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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

LIMITS OF ALGEBRAIC & TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
a. illustrate the limit laws (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-3);
b. apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-4); and
c. compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions using tables of
values and graphs of the functions (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-5)

LESSON PROPER
THE LIMIT LAWS FOR POLYNOMIAL, RATIONAL AND RADICAL FUNCTIONS

Let c and k be real numbers so that lim 𝑓(𝑥) and lim 𝑔(𝑥) exist.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
Law Equation Example
1. Constant Rule lim 𝑘 = 𝑘 lim 4 = 𝟒
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

2. Identity Rule lim 𝑥 = 𝑐 lim 𝑥 = 𝟗

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→9

3. Constant lim[𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑘 ∙ lim 𝑓(𝑥) lim 10𝑥 = 10(2) = 𝟐𝟎

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2
Multiple Rule
4. Sum Rule lim[𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑥 + 5 = 2 + 5 = 𝟕
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

5. Difference lim[𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 5𝑥 − 4 = 5(1) − 4 = 𝟏

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→1
Rule
6. Product Rule lim[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = lim 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 3(2𝑥 + 1) = 3[2(3) + 1] = 𝟐𝟏
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→3

7. Quotient Rule lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 2𝑥 + 5 2(2) + 5 𝟗
lim = (𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 lim 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0) lim = =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2 𝑥+3 2+3 𝟓
𝑥→𝑐
𝑛
8. Power Rule lim[𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛 = [lim 𝑓(𝑥)] lim (4𝑥 + 9)2 = [4(−3) + 9]2 = 𝟗
𝑥→−3
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
3 3
9. Root Rule lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛 lim 𝑓(𝑥) lim √𝑥2 + 4 = √(2)2 + 4 = 𝟐
𝑥→𝑐
√𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

**Direct Substitution Method of Evaluating Limits

I. Evaluating Limits of Algebraic Functions Analytically

A. Polynomial Functions
- For all polynomial functions f, the value of lim 𝑓(𝑥) is equal to 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
- If 𝑓(𝑐) exists, then lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
Theorem. The limit of any constant is itself. If k is any constant, then
lim 𝑘 = 𝑘
𝑥→𝑐

Illustrative Examples:
1. lim 5 = 𝟓 2. lim −3 = −𝟑 3. lim 𝜋 = 𝝅
𝑥→3 𝑥→2 𝑥→−1

When we get the limit of any number approaches to any constant the answer is the number itself. In example 1, we
take the limit of 5 as x approaches to 3, thus the answer is 5. Same process for example number 2 and 3.

Theorem. Let f(x) be a polynomial function and c is a real number, then

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐

In a simple note, if we get a limit of an equation, we simply substitute the value of which x approaches to the given
equation.

Page 1 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙
𝒙→𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟓

➢ Since x is a polynomial function, evaluate its limit by directly substituting 0.005

as the value of x. In this case,
lim 𝑥 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓
𝑥→0.005

➢ Similarly, evaluating 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐𝒙 yields to

𝒙→𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟓
lim 2𝑥 = 2(0.005) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏
𝑥→0.005

2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)

𝒙→−𝟏

➢ To evaluate the limit of any polynomial function, apply direct substitution

considering the Theorem stated above.

Solution. Note first that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 1 is a polynomial.
Computing the value of f at x = - 1, we get
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)3 − 4(−1)2 + 1
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1) − 4(1) + 1
𝑓(−1) = −5
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) = 𝒇(−𝟏) = −𝟓
𝒙→−𝟏

3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏)

𝒙→−𝟐

Solution. Computing the value of f at x = - 2, we get

𝑓(−2) = (−2)4 − 2(−2)2 − (−2) + 1
𝑓(−2) = 16 − 2(4) + 2 + 1
𝑓(−2) = 11
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒙𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝒇(−𝟐) = 𝟏𝟏
𝒙→−𝟐
The property 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐) does not necessarily hold true for all functions.
𝑥→𝑐

B. Rational Functions
𝑝(𝑥)
Theorem. Let f(x) be a rational function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = where q(x) ≠ 0. If
c is a real number, then
𝑝(𝑥) 𝑝(𝑐)
lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑞(𝑥) 𝑞(𝑐)
Illustrative Examples:
𝟏−𝟓𝒙
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟏 𝟏+𝟑𝒙𝟐+𝟒𝒙𝟒

➢ Since the denominator is not equal to zero when evaluated at x = 1, we can

apply direct substitution following the aforementioned theorem:

Solution. Computing the value of the numerator and denominator at x = 1,

1 − 5(1)
𝑓(1) =
1 + 3(1)2 + 4(1)4
−4
𝑓(1) =
8
1
𝑓(1) = −
2

Page 2 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

Therefore,
𝟏 − 𝟓𝒙 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 𝟒 =−
𝒙→𝟏 𝟏 + 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒𝒙 𝟐
𝒙𝟒+𝒙𝟐−𝟏
2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→−𝟐 𝒙𝟐+𝟓

➢ Again, since the denominator is not equal to zero when evaluated at x = -2,
we can apply direct substitution following the aforementioned theorem:

Solution. Computing the value of the numerator and denominator at x = -2,

𝑥 4 + 𝑥2 − 1
𝑓(−2) =
𝑥2 + 5
(−2)4 + (−2)2 − 1
𝑓(−2) =
(−2)2 + 5
16 + 4 − 1
𝑓(−2) =
4+5
19
𝑓(−2) =
9
➢ The answer here cannot be simplified any further.
Therefore,
𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏 𝟏𝟗
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟐 =
𝒙→−𝟐 𝒙 +𝟓 𝟗
When evaluating rational functions, check first if the numerator and denominator will not be equal to zero when
applying direct substitution.

Definition. If lim 𝑝(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑞(𝑥) = 0, then

𝑝(𝑥) 0
lim =
𝑥→𝑐 𝑞(𝑥) 0
is called an indeterminate form.

Undefined and indeterminate are two different forms. Undefined is the term used when only the denominator is zero
while indeterminate happens when both the numerator and denominator are zero. If both forms occur, apply
different techniques.

Illustrative Examples:
𝒙𝟐−𝟗
3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→−𝟑 𝒙+𝟑

➢ In this case, the function becomes indeterminate if we evaluate at x = -3. If

this happens, employ factoring method before applying substitution.

Solution. We notice that the numerator of the given function is factorable.

Factoring the numerator gives
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+3
Dividing common factors will result to
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 3
Using the function in factored form, we evaluate at x = -3 applying substitution
𝑓(−3) = −3 − 3 = −6
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 − 𝟗 = −𝟔
𝟐

𝒙→−𝟑 𝒙 + 𝟑

Page 3 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

𝒙𝟐−𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟐𝟓
4. 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙𝟐−𝟒𝒙−𝟓

➢ Again, the function will become indeterminate once we substitute 5 as the

value of x in f(x).

Solution. Factor the numerator and denominator

(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1)
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1)
(𝑥 − 5)
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 1)
5−5 0
𝑓(5) = = =0
5+1 6
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙 𝟐− 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓 = 𝟎
𝟐

𝒙→𝟓 𝒙 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟓
C. Radical Functions
Illustrative Examples:
1. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐√𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟐
𝒙→𝟐

Solution. Apply direct substitution

𝑓(2) = 22√(2)2 + 5(2) + 2
𝑓(2) = 4√16
𝑓(2) = 4 (4)
𝑓(2) = 16
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙𝟐√𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔
𝒙→𝟐

2. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 − 𝟐
𝒙→−𝟐

➢ This case will result to an imaginary form. Since no further simplifications can
be employed, proceed to direct substitution.

Solution. Evaluate the function at x = -2

𝑓(−2) = √−2 − 2
𝑓(−2) = √−4
𝑓(−2) = √4(−1)
𝑓(−2) = 2√−1 = 2𝑖
Therefore,
𝐥𝐢𝐦 √𝒙 − 𝟐 𝑫𝑵𝑬
𝒙→−𝟐

DNE means does not exist. So, we say that the limit does not exist because the algebraic function becomes
imaginary when direct substitution is applied.

3. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙+𝟐

𝒙→−𝟐 √𝒙+𝟔−𝟐

➢ This form of radical function will become indeterminate if we directly

substitute x = -2. In this case, simplify the radical function by applying the
conjugate principle.

Page 4 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

Solution. Since the denominator contains the radical, multiply the function by the
ratio of the conjugate of the denominator.
𝑥+2 √𝑥 + 6 + 2
𝑓(𝑥) = ( )( )
√𝑥 + 6 − 2 √𝑥 + 6 + 2
(𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 6 + 2)
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 6) − 4
(𝑥 + 2)(√𝑥 + 6 + 2)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2
𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 6 + 2
Using the simplified form, evaluate the function at x = -2
𝑓(−2) = √(−2) + 6 + 2
𝑓(−2) = √4 + 2
𝑓(−2) = 4
Therefore,
𝒙+𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟒
𝒙→−𝟐 √𝒙 + 𝟔 − 𝟐

√𝒙+𝟏𝟏−𝟒
4. Evaluate 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙−𝟓

➢ This form of radical function will become indeterminate if we directly substitute x =

5. In this case, simplify the radical function by applying the conjugate principle.

Solution. Since the numerator contains the radical, multiply the function by the
conjugate of the numerator.
√𝑥 + 11 − 4 √𝑥 + 11 + 4
( )
𝑓 𝑥 =( )( )
𝑥−5 √𝑥 + 11 + 4
(𝑥 + 11) − 16
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 11 + 4)
𝑥−5
𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 5)(√𝑥 + 11 + 4)
1
𝑓(𝑥) =
√𝑥 + 11 + 4
Using the simplified form, evaluate the function at x = 5
1
𝑓(𝑥) =
√5 + 11 + 4
1
𝑓(𝑥) =
√16 + 4
1
𝑓(𝑥) =
8
Therefore,
√𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏 − 𝟒 𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 =
𝒙→𝟓 𝒙−𝟓 𝟖
The conjugate of a radical in the form √𝑥 + 𝑘 is √𝑥 − 𝑘 and vice versa. In addition, keep in mind that √𝑥 + 𝑘 ≠ √𝑥 + 𝑘.

EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC LIMIT

Limits of Exponential Functions

An exponential function is a function in which the exponent of the expression is a variable.
It is often of the form (𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥 ,
where: 𝑏 = any real number such that 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, and
𝑥 = any real number
Note: The limit of exponential functions can be computed using table of values and graphs.

Page 5 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

𝑥
Example 1. Consider the exponential Example 2: Find lim ( 1) using table of values and
x→−∞ 2
function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥. Compute lim 2𝑥 using graph.
x→+∞
table of values and graph.
Solution:
Solution Since x → −∞, let 𝑥 take on values that are
Construct the table of values. Since x → +∞, approaching negative infinity such as
let 𝑥 take on the number −3, −1, 0,1, 3, 5, 7 and 3, 2, 1, 0, −1, −2, −3, −7, −9 and−11. Then for each 𝑥,
9. Then, find the corresponding values of compute the corresponding value of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 3 2 1 0 −1 −2 −3 −7 −9 −11
𝑥 −3 −1 0 1 3 5 7 9 𝑓(𝑥) 0.125 0.25 0.5 1 2 4 8 128 512 2,048
𝑓(𝑥) 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512

The graph passes through the point (0,1).

The graph increases without bound as 𝑥 The graph passes through point (0,1). The graph
approaches positive infinity. Notice that in the increases without bound as x approaches negative infinity.
table of values, as the values of 𝑥 increases, the In the table of values, as the value of x decreases, the
value of 𝑓(𝑥) also increases too. This means as x → value of f(x) increases. This means that as x → −∞, the
+∞, 2𝑥 approaches +∞. function approaches positive infinity.
1 𝑥
lim 2𝑥 = +∞. lim ( ) = +∞
x→+∞ x→−∞ 2

Summary: Try it out: Evaluate the following limits, graph

the function, and find the indicated limits.
1. If 𝑏 > 1
a. lim 𝑏𝑥 = + ∞ 1.

b. 2.
3.
2. If 0 < 𝑏 < 1
a. 4.
b. lim 𝑏𝑥 = + ∞

The Natural Exponential Function

The exponential function with base e is frequently used in advanced mathematics. The
natural exponential function is
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒𝑥
where 𝑒 = 2.718281828 …
Note: The limit of a natural exponential function can be determined by using table of values and
graphs.

Page 6 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

Example 1: Find lim 𝑒𝑥 by using table of values Example 2: Find lim 𝑒𝑥 by using table of
x→+∞ x→−∞
and by sketching the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 . values and by sketching the graph of
Solution 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒𝑥.
Construct the table of values. Solution
𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 Construct a table of values. Let x take
𝑓(𝑥) 0.1353 0.3679 1 2.7183 7.3891 20.0855 on the values 2, 1, 0, −1, −2, −3, and −4.
Compute the corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 1 0 −1 −2 −3 −4
𝑓(𝑥) 2.7183 1 0.3679 0.1353 0.0498 0.0183

Notice that as the values of x increases, the As the values of x decreases, the values of f(x)
corresponding value of f(x) rapidly increases. In
decreases also but rapidly. As the value of x
the graph, the value of 𝑓(𝑥) increases without approaches negative infinity, the function
bound. value approaches 0.
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = +∞ 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒆𝒙 = 𝟎
𝐱→+∞
𝐱→−∞

Summary: Try it out: Evaluate the following limits, graph

the function and find the indicated limits.
1. lim 𝑒𝑥 = +∞ 2. lim 𝑒𝑥 = 0 1. lim 𝑒2𝑥
x→∞
2. lim 𝑒5𝑥
x→−∞
3. lim 𝑒−𝑥 =0 4. lim 𝑒−𝑥 = +∞ 3. lim 𝑒5𝑥
x→+∞

Limits of Logarithmic Functions

Exponential functions of the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥 were graphed in the previous section. The
inverse of 𝑦 = 𝑏𝑥 which is 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑦 is also a function. For 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, the logarithmic function
𝑦 = log𝑏 𝑥 is equivalent to 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑦.

Example 1: Express the following in logarithmic form.

1. 2𝑦 = 𝑥 (base 2 raised to exponent y, is x)
2. 82 = 64 (base 8 raised to exponent 2, is 64)
3. 62 = 36 (base 6 raised to exponent 2, is 36)
Solution:
1. log2 𝑥 = 𝑦 (log of x base 2, is exponent y)
2. log8 64 = 2 (log of 64 base 8, is exponent 2)
3. log6 36 = 2 (log of 36 base 6, is exponent 2)
Hint:

Page 7 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

To construct the values for 𝑦 = log2 𝑥, use 𝑥 = 2𝑦. Choose values for 𝑦 and calculate the
corresponding values of 𝑥.
Let y take on the values -3, -1, 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Compute the corresponding value of 𝑥 for
each value of 𝑦.
Table 1:
𝑥 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512 2,048
𝑦 −3 −1 0 1 3 5 7 9 11

Let 𝑦 take on the values 9, 7, 5, 3, 1 and so on. Compute the corresponding values of 𝑥
Table 2:
𝑥 512 128 32 8 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.0313 0.0078
𝑦 9 7 5 3 1 0 −1 -3 -5 -7
In table 1, the values of x are increasing rapidly. The values of y are also increasing, although slowly.
Although slowly, y will also approach infinity. This can be seen in the graph.
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟐 𝒙 = +∞ .
𝒙→+∞

In table 2, as the value of x approaches zero from the right, the values of y approach negative
infinity.
Hence, 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟐 𝒙 = −∞.
𝒙→𝟎+

Notice that if the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = log2 𝑥 are symmetric about 𝑦 = 𝑥, the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑏𝑥 and
the graph of 𝑦 = log𝑏 𝑥 are symmetric about 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Graph of Table 1 Graph of Table 2

Summary:
1. lim log𝑏 𝑥 = +∞; b > 0 3. lim log𝑏 𝑥 = −∞; b > 0 5. lim ln(𝑥) = +∞

2. lim log𝑏 𝑥 = −∞; 0 < b < 1 4. lim log𝑏 𝑥 = +∞; 0 < b < 1 6. lim ln(𝑥) = −∞

Note: Natural logarithms (ln of x) have base e ( ln 𝑥 = log𝑒 𝑥)

Example: Find the limits of the following:

1. lim log3 𝑥 2. lim log3 𝑥 3. lim 𝑙𝑛 4𝑥
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0+ 𝑥→+∞
Solution:
1. lim log3 𝑥 = +∞ 2. lim log3 𝑥 = −∞ 3. lim 𝑙𝑛 4𝑥 = +∞
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥→0+ 𝑥→+∞

TRIGONOMETRIC LIMITS
Like other common functions, we can use direct substitution to find limits of trigonometric functions, as long as
the functions are defined at the limit.

Consider the sine function f(x) = sin(x), where x is measured in radian. The sine function is continuous
everywhere, therefore, lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐
𝑥→𝑐

Page 8 of 10
 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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

This leads to the following theorem.

For every c in the trigonometric function’s domain (c is defined)

lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐 lim 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐 lim 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑐

lim 𝑐𝑠𝑐 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑐 lim 𝑠𝑒𝑐 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑐 lim 𝑐𝑜𝑡 (𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑐

𝒙𝟐−𝟏
Example: Find the 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒔𝒊𝒏 .
𝒙→𝟎 𝒙−𝟏

In this example, zero is a defined domain of the function, therefore, we can use direct substitution.
𝒙𝟐 (𝟎)𝟐 𝟎
Solution: 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒔𝒊𝒏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟎 = 𝟎
𝒙→𝟎 𝒙−𝟏 (𝟎)−𝟏 −𝟏

SPECIAL THEOREM FOR TRIGONOMETRIC LIMIT

Transcendental Functions also include three theorems. (SPECIAL THEOREM)

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒕) 𝟏−𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒕) 𝒕
𝟏. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟏 2. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟎 𝟑. 𝐥𝐢𝐦 =𝟏
𝒕→𝟎 𝒕 𝒕→𝟎 𝒕 𝒕→𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏 (𝒕)
sin(𝑡)
Prove lim = 1 by constructing a table of values. The value of 𝒕 should be in radians.
𝑡→0 𝑡
sin(𝑡)
a. lim =1
𝑡→0− 𝑡

𝑡(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠) −1.5 −0.8 −0.5 −0.2 −0.08 −0.03 −0.01 -0.001

sin 𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999
𝑡
Sample solution: Radian = 180
𝜋
1800 1800
a. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (−1.5 × ) ÷ −1.5 = 0.664997 c. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (−0.5 × ) ÷ −0.5 = 0.9588
𝜋 𝜋
1800
b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (−0.8 × ) ÷ −0.8 = 0.896695
𝜋
sin(𝑡)
b. lim =1
𝑡→0+ 𝑡

𝑡(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠) 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.2 0.08 0.03 0.01 0.001

sin 𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999
𝑡
sin 𝑡
The sketch of the graph of 𝑦 = is shown below.
𝑡

It can be observed from the table of values that as the values of 𝑡

approach zero from either side, the values of sin 𝑡 approach 1.
𝑡
sin 𝑡
Hence, lim = 1. In the same pattern, you may also prove the two
𝑡→0 𝑡
theorems.

FOR ADDITIONAL LECTURES, YOU MAY VISIT THE FOLLOWING IN YOUTUBE, THE LINKS ARE GIVEN BELOW

Evaluating limits by factoring [Link]

Evaluating limits with fractions and square roots [Link]
Limit of Trigonometric Function [Link]
Limit of Exponential Function [Link]
Limit of Logarithmic Function [Link]

REFERENCES
• Balmaceda, J. M. et al. (2016). Teaching guide for senior high school: Basic calculus. Quezon City: CHED.
• Love, C. & Rainville, E. (1969). Differential and integral calculus (6th ed.). New York: The Macmillan Company
• Mercado,J.P.(2016). Next Century Mathematics: Basic Calculus. Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp 16-42
• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (2018). Online Math [Link] Retrieved:
[Link]

Page 9 of 10
 BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester SY 2021-2022
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 2 – Math 2 Subject Teacher:

“Some events and situations in real life (ex. problems) are indeterminate. At first, we hardly understand them because of
their complex quality. However, we can always avoid or simplify these situations by whatever means possible .”

MODULE 2 ASSESSMENT (30 PTS)

NAME SECTION DATE

DIRECTIONS. Determine the limit of each function analytically. (Hint: some of the items need to be factored
or rationalized for the limits to exist). Answer can be an integer, fraction or decimal - round off to 2 decimal
places (hundredths place).

1. lim (3𝑥3 − 5𝑥)6 √𝑥2 + 12 − 4

𝑥→−1 6. lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2. lim (8𝑥3 − 5𝑥2 + 1) 7. lim √𝑥−4
𝑥→−3
𝑥→16 𝑥−16

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2 2
(𝑥 + 5) 2 (𝑚+1) −1
3. lim 2 8. lim 𝑚
𝑚→0
𝑥→−5 𝑥 − 25

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2
2𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −𝑥−12
4. lim 2 9. lim
𝑥→3 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 15 𝑥→4 𝑥2−9𝑥+20

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
2 2
4𝑥 − 𝑥2 (3ℎ−2) −(ℎ+2)
5. lim 10. lim
𝑥→4 2 − √𝑥 ℎ→2 ℎ−2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:

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