BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the module, the students are expected to:
• define the limit of a function;
• illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values and;
• determine the limit of a function given its graph.

Discussion:
The Limit of a Function: Theorems and Examples
Consider a function f of a single variable x. Consider a
constant c which the variable x will approach (c may or
may not be in the domain of f). The limit, to be denoted by
L, is the unique real value that f(x) will approach as x
approaches c. In symbols, we write this process as
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳
𝒙→𝒄
This is read as, ‘‘The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L.”
The given figure is the visual representation of the
mathematical concept of limit. As the input value x
approaches constant, the output value f(x) approaches L.

A. LOOKING AT A TABLE OF VALUES

To illustrate, let us consider EXAMPLE 1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙)
𝒙→𝟐

Here, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙 and the constant c, which x will approach, is 2. To evaluate the given limit, we will make use
of a table to help us keep track of the effect that the approach of x toward 2 will have on f(x). Of course, on the
number line, x may approach 2 in two ways: through values on its left and through values on its right.

**Remember that the values to be chosen from both sides should be close to constant 2.

We first consider approaching 2 from its left or Now we consider approaching 2 from its right or
through values less than but close to 2. through values greater than but close to 2.

From 1 From 3

Approaching Approaching
2 2
Sample solutions: a. If x = 1.4, then f(x) = 1+3x = 1 + 3(1.4) = 5.2
b. If x = 2.0005, then f(x) = 1+3x = 1 + 3(2.0005) = 7.0015
***Substitute values of x in f(x)

On the first table, as the value of x approaches 2 On the second table, as the value of x approaches 2
(where last number is 1.99999), the value of f(x) (where last number is 2.0000001), the value of f(x)
approaches 7 (where the last number is 6.9999997). approaches 7 (where the last number is 7.0000003).

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 2, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 7. This behavior
can be shown no matter what set of values, or what direction, is taken in approaching 2. In symbols,
𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙) = 𝟕
𝒙→𝟐
Page 1 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

EXAMPLE 2: Investigate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) by constructing tables of values. Here, 𝒄 = −𝟏 and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏.
𝒙→−𝟏

-1.5 -0.5

We start again by approaching -1 from the left. Now approach -1 from the right.

From -1.5 From -0.5

Approaching -1 Approaching -1

Thus, the tables show that as x approaches -1, f(x) approaches 2. In symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟐
𝒙→−𝟏

𝒙𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟒 𝒙𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟒
EXAMPLE 3: Investigate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 by constructing tables of values. Here, 𝒄 = 𝟏 and 𝒇(𝒙) = .
𝒙→𝟏 𝒙−𝟏 𝒙−𝟏

Take note that 1 is not in the domain of f (if 1 is substituted in the denominator, it becomes 0 which means
undefined), but this is not a problem. In evaluating a limit, remember that we only need to go very close to 1; we
will not go to 1 itself.

0.5 1.5

We start again by approaching 1 from the left. Now approach 1 from the right.

From 0.5 From 1.5

Approaching 1 Approaching 1

𝒙 𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟒
The tables show that as x approaches 1, f(x) approaches 3. In symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −𝟑
𝒙→𝟏 𝒙−𝟏
𝒙 + 𝟏, 𝒙 < 𝟒
EXAMPLE 4: Investigate through a table of values 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝒙→𝟒 (𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 + 𝟑, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒

This looks a bit different, but the logic and procedure are exactly the same. We still approach the constant
4 from both sides, but note that we should evaluate the appropriate corresponding functional expression.

In this case, when x approaches 4 from the left, the On the other hand, when x approaches 4 from the
values taken should be substituted in 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟏. right, the values taken should be substituted in 𝒇(𝒙) =
Indeed, this is the part of the function which accepts (𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 + 𝟑. So,
values less than 4. So,

From 3.7 From 4.3

Approaching 4 Approaching 4

Observe that the values that f(x) approaches are not equal, namely, f(x) approaches 5 from the left while it
approaches 3 from the right. In such a case, we say that the limit of the given function does not exist (DNE). In
symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬.
𝒙→𝟒

Page 2 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

***Notes to consider:

Remark 1: We DO NOT say that lim 𝑓(𝑥) “equals DNE”, nor do we write "lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐷𝑁𝐸" because “DNE” is NOT a
𝑥→4 𝑥→4
value. In the previous example, “DNE” indicated that the function moves in different directions as its variable
approaches c from the left and from the right. In other cases, the limit fails to exist because it is undefined,
1
example lim which leads to division of 1 by zero.
𝑥→0 𝑥

Remark 2: Have you noticed a pattern in the way we have been investigating a limit? We have been specifying
whether x will approach a value c from the left, through values less than c, or from the right, through values
greater than c. This direction may be specified in the limit notation lim 𝑓(𝑥) by adding certain values.
𝑥→𝑐
• If x approaches c from the left, or through values less than c, then we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦−𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝒄
• If x approaches c from the right, or through values greater than c, then we write 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝒄+
Furthermore, we say 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑳 if and only if 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄− 𝒙→𝒄+

In other words, for a limit L to exist, the limits from the left and from the right must both exist and be equal
to L. Therefore 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬 whenever 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) ≠ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝒄 𝒙→𝒄− 𝒙→𝒄+

These limits, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙), are also referred to as one-sided limits, since you only consider
𝒙→𝒄− 𝒙→𝒄+
values on one side of c.

B. LOOKING AT THE GRAPH OF y = f(x) (SAME EXAMPLES FROM A. LOOKING AT A TABLE OF VALUES)

Given the graph, it will be easier to determine limits as x approaches given values of c by inspection.

EXAMPLE 1. 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙) EXAMPLE 2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)

𝒙→𝟐 𝒙→−𝟏

From the graph of f(x), we observe that the two parts Observing the graph at x = -1, the graph approaches
of the graph near 𝑐 = 2 move toward a common y- y = 2 both from the left and right side.
level (y = 7) as x approaches 2.
In Symbols,
In symbols, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches -1 from the left is 2)
𝒙→−𝟏−
𝐥𝐢𝐦− 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟕 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches 2 from the left is 7) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches -1 from the right is 2)
𝒙→𝟐 𝒙→−𝟏+
𝐥𝐢𝐦+ 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟕 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches 2 from the right is 7)
𝒙→𝟐
Both one-sided limits are equal to each other.
Both one-sided limits are equal to each other. Thus, Therefore, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝟐
𝒙→−𝟏
the graph clearly confirms that 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙) = 𝟕.
𝒙→𝟐

Page 3 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

𝒙 𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟒 𝒙 + 𝟏, 𝒙 < 𝟒
EXAMPLE 3. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 EXAMPLE 4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) if 𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝒙→𝟏 𝒙−𝟏 𝒙→𝟒 (𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 + 𝟑, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒

𝒙𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟒 The two separate parts of the function move toward

Take note that 𝑓(𝑥) = = (𝒙−𝟒)(𝒙−𝟏) = 𝒙 − 𝟒 ,
𝒙−𝟏 𝒙−𝟏 different y-levels (y = 5 from the left, y = 3 from the
provided 𝑥 ≠ 1. Hence, the graph of 𝑓(𝑥)is also the right) in the vicinity of constant c = 4.
graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 4, excluding the point where x=1.
(In the graph, an excluded point is represented by an open circle.) That is,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟓 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches 4 from the left is 5)
𝒙→𝟒−
Although 𝑓(1) would be undefined given the graph, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑 (Limit of f(x) as x approaches 4 from the right is 3)
in a limit of a function, we only want to get the value 𝒙→𝟒+
that graph approaches. Thus, it can be possible that
𝑓(𝑥) is undefined but the limit still exists. The graph One-sided limits are NOT equal to each other. Thus,
approaches y = -3 both from the left and right side. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) DNE.
𝒙→𝟒
Therefore,
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = −𝟑
𝒙→𝟏 𝒙−𝟏

Example 5. Using the given graph of g(x), find the following left- and right-hand limits.

Solutions and/or Explanations:

a. 𝒇(−𝟐) = 𝟏 We consider the value of the function AT A POINT. So, if 𝑥 = −2, then 𝑓(−2) = 1, which is simply the
y-coordinate in the ordered pair (-2, 1). Since P(-2,1) is a closed circle (or solid point), function is
defined at 𝑥 = −2.
We consider the behavior of the function NEAR A CONSTANT.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏
𝒙→−𝟐− The limit of the function as x approaches -2 from the left is equal to 1.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏 The limit of the function as x approaches -2 from the right is equal to 1.
𝒙→−𝟐+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏 Since the two one-sided limits are equal to each other, then we say that the limit of the function as
𝒙→−𝟐
x approaches -2 is 1.

Notice that in the answer to 𝒇(−𝟐) and 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙), the function value does not play a role in determining
𝒙→−𝟐
the values of the limits. There are instances where the limit of the function is equal to the function value like in the
first example but it is not true for all cases. A limit is strictly the behavior of a function “near” a point/constant.

Page 4 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

b. 𝒇(𝟎) is We consider the value of the function AT A POINT. So, if 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑓(0) must be 3, which is simply the
undefined y-coordinate in the ordered pair (0, 3). However since P(0,3) is an open circle (or hole), function is said
(or UND) to be undefined at 𝑥 = 0, meaning 0 is EXCLUDED from the domain of the function (or it is NOT a value
of the function when you plug in x).

We consider the behavior of the function NEAR A CONSTANT.

𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑 The limit of the function as x approaches 0 from the left is equal to 3.
𝒙→𝟎−
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑 The limit of the function as x approaches 0 from the right is equal to 3.
𝒙→𝟎+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑 Since the two one-sided limits are equal to each other, then we say that the limit of the function as x
𝒙→𝟎
approaches 0 is 3.

(Here, it does not matter if 𝒇(𝟎) is undefined. Always remember that what matters in limits is the
behavior of the function close to that point/constant and not precisely at that particular point.)

c. 𝒇(𝟑) = 𝟐 We consider the value of the function AT A POINT. You can see in the graph that there are exactly
three points at 𝑥 = 3. One is a closed circle (or solid point), the other two are open circles (holes). In
this case, always look for any closed circle that is present in the graph because it only indicates that
the function is defined at that particular point. So, if 𝑥 = 3, then 𝑓(3) = 2, which is simply the y-
coordinate of the solid point P(3,2).

(Always remember that in a function, there exists a single output for every input. So in the graph, there
must only be one (1) closed circle (or solid point) to represent the function value. If there is NO closed
circle present at a certain point, then we say that the function is undefined.)
We consider the behavior of the function NEAR A CONSTANT.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟎
𝒙→𝟑− The limit of the function as x approaches 3 from the left is equal to 0.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟒 The limit of the function as x approaches 3 from the right is equal to 4.
𝒙→𝟑+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬 Since the two one-sided limits are not equal to each other, then we say that the limit of the function
𝒙→𝟑
as x approaches 3 does not exist.

Example 6. Using the given graph of f(x), find the following left- and right-hand limits.

Solutions and/or Explanations:

𝒂. 𝒇(𝟏) is You can see in the graph that a vertical asymptote exists at 𝑥 = 1. It represents a value at which a
undefined rational function is undefined, so that value is not in the domain of the function.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = ∞
𝒙→𝟏− Since the two one-sided limits do not move towards the same direction (one approaches positive
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −∞ infinity the other approaches negative infinity), then we say that the limit of the function as x
𝒙→𝟏+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬 approaches 1 does not exist.
𝒙→𝟏

𝒃. 𝒇(𝟑) = 𝟏 You can see in the graph that there exists a closed circle (solid point) at 𝑥 = 3. That means, the
function is defined at that point. So if 𝑥 = 3, then 𝑓(3) = 1 which is the y-coordinate of that solid point.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏
𝒙→𝟑− Since the two one-sided limits are not equal to each other, then we say that the limit of the function
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = ∞ as x approaches 3 does not exist.
𝒙→𝟑+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬
𝒙→𝟑

𝒄. 𝒇(𝟒) is UND You can see in the graph that there exists an open circle (hole) at 𝑥 = 3. That means, the function is
undefined at 𝑥 = 4. 4 is EXCLUDED from the domain of the function (or it is NOT a value of the function
when you plug in x).
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = −∞
𝒙→𝟒− Since the two one-sided limits are not equal to each other, then we say that the limit of the function
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐 as x approaches 4 does not exist.
𝒙→𝟒+
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) 𝑫𝑵𝑬
𝒙→𝟒
Page 5 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

MODULE 1 ASSESSMENT (40 PTS)

NAME SECTION DATE

WRITTEN WORK. Evaluate the following expressions using the graph below. (30 POINTS).

1. f(−2) 6. f(1) 11. lim f(x)

x→1−
2. lim f(x) 7. lim f(x) 12. lim f(x)
x→−2− x→3− x→1+
3. lim f(x) 8. lim f(x) 13. lim f(x)
x→−2+ x→3+ x→1
4. lim f(x) 9. lim f(x) 14. lim f(x)
x→−2 x→3 x→0
5. f(5) 10. f(−0.5) 15. lim f(x)
x→−0.5
PERFORMANCE CHECK. Show complete and neat solution to each item. For the table of values, round off
numbers up to five (5) decimal places. (30 POINTS)

1. Complete the following tables of values to investigate lim(𝑥2 + 5𝑥 − 8). (5 pts)

𝑥→1

Answer: 𝐥𝐢𝐦(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟖) =
𝒙→𝟏
3𝑥+8
2. Complete the following tables of values to investigate, lim . (5 pts)
𝑥→0 2𝑥−5

𝟑𝒙+𝟖
Answer: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =
𝒙→𝟎 𝟐𝒙−𝟓
Page 6 of 7
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 STEM
Email: email@[Link]; Website: [Link]

MODULE 1- Basic Calculus Subject Teacher:

3. Construct table of values to investigate the following limits: (4 values from the left, 4 values from the right).
Make sure that the values to be chosen from both sides should be very close to the constant (15 pts)
Example: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒙→𝟓

𝒙 4.9 4.99 4.999 4.9999 5 5.00001 5.0001 5.001 5.01

𝒇(𝒙)

𝒂. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟖𝒙 + 𝟒
𝒙→𝟑

Solution:
𝒙 3
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒂𝟏. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟒
𝒙→𝟑−
𝒂𝟐. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟒
𝒙→𝟑+

𝟓𝒛−𝟔
𝒃. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = __________
𝒛→−𝟐 𝒛+𝟏

Solution:
𝒛 -2
𝒇(𝒛)
𝟓𝒛 − 𝟔
𝒃𝟏. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 −
𝒛→−𝟐 𝒛+𝟏
𝟓𝒛 − 𝟔
𝒃𝟐. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒛→−𝟐+ 𝒛+𝟏

𝒙 + 𝟑, 𝒎 < 𝟏
𝒄. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒎) 𝒊𝒇 𝒇(𝒎) = {𝟑𝒙, 𝒎=𝟏
𝒎→𝟏
√𝟓𝒙 − 𝟏, 𝒎 > 𝟏

Solution:
𝒎 1
𝒇(𝒎)
𝒄𝟏. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒎)
𝒎→𝟏−
𝒄𝟐. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒎)
𝒎→𝟏+

4. Read the big idea about limits of functions. Construct a short explanation or reflection (ex. agree or disagree)
about it. Limit your answer to 2 - 3 sentences only. (5 pts)

“The limit of a function gives you an idea on how its graph behaves as it reaches a particular value. In life,
knowing the weaknesses and limitations of people allow you to understand their behavior at certain
circumstances.”

Additional References:
Introduction to Limits [Link]
How to Evaluate Limits from a Graph [Link]

Reference:
Balmaceda, J. M. et al. (2016). Teaching guide for senior high school: Basic calculus. Quezon City:
CHED
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