conjugate

A difference of square roots, like $\sqrt{x^2 + 8x} - x$, is also $\infty - \infty$. The trick is the same as rationalizing a denominator. Multiply and divide by the conjugate, so that $(A - B)(A + B) = A^2 - B^2$ removes the square roots.

When $x \to -\infty$, be extra careful with signs. The conjugate trick still works, but $|x| = -x$.

Practice★★☆Not started
Calculate the value of the following limit with radicals, resolving the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$ by multiplying and dividing by the conjugate expression:…

Calculate the value of the following limit with radicals, resolving the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$ by multiplying and dividing by the conjugate expression:

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

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Calculate the following limit at negative infinity, which requires rationalization and a careful analysis of the signs when dealing with the implicit modulus in the…

Calculate the following limit at negative infinity, which requires rationalization and a careful analysis of the signs when dealing with the implicit modulus in the square root:

$\lim_{x \to -\infty} x \left( \sqrt{x^2 + 4} + x \right)$

Solve

The $1^\infty$ form and the number $e$

Consider $\left(1 + \tfrac1x\right)^x$. The base tends to $1$, but the exponent tends to $\infty$. Which wins? Look at the table:

$x$ $\left(1 + \frac1x\right)^x$
10 2.5937
100 2.7048
1,000 2.7169
10,000 2.7181

The values approach the number $e \approx 2.71828\ldots$

Practice★★☆Not started
Find the value of the following limit which gives rise to an indeterminate form of type $1^\infty$, expressing the final result in terms of the number $e$:…

Find the value of the following limit which gives rise to an indeterminate form of type $1^\infty$, expressing the final result in terms of the number $e$:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \frac{2x + 5}{2x - 3} \right)^{4x}$

Solve

Oblique asymptotes

If the numerator has degree exactly one more than the denominator, the function grows, but it follows a slanted line instead of a horizontal one.

Practice★★★Not started
Find the values of the parameters $m$ and $n$ so that the graph of the function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - x + 3}{x + 1}$ has the line $y = mx + n$ as an oblique asymptote. To…

Find the values of the parameters $m$ and $n$ so that the graph of the function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - x + 3}{x + 1}$ has the line $y = mx + n$ as an oblique asymptote. To do this, set up and solve the limits $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{f(x)}{x} = m$ and $\lim_{x \to +\infty} (f(x) - mx) = n$.

Solve

Finding unknown constants

Often the limit is given and a constant is unknown. The plan is always the same. Compute the limit in terms of the constant, set it equal to the given value, and solve.

Practice★★☆Not started
Determine the value of the parameter $k$ so that the following equality holds: $\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{kx^3 - 2x^2 + x}{5x^3 + 4x - 1} = -3$

Determine the value of the parameter $k$ so that the following equality holds:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \frac{kx^3 - 2x^2 + x}{5x^3 + 4x - 1} = -3$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Determine the value of the parameter $a$ so that the following limit, which presents an indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$, results in $4$:…

Determine the value of the parameter $a$ so that the following limit, which presents an indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$, results in $4$:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} (\sqrt{x^2 + ax + 5} - \sqrt{x^2 - 2x + 1}) = 4$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Find the value of the parameter $b$ so that the following equality holds, corresponding to a limit of type $1^\infty$:…

Find the value of the parameter $b$ so that the following equality holds, corresponding to a limit of type $1^\infty$:

$\lim_{x \to +\infty} \left( \frac{x^2 + bx}{x^2 + 3} \right)^{2x} = e^6$

Solve

Limits in context

In a real model, $\lim_{t \to +\infty}$ tells you the long-term value of a quantity. When you answer, always give the number, its units, and what it means.

Back to Emma's phone cases: $A(x) = \dfrac{200 + 5x}{x} = \dfrac{200}{x} + 5$. The degrees are equal, so $\lim_{x \to +\infty} A(x) = 5$. In the long run, her average cost per case approaches $\$5$, the cost of making one case. The setup cost of $\$200$ gets spread over so many cases that it hardly matters.

Sometimes the limit is $\infty$ or the model gives a nonsense value. A model is only valid in a limited range of the variable, for example a population cannot grow forever and a company cannot produce infinitely many items. If a limit predicts something impossible, the model stops being realistic far out.

When a problem compares your limit with a physical threshold, make sure both numbers use the same units. Convert with $F = \tfrac95 C + 32$ before you compare. For example, $100\,°\text{C} = 212\,°\text{F}$.

Practice★★☆Not started
The population of a bird species introduced into a nature reserve is modeled by the function $P(t) = 200 + \frac{1500t}{2t + 5}$, where $t$ is the time in years since…

The population of a bird species introduced into a nature reserve is modeled by the function $P(t) = 200 + \frac{1500t}{2t + 5}$, where $t$ is the time in years since its introduction. Calculate the long-term limit of the population (as $t \to +\infty$) and explain what this value means for the balance of the ecosystem.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
The temperature $T$ (in degrees Fahrenheit) of an operating electronic component after $t$ minutes of being switched on follows Newton's law of cooling adapted to…

The temperature $T$ (in degrees Fahrenheit) of an operating electronic component after $t$ minutes of being switched on follows Newton's law of cooling adapted to heating: $T(t) = 20 + 65(1 - e^{-0.1t})$. Calculate the limit of the temperature as $t \to +\infty$. What physical meaning does this value have if it is known that the component is irreversibly destroyed upon reaching $90^\circ C$?

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
The total cost of producing $x$ units of an advanced technological device is given by the function $\$C(x) = 25000 + 150x + 0.05x^2…

The total cost of producing $x$ units of an advanced technological device is given by the function $\$C(x) = 25000 + 150x + 0.05x^2$. The average cost per unit is defined as $Cm(x) = \frac{C(x)}{x}$. Calculate $\lim_{x \to +\infty} Cm(x)$ and reason, in economic terms, why this mathematical model ceases to be realistic for extremely high production levels.

Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section