Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

JEE-MAIN + ADVANCED
MATHEMATICS

LIMITS, CONTINUITY, DIFFERENTIABILITY

49
Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

::: C on t en t s :::

[Link]. TOPIC NAME PAGE NO.

1. Limits .................................................................................................... ................ 51

Practice Problems - 01 ............................................... 59

Practice Problems - 02 ............................................... 69

2. Continuity .................................................................................................... ........ 73

Practice Problems - 03 ............................................... 80

3. Differentiability ............................................................................................... 85

Practice Problems - 04 ............................................... 90

4. Differentiation ................................................................................................... 95

Practice Problems - 05 ............................................... 103

Practice Problems - 06 ............................................... 107

5. Answer Sheet ......................................................... 114

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

1.1 Definition of Limit

(i) We say that the limit of f (x) is L as x approaches a and write this as ,

lim f ( x ) = L
x ® a

provided we can make f(x) as close to L as we want for all x sufficiently close to a, from both
sides, without actually letting x be a .
(ii) (Optional) Let f (x) be a function defined on an interval that contains x = a , except possibly at
x = a . Thus we say that , xlim f ( x) = L
® a

If for every number e > 0 , there is some number , d > 0 such that ½f (x) L½ < e whenever
0 < ½x a½ < d .
Note:
lim Þ x ¹ a
x ® a

L may or may not be equal to f ( a ) , infact for the limit to exists f ( a ) may or may not be
defined
1.2 Indeterminate Forms

0 ¥
There are many indeterminate forms such as : , , 0 ´ ¥ , 00 , ¥0 , ¥ ¥ and 1¥ .
0 ¥

Here 0 does not stand for numerical value 0 but a quantity approaching towards 0, similarly 1, ¥
does not stand for numerical value 1, ¥ but a quantity approaching towards 1, ¥ .
Example :

sin x 0
f (x) = , if x approaches to zero , then this function will reach to indeterminate form of
x 0

1.3.1 Right Hand Limit

We say , xlim f ( x ) = L provided we can make f (x) as close to L as we want for all x sufficiently
® a

close to a and x > a without actually letting x be a .

Illustration : 01
ì x-4 , x ¹ 4
ï
Evaluate the right hand limit of the function , f (x) = í x - 4 at x = 4 .
ïî 0 , x = 4
Solution :
Right hand limit of f (x) at (x = 4) = x Lim f (x)
® 4+

= h Lim f (4 + h)
® 0+

4+h-4 h h
= h lim +
4+h-4
= h lim+ = hLim
®0 = hlim 1=1
® 0 ® 0
h h ® 0

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
1.3.2 Left Hand Limit

We say, lim f ( x ) = L provided we can make f (x) as close to L as we want for all x sufficiently
x ® a-

close to a and x < a without actually letting x be a .

Illustration : 02
ì x-4 , x ¹ 4
ï
Evaluate the left hand limit of the function , f (x) = í x - 4 at x = 4 .
ïî 0 , x = 4
Solution :

Left hand limit of f (x) at (x = 4) = x Lim

® 4-
f (x)

Lim
= h ® 0+
f (4 h)

4-h-4
Lim
= h ® 0+ 4-h-4

-h h
= Lim
h ® 0+ -h
= hLim
®0 = hLim
®0 1= 1
-h

1.4 Existence of limit

It follows from the discussion made in the above two articles that ,
(i) If both neighborhood of a in the domain

If lim- f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = a finite quantity ( l )

x®a x®a

then xlim
® a
f (x) exists and equal to l .

(ii) If only one neighborhood in the domain (say R.H.L.) then

lim f ( x ) º lim+ f ( x )
x®a x ®a

If x lim f ( x ) = a finite quantity ( l ) , then lim f ( x ) = l

® a+ x ® a

Illustration : 03

ìï x - x
, x¹0
If f (x) = í x , then check that xLim
® 0 f (x) exist or not .
ïî 2 , x=0

Solution :

Lim -h - -h
We have , (LHL of f (x) at x = 0) = x®0 - f (x) = hLim Lim
® 0 f (0 h) = h ® 0 ( - h)

-h - h Lim - 2 h = Lim 2 = 2
= hLim
®0 -h = h ® 0 -h h®0

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

(RHL of f (x) at x = 0) = x Lim = hLim Lim h - h

® 0+ f (x) ® 0 f (0 + h) = h ® 0 (h)

h-h 0
= hLim
®0 = hLim
®0 = hLim
®0 0 = 0
h h

Hence x Lim Lim Lim

® 0 - f (x) ¹ x ® 0 + f (x) . So x ® 0 f (x) does not exist

1.5 Algebra of Limits

First we will assume that xLim

®a
f (x) = l and xLim
®a
g (x) = m , exist and l and m are finite then

(i) Lim k f (x) = k xLim f (x) = k l ; where k is a constant .

x®a ®a

In other words we can factor a multiplicative constant out of a limit .

(ii) Lim (f (x) ± g (x)) = l ± m .

x®a

So to take the limit of a sum or difference all we need to do is take the limit of the individual parts and
then put them back together with the appropriate sign. This is also not limited to two functions. This
fact will work no matter how (finitely) many functions we ve got separated by + or .

(iii) Lim f (x) . g (x) = l . m .

x®a

We take the limits of products in the same way that we can take the limit of sums or differences. Just
take the limit of the pieces and then put them back together. Also, as with sums or differences, this fact
is not limited to just two functions.

Lim f (x) l
(iv) x®a
= , provided m ¹ 0 .
g ( x) m

As noted in the statement we only need to worry about the limit in the denominator being zero when
we do the limit of a quotient. If it were zero we would end up with a division by zero and we need to
avoid that.

(v) If f (x) < g (x) , then xLim Lim

® a f (x) £ x ® a g (x) .

1.6 Limit of Composite Functions

æ ö
Lim f ( g (x)) = f çç xLim g ( x ) ÷÷ ; if f is continuous at x = Lim g (x) .
x®a è ®a ø x®a

Lim l n (f (x)) = l n ìí Lim f ( x ) üý æ ö

For example : x®a
= l n l çç where Lim f ( x ) = l , l > 0 ÷÷
îx®a þ è x®a ø

1.7 Methods to evaluate limits

1.7.1 Factorization:
Here we factorize numerator and denominator and cancel the common factor to remove the
indeterminate form as illustrated below.

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 04
x2 - 5 x + 6
Evaluate : xLim
®2 2
x -4
Solution :
x2 - 5 x + 6 0
When x = 2 , the expression 2 assumes the indeterminate form .
x -4 0

x2 - 5 x + 6 æ 0ö ( x - 2) ( x - 3) x-3 2-3 1
Now xLim
®2 2
ç form ÷ = Lim
0 x ® 2 = xLim
® 2 x + 2 = 2+2 =
x -4 è ø ( x + 2) ( x - 2) 4

Illustration : 05
x3 - 1
Evaluate : xLim
®1 x -1

Solution :

x3 - 1 0
When x = 1 , the expression x - 1 assumes the indeterminate form
0

x3 - 1 æ 0ö ( x - 1) ( x 2 + x + 1)
Now , xLim
®1 x -1 è
ç form ÷ = Lim
0ø x®1 ( x - 1)

= xLim
®1 x + x + 1 = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
2 2

1.7.2 Rationalization:
Here we rationalize the denominator and numerator and cancel out a common factor to remove the
indeterminate form as illustrated below.
Illustration : 06

2+x - 2
Evaluate : xLim
®0
x

Solution :

2+x - 2 0
When x = 0 , the expression takes the form
x 0

Lim 2+x - 2
Now x®0
x

( 2 + x - 2) ( 2 + x + 2)
= xLim
®0 x ( 2 + x + 2)

2+x-2
= xLim
®0
x ( 2 + x + 2)
1 1
= xLim
®0 =
2+x + 2 2 2

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 07
x
Evaluate : xLim
®0
a+x - a-x
Solution :
x 0
When x = 0 , the expression takes the form
a+x - a-x 0

x
Now , xLim
®0
a+x - a-x

= xLim
x ( a+x +
.
a-x )= Lim x ( a+x + a-x )
®0
( a+x - a - x) ( a + x + a - x)
x®0 (a + x - a + x )

= xLim
( a+x + a-x )= 2 a
= a
®0 2
2

1.7.3 Substitution:
If by substitution of the point in the given expression we get a finite number , then the finite number is
the limit of the given expression.
Illustration : 08

px
Evaluate : xLim
® 1 (1 x) tan
2

Solution : Let x 1 = h
æ p ph ö
= hLim ç +
® 0 ( h) tan 2 2 ø
÷
è
ph
ph h 2 2 2
= hLim
® 0 h . cot = hLim = lim ´ =
®0
2 tan
ph h ®0 æph ö p p
2 tan ç ÷
è 2 ø
Illustration : 09

Lim p - cos -1 x
Evaluate : x ® -1 +
x +1

Solution :
Put cos-1 x = q Þ x = cos q

p - q p-q 1
\ Above limit = q Lim
®p - = q Lim
®p - .
1 + cos q 1 + cos q p + q

Lim p-q 1 k 1
Lim = k Lim .
q ® p-
2 cos q
2
2 q ® p-
p + q ® 0 +

2 cos 2
( p -k
2 2
) 2 p

k 2 1 1
(putting q = p k) = k Lim . =
2 sin k
+
® 0
2 p 2p
2 2

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
1.7.4 By manipulating Fundamental/standard limits:
Here we make use of the fundamental/standard limits below
n
xn - an æ 1ö
(i) lim = na n -1 (ii) lim ç1 + ÷ = e
x ®a x - a n ®¥
è nø
x x
(iii) Lim e - 1 = 1 , (iv) Lim a - 1 = log a (a > 0)
x ® 0 x ®0 e
x x
x -1
(v) Lim sin x = xLim = Lim sin x = Lim x
=1
x®0 x ® 0 sin x x®0 x x ® 0 sin 1 x

(where x is measured in radians)

x -1
(vi) Lim tan x = xLim = Lim tan x = Lim x
=1
x®0 x ® 0 tan x x®0 x x ® 0 tan 1 x

(where x is measured in radians)

(vii) Lim sin x

= xLim
cos x
=0 (viii) Lim l n (1 + x ) =1
x®¥ x ®¥ x x ®0 x

Lim loga (1 + x )
(ix) x ® 0 = loga e
x

sin x tan x
Note : 1) ® 1 as x ® 0 2) ® 1+ as x ® 0
x x

Illustration : 10
sin 2 2 x
Evaluate : xLim
®0 2 .
sin 3 x
Solution :

Lim
2
sin 2 x
= xLim
( )
sin 2 x
2x (2 x) ( ) 2x
sin 2 x
2x 2 2
Lim
( sin 2 x
2x ) ( sin 2 x
2x )
( ) ( ) 3x
=
x ® 0 2
sin 3 x ® 0 sin 3 x
3x (3 x)
sin 3 x
3x
32
x ®0
( sin 3 x
3x ) ( sin 3 x
3x )
Lim sin 2 2 x 22
x ® 0 2 =
sin 3 x 32

Illustration : 11
tan x - sin x
Evaluate : xLim
® 0 3
x
Solution :
æ ö
Lim tan x - sin x ç sin x - sin x cos x ÷
= xLim
® 0 ç ÷
x ® 0
x3 è x 3 cos x ø

ìï sin x (1 - cos x ) üï ì sin x 1 - cos x 1 ü

= xLim í 3 ý = xLim í ý
®0 ï
î x cos x ïþ ® 0
î x x2 cos x þ

ì sin x ü
ì
ï 2 sin2 x ü
ï 1
2
í lim . í xlim ý . xLim
=
î x ® 0 x þ
ý
ï
î
®0 x 2
2
.4 () ï
þ
® 0 cos x

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

ì æ sin x ö
2 ü
ì sin x ü 1 ï ç 2 ÷ ï Lim 1 1 1 1
= í lim ý . í lim ç x ÷ ý x ® 0 sin x =1´ (1)2 ´ =
îx®0 x þ 2 ï x ® 0 çè 2 ÷ø ï 2 1 2
î þ
Illustration : 12

ax - bx
Evaluate : xLim
®0
x

Solution : Lim ax - bx
= xLim
(a x - 1) - (b x - 1) = Lim a x - 1 Lim bx - 1
x ®0 ®0 x ®0 x ®0
x x x x

æaö
= log a log b = log ç ÷
èbø
Illustration : 13
e- x - 1
Evaluate : xLim
® 0
x
Solution :

Lim e- x - 1 Lim ey - 1
x ® 0 = y ® 0 - y where x=y
x

Lim ey - 1
= y ®0 y
= 1

Illustration : 14

log x - 1
Evaluate : xLim
®e x-e

Solution :

Lim log x - 1 log (e + h) - 1 log (e + h) - loge

x®e x-e = hLim
®0 e+h-e = hLim
®0 [ log e = 1 ]
h

log 1 + h
e = Lim(log 1 + h
e) 1 1 1 ( )
= hLim
®0 h®0 h . =1. =
h e e e
e

Illustration : 15

log x - log 5
Evaluate : xLim
®5 x-5

Solution :

Lim log x - log 5 log (5 + h) - log 5

x®5 x-5 = hLim
®0 h

Lim
log æç
è
5 + hö
5 ÷ø Lim
(
log 1 + h
5 1 1)
= h®0 = h®0 h . =
h 5 5
5

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
1.7.5 Limits involving neighborhood of infinity:
To evaluate infinite limits, we will be using the following results.
ì 0 , 0 £ a < 1
ï
ï 1 , a = 1
(i) Lim a = í
x
¥ , a > 1
x®¥ ï
ïî does not exist , a £ -1
ì 0 , 0 £ a < 1
ï
m m -1 ï 1 , a = 1
Lim
a 0 x + a1 x + ..... í
(ii) x ® ¥ b x n + b x n - 1 + .....
= ï ¥ , a > 1
0 1
ïî does not exist , a £ -1
Illustration : 16

ax + b
Let f (x) = , xLim Lim
® 0 f (x) = 2 and x ® ¥ f (x) = 1 , prove that f ( 2) = 0 .
x +1

Solution :

We have xLim
® 0 f (x) = 2

Lim ax + b b
Þ x®0 =2Þ =2 Þ b=2
x +1 1

and xLim
® ¥ f (x) = 1

ax + b a+bx
Þ Lim =1Þ Lim =1Þ a=1
x®¥ x +1 x®¥ 1+ 1
x
x+2
Hence, f (x) = . So , f ( 2) = 0 .
x +1

Illustration : 17

Evaluate : x Lim
® -¥ ( 2
25 x - 3 x + 5 x )
Solution :
Let x = - y

Lim
x ® -¥
æ 25 x 2 - 3 x - 5 x ö
ç
è
÷ =
ø y®¥
Lim
( 25 y2 + 3 y - 5 y )
25 y 2 + 3 y - 25 y 2 3y
= yLim
®¥ 2
= yLim
®¥
25 y - 3 y + 5 y 25 y2 + 3 y + 5 y

3 3 3
= yLim
®¥ = =
25 + 3y + 5 5 + 5 10

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Single answer choice type

x2 + 3x + 2
Q.1 Lt =
x®0 2 x 2 + x + 5

-2 2 5 -5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 5 2 2

1 + x 3 - 1 - x3
Q.2 Lt =
x®0 x3

1
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D)
2

x +1
Q.3 Lt =
x ®- 1
2 - 4 + x + x2

1 1
(A) (B) 4 (C) - (D) 4
4 2

cos( ax ) - cos(bx )
Q.4 Lt =
x®0 x2

a2 - b2 a 2 + b2 b2 - a2
(A) (B) (C) (D) b2 + a2
2 2 2

1 - cos3 x
Q.5 Lt =
x ® 0 sin 3 [Link] 5 x

-1 1 1 -1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
10 10 5 5

3x 2 + 5 x + 2
Q.6 Lt =
x® ¥ 2 x2 - 3x + 1

2 3 1
(A) (B) (C) 3 (D)
3 2 2

2x + 7
Q.7 Lt 2 =
x® ¥ x + 5x + 4

1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D)
2

- x3 + 8
Q.8 Lt =
x® ¥ 2 x2 + 5 x + 7
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) ¥ (D) ¥

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

2| x |+x
Q.9 Lt =
x® -¥ 5 | x | - 3 x

3 3 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) does not exits
2 10 8

æ 1 2 ö
Q.10 Lt ç - 2 ÷=
x ®1è x -1 x -1ø

1 1 1 1
(A) (B) - (C) (D) -
2 2 3 3

Q.11 Lt
x ®¥
( x 2 + ax + b - x =)
b a b a
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 2
3| x | +x
Q.12 Lt =
x® 0 7 | x | -5 x

3 1
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D) does not exist
2 6
sin[cos x]
Q.13 lim is
x ® 0 1 + [cos x ]

(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) does not exist (D) 2

Q.14 Lt [ x ] =
x® 2

(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 0 (D) does not exist

sin x
Q.15 L im =
x ®0 | x|
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) does not exist

sin( x 0 )
Q.16 Lt =
x ®0 x
p 180
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) (D)
180 p

xk - 5k
Q.17 If Lim = 500 , then the positive integral value of k is
x®5 x - 5

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

( 2 x - 3) ( x -1 )=
Q.18 L im 2
x ®1 2x + x - 3
1 1 2 2
(A) (B) - (C) (D) -
10 10 5 5

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

1 + sin x + sin 2 x - 1
Q.19 L im =
x ®0 x
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 1/2

x-a - b-a
Q.20 The value of lim for b > a is
x ®b x 2 - b2

1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4b a - b 4b b - a 4a a - b b b-a

x2
Q.21 L im =
x ®0
1- 3 1 + x2

1 1
(A) 1 (B) (C) -3 (D) -
2 3

x - sin x
Q.22 Lim =
x®0 x + cos 2 x

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) -1 (D) 2

sin 3 [Link] 4 x
Q.23 Lt =
x®0 [Link] 5 x

1 12 6 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 5 5 5

esin ax - esin bx
Q.24 Lt =
x ®0 tan 2 x

a-b
(A) a b (B) (C) 2(a b) (D) a + b
2

(2 x + 5) (3 x - 1)
Q.25 Lt =
x® ¥ (3 x + 7) (5 x - 3)

5 5 2 2
(A) (B) - (C) (D) -
2 2 5 5

( n + 2)!+ ( n + 1)!
Q.26 Lt
n® ¥ ( n + 2)!- ( n + 1)! =

(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 2

æ 1 1 1 ö
Q.27 Lt ç + + ..... +
(4 n - 3) (4 n + 1) ø =
n ® ¥ è 1.5
÷
5.9

1 1 1
(A) 0 (B) (C) (D)
5 4 2

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
One or more than one type

| 2sin x - 1 |
Q.28 L =lim
x®a , then
2sin x - 1

(A) limit does not exist when a = p / 6 (B) L = 1 when a = p

(C) L = 1 when a = p / 2 (D) L = 1 when a = 0

ì 2x
ï1 + , 0 £ x < 1
Q.29 Let f(x) = í a , If lim f ( x ) exists, then a can be
ïîax, x®1
1£ x < 2
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 2
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1
If f, g, h are functions having a common domain D such that f ( x ) £ g ( x ) £ h ( x ) and
lim f ( x ) = lim h ( x ) = l , then according to Sandwich theorem lim g ( x) = l . Using it, compute the
x® a x® a x® a
following limits.
| x|
Q.30 lim =
x® 0
x + 4x 2 + 7
4

(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1/2 (D) does not exists

æ e1/ x - e-1/ x ö÷
Q.31 lim+ çç 1/ x ÷=
x® 0 çè e + e-1/ x ø÷÷
(A) 0 (B) ¥ (C) 1 (D) does not exists
é 1 ù
Q.32 lim x 5 ê 3 ú where [ . ] represents greatest integer function, is
x® 0 êë x úû
(A) -1 (B) ¥ (C) 0 (D) does not exists
Matrix match type
Q.33 Match the following List - I with List - II in the following problems.
a0 x m + a1x m+1 + ........ + ak .x m+k
Let f ( x ) = where a0 ¹ 0, b0 ¹ 0 then lim f ( x ) is equal to
b0 x n + b1 x n+1 + ....... + bl . x n+l x® 0

Column - I Column - II
A) If m > n P) ¥
B) If m = n Q) -¥
a0
C) If m < n and n - m is even and >0 R) a0 / b0
b0

a0
D) If m < n and n - m is even and <0 S) 0
b0

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Integer type
1
Q.34 Value of lim y sin =
y ®¥ y
æ 1 1 ö
Q.35 Value of lim ç
x ® 0 tan 2 x
- ÷=
è sin 2 x ø

2.1 Methods of limits continued

2.1.1 Using infinite series expansion
We can use the following expansions for evaluating non fundamental limits.

x2 x3 xn ¥
xn Lim xr
n
(i) e =1+x+
x
2!
+ 3!
+ ..... + n!
+ .... = å n! = n®¥ å r!
n=0 r=0

( x l n a )2 ( x l n a )3 ( x l n a)n
(ii) ax = 1 + (x l n a) + 2!
+ 3!
+ .... + n!
+ ....

n
x2 x3 xr
(iii) l n (1 + x) =x + .... = Lim
n®¥
å ( 1)r + 1 ; 1<x£1
2 3 r =1 r

n (n - 1) 2
(iv) (1 + x)n = 1 + n x + x + .... x < 1 ( for rational or integral value of n)
2!

x3 x5
(v) sin x = x + .... "x Î R
3! 5!

x2 x4 n
x 2r
(vi) cos x = 1 2!
+ 4! .... = nLim
®¥ å ( 1)r
"x Î R
r=0 2r !

x3 2 p
(vii) tan x = x + + x5 + .... x<
3 15 2

x3 9 x5
(viii) sin x = x +
-1
+ + .... x £1
3! 5!

x3 x5 x7
(ix) tan -1 x = x + - + .... x £1
3 5 7

Illustration : 18
a ex - b
Evaluate : xLim
®0 = 2 . Find a and b .
x
Solution :
2
a æç1 + x + x + .... ¥ ö÷ - b
Lim è 1 ! 2 ! ø
x®0 =2
x

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Since , limit is finite (a b) = 0 Þ b=a
xa + a2!x + ....¥
2

Lim
x®0 =2
x
Lim ax
x®0 a+ + .... ¥ = 2 Þ a=2 So , b = 2
2!
Illustration : 19
3
cos 2 x - cos x - e x cos x + e x - x
Find the integer n for which the Lim 2 is a finite non-zero
x®0
xn
number .
Solution :
2 x x x 3
Let L = Lim cos x - cos x - e cos x + e - 2
x®0
xn
3
(cos x - 1) (cos x - e x ) - x
2
= xLim
®0
xn
éæ
æ1 - x 2 + x 4 - x 6 + .... - 1ö
x2 x4 ö æ x x2 ö ù x2
Lim ç 2! 4! 6! ê çè1 - 2 ! + 4 ! .... ÷ø - çè1 + 1 ! + 2 ! + .... ÷ø ú - 2
÷
= x®0 è ë ø û
n
x
2 4 6 æ 3 2 x 5 ö 2
æ - x + x - x + .... ö ç - x - x 2 - x - - .... ÷÷ - x
ç 2! 4! 6! ÷ç 3 ! 5 ! 2
= Lim è øè ø
x®0
n
x

æ x3 + x 4 + x5 - .... ö - x3
ç 2 2 12 ÷ 2 x 4 + x5 - x5
è ø
Lim
= x®0 = x ® 0 2 12n 24 = a non-zero number, if n = 4 .
Lim
xn x
2.1.2 Limit in the form of 1
To evaluate 1¥ form , we will be using the following results.
n

(i) Lim æ 1 + 1 ö = xLim

® 0 (1 + x) = e
1/x
x®¥ ç ÷
è nø
x ax
(ii) Lim æç1 + a ö÷ = Lim (1 + x) = a/x Lim æç1 + 1 ö÷ = ea
x®¥ xø x®0 x®¥ xø
è è

(iii) If xLim Lim

® a f (x) = 1 and x ® a f (x) = ¥ .

Lim (f ( x ) - 1) . f ( x )
then , xLim
® a f (x)
f (x)
= xLim
® a [1 + (f (x) 1)]
f (x)
= ex ® a
Illustration : 20
x+4
æx + 6ö
Evaluate : xLim ç ÷
® ¥ ç x + 1÷
è ø
Solution :
x+6
As x ® ¥ ; xLim
®¥ = 1 and (x + 4) ® ¥
x +1

x+4 x+4 x+4

æx + 6ö é æx + 6 öù é 5 ù
Lim çç ÷÷ = Lim ê1 + çç - 1÷÷ ú = Lim
x®¥ x®¥ x®¥ ê1 + ú
è x + 1ø ëê è x +1 ø úû ë x + 1û

æ 5 ö x+4
Lim ç ÷ (x
ç x + 1÷ + 4) Lim 5
x +1
= ex ® ¥ è ø
=e x®¥
= e5
664
4
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 21

( )
1
Evaluate : xLim
® 0 1 + tan
2
x 2x

1
Lim tan2 x
(1 + tan )
1
Solution : Lim 2 2x = e x®0 2x
= e 1/2
x®0 x

2.1.3 L Hospital s Rule (First Form)

Suppose that f (a) = g(a) = 0 , that f ¢ (a) and g ¢ (a) exist, and that g ¢ (a) ¹ 0 . Then

Lim f (x) f ¢ (a )
x®a = ¢ .
g ( x) g (a )

L Hospital s Rule (Stronger Form)

Suppose that f(a) = g(a) = 0 and that f and g are differentiable on an open interval I
f (x) f ¢(x)
containing a. Suppose also that g¢(x) ¹ 0 on I if x ¹ a . Then Lim = Lim . If the limit
x ®a g(x) x ®a g ¢(x)
on the right exists (or is ¥ or ¥ )
Brain Map :
f (x)
Does Lim
x a g(x) No
lead to an
indeterminate form ?

Yes

No Find the limit

Are numerator some other way
and denominator
differentiable
No Yes
Yes
Results circular
or not improving
Form the ratio of
the derivative of
the numerator to the Yes
derivative of the
denominator

Does the limit of the new ratio as

lead to an indeterminate form
No

Stop differentiating. You have found

the limit or determined that the limit
does not exist.

65
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 22

x+h - x
Evaluate : hLim
®0
h

Lim x+h - x
Solution : h®0
h

Lim 1 1
Applying L Hospital s rule h®0 =
2 x+h 2 x

2.1.4 By Use of logarithm

If the limit is in the form of 00 , ¥0 , then we use logarithm to find the limits .
Lim f ( x ) . l n [ f ( x ) ]
If Lim
x®a
f (x) exists and positive then , Lim
x®a
[ f ( x ) ]f ( x ) = e x ® a
Illustration : 23
loge x
Lim
sin x sin x loge x x ® 0 cos ec x
Evaluate : xLim
®0
x = xLim
®0
e =e
Solution :
Lim 1/ x
cos ec x . cot x
= ex ® 0 (i.e. applying L Hospital s rule)
2
sin2 x æ sin x ö æ x ö
Lim Lim - ç ÷ . ç cos x ÷
x®0 x cos x x ®0 è x ø è ø
=e =e =1
Illustration : 24
(p n )
2/ n
Evaluate : n lim
® ¥

Solution :
(p n )
2/ n
Here A = n lim
® ¥

2 . n1p . p
Log A = Lim 2 log ( p n) = Lim (By L Hospital s rule)
n®¥ n n®¥ 1
2
= nLim
®¥ =0 A=1
n
2.1.5 Sandwich Theorem/Squeeze Play Theorem

If f (x) £ g (x) £ h (x) " x Î (a , b) {a}

Lim f (x) = l = xLim Lim
® a h (x) , then x ® a g (x) = , where a Î (a , b)
x®a
l

666
6
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 25
[ x ] + [ 2 x ] + [ 3 x ] + .... + [ n x ]
Evaluate : nLim
®¥ 2 , where [ . ] the greatest integer function .
n
Solution :
We know that , x 1 < [ x ] £ x
Þ 2x 1 < [ 2x] £ 2x
Þ 3x 1 < [ 3x] £ 3x
..........................
..........................
Þ nx 1 < [ nx] £ nx
\ (x + 2 x + 3 x + ..... + n x) n < [ x ] + [ 2 x ] + ..... + [ n x ] £ (x + 2 x + ..... + n x)

n
x n (n + 1) x . n (n + 1)
Þ n < å [r x] £
2 r =1 2

Thus Lim [ x ] + [ 2 x ] + ...... + [ n x ]

n®¥
n2

Lim x æ1 + 1 ö 1 [ x ] + [ 2 x ] + ...... + [ n x ] x æ1 + 1 ö
Þ n®¥
ç
nø
÷ < nLim
®¥ 2 £ nLim
®¥
ç
n
÷
2 è n n 2 è ø

x [ x ] + [ 2 x ] + ...... + [ n x ] x
Þ < nLim
®¥ 2 =
2 n 2
Illustration : 26

Lim 2 x - sin -1 x
x®0 is equal to :
2 x + tan -1 x

1 1
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) None of these
3 2
Solution :

Lim
(
2 x - x + x6 + ....
3
) 1
=
2 x + ( x - x3 + ....) 3
x®0 3

Hence (A) is the correct answer.

Illustration : 27
Lim x sin { x}
x ®1 x -1 , where { x } denotes the fractional part of x, is equal to
(a) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) does not exist

Solution : Lim Lim (x [ x ]) = 1 0 = 1

{x} = x ®
x ® 1 -0 1 -0

Lim
x ® 1 - 0 {x} = (x [ x ]) = 1 1 = 0

67
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Lim x sin { x } Lim x

\ x ® 1 -0 x -1 = x ® 1 -0 x -1 sin {x} = ¥

x sin ( x - [ x]) (1 + h ) × sinh = 1

R.H.L. lim lim
x®1+ [ x] - 1 h® 0 h

Since, L.H. limit ¹ R. H. limit. Hence (D) is the correct answer.

Illustration : 28

æ 1 q 1 q 1 q ö
lim ç tan q + tan + 2 tan 2 + ..... + n tan n ÷ =
n ®¥
è 2 2 2 2 2 2 ø

1 1
(A) (B) 2 cot 2 q (C) 2 cot 2 q (D) None of these
q q

Solution : tan q = cot q 2 cot 2 q

1 q 1 q
\ tan = cot cot q
2 2 2 2

1 q 1 q 1 q
n tan n = n cot n n -1 cot n -1
2 2 2 2 2 2

æ ö
ç ÷
Lim ç 1 1
Required limit = nLim - 2 cot 2 q ÷
\ ® ¥ Sn = n ® ¥ ç 2n tan q 2n ÷ =
q
2 cot 2 q
q
. n
ç n ÷
è q2 2 ø

Hence (B) is correct answer.

Illustration : 29

3 2
Lim x - x log x + log x - 1 is equal to :
x ®1 x2 - 1

(A) 2/3 (B) 3/2 (C) 0 (D) None of these

Solution :

( x 3 - 1) - ( x 2 - 1) log x Lim ( x - 1) ( x 3 + x + 1) - ( x - 1) ( x - 1) log x

The given limit = xLim = x ®1 ( x - 1) ( x + 1)
®1 x2 - 1

( x - 1) [ x 2 + x + 1 - ( x + 1) log x ] 12 + 1 + 1 - (1 + 1) log 1 3
= xLim
®1 ( x - 1) ( x + 1)
= (1 + 1)
=
2

Hence (B) is the correct answer .

668
8
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Single answer choice type

cos x - sin x
Q.1 Lt =
p p
x®
4 -x
4
1 -1
(A) 2 (B) - 2 (C) (D)
2 2
æ 3sin x - 3 cos x ö
Q.2 Lt çç ÷÷ =
x ®p / 6 è 6x - p ø
1 -1
(A) 3 (B) (C) - 3 (D)
3 3

Q.3 Lt (1 + ax )1 / bx =
x® 0

(A) eab (B) ea/b (C) eb/a (D) ea

Q.4 Lt (1 + sin p x ) cot p x =

x ®1
(A) e (B) e2 (C) e3 (D) 1/e

x + x 2 + x 3 + ......... + x n - n
Q.5 Lt =
x ®1 x -1
n(n + 1) n +1 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) n
2 2 n
x - cos(sin -1 x)
Lt
Q.6 x®
1 1 - tan(sin -1 x) =
2

1 -1
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) 1
2 2

(15) x - 5 x - 3 x + 1
Q.7 Lt =
x®0 1 - cos 4 x

1 log 5. log 3
(A) log5.log3 (B) 8log5. log3 (C) log 5. log 3 (D)
2 8
x3
sin x - x +
Q.8 Lt 6 =
x®0 x5

1 -1 1
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D)
120 120 2
tan x - x
Q.9 Lt =
x® 0 x 2 tan x
1 2 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) 1
3 3 2
69
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
n (13 + 2 3 + 33 + ...... + n3 ) 2
Q.10 Lt =
n ® ¥ (12 + 2 2 + 3 2 + ..... + n 2 ) 3

16 27 9 16
(A) (B) (C) (D)
27 16 16 9

[ x ] + [2 x ] + [3 x ] + ....... + [ nx]
Q.11 If [.] denote the greatest integer function then n Lt =
®¥ n2

x x x
(A) (B) x (C) (D)
2 3 6
1/ x
Q.12 Lt ( cos x + sin x ) =
x® 0

(A) e (B) e 1
(C) e2 (D) 0
1/ x
æ x - 1 + cos x ö
Q.13 Lt ç ÷ =
x® 0 è x ø
-1/ 4
(A) 1 (B) e 1/3 (C) e 1/2 (D) e
1/ x
æ 1x + 2 x + ...... + n x ö
Q.14 Lt çç ÷÷ =
x® 0
è n ø

1
(A) ( n!)
n
(B) ( n!) n (C) n! (D) log n!

cot x - cos x
Q.15 Lt =
p 3
x® æp ö
2 ç - x÷
è2 ø

-1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) -
2 2 6 6

3sin x 0 - sin(3 x 0 )
Q.16 Lt =
x® 0 x3
3 3
æ 180 ö æ p ö p p
(A) 4 ç ÷ (B) 4 ç (C) (D)
è p ø è 180 ÷ø 180 90

sin -1 x - tan -1 x
Q.17 Lt =
x®0 x3

1 1 1 1
(A) (B) - (C) (D) -
2 2 3 3

a sin x - sin 2 x
Q.18 Lt is finite, then a =
x® 0 tan 3 x
(A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) cannot be determined

770
0
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

[13 x ] + [23 x ] + ........ + [ n 3 x ]

Q.19 If [.] denotes the greatest integer function, then Lt =
n ®¥ n4

x x x
(A) x (B) (C) (D)
2 2 4

æ log(1 + x )1+ x 1 ö
Q.20 Lt çç - ÷÷ =
x® 0
è x2 xø

1 -1
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) 1
2 2
1/ x
æ 2 x + 2 2 x + 23 x ö
Q.21 Lt çç ÷÷ =
x® 0
è 3 ø

(A) 4 (B) 3 32 (C) 3

8 (D) 2

p
sin -1 x -
Q.22 Lt 6 =
x®
1 2x -1
2

1 -1 2 -2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 3 3

e x - esin x
Q.23 lim =
x ® 0 2( x - sin x)

1 1 3
(A) - (B) (C) 1 (D)
2 2 2
One or more than one type

æ 2ö
Q.24 If lim 1+ n
n ®¥ çç an - ÷ = b , where a finite number, then .....
÷ 1+ n ø
è
(A) a = 1 (B) a = 0 (C) b = 1 (D) b = 1

ae x - b
Q.25 If lim = 2 , then
x ®0 x
(A) a = 1 (B) b = 1 (C) a = 2 (D) b = 2
Q.26 Which of the following limit do not exist ?

tan a tan a - sin a

(A) lim (B) lim
a ®0 3
(1 - cos a ) 2 a ®0 a3

(1 - cos a )
2
æ 1 1 ö
(C) lim (D) lim ç
x ®0 sin x
- ÷
a ®0 tan a - sin a
3 3
è tan x ø

71
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Q.27 If alim f ( x ) = p and lim- f ( x ) = q then the correct statement(s) is/are true ?
®0+ a ®0

(A) xlim +
f ( x3 - x ) = q (B) xlim -
f ( x3 - x ) = p
®0 ®0

(C) xlim f ( x2 - x4 ) = q (D) xlim f ( x3 - x 4 ) = p

®0+ ®0-

Linked comprehension type

Passage-1
a xe x - b ln (1 + x ) + c xe - x
If a, b, c are three real numbers such that Lt =2, then
x®0 x 2 sin x
Q.28 Value of a is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D) 12
Q.29 Value of b is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D) 12
Q.30 Value of c is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D) 12
Matrix match type
Q.31 Match the following limit values.
Column - I Column - II
x
æ x 2 + x +1ö÷
Lt çç
A) x®¥ ÷
çè 2 x 2 + 3 ø÷÷ = P) 1/2

1- cos(1- cos x)
B) xLt
® 0 e 4 x -1 x 2 .sin x =
( ) Q) -2

3 æç 1 ö
C) xLt ç - cot
2
x ÷÷÷ = R) 1/32
®0 64 çè x 2 ø

[| x |]
D) xLt = S) 0
®0 x
Integer type

lim sec 4 x - sec x

Q.32 Value of x®0 =
sec 2 x - sec x

1- cos 5 x cos 3 2 x cos3 3 x

Q.33 The value of L im =
x® 0 22 x 2
eax - e x - x
Q.34 If Lt = b (finite) then a = _____
x ®0 x2
sin 2 4 x + 2 cos 2 x - 2 cos x
lim =
Q.35 x®0 5 ( cos2 x - cos3 x )

772
2
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

3.1 Definition
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a , if xlim f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = f ( a )
® a- x® a
i.e. LHL = RHL = value of the function at a .
If any two of the three quantities above are not equal, we say f (x) is not continuous at x = a, i.e. f (x)
is discontinuous at x = a .
Note: · All Polynomials, Trigonometrical functions, exponential and Logarithmic functions are
continuous in their domain .
· We never talk about continuity/discontinuity at points at which we can t approach from
either side of the point. These points are called isolated points .

e.g. f(x) = a - x + x - a at x = a.

3.2 Geometrical Meaning of Continuity

A function f(x) will be continuous at x = a if and only if there is no break in the graph of the function
f(x) at the point (a, f(a)). In an interval, function is said to be continuous if there is no break in graph of
function in the entire interval.
Examples :
i) f (x) = sin x is continuous in its entire domain
y
- 2p 3p
0 2p x

p
ii) f (x) = tan x is discontinuous at x = (2n + 1) , where n Î I which are not in its domain, hence
2
tan x is continuous in its domain.
y

3p
2
- 3p -p p x
O 2
2 2

3.3 Types of discontinuities

f(x) will be discontinuous at x = a, in any of the

following cases:
3.3.1 Atleast one of the limits (L.H.L. or R.H.L.)
does not exist.
æ 1ö
For example : y = sin ç ÷ at x = 0
èxø
Such discontinuity is called essential
discontinuity or discontinuity of the second kind.
73
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

3.3.2 Lim
x ® a-
f (x) and x Lim
® a+
f (x) both exist and finite but are not equal

For example y = [x] at x Î I is discontinuous.

2

1
O
x
x¢ 2 1 1 2 3
1

y¢

Such discontinuity is called jump discontinuity or discontinuity of the first kind.

ìï x , x ¹ 0
Ex: f (x) = í x
ïî 0 , x = 0

At x = 0 we see that
LHL = 1 , RHL = 1 , f (0) = 0
Þ LHL ¹ RHL ¹ f (0) hence the function is discontinuous and it has jump discontinuity.

3.3.3 Lim
x ® a-
f (x) = x Lim
® a+
f (x) but not equal to f (a)

x=2

ì x2 - 4
ï , x¹2
For example f (x) = í x - 2 at x = 2
ïî 5 , x=2

Here LHL = 2 and RHL = 2 , but at x = 2 , f (x) = 5 .

Such discontinuity is called removable discontinuity or discontinuity of the zeroth kind.

ì1 , xÏZü
Ex: f (x) = í ý around any integer n
î0 , x Î Z þ

From the figure , we notice that at any integer n ,

LHL = 1 , RHL = 1 , f (n) = 0
Þ LHL =RHL ¹ f (n) , so this function is again discontinuous and it has removable
discontinuity at all integers.
To summarise , if we intend to check the continuity of a function a x = a, we have to evaluate all the
three quantities , LHL , RHL and f (a) . If these three quantities are finite and equal , f (x) is continuous
at x = a . In all other cases it is discontinuous at x = a
LHL (at x = a) = RHL (at x = a) = f (a) , for continuity at x = a .

774
4
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Note: Single point of Continuity :
There are some functions which are continuous only at one point.

ì x if x Î Q ì x if x Î Q
e.g. f (x) = í and g (x) = í are both continuous only at x = 0
î - x if x Ï Q î 0 if x Ï Q

Illustration : 01
ì1-x , 0£x< 1
ï2 2
1 ï 1
Discuss the continuity of the function , f (x) at x = , where f (x) = í 1 , x =
2
2 ï3
- x , 1 < x £1
ïî 2 2
Solution :

æ 1ö Lim Lim æ 1 ö é 1 1ù
We have : ç LHL at x = 2 ÷ = x ® 1 - f (x) = x ® 1 ç 2 - x ÷ ê Q f ( x ) = 2 - x for 0 £ x < 2 ú
è ø 2 2 è ø ë û

1 1
= = 0
2 2

æ 1ö Lim Lim æ 3 - x ö é Q f ( x ) = 3 - x for 1 < x £ 1 ù

and ç RHL at x = 2 ÷ = x®1
+ f (x) = x®1 ç ÷ ê ú
è ø 2 2 è2 ø ë 2 2 û

3 1
= = 1
2 2

Lim Lim
Þ x® 1
- ¹ x®1
+
2 2

1 1
Hence f (x) is not continuous at x = . Clearly f (x) is discontinuous at x =
2 2

Illustration : 02
ì2 - x , x < 2
Discuss the continuity of the function , f (x) at x = 2 when f (x) = í 2 + x , x ³ 2
î
Solution :

Lim
We have : (LHL at x = 2) = x ® 2- f (x) = xLim
®2 2 x. [ Q f (x) = 2 x for x < 2 ]

= 2 2=0

Lim
and (LHL at x = 2) = x ® 2+ f (x) = xLim
®2 2+x. [ Q f (x) = 2 + x for x ³ 2 ]

= 2+2=4

Lim
x ® 2- ¹ x Lim
® 2+ f (x) . Hence f (x) is not continuous at x = 2 .

Illustration : 03
ì 2 x + 3 , -3 £ x < -2
ï
Show that the function , f (x) = í x + 1 , - 2 £ x < 0 is discontinuous at x = 0 and continuous
ï x + 2 , 0 £ x £1
î
at every other point in interval [ 3 , 1 ] .

75
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Solution :
ì 2x + 3 , -3 £ x < -2
ï
given f (x) = í x + 1 , - 2 £ x < 0
ï x + 2 , 0 £ x £1
î

As f ( x ) is a polynomial in the individual intervals ( -3, -2 ) ; ( -2, 0 ) ;(0,1] , it is continuous at every

point there. Let us check continuity at x = -2, 0 .At x = 0 ,

lim f ( x) = 1 and lim+ f ( x ) = 2, f (0) = 2

x ®0- x ®0

Since LHL ¹ RHL = f (0) , the function is discontinuous at x=0.

At x = -2 ,

lim f ( x ) = -1 and lim+ f ( x ) = -1 as well as f (-2) = -1

x ®-2- x ®-2

Since LHL = RHL = f (-2) , the function is continuous at x = -2

The graph of the function is as follows,

which is discontinuous at x=0 only.

Illustration : 04
ì 2x + 3 , x < 0
ï
If f (x) = í 0 , x = 0 . Discuss the continuity at x=0 .
ï x2 + 3 , x > 0
î
Solution :

Lim
Here x ® 0- f (x) = 3

Lim
x ® 0+ f (x) = 3

f (0) = 0

Lim Lim
Thus x ® 0- f (x) = x ® 0+ f (x) = 3 ¹ f (0)

Hence f (x) is discontinuous at x = 0

Illustration : 05

x2 - 1
If f (x) = x - 1 . Discuss the continuity at x = 1 .

776
6
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Solution :

Which shows , xLim

® 1 f (x) = 2 but f (1) is not defined .

x2 - 1
x -1

So f (x) is discontinuous at x = 1 .
Illustration : 06

f (x) = í
ìï ( (
tan p + x
4
)) 1/ x
, x¹0
. For what value of k , f (x) is continuous at x = 0 ?
ïî k , x=0
Solution :
1/ x
Here , Lim f (x) = Lim ì tan æç p + x ö÷ üý
x®0 x®0 í
î è4 øþ

1/ x
Þ Lim f (x) = Lim é 1 + tan x ù ( 1¥ form )
x®0 x ® 0 ê 1 - tan x ú
ë û

1/ x
é æ 1 + tan x öù
Þ Lim f (x) = Lim ê 1 + çç - 1÷÷ ú
x®0 x®0
ëê è 1 - tan x ø úû

æ 2 tan x ö 1
Lim ç ÷
ç 1 - tan x ÷ x
Þ Lim f (x) = ex ® 0 è ø
x®0

tan x
2 Lim
Þ Lim f (x) = e x ® 0 x (1 - tan x )
= e2
x®0

Here , f (x) is continuous at x = 0 , when xLim

® 0 f (x) = f (0) Þ k = e
2

3.4 Algebra of Continuous Functions

Let f (x) and g (x) are continuous functions at x = a. Then,
(i) c f (x) is continuous at x = a where c is any constant
(ii) f (x) ± g (x) is continuous at x = a
(iii) f (x). g (x) is continuous at x = a

f (x)
(iv) is continuous at x = a, provided g (a) ¹ 0 .
g ( x)

Note · If f(x) is discontinuous and g(x) is also discontinuous at x = a , then the sum of the functions
may be continuous.
Example : f (x) = [x] and g (x) = {x} , then (f + g) (x) = x is a continuous function.

77
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
· If f(x) is continuous and g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product function

f( x ) = f ( x ).g ( x ) is not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a.

ìï sin 1 , x ¹ 0
Example : f(x) = x and g (x) = í x Þ f (x) = 0 for all x Î R
îï 0 , x=0

· If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function f( x ) = f ( x ).g ( x )
is not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a.

ì1 , x³0 ì -1 , x³0
Example : f (x) = í and g (x) = í 1 , x<0
î -1 , x < 0 î

· Continuity of inverse of a function : If the function y = f(x) is defined, continuous and strictly
monotonic on the interval X, then there exist a single valued inverse of the function x = j (y)
defined, continuous and also strictly monotonic in the range of the function y = f (x).
3.5 Continuity of Composition of two functions
If f is continuous at x = c and g is continuous at x = f(c) then the composite g(f(x)) is continuous at
x sin x
x = c. e.g. f(x) = and g (x) = ½x½ are continuous at x = 0, hence the composite
x2 + 2

x sin x
(gof)(x) = will also be continuous at x = 0 .
x2 + 2

Illustration : 07
1 1
Find the point(s) of discontinuity of y = 2 , where u = .
u +u-2 x -1
1
Solution: The function u = f (x) = is discontinuous at the point x = 1. . . . (i)
x -1
1 1
The function y = g(x) = = is discontinuous at u = 2 and u = 1.
2
u +u-2 (u + 2) (u - 1)
1 1
when u = 2 , = 2 Þ x=
x -1 2

1
u=1 Þ =1 Þ x=2
x -1

1
Hence, the composite function y = g (f(x)) is discontinuous at three points x = , 1, 2
2
3.6 Intermediate Value Theorem
Suppose f (x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and b are two points of I. Then if y0 is a number
between f (a) and f (b), there exists a number c between a and b such that f(c) = y0.
Corollary: If a continuous function f(x) changes sign in the interval [a,b], i.e. if f(a)f(b)<0, then there exist
atleast one root of f(x)=0 in the interval (a,b).
Illustration : 08
c
Let f : [0 , 1] ® [1 , e] be a continuous function, then prove that f(c) = e for some c Î [0 , 1]

778
8
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Solution :
x
Let h(x) = f(x) e
h(0) = f(0) 1 ³ 0
h (1) = f (1) e £ 0
h(c) = 0 for at least one c Î [0 , 1]
Illustration : 09

Let f , g : [0 , 1] ® [0 , ¥) be continuous function satisfying 0Max . Max.

£ x £ 1 f (x) = 0 £ x £ 1 g (x) . Prove that

there exists l Î [0 , 1] with (f (l ) )2 + 3 f (l) = (g (l ) )2 + 3 g (l) .

Solution :

Let 0Max . Max.

£ x £ 1 f (x) at x = a , a Î [0 , 1] and 0 £ x £ 1 g (x) at x = b , b Î [0 , 1]

Þ f (a ) = g (b)

Now consider , h (x) = f (x)-g (x) "x [a , b]

h (a) = f (a) g (a) = g (b) g (a)³ 0 as g (b) is maximum of g(x)
h (b) = f (b) g (b) = f (b) f (a) £ 0 as f (a) is maximum of f(x)
Hence h(x) changes sign in the interval [a,b]
Þ h (l) = 0 for atleast one l Î [0 , 1] Þ f (l) g (l) = 0

Þ (f (l ) )2 + 3 f (l) = (g (l) )2 + 3 g (l) for atleast one l Î [0 , 1]

Note · If f is continuous at every point of a closed interval I, then f assumes both an absolute
maximum value M and an absolute minimum value m somewhere in I. That is there are
numbers x1 and x2 in I with f(x1) = m, f(x2) = M, and m £ f ( x ) £ M for every I.

In other words if m = amin

£ x £b
f(x), M = max
a £ x £b
f(x), then for any A satisfying the inequalities
m £ A £ M there exist a point x0 Î [ a, b] for which f(x0) = A.

· A continuous function whose domain is closed must have a range also in closed interval but
it is not necessary that domain is open then range is open (range can be closed). f(x) has
the minimum and maximum values on [a, b].
Illustration : 10
f : (0 , 1) ® [0 , 1] be a continuous function .
(A) if it is onto then it must be many to one (B) f must be onto
(C) f must be one-one (D) f can be bijective
Solution : (A)
Let f to be one to one then range of f will be an open interval as the domain is an open interval, but
as the co-domain given is a closed interval, range cannot be equal to co-domain hence it can t be
onto. Hence if it is onto then it must be many to one.

79
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Single answer choice type

x sin 5 x 5
Q.1 If f ( x ) = , x ¹ 0, f (0) = then at x = 0 f(x) has
tan 2 x tan 7 x 9

(A) Continuity (B) Removable discontinuity

(C) Jump discontinuity (D) Essential discontinuity
1 - cos(4 x)
Q.2 f ( x) = , x ¹ 0, f (0) = 8, at x=0 f has
x2
(A) Continuity (B) Removable discontinuity
(C) Jump discontinuity (D) Essential discontinuity

(e kx - 1) (sin kx )
Q.3 f ( x) = , x ¹ 0, f(0) = 9, is continuous at x = 0, then k =
4 x2
(A) ± 2 (B) ± 6 (C) ± 4 (D) ± 8
1
Q.4 f ( x) = x -1 ,
x x ¹ 1 and f is continuous at x = 1 then f(1) =

1 1
(A) e (B) (C) e2 (D)
e e2
Q.5 f(x) = [x], at x = 2, f is
(A) left continuous (B) right continuous (C) continuous (D) none

ì 1 + kx - 1 - kx
ï for -1 £ x < 0
Q.6 If f(x)= í x
ï2 x2 + 3x - 2 for 0 £ x < 1
î

is continuous at x = 0 then k =
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1

e1/ x - 1
Q.7 f ( x) = , f(0) = 0, at x = 0 f has
e1/ x + 1
(A) Continuity (B) Removable discontinuity
(C) Jump discontinuity (D) Essential discontinuity

ì 2 x - 1 if x > 2
ï
f ( x) = ík if x =2
Q.8 ï 2
is continuous at x = 2 then k =
î x - 1 if x < 2

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

1 cos 4 x
; when x < 0
x2
Q.9 f(x) = a; when x = 0 is continuous at x = 0; then a =
x
; when x > 0
16+ x 4

(A) 8 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) 8

1 + sin x - 1 - sin x
Q.10 f ( x) = is continuous on R then f(0) =
x
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
1
2 2 4
Q.11 If f(x) = (1 + tan x ) 2 x is continuous at x = 0, then f(0) =

1 1
(A) e (B) e (C) (D)
e e

ì a 2 cos 2 x + x 2sin 2 x, x £ 0
Q.12 If f : R R defined by f(x) = í ax + b
is continuous then
îe , x>0

(A) b = 2log |a| (B) 2b = log |a| (C) b = log |2a| (D) b2 = log|a|

(4 x - 1) 3
Q.13 f ( x) = 2 ö
is continuous at x = 0 and f(0) = 12 (ln 4)3 then p =
æ xö æ x
sin ç ÷ log ç1 + ÷
è pø è 3 ø

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

ì (36) x - 9 x - 4 x + 1
ïï if x¹0
f ( x) = í 2æ xö
Q.14 2sin ç ÷ is continuous at x = 0 then k =
ï è4ø
ïî k if x=0
(A) 8 ln 6 (B) 8 ln 5 (C) 32 ln 2 .ln 3 (D) ln 2 . ln 3
1
æ sin x ö x - a
Q.15 f ( x) = ç ÷ if x ¹ a and f(x) = k if x = a and f(x) is continuous at x = a then k =
è sin a ø
(A) etana (B) ecota (C) ea (D) e1/a

ì sin( a + 1) x + sin x
ï if x < 0
x
ï
Q.16 f ( x) = í 1 1
and f(0) = c is continuous at x = 0 then
ï ( x + bx 2 ) 2 - x 2
ï if x > 0
î b x3 / 2
-3 1 1
(A) a = , c = , b ¹ 0 (B) a = b = , c = 0
2 2 2

1 1
(C) a = b = c = (D) a = b¹0 c =1
2 2

81
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

ì -1 æ 1 ö
ï a tan ç x - 4 ÷ if 0£ x<4
ï è ø p
Q.17 ï æ 2 ö and f ( 4 ) = is continuous on [0, 8] then (a, b) =
f ( x ) = í b tan -1 ç if 4< x<6 2
÷
ï è x-4ø
ï -1 p
ïsin ( 7 - x ) + a if 6 £ x £8
î 2

(A) (1, 1) (B) (1, 1)

(C) ( 1, 1) (D) No such values of a & b exist

ì3 2
ï x 2 Sin 2 x ; if x < 0
ï 2
ï x + 2x + c 1
Q.18 f (x) = í 2
; if x ³ 0, x ¹ then in order that f be a continuous at x=0, the value of
ï 1 - 3x 3
ï0 1
ï ; if x =
î 3

c is
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8
One or more than one type
ì
ï x 2 , x is rational
f ( x ) = ï
í 2
Q.19 If ï then f is.
î-x , is x is rational
ï
(A) continuous at x = 0 (B) discontinuous at x = 1/2
(C) discontinuous at x = 0 (D) continuous x = 1/2
Q.20 Let f and g be defined by f ( x ) = x and g( x) = x - 1 then
(A) fog is continuous on [0, ¥) (B) gof is continuous on [0, ¥)
(C) fog is continuous on [1, ¥] (D) none of these

1
Q.21 The points of discontinuous of the function fog where g( x ) = 1/( x - 1) and f ( x ) = 2 are x =
x + x-2
(A) 1/2 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) -2

Q.22 Let f ( x ) = s g n x and g( x) = x(1 - x 2 ) then

(A) fog is a continuous function (B) gof is continuous
(C) fog is not continuous at x = 0 (D) fog is not continuous at x = 1
Q.23 Let f ( x ) = [ x ] + [-x ]. Then for any integer n and k Î R : I

(A) lim f ( x ) exists (B) lim f ( x ) exists

x® n x®k

(C) f is continuous at x = n (D) f is continuous at x = k

Q.24 The function f(x) = [sinx] is not continuous at ([x] is the greatest integer less than or equal to x)
(A) x = p / 2 (B) x = p / 4 (C) x = 0 (D) x = p

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Q.25 Which of the following function are continuous on (0, 1) ?
1
(A) x [x] (B) (C) (-1)[ x ] (D) sin[ x]
x - [ x]
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1

Suppose x = c is an element of domain of f(x). If lim f ( x ) does not exists then f is said to be jump
x®c

discontinuity at c. If Lt f ( x ) exists but this limit is not equal to f (c) then it is removable discontinuity..
x ®c

If xlim f ( x ) or lim- f ( x) fail to exists then f is infinite discontinuity at c.

® c+ x® c

ì
ï x 2 + 5, x < 2
ï
ï
Q.26 Let g ( x) = ïí10, x = 2 then x = 2 is
ï
ï
ï 3
î1 + x , x > 2
ï
(A) point of continuity (B) removable discontinuity
(C) jump discontinuity (D) infinite discontinuity

ì
ï x + 7; x < -3
ï
ï
ï
ï| x - 2 |; -3 £ x < -1 then
Q.27 g ( x) = í 2
ï
ï x - 2 x; - 1 £ x < 3
ï
ï
î2 x - 3;
ï
ï x³3

(A) x = - 1 is jump discontinuity (B) x = 3 is infinite discontinuity

(C) x = -3 is jump discontinuity (D) x = -1 is removable discontinuity
Q.28 f ( x) = sgn x then x = 0 is
(A) point of continuity (B) jump discontinuity
(C) removable discontinuity (D) infinite discontinuity
Matrix match type
Q.29 Match the following functions with their f(0) values so that f is continuous at x = 0.
Column - I Column - II
log(1 + 4 x )
A) f ( x ) = P) 1/4
x

log(4 + x ) - log 4
B) f ( x) = Q) 0
x

1 1
C) f ( x) = - R) 4
sin x tan x

1- cos 3 x
D) f ( x ) = S) 3/4
[Link] 2 x

83
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Q.30 Match the following functions with the largest set in which they are continuous.
Column - I Column - II
1
A) f ( x) = P) R
x

x - sin x
B) f ( x) = ; f (0) = 1 Q) R +
x + sin x

p
C) f ( x ) = [Link] ; f (0) = 0 R) R-
x

1
D) f ( x ) = tan
-1
S) R - {0}
x
Q.31 Match the following functions with the intervals in which they are continuous.
Column - I Column - II
A) f ( x ) = [ x ] + [-x ] P) (-1, 0)

ì
ï
ïe1/ x , x ¹ 0
B) f ( x ) = í
ï Q) (3, 4)
î 0, x = 0
ï

| sin x |
C) f ( x ) = R) (1, 2)
sin x

D) f ( x) = x - éêë x ùúû S) (4, 8)

Integer type

x 2 - hx + 25
Q.32 If f ( x ) = for x ¹ 5 is continuous at x = 5, then the value of f(5) is
x 2 - 7 x + 10

If f ( x ) = sgn ( sin x - sin x -1) has exactly four points of discontinuity for x Î ( 0, np ) , n Î N then
2
Q.33
the number possible of values of n is

ì é 2020sin x ù
ïê úû for x ¹ 0
Q.34 If f ( x) = í ë x is continuous at x = 0 then highest single digit divisor of sum of
ï k for x = 0
î
digits of k=

n®µ ( sin x)
for x Î[ 0, 2p ] then number of points of
2n
Q.35 If the function f ( x ) is defined as f ( x) =lim
discontinuity of f is

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4
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

4.1 Definition of The Derivative

The derivative f ¢ (x) of a function y = f (x) at a given point x is defined as

Dy Lim f ( x + D x ) - f ( x ) = finite . If this limit exists finitely then the function

f ¢ (x) = D Lim
x ® 0 D x = Dx ® 0 Dx

æ f (x + D x) - f (x) ö
f (x) is called differentiable at the point x . The number f ¢ (x) çç = Lim = finite ÷
÷
è D x ® 0- Dx ø

is called the left hand derivative at the point x .

æ f ( x + D x) - f (x) ö
Similarly the number f+¢ (x) çç = Lim + = finite ÷ is called the right hand derivative at
÷
è Dx ® 0 Dx ø
the point x . The necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of the derivative f (x) is the
existence of the finite right and left hand derivatives , and also of the equality
f+¢ (x) = f ¢ (x) = finite .
4.2 Geometrical Meaning of The Derivative

Let us consider the function f(x) and the corresponding curve y = f(x). Clearly line joining two
points M0 (x , y) and M1 (x + D x , y + D y) on the curve will be the secant to the curve and the
Dy
slope of this secant is given by tan f = D x (Where f is the angle made by the secant with the
positive direction of the x-axis). In the limiting case when D x ® 0 the point M1 approaches M0 and
the secant joining these two points will become the tangent at M0 whose slope will be given by tan a
Dy
= D Lim
x ® 0 D x = f ¢ (x) y

which means that slope of the tangent to the curve y = f(x) at M1

M0 y=f(x)
Dy
Dx
any argument is equal to the value of the derivative at that argument. y
x
Geometrically, a function is not differentiable in the following cases : O x x+Dx

4.3 Differentiability on An Interval

A function y = f (x) is differentiable on an interval (finite or infinite) if it has a derivative at each point
of the interval . It is differentiable on a closed interval [a , b] if it differentiable at every point of the
open interval (a, b) and if the limits

lim f ( a + h) - f ( a)
= finite (Right - hand derivative at a)
h ® 0+
h

lim - f (b + h ) - f (b ) = finite (Left - hand derivative at b)

h ® 0
h

85
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
4.4 Relation Between Derivability And Continuity

(a) If f ¢(a ) exists then f(x) is derivable at x = a Þ f ( x ) is continuous at x = a .In general a

function f is derivable at x then f is continuous at x. i.e. if f(x) is derivable for every point of
its domain of definition, then it is continuous in that domain. The converse of the above
ìï x sin 1 , x ¹ 0
result need not be true e.g. the functions f (x) = |x| and g (x) = í x both are
ïî 0 , x=0
continuous at x = 0 but not derivable at x = 0.
(b) Let f+ ¢ (a) = l and f ¢ (a) = m where l and m are finite then :
(i) l = m Þ f is derivable at x = a Þ f is continuous at x = a.
(ii) l ¹ m Þ f is not derivable at x = a but f may be continuous at x = a. If a function
f not differentiable but is continuous at x = a, it geometrically implies a sharp corner
or kink at x = a .
(iii) If f is not continuous at x = a then it is not differentiable at x = a.
4.5 Reason of non differentiability
Case I
(i) a corner, where the one-sided derivatives differ

(ii) a cusp, where the slope of PQ approaches ¥ from one side and ¥ from the other

(iii) a vertical tangent, where the slope of PQ approaches ¥ from both sides or approaches
¥ from both sides (here, ¥)
Q ·

·P

(iv) a discontinuity ·Q
+

(a) (b)

Remarks : There are functions which are continuous at every point but differentiable at no point.

¥ n
2
e.g. f (x) = å æç ö÷ cos (9n p x) . We shall not discuss such functions in our course.
n =0 è3ø

886
6
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

4.6 Algebra of a Differentiable Function

(i) If f(x) and g(x) are derivable at x = a then the functions f(x) + g(x), f(x) - g(x), f(x).g(x) will
be derivable at x = a and if g (a) ¹ 0 , then the function f(x)/g(x) will also be derivable at x = a.
(ii) If f(x) is differentiable at x = a and g(x) is not differentiable at x = a, then the product
function f(x) g(x) can still be differentiable at x = a. e.g., f(x) = x and g(x) = |x| at x = 0.
(iii) If f(x) and g(x) both are not differentiable at x = a, then the product function f(x) g(x) can
still be differentiable at x = a i.e., f (x) = ½x½ and g (x) = ½x½ at x = 0 .
(iv) If f(x) is differentiable at x = a and g(x) is not differentiable at x = a, then the sum function
f(x) + g(x) is not - differentiable at x = a.
(v) If f(x) and g(x) both are not - differentiable at x = a, then the sum function may be a
differentiable function. e.g. f(x)= ½x½ + l and g(x) = ½x½

(vi) If f(x) is derivable at x = a then it need not be true that f ¢( x ) is continuous at x = a.

ìï x 2 sin 1 if x ¹ 0
e.g. f (x) = í x
îï 0 if x = 0

4.7 Maxima/Minima/Middle function

A function f (x) = max { } where max means the expression whose values lies above of other expressions
A function f (x) = min { } where min means the expression whose values lies below of other expressions
A function f (x) = mid { } where mid means the expression whose values lies between those of other
two expressions .
Illustration : 01
Let f(x) = min.{tan x, cot x} " x Î R. Find
(i) Range of f(x) (ii) Period (if periodic)
(iii) Points of discontinuity of f(x) (iv) Points of non-differentiability of f(x)
Solution :
We know,
f(x) = min{tan x, cot x} can be plotted in two steps
O p X
(i) We should plot the graph of tan x and cot x
(ii) We should find their points of intersection
and neglect the area above their point of
x = -p x = -p /2 x = p /2 x=p x = 3 p /2

intersection
It can seen from the graph. That,
(a) range of f(x) = ( ¥, 1] È [0, 1]
(b) period of f(x) = p

p np
(c) Points of discontinuity are ± p , ± , 0 ... which can be put in the form of ,nÎI
2 2
87
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

3p p
(d) Also the points of non differentiability are ± p , ,± , 0 , ... which can be put in form of
4 2
np
, n Î I.
4

Here dark lines of the curves represents min {tan x , cot x} and dotted lines is max. {tan x , cot x}
Illustration : 02
A function f is given by f (x) = mid {1 x , ½x½ , 2 x + 1} where mid means the expression whose
values lies between those of other two expressions . Find the function and test its continuity in entire
number scale .
y=2x+1
Solution :
y = ½x½

The bold lines denotes the mid of the function

1 1
1 1
3 2 y=1 x
ì x , - ¥ < x < -1
ï 3
ï 2x + 1
ï , -1 < x <0
3
Hence f (x) = mid {1 x , ½x½ , 2 x + 1} = í
ï 1- x , 0<x< 1
2
ï
ïî x , 1<x<¥
2

4.8 Some standard functional equations and their solutions

If x, y are independent variables, and f(x) is a differentiable function in its domain then :
(i) f(xy) = f(x) + f(y) Þ f (x) = k ln |x| or f(x) = 0 .
(ii) f(xy) = f(x) . f(y) Þ f (x) = xn , n Î R
(iii) f(x + y) = f(x) . f(y) Þ f (x) = ax .
(iv) f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) Þ f (x) = kx, where k is a constant
Note: If f(x) above is not differentiable, then there may be other solutions to the above functional
equations.
Illustration : 03

(a) Let f be a function such that f ( x + f ( y ) ) = f ( x ) + y " x , y Î R , then find f (0) .

(b) Now if it is given that there exists a positive real d , such that f (h) = h for 0 < h < d then find
f ¢(x) and hence f(x).
Solution :

(a) Let x = 0, y = 0 in f ( x + f ( y ) ) = f ( x ) + y

Þ f (0) + f (0) = f (0) + 0

Þ 2 f (0) = f (0)
Þ f (0) = 0

888
8
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
(b) Given f (h) = h

f ( x + h) - f ( x )
then f ¢(x) = hLim
®0 for 0 < h < d
h

f ( x + f (h)) - f ( x )
Þ f ¢(x) = hLim
®0 (given f (h) = h)
h

f (x) + h - f ( x) h
Þ f ¢(x) = hLim
®0 Þ f ¢(x) = hLim
®0
h h

Þ f ¢(x) = 1 , integrating both sides we get

Þ f (x) = x + c where f (0) = 0 Þ c = 0
So, f (x) = x
Thus f ¢(x) = 1 and f (x) = x
Illustration : 04
Let f : R ® R is a function satisfying condition
f (x + y3) = f (x) + [f (y)]3 for all x , y Î R. If f ¢(0) ³ 0 . Find f (10) .
Solution : Given f (x + y3) = f (x) + [f (y)]3 ................. (i)
and f¢(0) ³ 0 ................. (ii)
Replacing x , y by 0
f (0) = f (0) + f (0)3 Þ f (0) = 0 ................. (iii)

f ( 0 + h ) - f (0 ) f (h)
also f ¢ (0) = hLim
®0 = hLim
® 0 h
h

Let I = f ¢ (0) = hLim

(
f 0 + (h1/ 3 )3 - f (0 ) )
®0 1/ 3 3
(h )

= hLim
(
f (h1/ 3 ) ) 3

= Lim ç f (h ) ÷
æ 1/ 3 ö
3

= I3
®0 (h1/ 3 )3 h ® 0 ç (h1/ 3 ) ÷
è ø
I = I3 or I = 0 , 1 , 1 as f ¢(0) ³ 0 \ f ¢ (0) = 0 , 1 ................ (v)

Thus, f ¢(x) = hLim

f ( x + h) - f ( x )
= Lim
(
f x + (h1/ 3 )3 - f ( x ) )
®0 h h®0 1/ 3 3
(h )
(f (h1/3)) - f (x)
3
f (x) +
f ¢(x) = hLim [ using (i) ]
®0
(h1/3)3
æ f (h1/ 3 ) ö
Þ f ¢(x) = Lim ç ÷
= (f ¢ (0))3
h ® 0 ç (h1/ 3 ) ÷
è ø
Þ f ¢(x) = 0 , 1 [as f¢ (0) = 0, 1 using (v)]
Integrating both sides,
f(x) = c or x + c as f(0) = 0 Þ f(x) = 0 or x
Thus f(10) = 0 or 10
89
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Single answer choice type

f ( x) - f (1)
Q.1 If f ( x ) = x 2 + x + 1, then Lx®
im =
1 x -1
(A) 3 (B) 0 (C) -1 (D) 2

g ( x) f ( a) - g ( a) f ( x)
Q.2 If f ( a) = 2, f 1 ( a) =1, g ( a) =-1, g1 ( a) = 2, then L im =
x ®a x-a

1 1
(A) (B) 5 (C) - (D) -5
5 5

L im
( 2 + h ) cos ( 2 + h ) - 2 cos 2 =
Q.3 h ®0 h
(A) cos 2 - 2 sin 2 (B) cos 2 + 2sin 2 (C) sin 2 - 2 cos 2 (D) sin 2 + 2 cos 2

f ( x ) - f ( 2)
Q.4 f ( x ) = x 2 - 3 x + 5, then L im =
x®2 x -2

1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) (D) 4
2

xf (2) - 2 f ( x)
Q.5 Let f (2) = 4, f '(2) = 4 Then lim is
x ®2 x-2
(A) 2 (B) -2 (C) -4 (D) 3

ì
ï sin x 2 - 5 x + 6
ï
ï
Q.6 Let f ( x) = ï , x ¹ 2,3 the set of all points where f is differentiable is
í x2 - 5x + 6
ï
ï
ï
ï
î 1, x = 2 or 3

(A) (-¥, ¥) (B) (-¥, ¥ ) - {2} (C) (-¥, ¥) - {3} (D) (-¥, ¥)- {2, 3}

Q.7 The left hand derivative of f ( x) = [ x]sin p x at x=k, k is an integer is

k k -1 k k -1
(A) (-1) (k -1) p (B) (-1) (k -1)p (C) (-1) kp (D) (-1) kp

1
Q.8 The number of values of x Î [0, 2] , at which the real function f ( x ) = x - + | x - 1| + tan x is not
2
differentiable :
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) 0
Q.9 Let f : R ® R satisfies f ( x + y ) = f ( x) + f ( y ) + 2 xy - 3, f '(0) = 2 , then f '( x) is equal to
(A) 2x + 2 (B) x + 2 (C) x2 + 2x + 2 (D) None of these

990
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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Q.10 A function f : R ® R + satisfies f(x + y) = f(x). f ( y ) " x Î R. If f '(0) = 2 , then f '( x) is :

1 2
(A) f(x) (B) 2f(x) (C) (D)
f ( x) f ( x)

ì x[x] , 0£x <2

Q.11 Let the function f defined by f(x) = í (where, [x] = greatest integer less than or
î (x -1) [x] , 2 £ x £ 3
equal to x). Then f(x) is
(A) Continuous but not differentiable at x = 1 (B) Differentiable at x = 1
(C) Continuous but not differentiable at x = 2 (D) Differentiable at x = 2

tan {p[ x - p]}

Q.12 The function f(x) = , where [x] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to x, is
1 + [ x ]2

(A) discontinuous at some x

(B) continuous at all x, but f ¢ (x) does not exist for some x

(C) f ¢ ( x ) exists for all x, but f ¢¢ (x) does not exist

(D) f ¢¢ (x) exists for all x

ì 1
( x - 1) 2 sin - | x | , if x ¹ 1
Q.13 Let f(x) = ïí ( x - 1) be a real-valued function. Then the set of points where
ïî - 1, if x = 1
f(x) is not differentiable is
(A) {0} (B) {0, 1} (C) {1} (D) null set

ì x
ï , x¹0
Q.14 For the function f(x) = í1 + e1/ x , the derivative from the right, f ¢(0 + ) and the derivative
ïî 0, x=0

from the left, f ¢ ( 0 - ) are respectively

(A) {0, 1} (B) {1, 0} (C) {1, 1} (D) {0, -1}

é pù ì 3ü
Q.15 Let f ê0, ú ® R be a function defined by f(x) = max ísin x, cos x, ý , then number of points where
ë 2û î 4þ
f(x) is non differentiable is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0.

ì n 1
ï x sin , x ¹ 0
Q.16 Let f(x)= í x , then f(x) is continuous, but not differentiable at x=0, if
ïî0 , x =0

(A) n Î ( 0,1) (B) n Î [1, ¥ ) (C) ( -¥,0) (D) n= 0.

91
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

ì 1
ï for | x | ³ 1
Q.17 Let f(x) = í | x | . If f(x) is continuous and differentiable everywhere, then
ïîax 2 + b for | x | < 1

1 3 1 3
(A) a = , b= (B) a = ,b= (C) a = 1, b = 1 (D) a = b = 1
2 2 2 2

Q.18 A function f : R ® R satisfies the equation f(x) f(y) f(xy) = x + y " x, y Î R and f(1) > 0, then

(A) f(x) f -1(x) = x2 - 4 (B) f(x) f -1 (x) = x2 - 6

(C) f(x) f -1(x) = x 2 - 1 (D) f(x) f -1(x) = x 2 + 6

ì 1
ï(x - 1) sin if x ¹ 1
Q.19 Let f(x) = í x -1 . Then which one of the following is true?
ïî 0 if x = 1

(A) f is differentiable at x = 0 but not at x = 1

(B) f is differentiable at x = 1 but not x = 0
(C) f is neither differentiable at x = 0 nor at x = 1
(D) f is differentiable at x = 0 and at x = 1

f '(5)
Q.20 If f (x + y) = f(x) f(y) for all x, y Î R, f ¢ (0) = 3. Then =
f (5)

(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 4 (D) 3

Q.21 If f : R ® R is an even function which is twice differentiable on R and f ¢¢ (p ) = 1 then f ¢¢( - p ) =
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) 2
Q.22 The set of all points where the function f(x) = x | x | is twice differentiable is

(A) ( -¥, ¥) (B) ( -¥, 0) È (0, ¥) (C) ( 0, ¥) (D) [ 0, ¥)

Q.23 The set of all points where the function f(x) = 1 - e - x 2 is differentiable is

(A) (0, ¥) (B) ( ¥ , ¥ ) (C) ( ¥ , ¥ ) {0} (D) (-1, ¥)

Q.24 The set of all points of differentiability of the function f(x) = e |x| is
(A) (0, ¥) (B) ( ¥ , ¥ ) (C) [0, ¥ ) (D) ( ¥ , ¥ ) {0}

One or more than one type

Q.25 If f ( x ) = x 3 - 6x 2 + 11x - 6 then f is not differentiable at x = ______

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0

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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Q.26 f ( x) = max .( x 4 , x 3 ) then f is

(A) differentiable at x = 0 (B) not differentiable at x = 1
(C) differentiable at x = 3 (D) differentiable at x = -1

Q.27 Let f ( x ) be a real valued function such that f ( a ) = 0 . If g ( x ) = ( x - a ) f ( x ) is continuous but

not differentiable at x = a and h ( x ) = ( x - a ) f ( x ) is continuous and differentiable at x = a .

2

Then f ( x )

(A) must be continuous and differentiable at x = a

(B) must be continuous but not differentiable at x = a
(C) may or may not be continuous at x = a
(D) must be discontinuous at x = a
Q.28 Which one of the following functions is continuous everywhere in its domain but has atleast one point
in the domain where it is not differentiable ?

|x|
(A) f ( x ) = x1/ 3 (B) f ( x ) = (C) f ( x ) = e- x (D) f ( x ) = tan x
x
Matrix match type
Q.29 Column I Column II

é x + 1 if x < 0
(A) f (x) = ê at x = 1 is (P) Continuous
ëcos x if x > 0

(B) For every x Î R the function (Q) Differentiability

sin ( p [ x - p])
g ( x) = where [x]
1 + [ x]
2

denotes the greatest integer function is

h ( x) = { x}
2
(C) where {x} denotes (R) Discontinuous

fractional part function for all x Î I , is

é x
if x ¹ 1
(D) k ( x ) = ê ln x at x = 1 is (S) Non derivable
ê
êë e if x = 1

Q.30 Column-I contains 4 functions and Column-II contains comments w.r.t their continuity and differen-
tiability at x = 0 . Note that Column-I may have than one matching options in column-II.
([.] Denotes the greatest integer function)
93
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Column-I Column-II
(A) f ( x ) = [ x ] + |1 - x | (P) Continuous

(B) g ( x ) =| x - 2 | + | x | (Q) Differentiable

(C) h ( x ) = éëtan 2 x ùû (R) Discontinuous

(D) é x ( 3e1/ x + 4) (S) Not differentiable

ê x¹ 0
l ( x ) = ê ( 2 - e1/ x )
ê
êë 0 x =0

Integer type

é 1 1
ê |x| if | x | ³
2 1
Q.31 A function f is defined as, f ( x ) = ê . If f ( x ) is derivable at x = , then find
ê 2 1 2
êëa + bx if | x |<
2
(a - b) .
æ xö
1 - cos ç1 - cos ÷
è 2ø
Q.32 If lim m n is equal to the left hand derivative of e -|x| at x = 0, then find the value of
x ®0 2 x
( 2n + m ) .
Q.33 If the right hand derivative of f ( x ) = [ x ] tan p x at x = 7 is kp , then k is equal to

([y] denotes largest integer £ y )

ì æ pxö
n

ax ( x - 1) ç cot ÷ + ( px + 2 )
2
ï
ïïlim è 4 ø
Q.34 Let f ( x ) = ín®¥ , x Î ( 0,1) È (1, 2 )
n
æ pxö
ï ç cot ÷ +1
è 4 ø
ï
ïî 0 x =1

a2
If f ( x ) is differentiable for all x Î ( 0, 2 ) then 2 equals
p

Q.35 For certain values of the triplets of real numbers (a, b, c) with a ¹ 0 , the function
ì x x £1
f ( x) = í 2 is differentiable for all real x. The minimum distance of the point
î ax + bx + c otherwise
d
(a, b, c) from the point (1, 0, 1) is , then the values of d =
3

994
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 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

5.1 Derivative of f(x) From The First Principle

If f (x) is a derivable function then,

dy dy Lim f ( x + d x ) - f ( x )
f ¢ (x) = d x = d Lim
x ® 0 d x = dx ® 0 dx

f ( x + h) - f ( x )
or simply f ¢ (x) = hLim
®0 h

Illustration : 01
Using the definition of the derivative, find the derivative of the function cos ax at x.
Solution : Let y = cos a x , we have

æ a ö aD x
D y = cos a (x + D x) cos ax = 2 sin ç a x + 2 D x ÷ sin
è ø 2

Dy ( )
- 2 sin a x + a D x sin
2
aDx
2
Þ =
Dx Dx

sin a
x Dx
Hence y¢ = D Lim
Dy
= 2 Lim sin æç a x + a D x ö÷ Lim = a sin ax .
x®0 Dx ® 0
Dx 2 D x
è ® 0 ø Dx

In particular, if a = 1, then y = cos x and y¢ = sin x

Illustration : 02
Find the derivative of tan 1 x with respect to x by using first principle.
Solution :
æ p pö
Let tan 1 x = q , q Î ç - , ÷ Þ x = tan q
è 2 2ø
and tan -1 (x + h) = q + Dq . . . (i)
Þ x + h = tan (q + Dq) . . . (ii)

tan -1 ( x + h) - tan -1 x
Let L = xlim =L
® 0
h

q + Dq - q Dq
L = xLim
®0 = xLim
®0 h from (i) and (ii)
h

Dq Dq
= hLim Lim
® 0 tan ( q + D q) - tan q = D q ® 0 tan (q + D q) - tan q

Lim D q cos (q + D q) cos q 1 1

= Dq ® 0 sin D q = cos2 q = 2 =
sec q 1 + x2

95
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
5.2 Derivatives of some standard functions

d d
(i) (constant) = 0 (ii) xn = nxn 1
dx dx

d d
(iii) ax = ax l n a (iv) ex = ex
dx dx

d 1 d 1
(v) (loga |x| ) = loga e (vi) l n ½x½ =
dx x dx x

d d
(vii) sinx = cosx (viii) cos x = sin x
dx dx

d d
(ix) tan x = sec2x (x) sec x = sec x tan x
dx dx

d d
(xii) cot x = cosec2x (xiv) cosec x = cosec x cot x
dx dx

5.3 Methods of differentiation

If u and v are derivable function of x , then :

d du
5.3.1 (K u) = K , where K is any constant
dx dx

d du dv
5.3.2 (u ± v) = ± dx
dx dx

d dv du
5.3.3 Product Rule : dx
(u . v) = u +v
dx dx

du ö æ dv ö
v æç ÷ - uç d x ÷
d æuö è d x ø è ø
5.3.4 Quotient Rule : ç ÷
dx è v ø
= , where v ¹ 0
v2

dy dy du
5.3.5 Chain Rule : If y = f (u) and u = g (x) then = .
dx du dx

Illustration : 03
sin x dy
If y = x 1/2
+ log5x + + 2x , find ?
cos x dx
Solution :
Here y = x 1/2 + log5x + tanx + 2x on differentiating w.r.t. x we get,

dy d d d d
= (x) 1/2 + (log5 x) + tan x + (2x)
dx dx dx dx dx

1 1 1 1
= (x) 1/2 1
+ x log 5 + sec2 x + 2x l n 2 = (x) 3/2
+ + sec2 x + 2x l n 2
2 e 2 x loge 5

996
6
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 04
tan 1 x2 - 1
Differentiate: y = 2l n sin e .
Solution :
tan 1 x2 - 1
l n sin e
y= 2
dy tan 1 x2 - 1 æ
l n sin e 1 tan 1
x 2 - 1 ö÷
dx =2 ln 2 . cos çç e ÷
æ tan 1
x 2 - 1 ö÷ è ø
sin ç e
ç ÷
è ø
1
. e tan x2 - 1 . 1 1 .2x
(
1+ x - 12
) 2 x -1 2

tan 1 x2 - 1 æ
l n sin e 1 tan 1
x 2 - 1 ö÷ 1
x2 - 1 1
=2 . ln 2. cos çç e ÷ . e
tan
.
æ tan 1
x - 1 ö÷
2 è ø x x2 - 1
sin ç e
ç ÷
è ø
5.3.6 Inverse of functions and their derivatives
Theorem :
If the inverse of functions f and g are defined by y = f (x) and x = g (y) and if f ¢ (x) exists and

1 dy dy
f ¢ (x) ¹ 0 then g ¢ (y) = ¢ . This result can also be written as , if exists and ¹0,
f ( x) dx dx

dy 1 dy dx dy 1 é dx ù
then = or . = 1 or = where ê ¹ 0ú
dx (d y d x) dx dy dx (d y d x) ë dy û

Standard Derivatives:

d 1 d 1
(i) d x sin 1 x = , 1<x<1 (ii) d x cos 1 x = , 1<x<1
2
1- x 1 - x2

d 1 d 1
(iii) d x tan 1 x = , xÎR (iv) d x cot 1 x = , xÎR
1 + x2 1 + x2

d 1 d 1
(v) d x sec 1 x = , ½x½ > 1 (vi) d x cosec 1 x = , ½x½ > 1
2
x x -1 x x2 - 1

5.3.7 Differentiation of A Function Defined Parametrically

Let x and y be the functions of parameter t , i.e., x = f (t) , y = f (t) , then
dy
dy dt f¢ ( t )
= dx = ¢
dx f (t)
dt
Illustration : 05
2 dy
If x = e - t and y = tan 1 (2 t + 1), find ?
dx

97
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Solution :
2 dx 2
Here x = e - t so , = 2 . t e - t and y = tan-1 (2 t + 1)
dt

dy 1
2
On differentiating both sides, we get Þ = . (2) = 1 + ( 2t + 1)
2
dt 1 + ( 2 t + 1)2

dy 2
dy dt (
1 + 4 t2 + 4 t + 1 ) dy - et
2

dx
= dx
dt
=
- 2
2t Hence ,
dx
=
(
2 t 2t2 + 2 t + 1 )
et

5.3.8 Logarithmic Differentiation : To find the derivative of :

(i) a function which is the product or quotient of a number of functions
OR
(ii) a function of the form [f(x)] g(x) where f and g are both derivable, it will be found
convenient to take the logarithm of the function first and then differentiate. This is called
Logarithmic Differentiation.
Illustration : 06
dy
If xy . yx = 1, find d x
Solution : Taking l n on both sides;
y ln x + x ln y = ln 1
Differentiating both sides, we get

d ì d ü ì d ü ì d ü
y. (ln x) + í yý . ln x + í x ý . lny + x í ln y ý =0
dx î dx þ î dx þ î dx þ
1 dx 1 dy
or y. + ln x . + 1 . ln y + x . . =0
x dy y dx

é xù dy éy ù dy (y + x l n y ) y
êl n x + ú = =
ë yû dx êx + ln
ë
yú
û
Þ
dx (x + y l n x ) . x

5.3.9 Differentiation with substitution

Following are some substitutions useful in finding derivatives .
Expression Substitution
a2 + x2 x = a tan q or a cot q
a2 x2 x = a tan q or a cot q
x2 a2 x = a sec q or a cosec q

a-x a+x
or x = a cos 2 q
a+x a-x

a2 - x 2 a2 + x 2
or a2 = a2 cos 2 q
a2 + x 2 a2 - x2

998
8
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 07
Differentiate y = sin 1 (3 x 4 x3)
Solution : Let y = sin 1 (3 x 4 x3) . Putting x = sin q , we get
y = sin 1 (3 sin q 4 sin3 q) = sin 1 (sin 3 q) = 3 q
or y = 3 sin 1 x [ Q x = sin q Þ q = sin 1 x ]

dy d d 1 3
= (3 sin 1 x) = 3 (sin 1 x) = 3 . =
dx dx dx 1- x 2
1 - x2

Illustration : 08
æ 2x ö
Differentiate y = sin 1 çç ÷
2 ÷
è1 + x ø
æ 2x ö
Solution : Let y = sin 1 çç ÷
2 ÷ . Putting x = tan q , we get
è1 + x ø

æ 2 tan q ö
y = sin 1 çç 2
÷ = sin 1 (sin 2 q) = 2 q .
÷
è 1 + tan q ø

or y = 2 tan 1 x [ x = tan q Þ q = tan 1 x ]

dy d d 1 2
= (2 tan 1 x) = 2 (tan 1 x) = 2 . 2 =
dx dx dx 1+ x 1 + x2

5.3.10 Differentiation of Implicit Function

If the relation between the variables x and y is given by an equation containing both, and this
equation is not immediately solvable for y, then y is called an implicit function of x. Implicit functions
are given by f (x , y) = 0.

dy
(i) In order to find d x , in the case of implicit functions, we differentiate each term w.r.t. x regarding y
dy dy
as a functions of x and then collect terms in d x together on one side to finally find d x .

dy
(ii) In answers of d x in the case of implicit functions, both x and y are present.

Illustration : 09
dy
If x2 + y2 + xy = 2, find
dx
Solution :
x2 + y2 + xy = 2, Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x we get,

d d d d
(x2) + (y2) + (x y) = (2)
dx dx dx dx

dy ì dx ü ì d ü dy dy
or 2x + 2y +í ý y+x í yý =0 or 2 x + 2 y +1.y+x. =0
dx î dx þ î dx þ dx dx

99
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
dy dy (2 x + y )
(2 y + x) = (2 x + y) Þ =
dx dx (2 y + x )

Illustration : 10

dy x2 1 - y6
If 1 - x 6 + 1 - y 6 = a3 (x3 y3) , prove that =
dx y2 1 - x6

Solution :

Here , 1 - x6 + 1 - y 6 = a3 (x3 y3)

Let x 3 = sin q , y3 = sin f then we get , 1 - sin2 q + 1 - sin2 f = = a3 (sin q sin f)

cos q + cos f = a3 (sin q sin f)

æq + fö æq - fö é æ q + fö æq - föù
2 cos ç ÷ . cos ç ÷ = a3 ê 2 cos ç ÷ sin ç ÷ú
è 2 ø è 2 ø ë è 2 ø è 2 øû

æq - fö æq - fö æq - fö
cos ç ÷ = a3 sin ç ÷ = cot ç ÷ = a3
è 2 ø è 2 ø è 2 ø

q f = 2 cot 1 (a3)

or sin-1 x3 - sin-1 y3 = 2 cot-1 (a3), Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x we get,

1 1 dy dy x2 1 - y6
. 3 x2 . 3 y2 . = 0 Hence , =
dx dx y2 1 - x6
1 - x6 1 - y6

5.3.11 Differentiation of a Functions With Respect To Another Function

d f ( x)
d f ( x) dx f ¢(x)
= d f ( x) = ¢
d f (x) f (x)
dx

Illustration : 11
æ 2x ö
Differentiate : sin 1 çç ÷ with respect to tan 1 x
2÷
è 1 + x ø
Solution :

d sin-1 æç 2 x ö÷
dx ç 1 + x2 ÷
è ø dx
(
d 2 tan -1 x ) (
2 d tan -1 x
dx
)
d tan-1 (x )
dx
=
(
d tan -1 x
dx
) =
(
2 d tan -1 x
dx
) =2
Illustration : 12
Differentiate ln tan x with respect to sin 1 (ex) .

d (l n tan x )
d (l n tan x ) dx cot x sec 2 x e-x 1 - e2 x
Solution : = d = x =
(
d sin -1 (e x ) ) dx
sin -1 ( e x ) e . 1
1- e 2x
sin x . cos x

100
100
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
5.3.12 Differentiation of expressions involving recurring non-terminating terms

dy
The value of y is given as an infinite series and we are asked to find . In such cases we use the fact
dx
that if a term is deleted from an infinite series it remains unaffected .
Illustration : 13

x....¥ dy
x
If y = x , find .
dx
Solution :
Since by deleting a single term from an infinite series, it remains same, the given function may be written
as ,
y = xy Þ log y = y log x [ Q on taking log of both sides ]
Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x , we get

1 dy dy d 1 dy dy y
= . log x + y . (log x) Þ = . log x +
y dx dx dx y dx dx x

dy ì 1 ü y d y {1 - y log x} y dy y2
Þ í - log x ý = Þ = Þ = x (1 - y log x )
dx î y þ x dx y x dx

Illustration : 14
dy cos x
If y = sin x + sin x + sin x + ...... to ¥ , prove that = .
dx 2y - 1
Solution : The given series may be written as :

y = sin x + y Þ y2 = sin x + y [ Squaring both sides ]

Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x , we get

dy dy dy dy cos x
2y = cos x + Þ (2 y 1) = cos x Þ =
dx dx dx dx 2y - 1

5.3.13 Differentiation of determinants

To differentiate a determinant , we differentiate one row (or column) at a time, keeping others unchanged.

f (x) g(x) h(x)

If F (x) = l ( x ) m ( x ) n ( x ) , where f, g, h, l , m, n, u, v, w are differentiable functions of x then
u (x) v ( x) w ( x)

f ¢ ( x ) g¢ ( x ) h¢ ( x ) f ( x ) g ( x) h ( x ) f ( x) g (x) h (x)
F ¢ (x) = l ( x ) m ( x ) n ( x ) + l¢ ( x) m¢ ( x ) n¢ ( x ) + l ( x ) m ( x) n ( x )
u ( x) v ( x ) w ( x ) u ( x ) v ( x) w ( x ) u¢ ( x) v ¢ ( x) w ¢ ( x )

f ¢( x) g ( x) h ( x) f ( x) g '( x ) h( x ) f ( x) g ( x ) h '( x )
l '( x) m( x) n ( x) l( x) m '( x) n( x ) l( x) m( x ) n '( x )
= + +
u '( x) v( x ) w( x ) u ( x) v '( x) w( x) u ( x) v( x) w '( x)

101
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Illustration : 15
x + a2 ab ac
If f (x) = ab x + b2 bc . Find f ¢ (x) .
ac bc x + c2
Solution :
x + a2 ab ac
2
We have , f (x) = ab x+b bc
ac bc x + c2

1 0 0 x + b2 ab ac x + a2 ab ac
2
Þ f ¢ (x) = ab x + b bc + 0 1 0 + ab x+b 2
bc
ac bc x + c2 ac bc x + c2 0 0 1

x + b2 bc x + a2 ac x + a2 ab
Þ f ¢ (x) = 2 + 2 +
bc x+c ac x+c ab x + b2

Þ f ¢ (x) = [ ( x + b 2 ) ( x + c 2 ) - b2 c 2 ] + [ ( x + a 2 ) ( x + c 2 ) - a 2 c 2 ]

+ [ (x + a 2 ) ( x + b2 ) - a2 b2 ]
Þ f ¢ (x) = x2 + x (b2 + c2) + x2 + x (a2 + c2) + x2 + x (a2 + b2)
Þ f ¢ (x) = 3 x2 + 2 x (a2 + b2 + c2)
5.3.14 Derivatives of Order Two and Three
Let a function y = f (x) be defined on an open interval (a, b). It s derivative, if it exists on (a, b) is a
certain function f ¢ (x) [or (dy/dx) or y ¢] and is called the first derivative of y w.r.t. x. If it happens
that the first derivative has a derivative on (a, b) then this derivative is called the second derivative
of y w.r.t. x and is denoted by f ¢¢ (x) or (d2y/dx2) or y ¢¢ .
d3 y d æ d2 y ö
Similarly, the 3 order derivative of y w.r.t. x, if it exists, is defined by
rd
= ç ÷ .
d x3 dx ç d x2 ÷
è ø
It is also denoted by f ¢¢¢ (x) or y ¢¢¢ .
Illustration : 16
d2 y
If y = xx , find .
d x2
Solution : We have y = xx \ log y = x log x
Differentiating w.r.t. x , we get
1 dy 1 dy
= 1 , log x + x . Þ = y (1 + log x) .... (i)
y dx x dx

Differentiating both sides of (i) w.r.t. x , we get

d2 y dy d
2
= (1 + log x) + y (1 + log x)
dx dx dx

d2 y dy 1 y
Þ = (1 + log x) + y . = y (1 + log x)2 + .... (i)
dx 2 dx x x

é 1ù
= xx ê (1 + log x )2 +
ë x úû

102
102
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Single answer choice type

p d é sin x + cos x ù
Q.1 If 0 < x < then dx ê ú=
4 ë 1 + sin 2 x û

(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) 2

d
Q.2 (cos x°) =
dx

-p p 2p
(A) sinxo (B) sin x° (C) sin x° (D) sin x°
180 180 180

d
Q.3 [sin n [Link] nx] =
dx
(A) n sinn 1 [Link](n+1)x (B) nsinn 1 [Link](n+1)x
(C) n sinn 1 [Link](n 1)x (D) n sinx

dy
Q.4 If 3 x 2 + 4 xy + 2 y 2 + x - 8 = 0 then the value of at ( 1, 3) is
dx

(A) -7/8 (B) 7/8 (C) -8/7 (D) 8/7

d é -1 æ 5 x öù
Q.5 ê tan ç ÷ú =
dx ë è 1 - 6 x2 øû

1 2 2 3 3 2
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 2
+ 2 (D) 2
+
1 + 4x 1 + 4x 1+ x 1 + 9x 1 + 9x 1 + 4 x2

æ dy ö
Q.6 If x = sin q + q cos q , y = cos q - q sin q then ç ÷ p =
è dx øq =
2

-p 2 p 4
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 p 4 p
1
x
Q.7 Derivative of esin w.r.t sin 1 x is
-1
x
esin -1
x -1
x
(A) 2
(B) esin (C) esin 1 - x2 (D) 1 - x 2
1- x

Q.8 If y = sin-1x, then (1 x2)y2 xy1 =

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 2y

Q.9 If y = sin( ln x) then x 2 y 2 + xy1 =

(A) sin (ln x) (B) cos (ln x) (C) y2 (D) y

103
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

d é1 + x 2 + x 4 ù
Q.10 If ê ú = ax + b , then value of (3a b) is equal to
dx ë 1 + x + x 2 û

(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) None of these

dy
Q.11 If ( x + y ) m + n = x m y n , then =
dx

(A) x/y (B) y/x (C) x/y (D) y/x

dy
Q.12 If y = x + y + x + y + ......¥ , then is equal to :
dx

y2 - x y2 + x y2 - x y2 - x
(A) 2 y 3 - 2 xy - 1 (B) (C) (D) 3
2 y 3 - 2 xy - 1 2 y 3 - 4 xy + 1 y + 2 xy -1

4 2 2 4 3 dy
Q.13 If x + 7 x y + 9 y = 24 xy , then =
dx

x y x y
(A) y (B) (C) - y (D) -
x x

dy
Q.14 If x 1 + y + y 1 + x = 0 and x ¹ y , then =
dx

1 1 -1 -1
(A) (B) 2 (C) 2 (D)
1+ x (1 + x ) (1 + x ) 1+ x

dy
Q.15 y = x yx , then =
dx

y 2 (1 + log x ) y 2 (1 + log x ) 1 + log x 1 - log x

(A) (B) (C) 1 - log y (D) 1 + log y
1 - log y (1 + log y )

cos x - sin x
Q.16 If f ( x ) = , then f '( x)
cos x + sin x

2 æp ö 2æ p ö 2 æp ö 2 æp ö
(A) sec çè + x ÷ø (B) sec çè - x÷ø (C) - sec çè - x ÷ø (D) - sec çè + x÷ø
4 4 4 4

d é æ 1 - cos x öù
Q.17 ê ln ç ÷÷ ú =
dx ëê çè 1 + cos x ø ûú

(A) cosx (B) sinx (C) cosecx (D) secx

d æ a + b sin x ö
Q.18 ç ÷=
dx è b + a sin x ø

(a 2 - b 2 )cos x (b2 - a 2 )cos x (b2 - a 2 )sin x (b2 + a2 )sinx

(A) (B) (C) (D)
(b + a sin x )2 (b + a sin x )2 (b + a sin x) 2 (b + asin x)2

104
104
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

d é -1 æ 3x x 3 ö ù
Q.19 êsin çç - ÷÷ ú = (| x |> 1)
dx ëê è 2 2 ø úû

3 -3 3 -3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1 - x2 4 - x2 4 - x2 1 - x2

d é -1 æ a cos x + b sin x ö ù
Q.20 êsin ç ÷÷ ú = (whenever defined)
dx êë ç
è a 2 + b2 ø úû

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 1/2 (D) 1/2

dy
Q.21 e x - y = x y , then =
dx

- ln x 1- x x+ y ln x
(A) (B) y + x ln y (C) x ln ( ex ) (D*) (1 + ln x ) 2
1 + ln x

dy
Q.22 If x = 2 cos t - cos 2t , y = 2 sin t - sin 2t , then =
dx

æ 3t ö æ 3t ö
(A) tant (B) tant (C) tanç 2 ÷ (D) cotç 2 ÷
è ø è ø

One or more than one type

æ 2x ö
Q.23 f ( x) = 2 tan-1 x + sin -1 ç 2 ÷ , then
è1+ x ø

(A) f 1 (2) = f 1 (3) (B) f 1 (2) = 0 (C) f 1 (1/ 2) = 16 / 5 (D) f 1 (1/ 2) = 0

Q.24 If y = sin -1 2 x + tan -1 3 x + cos-1 2 x + cot -1 3x , then

(A) y (1/ 4) = 0
1
(B) y '(1/ 3) = 0 (C) y '(9 /16) = 0 (D) y '(2) = 0

Q.25 If f(x) = log e x , then f ¢ ( x ) equals

1 1
(A) for |x| > 1 (B) - for 0 < |x| < 1
x x

1 1
(C) for |x| > 1 (D) for 0 < |x| < 1
x x
Q.26 If x 3-2x2y2+5x+y-5=0 and y > 0 then

22
(A) y '(1) = 4 / 3 (B) y "(1) = -4 / 3 (C) y "(1) = -8 (D) y '(1) = 2 / 3
27

105
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1
A function f : R ® R satisfies the following conditions

(1) f ( x ) ¹ 0 for any x Î R (2) f ( x + y) = f ( x). f ( y) for all x , y Î R

(3) f(x) is differentiable

Q.27 The value of f (0) is

(A) 1 (B) -1 (C) 2 (D) 1/2

Q.28 f ' satisfies the equation

(A) f '( x + y) = f '( x) + f '( y) (B) f '( x + y) = f '( x) f '( y)

(C) f '( x + y) = f '( x) f ( y) (D) None of these

f '( x )
Q.29 The ratio of for all x, equal to
f ( x)

(A) 1 (B) f ' (1) (C) x (D) f ' ( 0 )

Matrix match type

Q.30 Column - I Column - II

A) y = e x sin x p) y2 - y1 + ye 2 x = 0

B) y = e 4 x + 2e- x q) y2 - 2 y1 + 2 y = 0

C) (a + bx ) e y / x = x r) y3 -13 y1 -12 y = 0

2
D) y = cos e x + sin e x s) x3 y2 = ( xy1 - y)

Q.31 Column - I Column - II

x-b dy 4
A) y = 2sin p) dx =
-1

a -b (a - x ) ( x - b )

x-b dy 1
B) y = 4 tan q) dx =
-1

a-x (a - x ) ( x - b )

æ 2 (a - x )( x - b ) ö÷ dy 2
çç ÷÷
r) dx =
-1
C) y = 4sin çç ÷
çè a - b ø÷÷ (a - x ) ( x - b )

x-b dy -1
-1 =
D) y = 2 cos s) dx (a - x)( x - b )
a -b

106
106
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

Integer type

æ x+ y ö æ 1ö
Q.32 f ( x) + f ( y ) = f ç ÷ and if f ' ( 0 ) = 3 then value of f ç tan ÷ is :
è 1 - xy ø è 3ø

dy y
Q.33 If xy = ( x - y ) and
n
= then n equal to
dx x

dy
Q.34 If sin ( x + y ) = e x + y - 2 for all x, y Î R and = k then value of ( k 2 + k )is
dx

Q.35 Let f(x) be a function satisfying f ( - x ) = f ( x ) for all x. If k is the value of f ' ( 0 ) then value of

(k 2
+ 2k + 3) is

Single answer choice type

Q.1 Let f ( x ) be a real function not identically zero in R, such that

f ( x + y 2n +1 ) = f ( x ) + {f ( y )} , n Î N and x, y Î R . If f ¢ ( 0 ) ³ 0 , then f ¢ ( 6 ) is equal to

2n +1

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) 2

The value of K such that the function f ( x ) = x + ( k - 1) x - k is non-differentiable at exactly five

2
Q.2
points is
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) -2 (D) 5

ax 2 + bx + c + e nx
Q.3 A function f : R ® R is defined as f ( x ) = lim , where f is continuous on R. the
n ®¥ 1 + [Link]
values of a,b and c are

(A) c = 1, a, b Î R (B) c = 0, a , b Î R (C) a = 0, b , c Î R (D) c = 3, a, b Î R

ì ü
ï ï
ï ï
ï x ï
lim í ý
Q.4 The value of
x ®¥
ïx +
3
x ï is
ï 3
x ï
ï x+ ...¥ ï
î x+ 3 x þ

1
(A) 1 B) 0 (C) 2 (D)
2
107
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Q.5 The value of
1 ö 2 cos x
2
æ 12 1 1 1
Lim ç 2
2 2
cos x +3 cos x +4 cos x
+5 cos x + 6 cos x ÷
2 2

pç
x® è ÷ is
2 ø
1
(A) 1 (B) 6 (C) 36 (D)
36

éf (x) ù
Q.6 (
If f(x) is continuous function "x Î R and the range of f ( x ) is 2, 26 and g ( x ) = ê
ë c û
ú is )
continuous "x Î R, then the least positive integral value of c is (where [.] denotes the greatest
integer function)
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 5 (D) 6

ìx ü
Q.7 f ( x ) = max í , sin p x ý , n Î N , n < 100 has
în þ

maximum points of non-differentiability for x Î ( 0, 4 ) , then

(A) maximum value of n is more than 4.5

(B) least value of n is more that 3.5
(C) maximum value of n is less than 4.5
(D) least value of n is less than 3.5

Q.8 If lim
x®0 ë
( û )
é 1- cos2x 3 cos3x 4 cos4x.....n cosnx / x2 ù is equal to 10, then the value of n is

(A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 3

Q.9 Let a1 , a2 ,...., an be sequence of real numbers with an+1 = an + 1 + an2 and a1 = 0 . Then

æ a ö
lim ç nn-1 ÷ =
n ®¥ 2
è ø
2 p 2 p
(A) (B) - (C) - (D)
p 2 p 2
Q.10 The integral value of n for which
æ x3 ö
co s 2 x - co s x - e x co s x + e x - ç ÷
lim è 2 ø is finite and non zero is
x® 0 xn
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6
Q.11 ABC is an isosceles triangle inscribed in a circle of radius r. If AB = AC and h is the altitude from A
to BC, then the triangle ABC has perimeter P = 2é
êë ( 2hr - h ) +
2
2hr ù
úû and area A
A
then Lim
h ®0 P3
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
r 64r 128r 2r

108
108
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
x - ai
Q.12 If A i = x - a , i = 1, 2,3,...., n and a1 < a2 <a3 <..... < an , then xlim
® a m+
( A1A 2 ....A n ) ,1 £ m £ n
i

(A) is equal to ( -1) (B) is equal to ( -1)

m m +1

(C) is equal to ( -1)

m- n
(D) Does not exist

(x + 2 x + 3 + sin p x ) - 1
2 n

Q.13 Let f ( x ) = Lim , then

(x + 2 x + 3 + sin p x ) + 1
n ®¥ 2 n

(A) f ( x ) is continuous and differentiable for all x Î R

(B) f ( x ) is continuous but not differentiable for all x Î R

(C) f ( x ) is discontinuous at infinite number of points.

(D) f ( x ) is discontinuous at finite number of points.

Q.14 Let
ln ( x + h )

f ( x) = Lim
( sin ( x + h ) ) - ( sin x )
ln x

h ®0 h
æp ö
then f ç ÷ is
è2ø
p
(A) equal to 0 (B) equal to 1 (C) ln (D) non existent
2

( )
ìcos-1 1-{ x}2 sin-1 (1-{ x} )
ï , for x ¹ 0
ï
f ( x) = í 2 { x} -({ x}
3
)
Q.15 ï p
ï , for x = 0
î 2

where {}. denotes fractional part of x , then, at x = 0, f ( x ) , is

(A) continuous (B) only left continuous
(C) only right continuous (D) neither left continuous nor right continuous
One or more than one type

Q.16 A function f ( x ) satisfies the relation f ( x + y) = f ( x ) + f ( y ) + xy ( x + y ) , "x, y Î R If f ¢ ( 0 ) = 1 then

(A) f ( x ) is a polynomial function

(B) f ( x ) is an exponential function

(C) f ( x ) is twice differentiable for all x Î R

(D) f ¢ ( 3) = 8

109
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Q.17 Let f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + 2xy - 1 " x , y Î R. If f(x) is differentiable and
f¢(0) = sinf, then
(A) f(x) < 0 " x Î R (B) f(x) > 0 " x Î R

3
(C) f(x) ³ xÎR (D) -1 £ f(x) £ 1 " x Î R
4 "

Q.18 Which of the following statements is/are true?

f ( c + h) - f ( c - h )
(A) If f is differentiable at x = c then Lim exists and equals f ' ( c )
h ®0 2h

f (c + h) - f ( c - h )
(B) Given a function f and a point c in the domain of f, if Lim exists then the
h ®0 h
function is differentiable at x = c

ì 2 1
ïx sin 2 , x ¹ 0
(C) Let g ( x ) = í x then g ' exists
ï 0, x=0
î

ì 1
ï x sin 2 , x ¹ 0
(D) Let g ( x ) = í x then g ' exists and is continuous.
ï 0, x =0
î

x
Q.19 The function f(x) = e - 1 - 1 is

(A) continuous for all x (B) differentiable for all x

(C) not continuous at x = 0, ln 2 (D) not differentiable at x = ln 2

ì tan 2 { x}
ï 2 for x > 0
(
ï x - [ x]
ï
2
)
Q.20 Given a real valued function f such that f ( x ) = í1 for x = 0 , where [x] is the integral
ï
ï { x} cot { x} for x < 0
ï
î

part and {x} is the fractional part of x, then

(A) xlim f ( x) = 1 (B) xlim f ( x ) = cot1

®0 + ®0 -

( ) =1 ( ) p
2
(C) cot lim- f ( x )
-1 -1
(D) tan xlim f ( x) =
x ®0 ®0+ 4
Q.21 For a function

ln ({sin x}{cos x} + 1)
f ( x) = , where {}
. denotes fractional part function, then
{sin x}{cos x}
110
110
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

æp + ö æp - ö
(A) f ( 0 -
) = f ç ÷ (B) f ( 0 +
) = f ç ÷
è2 ø è2 ø

(C) xLt f ( x) = 1 (D) x ®Ltp /2 f ( x ) = 1

®0

ïì x - 3, x < 1
Q.22 If f ( x ) = í x - 2 + a, x ³ 1 and
ïî

ïì 2 - x , x < 2
g ( x) = í and h ( x ) = f ( x ) + g ( x ) is discontinuous at exactly one point, then
ïî sgn ( x ) - b, x ³ 2
which of the following values of a and b are possible:
(A) a = -3, b = 0 (B) a = 2, b = 1 (C) a = 2, b = 0 (D) a = -3, b = 1
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1

Let f ( x ) = 2 + x -1 and g ( x ) = min ( f ( t ) ) where x £ t £ x 2 + x + 1 then answer the following:

Q.23 Number of points of discontinuity of g ( x ) is

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0

Q.24 Number of points where the function g ( x ) is not differentiable is

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0

Q.25 Range of g ( x ) is

(A) [2, ¥ ) (B) [2, 2) (C) [0, 2] (D) ( -¥, ¥ )

Passage - 2 ì p
ïï1 + tan x , 0 £ x < 4
ì x + 2, 0 £ x < 2 g ( x ) = í
Let f ( x ) = í , ï3 - cot x, p £ x < p
î6 - x, x ³ 2
ïî 4
Q.26 f ( g ( x ) ) is

p p
(A) discontinuous at x = (B) differentiable at x =
4 4
p
(C) continuous but non-differentiable at x =
4
p
(D) differentiable at x = , but derivative is not continuous.
4

Q.27 The number of points on non-differentiability of h ( x ) = f ( g ( x ) ) is

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

111
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
Q.28 The range of h ( x ) = f ( g ( x ) ) is

(A) ( -¥, ¥ ) (B) ( 4, ¥ ) (C) ( -¥, 4 ] (D) [ -4, 5 ]

Matrix match type

Q.29 Column - I Column - II

ì1
ï for x ³ 1
f ( x) = í x
A) is differentiable every where and k = a + b , P) 2
ïax 2 + b for x < 1
î

then value of k is

B) If f ( x ) = sgn ( x - ax + 1) has exactly one point of discontinuity, then the

2
Q) 2

value of a can be

C) f ( x ) = éë 2 + 3 n sin x ûù , n Î I , x Î ( 0, p ) has exactly 11 points of R) 1

discontinuity, then the value of n is (where [.] is G.I.F)

D) f ( x ) = x - 2 + a has exactly three points of non-differentiability, then the S) 1

value of a is

Q.30 Match the following

Column - I Column - II

1 - cos (1 - cos x ) 1
A) If f ( x ) = is continuous every where f ( 0 ) = P) 2
x 4
l

and let m be he number of points g ( x ) = max .( x - 1, 4, x + 1) is non-

2 2

differentiable , then l + m is divisible by

æ1ö n2
B) ' f ' be a continuous function on R. If f ç n ÷ = ( cos e ) 3 + 2
n - n2
Q) 3
è3 ø n + n +1

1
and f ( 0 ) = and let m be the number of points if
l

ì min { x, x 2 } , x ³ 0
ï
g ( x) = í is non differentiable in [ -2, 2] , then l + m
ïîmin .{2 x, x - 1, x < 0}
2

is divisible by

112
112
 Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

2 cos x - 1 p æp ö 1
C) If f ( x ) = is continuous at x = and f ç ÷ = and m be R) 4
cot x - 1 4 è4ø l
the jump of the function at the point of discontinuity of the function

1 - k 1/ x
g ( x) = ( k > 0 ) , then l - m is divisible by S) 5
1 + k 1/ x
Integer type

ì 2x + 3 x £ 1
Q.31 Given the continuous function f ( x ) = í 2 , then number of points where f ( x ) is
î- x + 6 x > 1
non-differentiable is _________.

Q.32 If f and g are two differentiable functions with g¢ ( a ) = 2, g ( a ) = b, such that

fog = identity function, then 2f ¢ ( b ) is

sin x 4 - x 4 cos x 4 + x 20
L = lim
Q.33 If x ®0
( 4
x 4 e 2 x - 1 - 2 x4 ) , then the value of 1/L is __________

æ xö
1 - cos ç1 - cos ÷
Q.34 If lim è 2 ø is equal to the left hand derivative of e- x at x = 0, then find the value of
m n
x ®0 2 x
(n 2
+ m).

Q.35 The largest value of the non-negative integer a for which

1- x
ìï -ax + sin ( x - 1) + a üï1- x
1
lim í ý = is
îï x + sin ( x - 1) - 1 þï 4
x ®1

113
Limits, Continuity, Differentiability

ANSWER SHEET
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -1
1. [B] 2. [A] 3. [B] 4. [C] 5. [B]
6. [B] 7. [A] 8. [D] 9. [C] 10. [A]
11. [B] 12. [D] 13. [B] 14. [D] 15. [D]
16. [C] 17. [B] 18. [B] 19. [D] 20. [B]
21. [C] 22. [A] 23. [B] 24. [B] 25. [C]
26. [A] 27. [C] 28. [ABC] 29. [BC] 30. [B]
31. [C] 32. [C] 33. [A - S ; B - R ; C - P ; D - Q]
34. [1] 35. [0]
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -2
1. [A] 2. [B] 3. [B] 4. [D] 5. [A]
6. [B] 7. [D] 8. [A] 9. [A] 10. [B]
11. [A] 12. [A] 13. [C] 14. [B] 15. [B]
16. [B] 17. [A] 18. [B] 19. [D] 20. [A]
21. [A] 22. [A] 23. [B] 24. [AC] 25. [CD]
26. [AC] 27. [ABD] 28. [A] 29. [D] 30. [C]
31. [A - S ; B - R ; C - R ; D - S] 32. [5] 33. [1] 34. [2]
35. [6]
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -3
1. [B] 2. [A] 3. [B] 4. [A] 5. [B]
6. [C] 7. [C] 8. [C] 9. [D] 10. [A]
11. [B] 12. [A] 13. [D] 14. [C] 15. [B]
16. [A] 17. [D] 18. [C] 19. [AB] 20. [BC]
21. [ABC] 22. [BCD] 23. [ABD] 24. [ACD] 25. [ABCD]
26. [B] 27. [C] 28. [B] 29. [A - R ; B - P ; C - Q ; D -S]
30. [A - Q ; B - S ; C - P ; D - S] 31. [A - PQR ; B - PQRS ; C - PR ; D - QRS]
32. [0] 33. [2] 34. [6] 35. [2]
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -4
1. [A] 2. [B] 3. [A] 4. [B] 5. [C]
6. [D] 7. [A] 8. [B] 9. [A] 10. [B]
11. [C] 12. [D] 13. [A] 14. [A] 15. [B]
16. [A] 17. [B] 18. [C] 19. [A] 20. [A]

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21. [C] 22. [B] 23. [C] 24. [D] 25. [ABC]
26. [ABCD] 27. [D] 28. [A]
29. [A - PS ; B - PQ ; C - RS D- RS] 30. [A - RS ; B - PS ; C - PQ ; D - PQ]
31. [7] 32. [1] 33. [7] 34. [4] 35. [7]
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -5
1. [B] 2. [B] 3. [A] 4. [A] 5. [D]
6. [D] 7. [B] 8. [A] 9. [D] 10. [C]
11. [D] 12. [A] 13. [B] 14. [C] 15. [A]
16. [C] 17. [C] 18. [B] 19. [C] 20. [B]
21. [A] 22. [C] 23. [ABC] 24. [AB] 25. [BC]
26. [AC] 27. [A] 28. [C] 29. [D]
30. [A - Q ; B - R ; C - S ; D -P] 31. [A - Q ; B - R ; C - P ; D -S] 32. [1]
33. [2] 34. [0] 35. [3]
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -6
1. [B] 2. [C] 3. [A] 4. [A] 5. [C]
6. [D] 7. [B] 8. [C] 9. [A] 10. [B]
11. [C] 12. [C] 13. [A] 14. [A] 15. [C]
16. [AC] 17. [BC] 18. [AC] 19. [AD] 20. [ACD]
21. [AB] 22. [AB] 23. [D] 24. [C] 25. [A]
26. [C] 27. [B] 28. [C]
29. [A-RS ; B-PQ ; C-PQ ; D-QRS] 30. [A-PS ; B - PR ; C - PQRS]
31. [5] 32. [1] 33. [6] 34. [9] 35. [0]

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