Mathematics Study Notes
Calculus (Class 11)
Limits, Continuity, and Derivatives
Complete 10-Page Comprehensive Guide
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1. Introduction to Calculus & Functions
Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change. In Class 11, we focus on the
foundational building blocks: Functions, Limits, and Derivatives.
Functions
A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of permissible outputs. For
calculus, we primarily deal with real-valued functions.
• Domain: The set of all possible input values for which the function is defined.
• Range: The set of all possible output values the function can take.
Common functions include Polynomial, Trigonometric, Exponential, and Logarithmic
functions.
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2. Limits: The Foundation
A limit describes the value that a function approaches as the input approaches some
value.
limx → a f(x) = L
Existence of Limits
A limit exists if and only if the Left Hand Limit (LHL) equals the Right Hand Limit (RHL):
• LHL: limx → a- f(x)
• RHL: limx → a+ f(x)
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3. Theorems on Limits
Let limx → a f(x) = L and limx → a g(x) = M.
• Sum Rule: lim [f(x) + g(x)] = L + M
• Product Rule: lim [f(x) × g(x)] = L × M
• Quotient Rule: lim [f(x) / g(x)] = L / M (if M ≠ 0)
Sandwich Theorem
If f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for all x in a neighborhood of a, and lim f(x) = lim h(x) = L, then lim
g(x) = L.
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4. Standard Limits
Important standard results used to solve limit problems efficiently:
1. lim n n n-1
x → a (x - a ) / (x - a) = n a
2. limx → 0 (sin x) / x = 1 (where x is in radians)
3. limx → 0 (tan x) / x = 1
4. limx → 0 (1 - cos x) / x = 0
5. lim x
x → 0 (e - 1) / x = 1
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5. Continuity
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at a point x = a if the following three conditions
are met:
1. f(a) is defined.
2. limx → a f(x) exists (LHL = RHL).
3. limx → a f(x) = f(a).
Graphically, a function is continuous on an interval if you can draw its graph without
lifting your pen from the paper.
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6. Introduction to Derivatives
The derivative represents the instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to
its variable. Geometrically, it represents the slope of the tangent to the curve at a specific
point.
First Principle of Derivatives
The derivative of f(x) at x, denoted as f'(x) or dy/dx, is given by:
f'(x) = limh → 0 [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h
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7. Rules of Differentiation
Let u and v be functions of x, and c be a constant:
• Constant Rule: d/dx(c) = 0
• Power Rule: d/dx(xn) = nxn-1
• Sum/Difference Rule: d/dx(u ± v) = du/dx ± dv/dx
• Product Rule: d/dx(uv) = u(dv/dx) + v(du/dx)
• Quotient Rule: d/dx(u/v) = [v(du/dx) - u(dv/dx)] / v2
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8. Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
Standard derivatives for trigonometric functions that are essential for Class 11 and
competitive exams:
• d/dx(sin x) = cos x
• d/dx(cos x) = -sin x
• d/dx(tan x) = sec2 x
• d/dx(cot x) = -cosec2 x
• d/dx(sec x) = sec x tan x
• d/dx(cosec x) = -cosec x cot x
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9. Geometric Interpretation and Applications
In Class 11, the primary application is understanding the rate of change and the tangent's
slope:
• Slope of Tangent: The value of dy/dx at a point (x1, y1) is the slope (m) of the
tangent line.
• Rate of Change: For a displacement s at time t, velocity v = ds/dt and acceleration a
= dv/dt.
These concepts form the building blocks for optimization and curve sketching in Class 12.
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10. Summary & Practice Problems
Quick Summary
• Limits determine function behavior near a point.
• Continuity requires the limit to match the function's value.
• Derivatives measure the change and provide the slope.
Practice Problems
1. Find the derivative of f(x) = x2 + 3x using the First Principle.
2. Evaluate limx → 0 (sin 5x) / (3x).
3. Find dy/dx if y = (x + cos x) / (tan x).
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