Chapter 1

Limits and Continuity

1.1 Definition of Limits and Limits Theorems (𝜺 − 𝜹 definition
optional)

THE FORMAL DEFINITION OF LIMIT OF A FUNCTION (  −  Definition of Limit)

Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval containing a,
except possibly at the number c itself and let L be a real number. The statement
lim f ( x ) = L
x →c means that for any  > 0, however small, there exists a  > 0 such that if
0 x −c  f ( x ) − L  lim f ( x ) = L
then . The limit notation x → c is likewise referred to as
the “two-sided or ordinary limit” of a function.
Stating the definition in words, it simply means that the function values f(x) approach
a limit L as x approaches a number c if the distance between f(x) and L can be made as
small as we desire by taking x sufficiently closer c but not equal to c.

Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically

Common types of Behavior Associated with 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.
Example 1. Sketch the graph of the function to find its limit.
1 , x2
a. f (x ) =  x
0 , x=2 c. xlim
→0 x

x−2
 x 2 + 3 , x 1 lim
b. f (x ) =  d.
x→2 x−2
2 , x =1
Example 2. Create a table of values for the function and use the result to estimate
the limit.
x
a. xlim
=2
→0 x +1 −1
Solution:

x −0.01 −0.001 −0.0001 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01

f(x) 1.995 1.9995 1.99995 ? 2.00005 2.0005 2.005

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2

x+6 − 6
b. xlim
= 0.204
→0 x
Solution:

x −0.01 −0.001 −0.0001 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01

f(x) 0.2041 0.2041 0.2042 ? 0.2041 0.2041 0.2040

𝑓(𝑥 ) = 0.204 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 0.204

Basic Limit Theorems
The following are the most useful basic theorems designed to facilitate
work with limits of a function:
Let b and c be real numbers, let n be a positive integer, and let f and g be
functions. Then,
1. lim b = b
x →c
2. lim x = c
x →c
3. lim x n = c n
x →c
4. If lim f ( x ) = L and lim g( x ) = K ,
x →c x →c
a) lim bf ( x ) = bL (LIMIT OF A SCALAR MULTIPLE)
x →c
b) lim  f ( x )  g( x ) = L  K (LIMIT OF A SUM OR DIFFERENCE)
x →c
c) lim  f ( x )  g( x ) = LK (LIMIT OF A PRODUCT)
x →c
d) lim f ( x ) = L , provided that K  0 (LIMIT OF A QUOTIENT)
x → c g( x ) K
e) lim  f ( x ) = Ln
n
(LIMIT OF A POWER)
x →c
5. If p is a polynomial function and c is a real number, then lim p( x ) = p(c ) .
x →c
6. If r is a rational function given by r ( x ) = p( x ) and c is a real number such
q( x )
that q(c )  0 , then lim r ( x ) = r (c ) = p(c ) .
x →c q(c )
7. lim n x = n c , where c > 0 if n is even.
x →c
 
8. If lim g( x ) = L and lim f ( x ) = f (L) , then lim f ( g ( x )) = f  lim g ( x ) = f ( L)
x →c x→L x→c  x→c 
.

9. If c be a real number in the domain of the given trigonometric function,

then:
a) lim cos x = cos c d) lim cot x = cot c
x →c x →c
b) lim sin x = sin c e) lim csc x = csc c
x →c x →c
c) lim tan x = tan c f) lim sec x = sec c
x →c x →c
10. Suppose f ( x ) = g( x ) for all x  c in an open interval containing c. If
lim g( x ) exists, then lim f ( x ) also exists and lim f ( x ) = lim g( x ) .
x →c x →c x →c x →c
 Example 3. Evaluate the following limits (if it exists) using the Limit Theorems.
a. lim (3x + 2)2 c. lim x+3
x →0 x →3
Solution: Solution:
lim (3 x + 2 ) = (3(0 ) + 2 ) x +3 = 3+3
2 2
lim
x →0 x→3

= (0 + 2 ) = 6
2

= (2 )
2

=4

x
x4 −1
b. lim d. lim
x →0 x +1 −1 x →1 x 6 −1
Solution: Solution:
x x4 −1
lim lim 6
x→0 x +1 −1 x→1 x − 1

 x  x +1 +1
 = lim 3
(
x2 −1 x2 + 1 )( )
= lim 
x→0


x + 1 − 1  x + 1 + 1  (
x→1 x − 1 x 3 + 1 )( )
( x +1 +1 ) ( x − 1)( x + 1)(x 2 + 1)
= lim
x→1 ( x − 1)(x 2 + x + 1)( x + 1)(x 2 − x + 1)
x
= lim
x→0
( )
x + 1 − (1)
2 2

+1 (x )
( )
2
= lim
= lim
x +1 +1
x x→1 (x + x + 1 x2 − x + 1
2
)( )
x +1−1
((1) )
x→0

( ) +1
2
x x +1 +1 =
= lim
x→0 x
( )(
(1)2 + (1) + 1 (1)2 − (1) + 1 )
2
= lim x + 1 + 1 =
x→0 (3)(1)
= 0 +1 +1 2
=
= 1 +1 3
=2
 Activity 1.1
Definitions of Limits and Limits Theorem (𝜺 − 𝜹 definition optional)

Name: Date:
Year & Section: Score:
Solve the following as indicated and show your complete solution.

I. Sketch the graph of the function to find its limit.

2 x + 3 , x 1
a. f (x ) = 
7 , x = 1
2
b. xlim
→5 x −5

II. Create a table of values for the function and use the result to estimate the limit.
2x2 + x − 3
a. lim
x →1 x −1

x
f(x)

x2 − 9
lim
b. x →3 x − 3

x
f(x)

III. Evaluate the following limits (if it exists) using the Limit Theorems.

y2 − 9
a. ylim
→ −3 2 y 2 + 7 y + 3
x2 − 4
c. xlim
→ −2 x + 2
4x2 + 4x − 3
lim x −1
b.
x→
1 2x −1 d. lim
2 x →1 x + 5 − 2
 1.2 Continuity and One-sided Limits
1.2.1 One-sided Limits
The notion of one-sided limits arises when one is interested to investigate the
behavior of a function, say f, as x approaches a number, say c, but only from one direction.
Furthermore, these types of limits are usually encountered when a given function f is not
defined in any open interval (a , b) containing the number c.
Illustration:
Consider a function f defined by f (x) = x + 1 .
Observe that if x  −1 , the function values are not real numbers (hence, f(x) is not
defined when x  −1 ). In this connection, the ordinary limit (also known as two-sided
limit) lim x + 1 does not make any sense at all. However, if we consider values of x
x → −1
that are greater than – 1, then we find that the limit of x + 1 as x approaches to – 1 from
the right can be considered.
The limit of the given function f (x) = x + 1 can also be examined by creating of
table of values for the function.

x approaches - 1 from the left x approaches -1 from the right

x -1.001 -1.0001 -1.00001 -1.000001 -0.999999 -0.99999 -0.9999 -0.999

f(x) imaginary imaginary imaginary imaginary 0.001 0.00316 0.01 0.0316

f(x) is imaginary f(x) approaches 0

We shall now define these one-sided limits formally:

DEFINITION 1: RIGHT HAND LIMIT

Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval (c , b) .
Then the limit of f(x) as x approaches c from the right is L, written
lim f ( x) = L
x →c +
if for every   0 , however small, there exists a   0 such that f ( x ) − L  
whenever 0  x − c   .
 DEFINITION 2: LEFT HAND LIMIT
Let f be a function defined at every number in some open interval (a , c ) .
Then the limit of f(x) as x approaches c from the left is L, written
lim f ( x) = L
x →c −
if for every   0 , however small, there exists a   0 such that f ( x ) − L  
whenever 0  c − x   .
Remark: The symbol x → c + means that x approaches c from values greater than
c. The symbol x → c − indicates that x approaches c from values less than c.

THEOREM (Existence of a Limit):

lim f ( x ) exists if and only if lim f ( x ) and lim f ( x ) both exist and
x→c x→c − x→c +
equal. Moreover,
lim f ( x) = lim + f ( x) = lim − f ( x) .
x →c x →c x →c

Example 1. Evaluate the following limits (if it exists).

6 − 2x x2 − 1
1. lim 2. lim
x→3− x 2 − 2 x − 3 x →1− x − 1
Solution: Solution:
6 − 2x x2 −1
lim− lim−
x →3 x − 2 x − 3
2
x →1 x −1
− 2( x − 3 )
= lim−  x 2 − 1  x −1 
x →3 ( x + 1)( x − 3) = lim−   
 x − 1 
x →1
 x − 1 
−2
= lim−
x →3 x + 1
= lim−
(x 2
−1 )( x −1 )
=
−2 x →1
( x −1 )2

3 +1
= lim−
(x − 1)(x + 1)( x −1 )
−2 x −1
= x →1
4
1
= lim− ( x + 1)
x →1
( x −1 )
=−
2 (
= (1 + 1) 1 − 1 )
=0
 x −3
3. lim+
x →9 x−9
Solution:
x −3
lim+
x →9 x−9
 x − 3  x + 3
= lim+  


x →9
 x − 9  x + 3 

= lim+
( x) 2
− (3)
2

x →9 (x − 9)( x +3 )
x−9
= lim+
x →9 (x − 9)( x +3 )
1
= lim+
x →9 x +3
1
=
9 +3
1
=
6

Example 2. Find the indicated limit if it exists.

 2 x 2 , − 1 x  1
1. f ( x ) = 
 3 − x , 1 x  2
Find:
a.) lim f ( x ) b.) lim f (x) c.) lim f ( x )
x →1+ x →1− x →1
Solution: Solution: Solution:
lim 3 − x lim 2 x 2
lim f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = 2
x →1+ x →1+ x →1− x →1

= 3 −1 = 2(1)
2

=2 =2
  x3 + x2 + 2x + 2
 x  −1
2. h( x ) =  x+1
,
− 4 , x = −1


Find:
a. lim h( x ) b. lim h( x )
x → −1 + x → −1 −
Solution: Solution:
x + x + 2x + 2
3 2
x3 + x 2 + 2x + 2
lim+ lim−
x →1 x +1 x →1 x +1

= lim+
(x + 2)(1 + 1)
2
= lim−
(x + 2)(1 + 1)
2

x →1 x +1 x →1 x +1
= lim+ (x + 2 )
2
= lim− (x + 2 )
2
x →1 x →1

= (1) + 2 = (1) + 2
2 2

=3 =3

c. lim h( x )
x → −1
Solution:
lim h( x ) = lim h( x ) = 3
x → −1− x → −1+
 2 x − a , x  −3
Example 3. Given G ( x ) = ax + 2b , − 3  x  3 . Find the values of a and b such that
b − 5 x , x3


lim G ( x ) and lim G ( x ) both exist.

x → −3 x→3
Solution:
x = −3 x=3
lim − G ( x ) = lim G ( x ) lim− G ( x ) = lim G ( x )
x → −3 x → −3+ x →3 x →3 +

2x − a = ax + 2b ax + 2b = b − 5x
2(− 3) − a = a (− 3) + 2b a (3) + 2b = b − 5(3)
−6−a = − 3a + 2b 3a + 2b = b − 15

lim G ( x ) = lim − G ( x ) lim G ( x ) = lim+ G ( x )

x → −3− x → −3 x →3 − x →3

− 6 − a = −3a + 2b 3a + 2b = b − 15
− 6 − a + 3a − 2b = 0 3a + 2b − b + 15 = 0
2a − 2b − 6 = 0 Eq. 1 3a + b + 15 = 0 Eq. 2
Multiply Eq. 2 by 2. Then add Eq. 2 and Eq.1
2(3a + b + 15 = 0 )  6a + 2b + 30 = 0
2a − 2b − 6 = 0  2a − 2b − 6 = 0
8a + 24 = 0
8a = −24
8a − 24
=
8 8
a = −3

Substitute a to Eq. 2
3a + b + 15 = 0
3(− 3) + b + 15 = 0
− 9 + b + 15 = 0
b+6=0
b = −6
 1.2.2 Continuity of a function
The previous section pointed out that if lim f ( x ) exists, then its value is not
x→ c

necessarily equal to f(c), the value of the function at x = a. On the other note, it is possible
for the value of f(c) to exist and not lim f ( x ) . Nevertheless, when both of them exist and
x→ c

are equal then we say that the function f is continuous at c. Continuous function is stated
formally in the following definition.
A. Continuity of a Point: A function f is said to be continuous at the number a if the
following three conditions are satisfied:
i. f(c) is defined
ii. lim f ( x ) exist
x→ c

iii. lim f ( x ) = f(c)

x→ c

B. Continuity of an Interval: A function f is said to be continuous on an open

interval (a , b) if it is continuous at each point in the interval. A function that is continuous
on the entire real number line (−  ,+) is continuous everywhere. If one of the three
conditions in Definition A fails to hold, then we say that the function f is said to have a
discontinuity at x = c. Geometrically, a function f has a discontinuity at the number c if
there is a break, a cut, a gap, a hole, or a jump in the graph of the y = f ( x) at the point
where x = c. The possible graphs of functions that have discontinuity at c are shown
below:

If function f is not continuous at c but lim f ( x ) exists, then either lim f ( x )  f ( c ) or f(c)
x→ c x→ c

is not defined. If this situation occurs then we say that the discontinuity is removable.
This type of discontinuity can actually be redefined so that lim f ( x ) = f(c) and hence,
x→ c

the resulting function f is turned into a continuous function at c. This is the reason for the
term “removable”. If the discontinuity at c is not removable, then it is called a(n)
nonremovable/essential discontinuity.
 DEFINITION OF CONTINUITY ON A CLOSED INTERVAL:
A function f is continuous on the closed interval a , b  if it is continuous on
the open interval (a , b) and lim f ( x ) = f (a ) and lim f ( x ) = f (b ) .
x→ a + x→ b−

The function f is continuous from the right at a and continuous from the left at b.

Example 1. Determine if the given function is continuous at the indicated number c. If

it is discontinuous at a, determine if the discontinuity is removable or essential. If it is
removable, redefine the function to make it into a continuous function.
 x −1
 , if x  1
i. f (x ) =  x − 1 c =1
0 , if x  1

Solution:
i.) f (c ) is defined
f (1) = 0

ii.) lim f (x ) exist

x →c

x −1
lim− f (x ) = lim− lim f (x ) = lim+ f (x )
x →1 x →1 x −1 x →1+ x →1

x −1
= lim− = lim+ 0
x →1 − ( x − 1) x →1

= lim− − 1 = lim+ 0
x →1 x →1

= −1 =0

lim f ( x )  lim+ f ( x ) lim f ( x )

Since x →1− x →1 . The x →1 does not exist.

Hence, the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) is discontinuous and it is essential.

 x , if x  1

ii. f ( x) =  2 , if x = 1 c =1
 2x − 1 , if x  1

Solution:
i.) f (c ) is defined
f (1) = 2

ii.) lim f (x ) exist

x →c

lim f (x ) = lim− x lim f (x ) = lim+ 2 x − 1

x →1− x →1 x →1+ x →1

=1 = 2(1) − 1
=1 =1
lim f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) lim f ( x )
Since, x →1− x →1 . The x →1 exist.

iii.) lim f (x ) = f (c )
x →c

lim f (x ) = f (1)
x →1

1 2
lim f ( x )  f (1)
Since, x →1

Hence, the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) is discontinuous and it is removable. If we redefined the 𝑓 (1) = 1 then
the lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (1) and the function became continuous.
𝑥→1
Example 2. Let g be a function defined by
 1+ x 3
 , if x  −1
 1+ x
 . For what value of k is the function g a continuous function
g ( x) =  3 , if x = −1
 2x + 5
 , if x  −1

 k
at c = −1 ?
Solution:
i.) f (c ) is defined
f (− 1) = 3

ii.) lim f (x ) exist

x →c

1 + x3 2x + 5
lim f (x ) = lim − lim + f (x ) = lim +
x → −1− x → −1 1 + x x → −1 x → −1 k

= lim −
( (
1 + x) 1 − x + x 2 ) =
2(− 1) + 5
x → −1 1+ x k
−2+5
x → −1
(
= lim − 1 − x + x 2 ) =
k
= 1 − (− 1) + (− 1)
3
=
2

k
=3
lim f (x ) = lim + f (x )
x → −1− x → −1

3
3=
k
 3
k3 =  k
 k
1
(3k = 3) 1
3 3
k =1
2𝑥+5
To check the continuity of your function, substitute the value of 𝑘 to lim + .
𝑥→−1 𝑘
2x + 5 2x + 5
lim + = lim + iii.) lim f (x ) = f (c )
x → −1 k x → −1 1 x →c

= lim + 2 x + 5 lim f (− 1) = f (− 1)
x → −1 x →c

= 2(− 1) + 5 3=3
=3
 Activity 1.2
Continuity and One-Sided Limit

Name: Date:
Year & Section: Score:
Solve the following as indicated and show your complete solution.

I. Evaluate the following limits (if it exists).

a.) lim 1
b.) lim 42 − x
x→8+ x +8 x→4− x − 16
II. Find the indicated limit if it exists.
x3 + 1 , x 1
f (x ) = 
x + 1 , x 1
Find:
a.) lim f (x) b.) lim f ( x ) c.) lim f ( x )
x →1+ x →1− x →1
 2 , x 1

III. Given f (x ) = ax + b , − 1  x  3 . Find the value of a and b such that lim f ( x ) and
x →1
 −2 , x3

lim f ( x ) exists.
x →3

IV. Determine if the given function is continuous at the indicated number c. If it is

discontinuous at a, determine if the discontinuity is removable or essential. If it is
removable, redefine the function to make it into a continuous function.
3 + x , x 1
a. f (x ) = 
3 − x , x 1
 x − 3 , x  3
f (x ) = 
2, x=3
b.
 1.3 Infinite Limits
Consider a function f defined by f ( x ) =
1
. Let us investigate the behavior of some
x−1
of the values of f as x moves closer to 1.

x approaches 1 from the left x approaches 1 from the right

X 0.8 0.9 0.99 0.999 1.001 1.01 1.1 1.2

f(x) -5 -10 -100 -1000 1000 100 10 5

f(x) decreases without bound f(x) increases without bound

A limit in which f(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches c is

called an infinite limit.

DEFINITION OF INFINITE LIMITS:

Definition 1: Let f be a function defined at every number in some open

interval I containing c, except possibly at the number c itself. We say that f(x)
increases without bound as x approaches c, written
lim f ( x ) = +
x →c
if for every positive number M, there exists a   0 such that f ( x )  M
whenever 0  x − c   .

Definition 2: Let f be a function defined at every number in some open

interval I containing c, except possibly at the number c itself. We say that f(x)
decreases without bound as x approaches c, written
lim f ( x ) = −
x →c
if for every negative number N, there exists a   0 such that f ( x )  N
whenever 0  x − c   .
Note that lim f ( x ) = + or lim f ( x ) = − does not have the same meaning
x →c x →c
as lim f ( x ) = L , where L is a real number. When lim f ( x ) = + or
x →c x →c
lim f ( x ) = − , it means that lim f ( x ) actually does not exist. The
x →c x →c
notations lim f ( x ) = + and lim f ( x ) = − are just used to indicate that
x →c x →c
the behavior of the function as x approaches to c.
 THEOREM: (Properties of Infinite Limits)
Let c and L be real numbers and let f and g be functions such that
and .

1. Sum or Difference:

2. Product: , L>0

, L<0

3. Quotient:

Note: Similar properties hold for one-sided limits and for functions for which
.

Definition: (VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE)

If f(x) approaches infinity (or negative infinity) as x approaches c from the
right or the left, then the line x = c is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f.

Example 1. Find the limit (if it exists).

4
1. lim +
x → 1 (t − 1)3
Solution:

x 1 1.0001 1.001 1.01

𝒇 (𝒙 ) ? 𝟒𝑿𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟐 𝟒𝑿𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝟒, 𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

4
 lim+ = +
x →1 (t − 1)3
  4 x2 + 1 
2. lim   
x → 0 +  x 2 x 2 − 1 
Solution:

X 0 0.0001 0.001 0.01

𝒇 (𝒙 ) ? −𝟒𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏𝟐 −𝟒, 𝟎𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟐 −𝟒𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟐

4 x2 +1 
 lim+   2  = −
x →0
 x 2 x − 1

3. −2 5− x
lim
x3
x →0 −

Solution:

X - 0.01 - 0.001 - 0.0001 0

𝒇 𝒙)
( 4,476,605.86 4,472,583,146.2 4,472,180,676,100 ?

−2 5− x
 lim− = +
x →0 x3

Example 2. Find the vertical asymptotes (if any) of the graph of the function.

2t − 3
f (x) = 2. h(t ) = 3. T ( x ) =
1 x
1.
x2 t 2 − 25 x2 + 1
Solution: Solution: Solution:
x =02
t − 25 = 0
2
x2 +1 = 0
x2 = 0 t 2 = 25 x 2 = −1
x=0 t 2 =  25 x2 =  −1
t = 5 x =  imaginary
 1.4 Limits at Infinity
Consider a function defined by f ( x ) =
x
.
x+2
Let us allow x to increase and decrease without bound. The corresponding
function values appear in the table below:

1.5 x decreases without

x increases without bound
bound
X -10000 -1000 -100 -10 0 10 100 1000 10000
f(x) 1.0002 1.0020 1.0204 1.25 0 0.8333 0.9804 0.9980 0.9998

f(x) approaches 1 f(x) approaches 1

The table clearly suggests that the value of f(x) approaches 1 as x either
increases or decreases without bound. These limits at infinity are denoted by
x x
lim = 1 lim = 1
x → + x + 2 x → − x + 2
and
The illustration above allows us to introduce the formal definition of limits at
infinity.

DEFINITION OF LIMITS AT INFINITY:

Let L be a real number.

DEFINITION 1: The limit of f(x) as x increases without bound is L, written

, if for any , there exists a number such that whenever .

DEFINITION 2: The limit of f(x) as x decreases without bound is L, written

, if for any , there exists a number such that

whenever .

REMARKS: The symbol is used to denote that x increases without bound while
the symbol is used to denote that x decreases without bound.
Besides the basic theorems and corollaries on limits, as discussed in the previous
lessons, the following theorem is likewise essential in evaluating limits at infinity:

THEOREM: If r is a positive rational number and c is any real number, then

a) b) whenever .
GUIDELINES FOR FINDING LIMITS AT OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
1. If the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, then the limit of
the rational function is 0.
2. If the degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of the denominator, then the limit of
the rational function is the ratio of the leading coefficients.
3. If the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator, then the limit
of the rational function does not exist.

Definition: (HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE)

The line y = L is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f if or

Example 1. Find the limit, if possible.

3x4 − 7 x2 + 2 t 2 +1 3
8x3 + x2 − 1
lim lim 3. lim
1. x→ − 2x4 + 1 2. t → + 2t + 1 x→ + 1 − 5x
Solution: Solution:
Solution:
3x 4 − 7 x 2 + 2 t 2 +1
lim
2x 4 + 1
lim 3
8x 3 + x 2 − 1
x → − t → + 2t + 1 lim
3x 4 7 x 2 2 2
x→ + 1 − 5x
− 4 + 4 t 1
+ 2
= lim x
4
x x 2 8x 3 x 2 1
x → − 2x 4 1 = lim
t t 3 + −
+ 4 t → + 2t 1 x3 x3 x3
x4 x + = lim
t 2
t2 x→ + 1 5x
3−0+0 −
= t2 1
3
x3 3 x3
2+0 + 2
2
t t 8x 3 x 2 1
=
3 = lim
t → + 2t 1 3+ −
2 + x3 x3 x3
t t = lim
x→ + 1 5x
1+ 0 −
= x x
2+0
1
3
8+0−0
= =
2 0−5
3
8
=
−5
2
=−
5
Example 2. Determine the horizontal asymptote(s) of the graph of the function.
x+1
1. f ( x ) = 2. h(x ) = 2x
x−4 3x 2 + 1
Solution: Solution:
y = lim f ( x ) y = lim h( x )
x→ 
x→ 
x +1
= lim = lim
2x
x→  x − 4
x→ 
3x 2 + 1
x 1
+ 2x
= lim x x
x→  x x2
−4 = lim
x→ 
x 3x 2 1
+
1+ 0 x2 x2
=
1− 0 2x
1 x
= = lim
1 x→  2
3x 1
=1 +
x2 x2
2
=
3+0
2
=
3
2 3
=
3