Basic Calculus
Illustrate the limit of a function using a
table of values and the graph of the
function
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies
how things change. It provides tools to understand
the rates at which quantities change (differentiation)
and the accumulation of quantities (integration).
These ideas are fundamental in science,
engineering, economics, and many other fields.
1. Core Concepts
A. Limits
The foundation of calculus.
A limit describes the value that a function
approaches as the input approaches a certain
point.
Example: What happens to f(x) = as x
approaches 0?
Core Concepts
B. Derivatives (Differentiation):
Concerned with rates of change.
The derivative of a function measures how fast
the output changes concerning the input.
Example: The speed of a car is the derivative of
its position with respect to time.
Core Concepts
C. Integrals (Integration):
Concerned with accumulation.
The integral of a function measures the total
quantity accumulated over an interval.
Example: The distance traveled by a car is the
integral of its speed over time.
2. Real-Life Applications
Physics: Calculus is used to describe motion,
forces, and energy.
Biology: It models population growth and
decay processes.
Economics: Used for optimization problems
and understanding marginal changes.
Engineering: Helps in designing systems,
analyzing structures, and more.
3. Why Learn Calculus?
Problem-Solving Power: It equips you to tackle
complex problems in dynamic systems.
Foundation for Advanced Topics: Many fields
rely on calculus as a prerequisite.
Versatile Tool: Its principles apply across a wide
range of disciplines.
Topic 1.1 ; The Limit of a Function
=L
This is read ‘’ The limit of f(x) as x approaches c
is L.
Looking at the table of values
Looking at the table of values:
Let as consider
x F(x)
1 4
1.4 5.2
1.7 6.1
1.95 6.85
1.997 6.991
1.9999 6.9997
1.999999 6.9999997
Looking at the table of values:
Let as consider
x F(x)
3 10
2.5 8.5
2.2 7.6
2.1 7.3
2.009 7.007
2.005 7.0015
2.0000001 7.0000003
Looking at the table of values:
Let as consider
x F(x)
3 10
2.5 8.5
2.2 7.6
2.1 7.3
2.009 7.007
2.005 7.0015
2.0000001 7.0000003
A limit describes the value a
function approaches as the input
(or x) gets closer to a particular
point."
Limits are foundational in calculus,
as they help define continuity,
derivatives, and integrals.
The Conditions for the Existence of
a Limit
1. As x approaches the given point c
from the left (x⟶), the function's
value should approach a specific,
finite number."
The Conditions for the Existence of
a Limit
2. As x approaches the given point c
from the right (x⟶), the function's
value should approach a specific,
finite number."
The Conditions for the Existence of
a Limit
3. For the overall limit to exist, the
left-hand and right-hand limits must
match."
The Conditions for the Existence of
a Limit
3. For the overall limit to exist, the
left-hand and right-hand limits must
match."
Illustrate of Limit Theorem
1. The limit of a constant is itself, if
k is any constant , then
Example:
2
-3.14
2. The limit of x as x approaches c is
equal to c. This may be thought of
as the substitution law because x is
simply substituted by c.
Example:
9, theorem 1
- 10, theorem 2
The constant multiple Theorem. This
says that the limit of a multiple of a
function is simply that multiple of
the limit of a function.
k
Example:
2.
The addition and subtraction
theorem.
If L , andM
Then,
= L+M
The addition and subtraction
theorem.
If L , andM
Then,
= L-M
Example:
The Multiplication Theorem
If L , andM
Then,
= L M
Example:
Let f(x)= 2x + 3 and g(x)= x - 3.
Find:
=) )
= ⟮2(2) + 3⟯ ( 2 – 1)
=) )
= ( 4 + 3 ) ( 1) = 7
=7
The Division Theorem
If L , andM
Then,
= =
Example 1:
Let f(x)= + 2x + 1 and g(x)= x + 1.
Find:
=
= = =3
∴ =3
Power Rule in Limits
Evaluate:
=
∴ = 512
Evaluate:
=1
∴ =1