Mikes House of Math

Calculus: It Pushes Me to My Limit

Road Map #1: Introduction to Limits

Calculus is the study of functions and how they change. Calculus I (Calculus AB) is
divided into three parts, two of which well introduce during this preview
course. The first is called the _______________, abbreviated __________.
A. Limit Notation__________
lim
x 2

f ( x)

_______________ limit:
Read: The limit as x approaches 2 from the left of f(x).
lim
x 2

f( x)

_______________ limit:
Read: The limit as x approaches 2 from the right of f(x).
lim
x2

f( x)

total limit:
Read: The limit as x approaches 2 of f(x).
Note: Here, x is approaching 2, though x could approach any number, even infinity.
Problem 1: Write in limit notation: The limit as x approaches 4 of x2 is equal to 16.

Today, well look at several graphs to help us explore this concept. In each example,
well assume the function graphed is f(x).
A. The Nice, Neat Function __________

1. f(3)
lim
x 3

f( x)

2.
lim
x 3

f( x)

3.
lim
x3

f( x)

4.
Ask yourself, What happens as we
get closer and closer to x = 3?
Note that in order for the total limit to exist, the ______________ limit must equal
the
______________ limit. Lets look at another (a piecewise function).
B. The Jump__________

1. f(2)
lim
x 2

f( x)

2.
lim
x 2

f( x)

3.
lim
x2

f( x)

4.

Isnt this exciting? You dont have to memorize these but rather know their
principles. Though calculus is algebra-driven, we also need to understand the
concepts.
C. The Gap__________

1. f(2)
lim
x 2

f( x)

2.
lim
x 2

f( x)

3.
lim
x2

f( x)

4.

The above example illustrates an important point: A function does not necessarily
have to be _______________ at a point in order for the limit to exist at that
point.
This next one looks almost identical to the previous one except THE FLOATING
POINT.
D. The Floating Point__________
1. f(2)
lim
x 2

f( x)

2.
lim
x 2

f( x)

3.
lim
x2

f( x)

4.

Another thing to noticeeven if the function is defined at a point, it does not

necessarily ________________________________________.
PIT STOP

A limit is the value of a function as it approaches a certain point.

There are three types of limits: left-hand, right-hand, and total.

In order for the total limit to exist, the left-hand and right-hand limits
must be equal.

A function does not necessarily have to exist at a point for the limit to
exist.

Even if the function does exist at a point, it may be different than the limit.

YAY
CALCULUS
E. Vertical Asymptotes Case I__________

1. f(2)
lim
x 2

f( x)

2.
lim
x 2

f( x)

3.
lim
x2

4.

f( x)

Please note that a limit going to

_______________ or _________________________ is different than the limit
_________________________.
F. Vertical Asymptotes Case II__________
1. f(2)
lim
x 2

f( x)

2.
lim
x 2

f( x)

3.
lim
x2

f( x)

4.

Problem 2: In order for the total limit to exist, what must be true about the lefthand and right-hand limits?

Name: ___________________________________

CALCULUS: POWER PRACTICE #1

For questions 1 20, use the graph of f(x) below to calculate what is provided.

lim

1. f(2)

x2

2.

x4

6.

x5

10.

x8

14.

x4

x5

x4

f( x)

lim

f( x)

x5

f( x)

12.

lim
x8

15.

f( x)

8.

lim

f( x)

lim

f( x)

11.

lim

13. f(8)

lim

f( x)

x2

4.

7.

lim

9. f(5)

x2

f( x)

lim

f( x)

3.

lim

5. f(4)

lim

f( x)

lim

f( x)

x8

16.

f( x)

lim

17. f(10)

x 10

18.

lim

f( x)

x 10

19.

lim

f( x)

x 10

20.

f( x)