BASIC CALCULUS

INTRODUCTION

Basic Calculus for Senior High School – STEM specialized subject is designed to give background in general
mathematical concepts taught in all programs in senior high school. Basic Calculus is a modified concept from higher
aspect of applications in basic mathematics and pre-calculus. It builds your foundation in knowledge about arithmetic,
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions and previous knowledge in pre-calculus. It provides you with conceptual
understanding, computational skills and logical concepts about limits, differentiation and integration for future STEM
courses.

The purpose of this learning module is to give an adequate stand – alone material to the students that can be
useful for future independence of solving problems and creating good solutions in mathematical problems. The
module provides comprehensive discussion for the basic concepts about limit of a function, differentiation and
integration.

The module is guided base on the Curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education that intended the
module to be adaptable to one semester course in Basic Calculus for Grade 11 Senior High School.

The learning module is divided into three main concepts: Limit of a Function, Differentiation and Integration.
Each concept composes of several lessons that bring together related learning competencies in each concept. Each
lesson is further divided into sub – lessons that focus on one or two competencies for effective learning.

At the end of each lesson, more examples are given to reinforce the ideas and skills being developed in the
lesson. You have the opportunity to check your understanding of the lesson by solving supplementary activities
intended for independent learning. You can use other references for better understanding of the lesson if you have
more clarification for the lesson. Each lesson has its own learning objectives for specific understanding of the lesson.

And now for informal greetings, welcome, you are now part of Basic Calculus subject, as an independent
learner, you must be eager to try out what you have learned as you immerse yourself in the task of independent
learning at home. Your primary task as a student is to be able to work independently and effectively at home using
this module as a guide for your own study of the subject. As a student, you must practice to complete and do the task
included in the module. You will develop the self-awareness as a student and gain confident that will enable you to
make decisions at your own capabilities.

We hope that you will find this Learning Module helpful and convenient to use. We encourage you to carefully
study this module and solve exercises and enrichment activities individually with the guide of your teacher. Although
great effort has been put into this module for technical correctness and precision, any mistake found and reported to
the author is gain for other students. Thank you for your cooperation.

BASIC CALCULUS
At the end of this subject, you are expected to:

1. Illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values. . .

2. Distinguish between lim 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

3. Illustrate and apply the limit laws in evaluating functions

4. Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions using table of values.
5. Solve special limits
6. Illustrate continuity of a function on an interval
7. Solve problems involving continuity of a function
8. Applies the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number
9. Relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line
10. Apply the differentiation rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic expressions
11. Illustrate the Extreme Value Theorem
12. Illustrate the Chain Rule
13. Illustrate Implicit Differentiation
14. Illustrate an anti-derivative of a function
15. Compute the general anti-derivative of polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric functions
16. Compute the anti-derivative of a function using substitution rule

BASIC CALCULUS
Name: _________________________________________________ Score: ________________

Multiple Choice

Directions: Read and analyze the given problem below. Write your answer on a yellow paper. Choose the letter that
corresponds to your answer.

1. Evaluate lim 3𝑥 2 − 7
𝑥→3

a. 15 b. 20 c. 9 d. 18

𝑥2 + 3𝑥−10
2. Determine the lim
𝑥→−1 𝑋2 − 4

a. 2 b. −3 c. 5 d. 4

3
3. What is the lim √2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6?
𝑥→2

a. −2 b. 8 c. −3 d. 4

4. If lim𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐), what is 𝑓(𝑐) refers to ?

𝑥→𝑐

a. limit b. value c. substitution d. constant

5. What is the lim 4𝑒 𝑥 ?

𝑥→2

a. 21.75 b. 29.56 c. 10.87 d. 80.34

6. Evaluate lim 2cos 𝑥

𝑥→0

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. −1
7. If f(x) = 3x – 4 and g(x) = 5𝑥 2 + 10, then find the lim [𝑓(𝑥 ) + 𝑔(𝑥 )].
𝑥→2

a. 36 b. 40 c. 24 d. 32

8. If f(x) = 3x + 5 and g(x) = 2x – 3, then find the lim [𝑓(𝑥 ) • 𝑔(𝑥 )].
𝑥→1

a. 7 b. −8 c. −9 d. 10
𝑥2+ 4𝑥−12
9. What is the real value of the lim 𝑥−2
?
𝑥→2

a. 8 b. −4 c. 0 d. 6
10. What is lim 2 (log 𝑥)?
𝑥→0.001

a. −3 b.−6 c. 8 d. 12

BASIC CALCULUS
INTRODUCTION

POST TEST (MODULE 2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODULE 3. SOME SPECIAL LIMITS

Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

Description of the Module-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

Objectives of the Lessons------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

General Instructions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

Pre-Test -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

Activity 3.1----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Discussion

Lesson 5: Some Special Limits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 – 7

Self-Check 3.1---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 – 8

𝟎
Lesson 6: Indeterminate Form “ “ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 – 9
𝟎

Self-Check 3.2------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9

Activity 3.2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Points to Remember--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

References---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

BASIC CALCULUS
 Some Special Limits

sin 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1
We will determine the limits of three special functions; namely, 𝑓 (𝑡) = , 𝑔 (𝑡 ) = and ℎ(𝑡) = .
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

These functions will be vital to the computation of the derivatives of the sine, cosine, and natural exponential
functions in future discussions.

The module involves lessons that will guide you to study the subject precisely and help you cope up with your
studies and do particular task conveniently.

Lesson 1 focuses on illustrating limits involving some special cases

Lesson 2 focuses on evaluating some limits of indeterminate form

At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

1. Illustrate the limits of some special functions

2. Evaluate the limits of some indeterminate forms

BASIC CALCULUS 1
 GENERALINSTRUCTION
GENERAL INSTRUCTION

At the start of the module, you are to take the pre-test to see how much background information and
knowledge you have about the topics to be discussed.

This module is self – instructional. You can read, analyze concepts and ideas presented, and reflect on them.
The activities and Self – Check Questions will help you assess how you progress as you go through the module.

Your answers on the Self – Check Questions and Activities will be evaluated by your teacher. These will be
part of your formative evaluation.

The post test will be given in a separate booklet upon completion of this module. It will serve as the
summative evaluation of your performance.

Remember, you are to work on this module independently. Your teacher shall not be around to supervise you as you
go through this module. It is expected that you will make the most of it.

This module is intended for 1 week. Therefore, this shall be passed on __________________________________. You can
pass your output online through [email protected], but your teacher will collect your output if you can’t
access online.

BASIC CALCULUS 2
Name: _________________________________________________ Score: ________________

Multiple Choice

Directions: Read and analyze the given problem below. Choose the letter that corresponds to your answer. Write your
answer on your yellow paper.

1−cos 𝑡
1. Evaluate lim
𝑡→0 sin 𝑡

a. 1 b. 0 c. −1 d. 2

𝑥2 − 2𝑥−8
2. Determine the lim
𝑥→−2 𝑋2 − 4

1 3
a. 2 b. 3 c. 2 d. 2

𝑥−3
3. What is the lim 𝑥 2−9?
𝑥→3

1 1
a. 6 b. 3 c. 6 d. 2

4. If the value of the numerator is zero and equal to denominator, then the function is __.

a. undefined b. indeterminate c. rational d. simplified

5. Which of the following is an indeterminate?

cos 𝑡 cos 𝑡−1 tan 𝑡 𝑒 𝑡 −1

a. lim b. lim c. lim 1− sin 𝑡 d. lim
𝑡→0 sin 𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑒𝑡 𝑡→0 𝑡→0 1−cos 𝑡

𝑥 2 −1
6. Evaluate lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥2 + 2𝑥+1

a. 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 b. indeterminate c. 0 d. 1
𝑥 2 −16
7. Determine the lim
𝑥→4 √𝑥−2

a. 32 b. 12 c. – 6 d. 10

8. What is the conjugate of √𝑥 + 5

a. −(√𝑥 + 5) b. −√𝑥 + 5 c. √𝑥 – 5 d. −√𝑥 – 5
𝑥2 + 4𝑥−12
9. What is the lim 𝑥−2
?
𝑥→2

a. 4 b. 8 c. 0 d. 6
𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
10. What is lim ?
𝑥→2 √2𝑥−2

a. −2 b.−3 c. 4 d. 6

BASIC CALCULUS 3
Directions: Find the actual limits of the following functions in Column A. Identify the value of the limit in Column B and
then write the letter of the corresponding value in each box below to create a word. Write your answer in a yellow
paper for submission.

A B

1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−2
𝑥 2− 4 6 G
𝑥+2
1
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→0
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 J
𝑥 3
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→4 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5 1 A

4. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−5
𝑥+5
45 N
3𝑥 + 15

cos 𝑥
5. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→0
sin 𝑥−1
-8 T

6. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→9
𝑥 −9
-4 C
√𝑋 − 3

7. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−1 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4 -20 E
8. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→3 (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 5) -1 U

9. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−1 ( 3√𝑥 + 5)(2𝑥 − 3) 2 O

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

BASIC CALCULUS 4
 1
Some Special Limits
Three Special Functions

sin 𝑡
We start by evaluating the function 𝑓(𝑡) = .
𝑡

sin 𝑡
Ex. 1. Evaluate the 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 .
𝑡

Solution: Convert your calculator in rad form then we will construct using table of values.

t f(t) t f(t)
-0.5 0.958851 0.5 0.958851
-0.1 0.998334 0.1 0.998334
-0.01 0.999983 0.01 0.999983
-0.001 0.9999998 0.001 0.9999998
-0.0001 0.9999999998 0.0001 0.9999999998

sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡

Since 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0− (left) and 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0+ (right) are both equal to 1, we conclude that 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 =1
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

sin 𝑡
The graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = below confirms that the 𝑦 -values approach 1 as 𝑡 approaches 0.
𝑡

sin 𝑡
𝑦=
𝑡

BASIC CALCULUS 5
 1−cos 𝑡
Now, consider the function 𝑔(𝑡) =
𝑡

1−cos 𝑡
Ex. 2. Evaluate 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0
𝑡
1−cos 𝑡
Solution: We will construct the table of values for 𝑔(𝑡) = .
𝑡

t f(t) t f(t)
-0.5 -0.244883 0.5 0.244883
-0.1 -0.049958 0.1 0.049958
-0.01 -0.005000 0.01 0.005000
-0.001 -0.000500 0.001 0.000500
-0.0001 -0.000050 0.0001 0.000050

1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡 1−cos 𝑡

Since 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0− = 0 (left) and 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0+ = 0(right), we conclude that 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 =0
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

1−cos 𝑡
Below is the graph of (𝑡) = .
𝑡

1 − cos 𝑡
𝑦=
𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
We now consider the special function ℎ(𝑡) = .
𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
Ex.3. Evaluate lim .
𝑡→0 𝑡

Solution: Using table of values

t f(t) t f(t)
-0.5 0.786939 0.5 1.297443
-0.1 0.951626 0.1 1.051709
-0.01 0.995017 0.01 1.005017
-0.001 0.999500 0.001 1.000500
-0.0001 0.999950 0.0001 1.000050

BASIC CALCULUS 6
 𝑒 𝑡 −1 𝑒 𝑡 −1
Since 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0− = 1(left) and 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0+ = 1 (right), we conclude that
𝑡 𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 =1
𝑡

𝑒 𝑡 −1
The graph of ℎ(𝑡) = below confirms that 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 ℎ(𝑡) = 1.
𝑡

𝑒𝑡 − 1
𝑦=
𝑡

Directions: Evaluate the limits of the following functions using table of values. Write your answer on a 1 whole sheet
of yellow paper. Write and round off your answer up to 6 decimal places.

𝑡
1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0
sin 𝑡

t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡) t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡)

-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.02 0.02
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001

sin(2𝑡)
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0
2𝑡

t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡) t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡)

-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.02 0.02
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001

BASIC CALCULUS 7
 1−cos 𝑡
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑡

t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡) t 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑓(𝑡)

-0.5 0.5
-0.1 0.1
-0.02 0.02
-0.001 0.001
-0.0001 0.0001

2
𝟎
Indeterminate Form “ “
𝟎

There are functions whose limits cannot be determined immediately using the Limit Theorems we have so far. In
these cases, the functions must be manipulated so that the limit, if it exists, can be calculated. We call such limit
expressions indeterminate forms.

𝑓(𝑥) 0
If lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 0, then lim 𝑔(𝑥), is called an indeterminate form of type “ 0 “.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

0
A limit that is indeterminate of type “ 0
“ may exist. To find the actual value, one should find an expression

equivalent to the original. This is commonly done by factoring or by rationalizing. Hopefully, the expression that will
emerge after factoring or rationalizing will have a computable limit.

𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1
Ex. 1. Evaluate lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1

Solution: If you use direct substitution, the limit of both the numerator and the denominator as x approaches -1 is 0.

0
Thus, this limit as currently written is an indeterminate form of type “ “.However, if we simplify both numerator
0
and denominator, observe that (x + 1) is a factor common to the numerator and the denominator, and
𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1 (𝑥+1)(𝑥+1)
= =𝑥+1 Simplified form of the function
𝑥+1 𝑥+1

𝑥 2 +2𝑥+1
Therefore, lim = lim (𝑥 + 1) = 0
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1 𝑥→−1 The actual limit of the
simplified function

BASIC CALCULUS 8
 𝑥 2 −1
Ex. 2. Evaluate lim
𝑥→1 √𝑥−1

𝑥 2 −1
Solution: Since lim 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 and lim √𝑥 − 1 = 0, then lim using direct substitution is indeterminate form of
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
√
0
type “ 0 “. To find the actual limit, observe that if x≠ 1, then by rationalizing the denominator, we have

Rationalize the denominator by getting its

conjugate then multiply both numerator and
𝑥 2 −1 √𝑥+1 (𝑥−1)(𝑥+1)(√𝑥+1) denominator. Once you’ve got the simplified
. = = (𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1)
√𝑥−1 √𝑥+1 𝑥−1 form, apply substitution to show the real limit
𝑥 2 −1 of the function
Thus, lim = lim(𝑥 + 1)(√𝑥 + 1) = (2)(2) = 4
𝑥→1 √𝑥−1 𝑥→1

In evaluating the actual limit of a function in an indeterminate form, here some

tips to follow:

1. Simplify both numerator and denominator of the function by eliminating the

common terms or factors and get the remaining factor/s.
𝑥2 − 4 (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
Ex. lim 𝑥+2 = = 𝑥 − 2 = lim 𝑥 − 2 = -2 – 2 = - 4
𝑥→−2 𝑥+2 𝑥→−2

2. If you have encounter radical function in an indeterminate form, use

rationalization or conjugate form of the function. Just get the inverse operation
of which function has radical form like√𝑥 − 2, the conjugate is √𝑥 + 2. Multiply
both numerator and denominator with its conjugate.
𝑥 −4
Ex. lim
𝑥→4 √𝑥−2
𝑥−4 √𝑥+2 (𝑥−4)(√𝑥+2)
• = = √𝑥 + 2 = lim (√𝑥 + 2) = 2 + 2 = 4
√𝑥−2 √𝑥+2 (𝑥− 4) 𝑥→4

Directions: Find the actual limits of the following functions. Write your answer on a 1 whole sheet of yellow paper.

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 𝑥 2 −81
1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−1 3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→9
𝑥+1 3−√𝑥

𝑥 2 −2𝑥 2𝑥−2
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→2 4. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→1
𝑥 2 −4 √𝑥−1

BASIC CALCULUS 9
General Directions: Solve the following problems below. Write your answer on a 1 whole sheet of yellow paper.

A. Evaluate the limit of the following functions. Write and round off your answer up to 6 decimal places.
𝑡
1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0 𝑒𝑡 −1

x f(x) x f(x)
-0.5 0.5

-0.1 0.1

-0.02 0.02

-0.001 0.001

-0.0001 0.0001

sin 𝑡
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→0
𝑒 𝑡 −1

x f(x) x f(x)
-0.5 0.5

-0.1 0.1

-0.02 0.02

-0.001 0.001

-0.0001 0.0001

B. Evaluate the actual limit of the given functions. Use the appropriate methods to evaluate each limit.
Show your solution for each and write in a yellow paper.
𝑡 2 −1
1. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→1
𝑡 2 +4𝑡+3

𝑥 2 −4𝑥+4
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→2
𝑥2 − 4

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 −15
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→−3 𝑥2 +7𝑥+ 12

𝑥−9
4. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→9
√𝑥 −3

25 − 𝑥
5. 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑥→25 5 −
√𝑥

BASIC CALCULUS 10
 To better understand the lesson; here are some general ideas to be considered in the discussion of some special
limits and indeterminate form:

 To evaluate the limit of some special functions, use the table of values to find its actual limit.
 Before solving the limit of the function, convert your calculator into radian form.
 To evaluate the limit of a function in indeterminate form, simplify the numerator and denominator as
possible using either factoring or rationalizing the radical function. After simplifying, find now the
limit using direct substitution.

Balmaceda, Ph. D. et. Al. 2016. Teaching Guide for Senior High School BASIC CALCULUS Specialized Subject/
Academic - STEM. C.P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City.

BASIC CALCULUS 11