Math 1304 Calculus I 2.2 – Limits Introduction

Idea of Limit The limit of a function at a point is based on "local" behavior of the function near that point. It is the value that the function would have if we consider the values at nearby points, but not at the point itself. y=f(x) x

Example Previously we looked at formulas like This is defined at every point except x = 1. What should its value be there? For this we take limits.

Look at a table values x f(x) 1.5 2.5 1.1 2.1 1.01 2.01 1.001 2.001 1.0001 2.0001 1 undefined .9999 1.9999 .999 1.999 .99 1.99 .9 1.9

Look at graph y=2 x=1

Notation The reads: The limit of f(x), as x approaches a, is equal to L Meaning: As x gets closer to a, f(x) gets closer to L.

Limits of simple functions Constant functions have limits. The limit of the value is the constant value. Straight line functions have limits equal to the value at the limit point. Polynomials have limits equal to their value at the limit point. For these functions:

Polynomial examples Find

Examples using algebra Find limit of f(x)=(x-2)/(x2-4) as x approaches 2.

The limit does not always exist The limit does not always exit. Example:

Fancier Example

More functions f(x)=sin(x)/x f(x)=sin(π/x) Heaviside function – H(t) is zero for t less than zero and one for t greater than or equal to 0.

One sided limits: left Limit from left: This reads: The left-hand limit of f(x), as x approaches a, is equal to L. or The limit of f(x), as x approaches a from the left, is equal to L.

One sided limits: right Limit from right: This reads: The right-hand limit of f(x), as x approaches a, is equal to L. or The limit of f(x), as x approaches a from the right, is equal to L.

Limit of infinity This reads: The limit of f(x), as x approaches a, is equal to . It means that as x approaches a, f(x) get larger.

Limit of minus infinity This reads: The limit of f(x), as x approaches a, is equal to . It means that as x approaches a, f(x) get larger.

Examples f(x)=1/x2 More?

Vertical asymptotes Special limits When these any of these happen the line x=a is called a vertical asymptote.