Basic Calculus

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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

Limits of Algebraic Functions

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) 𝑥→2 𝑥 + 3 2+3 𝟓
lim 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥→𝑐
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
9. Root Rule 𝑛
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √ lim 𝑓(𝑥)𝑛
3 3
lim √𝑥 2 + 4 = √(2)2 + 4 = 𝟐
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2

**Direct Substitution Method of Evaluating Limits

- 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
I. Evaluating Limits of Algebraic Functions Analytically
A. Polynomial Functions
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

Note: 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

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
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

2. Evaluate lim (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 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 (2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 1) = 𝑓(−1) = −5

𝑥→−1

Note: 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.
3. Evaluate lim (𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→−2

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

𝑓 (−2) = (−2)3 − 2(−2)2 − (−2) + 1

𝑓 (−2) = −8 − 2(4) + 2 + 1

𝑓 (−2) = −13

Therefore, lim (𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1) = 𝑓(−2) = −13

𝑥→−2

Note: 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
𝑞(𝑥)
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+3𝑥 2+4𝑥 4
 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
Therefore,
1 − 5𝑥 1
lim 2 4
=−
𝑥→1 1 + 3𝑥 + 4𝑥 2
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

𝑥 4+𝑥 2 −1
2. Evaluate lim
𝑥→−2 𝑥 2+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,

𝑥4 + 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,

𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2 − 1 19
lim =
𝑥→−2 𝑥2 + 5 9
Note: 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

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

𝑥 2−9
3. Evaluate lim
𝑥→−3 𝑥+3
 In this case, the function will become indeterminate if we evaluate at x = -3
via direct substitution. 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,

𝑥2 − 9
lim = −6
𝑥→−3 𝑥 + 3
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

𝑥 2 −10𝑥+25
4. lim
𝑥→5 𝑥 2−4𝑥−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
𝑓(5) = =0
5+1
Therefore,

𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 25
lim =0
𝑥→5 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5

C. Radical Functions

Illustrative Examples:

1. Evaluate lim 𝑥 2 √𝑥 2 + 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 𝑥 2 √𝑥 2 + 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
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

𝑥+2
3. Evaluate lim
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.

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
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

1
𝑓(𝑥) =
8
Therefore,

√𝑥 + 11 − 4 1
lim =
𝑥→5 𝑥−5 8
Note: 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.

For additional lectures, you may visit the following in Youtube, the links are given below.

Evaluating limits by factoring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOrOeZA-vdY

Evaluating limits with fractions and square roots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5emT2wpzWk8

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

PERFORMANCE CHECK NO. 1 (70 points)

NAME BLOCK DATE

Instructions: Determine the limit of each function analytically. Show neat and complete solution. (hint:
some of the items need to be factored or rationalized in order for NOT to have undefined limits)
1. lim (𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 )4 2. lim (3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 3)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−3

((-1)^4-2(-1)^3)^4 = 81

Final Final
Answer: 81 Answer:
(𝑥 + 4) 2 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1
3. lim 2 4. lim
𝑥→−4 𝑥 − 16 𝑥→−3 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
4𝑥 − 𝑥 2 √𝑥 2 + 12 − 4
5. lim 6. lim
𝑥→4 2 − √𝑥 𝑥→2 𝑥−2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

√𝑥−3 (1+ℎ)2 −12

7. lim 8. lim
𝑥→9 𝑥−9 ℎ→0 ℎ

Final Final
Answer: Answer:
𝑥 2 −2𝑥−15 (3𝑥−2)2−(𝑥+2)2
9. lim 10. lim
𝑥→5 𝑥−5 𝑥→2 𝑥−2

Final Final
Answer: Answer:

B. Consider the function f(x) whose graph is shown below. Determine the following. (10 pts)

1. 𝑓 (−2) 2. lim 𝑓 (𝑥)

𝑥→−2

3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 4. lim 𝑓 (𝑥)

𝑥→10 𝑥→−8

5. 𝑓 (10) 6. 𝑓 (−8)

7. lim− 𝑓(𝑥) 8. lim+ 𝑓 (𝑥)

𝑥→6 𝑥→6

9. lim 𝑓(𝑥) 10. 𝑓 (6)

𝑥→6

C. Read the following big ideas about limits of functions. Construct a short explanation or reflection
(ex. agree or disagree) about it. Limit your answer to 2-3 sentences only. (10 pts)

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

________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

2. “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.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

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 Basic Calculus
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: STEM 11
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 3 – Math 2 Subject Teacher: JONATHAN C. IGLESIAS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION:

1. You may submit the module, via

a. gmail: [email protected]
b. messenger: JONATHAN CASTILLO IGLESIAS
2. If you have questions you may contact me on the following
modes above or thru SMS, here is my number 09983938283.
3. I will be online from 12 noon to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday.
This will serve as my consultation hours. I WILL NOT ENTERTAIN
QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS BEYOND 6 PM.
4. If you cannot encode activities, you may write it in a yellow
paper or bond paper and send it thru a picture, but make sure
your handwriting is readable and the pictures are clear. DO
NOT FORGET TO WRITE YOUR COMPLETE NAME AND SECTION.
5. The module is due on MAY 2, 2020 or earlier, however, I will
ACCEPT late submission and may submit upon the resumption
of classes.
A.