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Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically An Introduction to Limits Limits that Fail to Exist A Formal Definition of a Limit
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An Introduction to Limits Graph: What can we expect at x = 1? Approach x=1 from the left. Approach x=1 from the right. Are we approaching a specific value from both sides? What is that number? Do Now: evaluate f(1.1)
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Numerically x0.750.900.990.99911.0011.011.101.25 f(x)? Fill in chart for all values of x:
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Numerically x0.750.900.990.99911.0011.011.101.25 f(x)2.312.712.972.997?3.0033.03013.313.81
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Notation The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L.
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Exploration x1.751.901.991.999 2 2.0012.012.102.25 f(x)
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Exploration x1.751.901.991.999 2 2.0012.012.102.25 f(x).75.9.99.999 U n d. 1.0011.011.11.25
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Example 1: Estimating a Limit Numerically Where is it undefined? What is the limit?
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Example 1: Estimating a Limit Numerically Where is it undefined? 0 What is the limit? 2 x-.1-.01-.001 0.001.01.1 f(x)1.951.9951.9995 U n d. 2.000 5 2.0052.05
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Estimating a Limit Numerically It is important to realize that the existence or nonexistence of f(x) at x = c has no bearing on the existence of the limit of f(x) as x approaches c. The value of f(c) may be the same as the limit as x approaches c, or it may not be.
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Finding the limit by substitution Always try evaluating a function at c first: Examples:
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Finding the limit by substitution Always try evaluating a function at c first: Simple and boring!
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Substitution needing analytical approach: Factor and simplify:
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Indeterminate forms occur when substitution in the limit results in 0/0. In such cases either factor or rationalize the expressions. Ex. Notice form Factor and cancel common factors Indeterminate Forms
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Using Algebraic Methods When substitution renders an indeterminate value, try factoring and simplifying: Hint for # 3: use synthetic division to factor numerator (see if x+2 is a factor)
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Using Algebraic Methods Now try to substitute in “c”
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Using Algebraic Methods Substitution works for the simplified version.
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More complicated algebraic methods Involving radicals:
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Other Algebraic Methods: 1) Try simplifying a complex fraction 2) Try rationalizing (the numerator):
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Other Algebraic Methods: Try simplifying a complex fraction or rationalizing (a numerator or denominator):
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Do Now: graph the piecewise function:
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Find -2-2 6 Note: f (-2) = 1 is not involved Using a graph to find the limit:
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Ex 2: Finding the limit as x → 2 1.Numerical Approach – Construct a table of values. 2.Graphical Approach – Draw a graph by hand or using technology.
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Ex 2: Finding the limit as x → 2 al Approach – Use algebra or calculus.
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Use your calculator to evaluate the limits
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Answer : 16 Answer : no limit 3) Use your calculator to evaluate the limits
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Examples Do Now: Graph the function:
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Limits that Fail to Exist-this one approaches a different value from the left and the right 1.Numerical Approach – Construct a table of values. 2.Graphical Approach – Draw a graph by hand or using technology. 3.Analytical Approach – Use algebra or calculus.
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Ex 4: Unbounded Behavior 1.Numerical Approach – Construct a table of values. 2.Graphical Approach – Draw a graph by hand or using technology. 3.Analytical Approach – Use algebra or calculus.
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Ex 5: Oscillating Behavior 1.Numerical Approach – Construct a table of values. 2.Graphical Approach – Draw a graph by hand or using technology. 3.Analytical Approach – Use algebra or calculus. x 1.5.1.01.001.0001As x approaches 0?
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Ex 5: Oscillating Behavior 1.Numerical Approach – Construct a table of values. 2.Graphical Approach – Draw a graph by hand or using technology. 3.Analytical Approach – Use algebra or calculus. x 1.5.1.01.001.0001As x approaches 0?.84.91-.54-.51.827-.310? No! It doesn’t exist!
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Common Types of Behavior Associated with the Nonexistence of a Limit 1.f(x) approaches a different number from the right side of c than it approaches from the left side. 2.f(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches c. 3.f(x) oscillates between two fixed values as x approaches c.
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A Formal Definition of a Limit Lim x→c f(x) = L If for every number ε > 0 There is a number δ > 0 Such that |f(x) – L| < ε Whenever 0 < |x – c| < δ
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Using the formal definition. Prove: lim x→3 (4x – 5) = 7 Lim x→c f(x) = L If for every number ε > 0 There is a number δ > 0 Such that |f(x) – L| < ε Whenever 0 < |x – c| < δ
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The right-hand limit of f (x), as x approaches a, equals L written: if we can make the value f (x) arbitrarily close to L by taking x to be sufficiently close to the right of a. a L One-Sided Limit One-Sided Limits
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The left-hand limit of f (x), as x approaches a, equals M written: if we can make the value f (x) arbitrarily close to L by taking x to be sufficiently close to the left of a. a M
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1. Given Find Examples Examples of One-Sided Limit
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1. Given Find Examples Examples of One-Sided Limit So and therefore, does not exist!
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Find the limits: More Examples
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Find the limits: More Examples
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For the function Bu t This theorem is used to show a limit does not exist. A Theorem
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Limits at infinity 3 cases: when the degree is: “top heavy”- goes to negative or positive infinity “bottom heavy”- goes to zero “equal” – put terms over each other and reduce. What does this mean?
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Limits at Infinity For all n > 0, provided that is defined. Ex. Divide by
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Limits at Infinity For all n > 0, provided that is defined. Ex. Divide by
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More Examples
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Limits at infinity When the numerator has a larger degree than the denominator…
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Limits at infinity When the numerator has a larger degree than the denominator…
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51 Limits at infinity If n is a positive integer, the, where a is some constant. Property:
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The denominator has a higher degree Find the limit
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The denominator has a higher degree Find the limit
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When the degrees are equal… Reduce the equal terms
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When the degrees are equal… Reduce the equal terms
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56 Example Evaluate the limit
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57 Example Evaluate the limit
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Continuity A function f is continuous at the point x = a if the following are true: This one fails iii ! a f(a)f(a)
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A function f is continuous at the point x = a if the following are true: a f(a)f(a)
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At which value(s) of x is the given function discontinuous? Continuous everywhere Continuous everywhere except at Examples
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and Thus h is not cont. at x=1. h is continuous everywhere else and Thus F is not cont. at F is continuous everywhere else 0 o
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Continuous Functions A polynomial function y = P(x) is continuous at every point x. A rational function is continuous at every point x in its domain. If f and g are continuous at x = a, then
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