The Limit

1. For the function

following questions.

answer each of the

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of x compute (accurate to at least 8 decimal
places).
(i) 2.5
(ii) 2.1
(iii) 2.01
(iv) 2.001
(v) 2.0001
(vi) 1.5
(vii) 1.9
(viii) 1.99
(ix) 1.999
(x) 1.9999

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value of

[Solution]

2. For the function

of the following questions.

answer each

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of t compute (accurate to at least 8 decimal
places).
(i) -0.5
(ii) -0.9
(iii) -0.99
(iv) -0.999
(v) -0.9999
(vi) -1.5
(vii) -1.1
(viii) -1.01
(ix) -1.001
(x) -1.0001

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value of

.
[Solution]

3. For the function

following questions.

answer each of the

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of

compute (accurate to at least 8
decimal places). Make sure your calculator is set to radians for the computations.
(i) 0.5
(ii) 0.1
(iii) 0.01
(iv) 0.001
(v) 0.0001
(vi) -0.5
(vii) -0.1
(viii) -0.01
(ix) -0.001
(x) -0.0001

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value of

.
[Solution]

4. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given points determine the value

of
and
clearly explain why.
(a)

. If any of the quantities do not exist

(b)

(c)

(d)

[Solution]

5. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given points determine the value

of
and
clearly explain why.
(a)

. If any of the quantities do not exist

(b)
(d)

(c)

[Solution]

6. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given points determine the value

of
and
clearly explain why.
(a)

(b)
(d)

[Solution]

. If any of the quantities do not exist

(c)

1. For the function

of the following questions.

answer each

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of x compute

(accurate to at least 8 decimal places).
(i) 2.5
(ii) 2.1
(iii) 2.01
(iv) 2.001
(v) 2.0001
(vi) 1.5
(vii) 1.9
(viii) 1.99
(ix) 1.999
(x) 1.9999
(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value
of

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of x compute

(accurate to at least 8 decimal places).
(i) 2.5
(ii) 2.1
(iii) 2.01
(iv) 2.001
(v) 2.0001
(vi) 1.5
(vii) 1.9
(viii) 1.99
(ix) 1.999
(x) 1.9999
Hide Solution

Here is a table of values of the function at the given points accurate to 8 decimal places.
x
2.5
2.1
2.01
2.001
2.0001

x
-3.38888889
-3.07560976
-3.00750623
-3.00075006
-3.00007500

1.5
1.9
1.99
1.999
1.9999

-2.64285714
-2.92564103
-2.99250627
-2.99925006
-2.99992500

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value

of

Hide Solution

From the table of values above it looks like we can estimate that,

2. For the function

answer each of the following questions.
(a) Evaluate the function the following values of t compute
(accurate to at least 8 decimal places).
(i) -0.5
(ii) -0.9
(iii) -0.99
(iv) -0.999
(v) -0.9999
(vi) -1.5
(vii) -1.1
(viii) -1.01
(ix) -1.001
(x) -1.0001
(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value
of

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of t compute

(accurate to at least 8 decimal places).
(i) -0.5
(ii) -0.9
(iii) -0.99
(iv) -0.999
(v) -0.9999
(vi) -1.5
(vii) -1.1
(viii) -1.01
(ix) -1.001
(x) -1.0001

Hide Solution

Here is a table of values of the function at the given points accurate to 8 decimal places.
x
-0.5
-0.9
-0.99
-0.999
-0.9999

x
0.39444872
0.48077870
0.49812031
0.49981245
0.49998125

-1.5
-1.1
-1.01
-1.001
-1.0001

0.58257569
0.51828453
0.50187032
0.50018745
0.50001875

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value

of

Hide Solution

From the table of values above it looks like we can estimate that,

3. For the function

each of the following questions.

answer

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of

compute
(accurate to at least 8 decimal places). Make sure your
calculator is set to radians for the computations.
(i) 0.5
(ii) 0.1
(iii) 0.01
(iv) 0.001
(v) 0.0001
(vi) -0.5
(vii) -0.1
(viii) -0.01
(ix) 0.001
(x) -0.0001

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value

of

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate the function the following values of x compute

(accurate to at least 8 decimal places).
(i) 0.5
(ii) 0.1
(iii) 0.01
(iv) 0.001
(v)
0.0001
(vi) -0.5
(vii) -0.1
(viii) -0.01
(ix) -0.001
(x) -0.0001
Hide Solution

Here is a table of values of the function at the given points accurate to 8 decimal places.
x
0.5
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001

x
-0.70156646
6.44217687
6.99428473
6.99994283
6.99999943

-0.5
-0.1
-0.01
-0.001
-0.0001

-0.70156646
6.44217687
6.99428473
6.99994283
6.99999943

(b) Use the information from (a) to estimate the value

of

Hide Solution

From the table of values above it looks like we can estimate that,

4. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given points determine the value

of
and
clearly explain why.
(a)

. If any of the quantities do not exist

(b)

(c)

(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)
Hide Solution
From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from both sides the graph is
approaching different values (4 from the left and -2 from the right). Because of this we get,

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(b)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach
approaching the same value, 1, and so we get,

.
from both sides the graph is

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(c)

Hide Solution

Because there is no closed dot for

We can also see that as we approach

the same value, 1, and so we get,

we can see that,

from both sides the graph is approaching

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Therefore, even though the function doesnt exist at this point the limit can
still have a value.

(d)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

the same value, 5, and so we get,

from both sides the graph is approaching

5. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given

points determine the value of

and

. If any of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.

(a)
c)

(b)

(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

approaching the same value, -6, and so we get,

from both sides the graph is

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(b)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from both sides the graph is
approaching different values (3 from the left and doesnt approach any value from the right).
Because of this we get,

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(c)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from both sides the graph is approaching
different values (2 from the left and 5 from the right). Because of this we get,

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(d)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

approaching the same value, 0, and so we get,

from both sides the graph is

6. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given

points determine the value of

and

. If any of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.

(a)
c)

(b)
(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Because there is no closed dot for

we can see that,

We can also see that as we approach

approaching a value from either side and so we get,

(b)

from both sides the graph is not

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach
approaching the same value, 1, and so we get,

.
from both sides the graph is

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Often the two will be different.

(c)

Hide Solution

Because there is no closed dot for

We can also see that as we approach

the same value, -3, and so we get,

we can see that,

from both sides the graph is approaching

Always recall that the value of a limit does not actually depend upon the value of the function at
the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values of the function around the
point in question. Therefore, even though the function doesnt exist at this point the limit can
still have a value.

(d)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach
the same value, 4, and so we get,

.
from both sides the graph is approaching

One-Sided Limits
1. Below is the graph of
of

. For each of the given points determine the value

and

. If any of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

[Solution]

2. Below is the graph of

of

. For each of the given points determine the value

and

. If any of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.

(a)

(b)
(d)

(c)

[Solution]

3. Sketch a graph of a function that satisfies each of the following conditions.

[Solution]

4. Sketch a graph of a function that satisfies each of the following conditions.

[Solution]

1. Below is the graph of

points determine the value of

. For each of the given

,

,
, and
of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.
(a)
c)

(b)

. If any
(

(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solution]

(a)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from the left the graph is approaching
a value of 3 and as we approach from the right the graph is approaching a value of -2. Therefore
we get,

Now, because the two one-sided limits are different we know that,

(b)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

approaching the same value, 4, and so we get,

from both sides the graph is

The two one-sided limits are the same and so we know,

(c)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from the left the graph is approaching a
value of -1 and as we approach from the right the graph is approaching a value of 5. Therefore
we get,

Now, because the two one-sided limits are different we know that,

(d)

Hide Solution

Because there is no closed dot for

We can also see that as we approach

the same value, 2, and so we get,

we can see that,

from both sides the graph is approaching

The two one-sided limits are the same and so we know,

Always recall that the value of a limit (including one-sided limits) does not actually depend upon
the value of the function at the point in question. The value of a limit only depends on the values
of the function around the point in question. Therefore, even though the function doesnt exist at
this point the limit and one-sided limits can still have a value.

2. Below is the graph of

. For each of the given

points determine the value of

,
, and
of the quantities do not exist clearly explain why.
(a)
)

(b)

. If any
(c

(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solution]

(a)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from the left the graph is not
approaching a single value, but instead oscillating wildly, and as we approach from the right the
graph is approaching a value of -1. Therefore we get,

Recall that in order for limit to exist the function must be approaching a single value and so, in
this case, because the graph to the left of
is not approaching a single value
the left-hand limit will not exist. This does not mean that the right-hand limit will not exist. In
this case the graph to the right of
is approaching a single value the righthand limit will exist.
Now, because the two one-sided limits are different we know that,

(b)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach
the same value, 3, and so we get,

.
from both sides the graph is approaching

The two one-sided limits are the same and so we know,

(c)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach

from the left the graph is approaching a
value of 1 and as we approach from the right the graph is approaching a value of -3. Therefore
we get,

Now, because the two one-sided limits are different we know that,

(d)

Hide Solution

From the graph we can see that,

because the closed dot is at the value of

We can also see that as we approach
the same value, 4, and so we get,

.
from both sides the graph is approaching

The two one-sided limits are the same and so we know,

3. Sketch a graph of a function that satisfies each of the following

conditions.

Hide Solution

There are literally an infinite number of possible graphs that we could give here for an answer.
However, all of them must have a closed dot on the graph at the point
, the
graph must be approaching a value of 1 as it approaches
from the left (as
indicated by the left-hand limit) and it must be approaching a value of -4 as it approaches
from the right (as indicated by the right-hand limit).
Here is a sketch of one possible graph that meets these conditions.

4. Sketch a graph of a function that satisfies each of the following

conditions.

Hide Solution

There are literally an infinite number of possible graphs that we could give here for an answer.
However, all of them must the following two sets of criteria.
First, at
there cannot be a closed dot on the graph (as indicated by the fact that
the function does not exist here), the graph must be approaching a value of 0 as it
approaches
from the left (as indicated by the left-hand limit) and it must be
approaching a value of 4 as it approaches
from the right (as indicated by the
right-hand limit).
Next, the graph must have a closed dot at the point
approaching a value of -3 as it approaches
the fact that value of the overall limit is -3 at this point).

and the graph must be

from both sides (as indicated by

Here is a sketch of one possible graph that meets these conditions.

Limit Properties

1. Given

and
use the limit properties given in this
section to compute each of the following limits. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits
clearly explain why not.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
[Solution]

2. Given

and
use the limit properties
given in this section to compute each of the following limits. If it is not possible to compute any
of the limits clearly explain why not.

(a)

(b

(c)

(d)

[Solution]

3. Given

and
use the limit properties given
in this section to compute each of the following limits. If it is not possible to compute any of the
limits clearly explain why not.

(a)

(b

)
(c)

(d)
[Solution]

For each of the following limits use the limit properties given in
this section to compute the limit. At each step clearly indicate the
property being used. If it is not possible to compute any of the
limits clearly explain why not.

4.

[Solution]

5.

[Solution]

6.

[Solution]

7.

[Solution]

1. Given

and
use the limit properties
given in this section to compute each of the following limits. If it
is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly explain why
not.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(b)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(c)

Hide

Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(d)

Hi

de Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

2. Given

and
use the limit
properties given in this section to compute each of the following
limits. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly
explain why not.

(a)
(b)

(c)
(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

Note that were able to use Property 4 in the second step only because after we evaluated the limit
of the denominators (both of them) we found that the limits of the denominators were not zero.

(b)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

Note that the properties 2 & 3 in this section were only given with two functions but they can
easily be extended out to more than two functions as we did here for property 3.

(c)
Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

Note that were able to use Property 4 in the second step only because after we evaluated the limit
of the denominators (both of them) we found that the limits of the denominators were not zero.

(d)
Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

At this point lets step back a minute. In the previous parts we didnt worry about using property
4 on a rational expression. However, in this case lets be a little more careful. We can only use
property 4 if the limit of the denominator is not zero. Lets check that limit and see what we get.

Okay, we can see that the limit of the denominator in the second term will be zero and so we can
not actually use property 4 on that term. This means that this limit cannot be done and note that
the fact that we could determine a value for the limit of the first term will not change this fact.
This limit cannot be done.

3. Given

and
use the limit
properties given in this section to compute each of the following

limits. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly

explain why not.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(b)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(c)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

(d)

Hide Solution

Here is the work for this limit. At each step the property (or properties) used are listed and note
that in some cases the properties may have been used more than once in the indicated step.

Note that were able to use Property 4 in the second step only because after we evaluated the limit
of the denominators (both of them) we found that the limits of the denominators were not zero.

4. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being
used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly
explain why not.

Hide Solution

5. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being

used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly

explain why not.

Hide Solution

6. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being
used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly
explain why not.

Hide Solution

Note that we were able to use property 4 in the first step because after evaluating the limit in the
denominator we found that it wasnt zero.

7. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being
used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly
explain why not.

Hide Solution

Okay, at this point lets step back a minute. We used property 4 here and we know that we can
only do that if the limit of the denominator is not zero. So, lets check that out and see what we
get.

So, the limit of the denominator is zero and so we couldnt use property 4 in this case.
Therefore, we cannot do this limit at this point (note that it will be possible to do this limit after
the next section).

8. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being
used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly
explain why not.
Hide Solution

9. Use the limit properties given in this section to compute the

following limit. At each step clearly indicate the property being

used. If it is not possible to compute any of the limits clearly

explain why not.

Hide Solution

Computing Limits

For problems 1
1.

[Solution]
2.

[Solution]
3.

[Solution]
4.

[Solution]

5.

[Solution]

6.

[Solution]
7.

[Solution]

9 evaluate the limit, if it exists.

8.

[Solution]
9.

[Solution]
10. Given the function

Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.

(a)

(b)

[Solution]
11. Given

Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.

(a)

(b)

[Solution]

For problems 12 & 13 evaluate the limit, if it exists.

12.

[Solution]

13.

[Solution]
14. Given that

for

all x determine the value of

[Solution]
15. Use the Squeeze Theorem to determine the value of
.

[Solution]

1. Evaluate
exists.

, if it

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. We know that the first thing that we should try to do is simply plug
in the value and see if we can compute the limit.

2. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. We know that the first thing that we should try to do is simply plug
in the value and see if we can compute the limit.

3. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. All we need to do here is some simplification and then well reach a
point where we can plug in the value.

4. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. All we need to do here is some simplification and then well reach a
point where we can plug in the value.

5. Evaluate
exists.

, if it

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. All we need to do here is some simplification and then well reach a
point where we can plug in the value.

6. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. All we need to do here is some simplification and then well reach a
point where we can plug in the value.

7. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. If youre really good at factoring you can factor this and simplify.
Another method that can be used however is to rationalize the numerator, so lets do that for this
problem.

8. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. Simply factoring will not do us much good here so in this case it looks
like well need to rationalize the numerator.

9. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

There is not really a lot to this problem. Simply recall the basic ideas for computing limits that
we looked at in this section. In this case we see that if we plug in the value we get 0/0. Recall
that this DOES NOT mean that the limit doesnt exist. Well need to do some more work before
we make that conclusion. Simply factoring will not do us much good here so in this case it looks
like well need to rationalize the denominator.

10. Given the function

Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.

(a)

(b

)
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

For this part we know that

and so there will be values of x on both sides of
-6 in the range
and so we can assume that, in the limit, we will have
. This will allow us to use the piece of the function in that range and then just use standard
limit techniques to compute the limit.

(b)

Hide Solution

This part is going to be different from the previous part. We are looking at the limit at
and that is the cut off point in the piecewise functions. Recall from the discussion
in the section, that this means that we are going to have to look at the two one sided limits.

So, in this case, we can see that,

and so we know that the overall limit must exist and,

11. Given the function

Evaluate the following limits, if they exist.

(a)

(b

)
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

For this part we know that

and so there will be values of z on both sides
of 7 in the range
and so we can assume that, in the limit, we will
have
. This will allow us to use the piece of the function in that range and
then just use standard limit techniques to compute the limit.

(b)

Hide Solution

This part is going to be different from the previous part. We are looking at the limit at
and that is the cut off point in the piecewise functions. Recall from the
discussion in the section, that this means that we are going to have to look at the two one sided
limits.

So, in this case, we can see that,

12. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

Recall the definition of the absolute value function.

So, because the function inside the absolute value is zero at

we can see that,

This means that we are being asked to compute the limit at the cut off point in a piecewise
function and so, as we saw in this section, well need to look at two one-sided limits in order to
determine if this limit exists (and its value if it does exist).

So, for this problem, we can see that,

and so the overall limit must exist and,

13. Evaluate

, if it exists.

Hide Solution

Recall the definition of the absolute value function.

So, because the function inside the absolute value is zero at

we can see that,

This means that we are being asked to compute the limit at the cut off point in a piecewise
function and so, as we saw in this section, well need to look at two one-sided limits in order to
determine if this limit exists (and its value if it does exist).

So, for this problem, we can see that,

14. Given that

all x determine the value of

for
.

Hide Solution

This problem is set up to use the Squeeze Theorem. First, we already know that
is always between two other functions. Now all that we need to do is verify that the two
outer functions have the same limit at
and if they do we can use the Squeeze
Theorem to get the answer.

So, we have,

and so by the Squeeze Theorem we must also have,

14. Given that

all x determine the value of

for
.

Hide Solution

This problem is set up to use the Squeeze Theorem. First, we already know that
is always between two other functions. Now all that we need to do is verify that the two
outer functions have the same limit at
and if they do we can use the Squeeze
Theorem to get the answer.

So, we have,

and so by the Squeeze Theorem we must also have,

Infinite Limits

For problems 1

6 evaluate the indicated limits, if they exist.

1. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]

2. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]

3. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]

4. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]
5. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]
6. For

evaluate,

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Solution]

For problems 7 & 8 find all the vertical asymptotes of the given
function.

7.

8.

[Solution]

[Solution]

1. For
limits, if they exist.

evaluate the indicated

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, it will just be 9.
The denominator takes a little more work. Clearly, in the limit, we have,
but we can actually go a little farther. Because we know that

we also know that,

More compactly, we can say that in the limit we will have,

Raising this to the fifth power will not change this behavior and so, in the limit, the denominator
will be,

We can now do the limit of the function. In the limit, the numerator is a fixed positive constant
and the denominator is an increasingly small negative number. In the limit, the quotient must
then be an increasing large negative number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

(b)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

we know

As in the first part the numerator, in the limit, it will just be 9.

The denominator will also work similarly to the first part. In the limit, we have,
and because we know that

we also know that,

More compactly, we can say that in the limit we will have,

Raising this to the fifth power will not change this behavior and so, in the limit, the denominator
will be,

We can now do the limit of the function. In the limit, the numerator is a fixed positive constant
and the denominator is an increasingly small positive number. In the limit, the quotient must
then be an increasing large positive number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

already knew from the first part.

(c)

Hide Solution

In this case we can see from the first two parts that,

, which we

and so, from our basic limit properties we can see that
exist.

does not

For the sake of completeness and to verify the answers for this problem here is a quick sketch of
the function.

2. For
they exist.

evaluate the indicated limits, if

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

.

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get -12.
The denominator takes a little more work. Clearly, in the limit, we have,

but we can actually go a little farther. Because we know that

that,

we also know

More compactly, we can say that in the limit we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a negative number and the denominator is an
increasingly small negative number. The quotient must then be an increasing large positive
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

(b)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

.

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get -12.
The denominator will also work similarly to the first part. In the limit, we have,
but we can actually go a little farther. Because we know that
that,

we also know

More compactly, we can say that in the limit we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a negative number and the denominator is an
increasingly small positive number. The quotient must then be an increasing large negative
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

already knew from the first part.

(c)

, which we

Hide Solution

In this case we can see from the first two parts that,

and so, from our basic limit properties we can see that
exist.

does not

For the sake of completeness and to verify the answers for this problem here is a quick sketch of
the function.

3. For
limits, if they exist.

evaluate the indicated

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

.

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get 2.
Now lets take care of the denominator. In the limit, we will have,
and upon squaring the

we see that, in the limit, we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a positive number and the denominator is an
increasingly small positive number. The quotient must then be an increasing large positive
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

(b)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

.

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get 2.
Now lets take care of the denominator. In the limit, we will have,
and upon squaring the

we see that, in the limit, we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a positive number and the denominator is an
increasingly small positive number. The quotient must then be an increasing large positive
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

already knew from the first part.

(c)

, which we

Hide Solution

In this case we can see from the first two parts that,

and so, from our basic limit properties we can see that,

For the sake of completeness and to verify the answers for this problem here is a quick sketch of
the function.

4. For
limits, if they exist.

evaluate the indicated

(a)

(b)
(c)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

we know

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get 9.
Now lets take care of the denominator. First, we know that if we square a number less than 2
(and greater than -2, which it is safe to assume we have here because were doing the limit) we
will get a number that is less that 4 and so, in the limit, we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a positive number and the denominator is an
increasingly small negative number. The quotient must then be an increasing large negative
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

(b)

Hide Solution

Lets start off by acknowledging that for

For the numerator we can see that, in the limit, we will get 9.

we know

Now lets take care of the denominator. First, we know that if we square a number greater than 2
we will get a number that is greater than 4 and so, in the limit, we will have,

So, in the limit, the numerator is approaching a positive number and the denominator is an
increasingly small positive number. The quotient must then be an increasing large positive
number or,

Note that this also means that there is a vertical asymptote at

knew from the first part.

(c)

, which we already

Hide Solution

In this case we can see from the first two parts that,

and so, from our basic limit properties we can see that
exist.

does not

For the sake of completeness and to verify the answers for this problem here is a quick sketch of
the function.

As were sure that you had already noticed there would be another vertical asymptote
at
for this function. For the practice you might want to make sure that you
can also do the limits for that point.

5. For
limits, if they exist.

evaluate the indicated

(a)

(b)
(c)

Hint : Do not get excited about the

inside the logarithm.
Just recall what you know about natural logarithms, where they
exist and dont exist and the limits of the natural logarithm at
.
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Okay, lets start off by acknowledging that for

and so
or,

we know

What this means for us is that this limit does make sense! We know that we cant have negative
arguments in a logarithm, but because of the negative sign in this particular logarithm that means
that we can use negative xs in this function (positive xs on the other hand will now cause
problems of course).
By Example 6 in the notes for this section we know that as the argument of a logarithm
approaches zero from the right (as ours does in this limit) then the logarithm will approach
.
Therefore, the answer for this part is,

(b)

Hide Solution

In this part we know that for

we have
and so
. At this point we can stop. We know that we cant have negative arguments in a
logarithm and for this limit that is exactly what well get and so
does not exist.

(c)

Hide Solution

The answer for this part is

reasoning to justify this.

does not exist. We can use two lines of

First, we are unable to look at both sides of the point in question and so there is no possible way
for the limit to exist.
The second line of reasoning is really the same as the first, but put in different terms. From the
first two parts that,

and so, from our basic limit properties we can see that
exist.

does not

For the sake of completeness and to verify the answers for this problem here is a quick sketch of
the function.

Limits At Infinity, Part I

1. For
of the following limits.

evaluate each

(a)

(b)

[Solution]

2. For
following limits.

evaluate each of the

(a)

(b)

[Solution]

For problems 3
(a) Evaluate

10 answer each of the following questions.

.

(b) Evaluate
.
(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for the function.

3.

[Solution]

4.

[Solution]

5.

[Solution]

6.

[Solution]

7.

[Solution]

8.

[Solution]

9.

[Solution]

10.

[Solution]
Solution Pane Options

1. For
of the following limits.
(a)

evaluate each
(b)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)
Hide Solution
To do this all we need to do is factor out the largest power of x from the whole polynomial and
then use basic limit properties along with Fact 1 from this section to evaluate the limit.

(b)
Hide Solution
For this part all of the mathematical manipulations we did in the first part did not depend upon
the limit itself and so dont need to be redone here. We can pick up the problem right before we
actually took the limits and then proceed.

2. For
each of the following limits.

evaluate

(a)

(b)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

To do this all we need to do is factor out the largest power of x from the whole polynomial and
then use basic limit properties along with Fact 1 from this section to evaluate the limit.
Note as well that well convert the root over to a fractional exponent in order to allow it to be
easier to deal with. Also note that this limit is a perfectly acceptable limit because the root is a
cube root and we can take cube roots of negative numbers! We would only have run into
problems had the index on the root been an even number.

(b)

Hide Solution

For this part all of the mathematical manipulations we did in the first part did not depend upon
the limit itself and so dont need to be redone here. We can pick up the problem right before we
actually took the limits and then proceed.

3. For
following questions.
(a) Evaluate

answer each of the

.

(b) Evaluate
.
(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for
the function.
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate

Hide Solution

To do this all we need to do is factor out the largest power of x that is in the denominator from
both the denominator and the numerator. Then all we need to do is use basic limit properties
along with Fact 1 from this section to evaluate the limit.

(b) Evaluate

. Hide Solution

For this part all of the mathematical manipulations we did in the first part did not depend upon
the limit itself and so dont really need to be redone here. However, it is easy enough to add
them in so well go ahead and include them.

(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for

the function. Hide Solution
We know that there will be a horizontal asymptote for
if

exists and is a finite number. Likewise well have a

horizontal asymptote for

a finite number.

if

exists and is

Therefore, from the first two parts, we can see that we will get the horizontal asymptote,

for both

and

4. For
each of the following questions.
(a) Evaluate

answer
.

(b) Evaluate
.
(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for
the function.
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate

Hide Solution

To do this all we need to do is factor out the largest power of x that is in the denominator from
both the denominator and the numerator. Then all we need to do is use basic limit properties
along with Fact 1 from this section to evaluate the limit.

(b) Evaluate

. Hide Solution

For this part all of the mathematical manipulations we did in the first part did not depend upon
the limit itself and so dont really need to be redone here. However, it is easy enough to add
them in so well go ahead and include them.

(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for

the function.Hide Solution
We know that there will be a horizontal asymptote for
if
horizontal asymptote for
a finite number.

exists and is a finite number. Likewise well have a

if

exists and is

Therefore, from the first two parts, we can see that this function will have no horizontal
asymptotes since neither of the two limits are finite.

5. For
answer each of the following questions.
(a) Evaluate

(b) Evaluate
.
(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for
the function.
[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a) Evaluate

Hide Solution

To do this all we need to do is factor out the largest power of x that is in the denominator from
both the denominator and the numerator. Then all we need to do is use basic limit properties
along with Fact 1 from this section to evaluate the limit.

(b) Evaluate

. Hide Solution

For this part all of the mathematical manipulations we did in the first part did not depend upon
the limit itself and so dont really need to be redone here. However, it is easy enough to add
them in so well go ahead and include them.

(c) Write down the equation(s) of any horizontal asymptotes for

the function.Hide Solution
We know that there will be a horizontal asymptote for
if

exists and is a finite number. Likewise well have a

horizontal asymptote for

a finite number.

if

exists and is

Therefore, from the first two parts, we can see that we will get the horizontal asymptote,
for both

and

Limits At Infinity, Part II

For problems 1
and (b)
1.

6 evaluate (a)
.
[Solution]

2.

[Solution]

3.

[Solu

tion]

4.

[Solutio

n]

5.

[Solution]

6.
[Solution]

For problems 7
7.

8.

9.

10.

12 evaluate the given limit.

[Solution]

[Solution]

[Solution]

[Solution]

11.

[Solution]

12.

[Solution]

1. For
following limits.

evaluate each of the

(a)

(b)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

First notice that,

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 1 from this section, we know that because the exponent goes to infinity
in the limit the answer is,

(b)
First notice that,

Hide Solution

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 1 from this section, we know that because the exponent goes to
negative infinity in the limit the answer is,

2. For

evaluate each of the following limits.

(a)

(b)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)
First notice that,

Hide Solution

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 1 from this section, we know that because the exponent goes to
negative infinity in the limit the answer is,

(b)
First notice that,

Hide Solution

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 1 from this section, we know that because the exponent goes to infinity
in the limit the answer is,

3. For
evaluate each of the following limits.
(a)

(b)

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

For this limit the exponentials with positive exponents will simply go to zero and there is only
one exponential with a negative exponent (which will go to infinity) and so there isnt much to
do with this limit.

(b)

Hide Solution

Here we have two exponents with positive exponents and so both will go to infinity in the limit.
However each term has opposite signs and so each term seems to be suggesting different answers
for the limit.
In order to determine which wins out so to speak all we need to do is factor out the term with
the largest exponent and then use basic limit properties.

7. Evaluate

Hide Solution

First notice that,

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 5 from this section, we know that because the argument goes to infinity
in the limit the answer is,

8. Evaluate

Hide Solution

First notice that,

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.
Now, recalling Example 5 from this section, we know that because the argument goes to infinity
in the limit the answer is,

9. Evaluate

Hide Solution

First notice that,

If you arent sure about this limit you should go back to the previous section and work some of
the examples there to make sure that you can do these kinds of limits.

Also, note that because we are evaluating the limit

that
and so we can further say that,

it is safe to assume

Now, recalling Example 5 from this section, we know that because the argument goes to zero
from the right in the limit the answer is,

Continuity
1. The graph of
function is discontinuous.

is given below. Based on this graph determine where the

[Solution]
2. The graph of
function is discontinuous.

is given below. Based on this graph determine where the

[Solution]

For problems 3 7 using only Properties 1 9 from the Limit

Properties section, one-sided limit properties (if needed) and the
definition of continuity determine if the given function is
continuous or discontinuous at the indicated points.

3.
(a)

, (b)

, (c)

? [Solution]

4.
(a)

, (b)

, (c)

5.
(a)

, (b)

? [Solution]

6.
(a)

, (b)

? [Solution]

? [Solution]

7.
(a)
For problems 8

, (b)

? [Solution]

12 determine where the given function is discontinuous.

8.

9.

[Solution]

[Solution]

10.

11.

12.

[Solution]

[Solution]

[Solution]

For problems 13 15 use the Intermediate Value Theorem to

show that the given equation has at least one solution in the
indicated interval. Note that you are NOT asked to find the
solution only show that at least one must exist in the indicated
interval.
13.

on

[Solution]

14.

on

[Solution]

15.

on

[Solution]

1. The graph of
is given below. Based on this graph
determine where the function is discontinuous.

Hide Solution

Before starting the solution recall that in order for a function to be continuous at
both

and

must exist and we must have,

Using this idea it should be fairly clear where the function is not continuous.
First notice that at

we have,

and therefore we also know that

conclude that
does not exist.
Likewise, at

doesnt exist. We can therefore

is discontinuous at

because the limit

we have,

and therefore we also know that

the limit does not exist, we can see that
Finally lets take a look at

doesnt exist. So again, because

is discontinuous at
. Here we can see that,

and therefore we also know that

also see that
is discontinuous at
.

. However, we can

doesnt exist and so once again

because this time the function does not exist at

All other points on this graph will have both the function and limit exist and well
have
In summary then the points of discontinuity for this graph are :
and
.

and so will be continuous.

,

2. The graph of
is given below. Based on this graph
determine where the function is discontinuous.

Hide Solution

Before starting the solution recall that in order for a function to be continuous at
both

and

must exist and we must have,

Using this idea it should be fairly clear where the function is not continuous.
First notice that at

we have,

and therefore we also know that

also see that

. We can
and so we have,

Because the function and limit have different values we can conclude that
is discontinuous at
.
Next lets take a look at

we have,

and therefore we also know that

doesnt exist. We can

therefore conclude that

limit does not exist.

is discontinuous at

Finally lets take a look at

. Here we can see we have,

and therefore we also know that

because the

doesnt exist. So, once again,

because the limit does not exist, we can conclude that

is discontinuous at
.
All other points on this graph will have both the function and limit exist and well
have
In summary then the points of discontinuity for this graph are :
and
.

and so will be continuous.

,

3. Using only Properties 1- 9 from the Limit Properties section,

one-sided limit properties (if needed) and the definition of
continuity determine if the following function is continuous or
discontinuous at (a)
, (b)
, (c)
?

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Before starting off with the solution to this part notice that we CAN NOT do what weve
commonly done to evaluate limits to this point. In other words, we cant just plug in the point to
evaluate the limit. Doing this implicitly assumes that the function is continuous at the point and
that is what we are being asked to determine here.
Therefore the only way for us to compute the limit is to go back to the properties from the Limit
Properties section and compute the limit as we did back in that section. We wont be putting all
the details here so if you need a little refresher on doing this you should go back to the problems
from that section and work a few of them.
So, here we go.

So, we can see that

function is continuous at

(b)

and so the
.

Hide Solution

For justification on why we cant just plug in the number here check out the comment at the
beginning of the solution to (a).
Here is the work for this part.

So, we can see that

function is continuous at

(c)

and so the
.

Hide Solution

For justification on why we cant just plug in the number here check out the comment at the
beginning of the solution to (a). Although there is also of course the problem here that
doesnt exist and so we couldnt plug in the value even if we wanted to.
This also tells us what we need to know however. As noted in the notes for this section if either
the function or the limit do not exist then the function is not continuous at the point. Therefore
we can see that the function is not continuous at
.
For practice you might want to verify that,

and so

also doesnt exist.

4. Using only Properties 1- 9 from the Limit Properties section,

one-sided limit properties (if needed) and the definition of
continuity determine if the following function is continuous or
discontinuous at (a)
, (b)
, (c)
?

[Show All Solutions] [Hide All Solutions]

(a)

Hide Solution

Before starting off with the solution to this part notice that we CAN NOT do what weve
commonly done to evaluate limits to this point. In other words, we cant just plug in the point to
evaluate the limit. Doing this implicitly assumes that the function is continuous at the point and
that is what we are being asked to determine here.
Of course even if we had tried to plug in the point we would have run into problems as
doesnt exist and this tell us all we need to know. As noted in the notes for this
section if either the function or the limit do not exist then the function is not continuous at the
point. Therefore we can see that the function is not continuous at
.
For practice you might want to verify that,

and so

(b)

also doesnt exist.

Hide Solution

For justification on why we cant just plug in the number here check out the comment at the
beginning of the solution to (a).
Therefore, because we cant just plug the point into the function, the only way for us to compute
the limit is to go back to the properties from the Limit Properties section and compute the limit
as we did back in that section. We wont be putting all the details here so if you need a little
refresher on doing this you should go back to the problems from that section and work a few of
them.
Here is the work for this part.

So, we can see that

function is continuous at

(c)

and so the
.

Hide Solution

For justification on why we cant just plug in the number here check out the comment at the
beginning of the solution to (a). Although there is also of course the problem here that
doesnt exist and so we couldnt plug in the value even if we wanted to.
This also tells us what we need to know however. As noted in the notes for this section if either
the function of the limit do not exist then the function is not continuous at the point. Therefore
we can see that the function is not continuous at
.
For practice you might want to verify that,

and so

also doesnt exist.