34

LESSON 1.1 LIMITS , CONTINUITY

Limits
Informally, a limit is a y − value which a function approaches as x approaches some value.
lim f ( x ) = L means as x approaches c, f ( x ) approaches the y-value of L.
x →c

Examples
limits: function values:
1. lim f ( x ) = 8. f ( −4 ) =
x →− 4

2. lim f ( x ) = 9. f ( −1) = y = f ( x)
x →−1

3. lim f ( x ) = 10. f ( 2 ) =
y

x→2

4. lim f ( x ) = 11. f ( 3) = 
x →3

5. lim f ( x ) = 12. f ( 5) = x
x →5 − − −   

one-sided limits: −

6. lim− f ( x ) =
x →5 −

7. lim+ f ( x ) =
x →5

Continuity
Informally, a function is continuous where it can be drawn without lifting a pencil. Roughly,
continuous means “connected.”
Formally, a function is continuous where its limit and function value are the same.

Definition of Continuity

A function f is continuous at an x-value c if and only if lim− f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = f ( c ) .

x→c x→ c

In this course, we will work with three types of discontinuities: holes, vertical asymptotes, and
jumps (breaks). A fourth type of discontinuity is an oscillating discontinuity (these rarely appear).
1
To investigate this fourth type, graph y = sin on a calculator and look at windows close to x = 0.
x

Example 13. List the x-values of the discontinuities of the function y = f ( x ) graphed above.

All discontinuities can be classified as removable or nonremovable.

Removable discontinuities occur when the function has a limit (holes in the graph).
Nonremovable discontinuities occur when the limit of the function does not exist (jumps and
vertical asymptotes).

Example 14. Which of the discontinuities from Example 13 are removable?

 35

At x-values where a function is continuous, limits can be found by direct substitution.

Examples:
x2 + x
15. lim ( 3x 2 + 2 ) = 16. lim = 17. lim cos ( 2 x ) =
x →3 x →1 x +1 
x→
3

For piecewise functions, one-sided limit evaluation is often necessary.

Examples:
 4 − x, x 1
18. If f ( x ) =  , lim f ( x ) =
4 x − x , x 1
2 x →1

3 x − x3 , x 1
19. If g ( x ) =  2 , lim g ( x ) =
 2 x − 1, x 1 x →1

20. For this same g function, lim g ( x ) =

x →−1

y
Another function requiring one-sided limit analysis is a step function called 
the Greatest Integer Function also known as the Floor Function.
f ( x ) =  x  = the greatest integer less than or equal to x. The graph is shown. x
− 
Examples: Find the following limits. −
21. lim1  x  = 22. lim  x  =
x →1
x→
2

ASSIGNMENT 1.1

Use the graph of y = f ( x ) at the right to find these values.

1. lim f ( x ) 2. lim f ( x ) 3. lim f ( x ) y
x →5 x →−3 x →−3 −

4. lim f ( x ) 5. f ( −3) 6. lim f ( x ) 

x →−3 + x→4 − x
7. lim f ( x ) 8. f ( 0) 9. lim f ( x )
x →0 x→4 − −    
10. lim+ f ( x ) 11. f ( 4 ) 12. f ( 2 ) −
x→4

13. lim f ( x ) 14. f (1) 15. lim f ( x )

x→2 x →1 −
16. List the x-values of all removable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
17. List the x-values of all nonremovable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
 36

Use the graph shown to find each value.

y
−2 x 2 + 4 x
18. a. lim f ( x ) b. lim f ( x ) 
f ( x) =
x →0 x→2 2x
c. f ( 0 ) d. removable discontinuities x


Use the graphs shown to find each value.

y
19. a. lim g ( x ) b. lim− g ( x ) c. lim+ g ( x ) 
x →0 x →−1 x →−1
1 x
d. lim g ( x ) e. g ( −1) f. g ( 0 ) g ( x) = − 
x →−1 x +1
g. lim g ( x ) h. removable discontinuities −
x →−2

i. nonremovable discontinuities

20. a. h ( −1) b. h (1)  y

 − x, x  −1
c. lim h ( x ) d. lim− h ( x ) 
x →−1 x →1  h ( x ) =  x + 2, −1  x  1
e. lim+ h ( x ) f. lim h ( x )  1, x 1
x →1 x →1
x 
g. removable discontinuities − 

h. nonremovable discontinuities

y


21. a. lim f ( x ) b. lim f ( x ) f ( x) =

1 x
x →3 x →0
x −92
− −  
c. lim− f ( x ) d. f ( 3)
x →−3
−
e. Use interval notation to show where f is continuous.

y
22. a. g (1) b. lim g ( x ) x
x →1

c. lim− g ( x ) d. lim+ g ( x )
− 
g ( x ) =  x  − 2
x →1 x →1
e. removable discontinuities −
f. nonremovable discontinuities
−
 37

23. Identify each x-value at which the y = f ( x)

function shown appears to be y

discontinuous and classify each as 

removable or nonremovable.
x

− −  

−

Find the indicated limits without using a calculator.

24. lim ( x 2 − 4 )
x →2
25. lim x 2 − x
x → −3
( )
26. lim x 2 + 9
x →0
27. lim− ( 2 x − 5 )
x →3

x x
x2 + 4 31. lim ( 3x − 3)
3 3
28. lim 29. lim 30. lim
x →−1 x + 1
2 x →− 2 x →0 x − 1 x →0

32. lim sin x 33. lim cos x 34. lim tan x 35. lim cos ( 2 x )
x →  x → 
x→ x→
2 2
x x
36. lim cos 37. lim sec
x→ 2 3 x→3 4

Use these piecewise functions to find the following without using a calculator.

 x 2 − 2, x  0 a. lim− f ( x ) b. lim+ f ( x ) c. lim f ( x )

38. f ( x) =  x →0 x →0 x →0
 x + 2, x  0 d. Give the intervals where f is continuous.

3x 2 − x, x  2 a. lim g ( x ) b. lim g ( x )

39. g ( x) =  x→2 x →0
 2 x + 6, x  2 c. List the interval(s) where g is continuous.

40. Find the interval(s) where y = x − 1 is continuous.

x
41. Find the discontinuities of f ( x ) = and classify each of them as removable or
x ( x + 1)
nonremovable.

y
 x2 , x  2 If f ( x ) is a continuous function as shown in
42. f ( x) = 
 a, x  2 x
the graph, find the value of the unknown a.
− 
 38

LESSON 1.2 MORE LIMITS, MORE CONTINUITY,

INTERMEDIATE VALUE THEOREM

If direct substitution does not give an answer to a limit problem because an indeterminate form is
obtained (usually 00 ), use algebraic techniques to change the form of the limit.

Examples:
x x−2 x3 − 1
1. lim 2. lim 2 3. lim
x → 0 x ( x + 1) x→ 2 x − 4 x→ 1 x − 1

x −1 x
4. lim 5. lim
x→ 1 x −1 x→ 2 + x−2

3x 2 + a, x  2
6. Discuss the continuity of 7. If g ( x ) = 
 x − 3, x  2
 x2 − 2x − 3 is a continuous function,
 , x3
f ( x) =  x − 3 find the value of a.
 x=3
 5,

x3 − 3x 2 + x + 2
8. Use a calculator to fill in the tables to help find these limits if f ( x ) = .
x3 − 2 x 2 − x + 2
x 0.9 0.99 0.999 1.001 1.01 1.1
a. lim f ( x )
x→ 1 f ( x)

x 1.9 1.99 1.999 2.001 2.01 2.1

b. lim f ( x )
x→ 2 f ( x)

c. Can a table like these be used to find limits with absolute certainty?
 39

Intermediate Value Theorem

f (b)
If f is continuous on  a, b and k is any y-value between
k
f ( a ) and f ( b ) , then there is at least one x-value c
between a and b such that f ( c ) = k . f (a)
a c b
Examples:
9. Does the Intermediate Value Theorem guarantee 10. Find the value of c
a c-value on the given interval. in Example 9a.
a. f ( x ) = x 2 − x, b. x2 − 4
g ( x) = ,
f ( c ) = 12, 0,5 x−2
g ( c ) = 4,  0,3

ASSIGNMENT 1.2
Find the indicated limits without using a calculator. Show steps using correct limit symbolism!
x2 −1 2x2 − x − 3 x2 −1 x3 + 1
1. lim 2. lim 3. lim 4. lim
x→ 1 x − 1 x → −1 x +1 x → −1 x − 1 x → −1 x + 1

x −5 x −5 2− x x2 − 9
5. lim+ 2 6. lim 2 7. lim 2 8. lim 2
x → 5 x − 25 x → −5 x − 25 x→ 2 x − 4 x→ 3 x − 6 x + 9

1 x x −2 x −3
9. lim− 2 10. lim 2 11. lim 12. lim
x→ 2 x − 4 x→ 1 x + 1 x→ 4 x − 4 x→ 3 x +1 − 2
x x
13. lim− 14. lim 15. lim+  x − 1 16. lim−  x − 1
x→ 0 x x→ 0 x x→ 3 x→ 3

17. lim  x − 1 18. lim  x + 6 19. lim  x  20. lim−  2 x − 3
x→ 3 x→ 2 x→ 3  2  x→ 5

x x x
21. lim csc 22. lim cot 23. lim cos
x→ 7 6 x →  6 x → 5 3

 1 x + 1, x  3
 2  x 2 + 1, x  1  x − 2, x  0
24. lim 12 − 2 x 25. lim  3 26. lim 
x → 1 x + 1, x 1 x → 2 x + 2, x0
x→ 3
 , x3  
 3
 3x
 2sin 2 , x  
Use the function g ( x ) =  for problems 27-29. Do not use a calculator.
 sec 11x , x  
 6
27. lim+ g ( x ) 28. lim− g ( x ) 29. lim g ( x )
x → x → x →
 40

Use a calculator to find these limits.

sin x sin x x3 + 2 x 2 − x − 2
30. (a) lim (b) lim 31. lim
x→ 1 6 x x→ 0 6 x x→ −2 x3 + 2 x 2 + x + 2

Find all discontinuities for these functions and classify them as removable or
nonremovable. Do not use a calculator.
2x − 3 1 x
32. f ( x ) = 33. f ( x ) = 2 x − 3 34. f ( x ) = 2 35. f ( x ) = 2
x +1 x −9 x +x
x2 − 9 x , x  0
2
 x − 3, x  1
36. f ( x ) = 37. f ( x ) =  38. f ( x ) = 
x+3  x, x  0  x, x 1
39. 2 x − 5, x  3 40. f ( x ) =  x − 1 41. f ( x ) =  x 
f ( x) =  2 2
 x − 8, x  3

Use a calculator to find all discontinuities for these functions and classify them as
removable or nonremovable.
10 x x
42. f ( x ) = 3 43. f ( x ) = 3 44. f ( x ) =  x 
6 x − 31x + 23x + 20
2
x + 4x 4

 x3 , x  2
45. If the function ( )  2
f x = is continuous, find the value of a.
ax , x  2

Determine whether the Intermediate Value Theorem would guarantee a c-value on the
given interval.
46. f ( x ) = x 2 + x − 1 , f ( c ) = 11, 0,5
x
47. f ( x ) = , f (c) = 1 , 0, 2
x −1
48. f ( x ) = x , f ( c ) = 3,  −4,1
 x, x  1
49. f ( x ) =  , f (c) = 2 , 0, 4
3, x  1
50. Find the c-value in Problem 46.
51. Find the c-value in Problem 48.
 41

LESSON 1.3 INFINITE LIMITS, LIMITS AT INFINITY

Review:
x −1
The graph of the function f ( x ) = has a hole at x = _____,
( x − 1)( x − 2 ) ( x − 4 )
2 3

an even vertical asymptote at x = ______,

and an odd vertical asymptote at x = ______.

In the graphs below, the vertical asymptotes are labeled odd or even.

even even odd odd

Infinite Limits
You have seen examples where a limit does not exist at a vertical asymptote. Such non-existent
limits can be expressed as infinite limits if the vertical asymptote is even or if you are finding one-
sided limits. We will write lim f ( x ) =  or lim f ( x ) = − .
x→ c x→ c

The examples below make use of your knowledge of even and odd vertical asymptotes as well as
holes.

Examples:
x+3 x+3 x−2
1. lim+ = 2. lim− = 3. lim+ =
x−2 x−2 ( x − 1)
2
x→2 x→ 2 x→ 1

x−2 x2 − 4
4. lim− = 5. lim =
( x − 1) x→ 2 x − 2
2
x→ 1
 42

Limits at Infinity
If the graph of a function f ( x ) approaches a horizontal asymptote to the left and/or the right,
f ( x ) is said to have a limit at infinity. If the asymptote is y = L then lim f ( x ) = L . In other
x →

words, limits at infinity give us end behaviors for graphs of functions. For “large” values of x, the
highest degree terms in the numerator and denominator dominate the other terms and are the only
terms you need to consider.

Review Examples: Find the horizontal asymptotes.

5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2
6. f ( x ) = 7. g ( x ) = 8. h ( x) =
10 x 4 + 3 10 x 5 + 3 10 x 3 + 3

Examples: Find the following limits.

5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2
9. lim = 10. lim = 11. lim =
x→ 10 x 4 + 3 x→ −  10 x5 + 3 x→ 10 x3 + 3

( 2 x + 3)( x − 1)
2

12. lim = Note: Make sure you consider highest degree terms −
( x + 2 )( 3x − 1)
x→  2
not highest degree factors.

Rational functions like those above have at most one horizontal asymptote, so the limit is the same
whether x approaches  or - . However, radical functions frequently have two horizontal
asymptotes.

Examples: Find these limits.

4x − 3
2
4 x2 − 3
13. lim = 14. lim =
x→ x x→ −  x

Use the end behavior of y = e x to find these limits.

 2 x2 − x   2x2 + 4x 
15. lim e x 16. lim e x 17. lim  e − x + 2  18. lim  x 2 
x → − x→  x→ 
 x +3  x→ 
 e + 3x 
 43

ASSIGNMENT 1.3

Use the graphs to find these limits (answer  or - ).

1 1
1. y= 2. y=
( ) x−2
2
x − 2

1 1 1 1
a. lim− b. lim+ a. lim− b. lim+
( x − 2) ( x − 2) x−2 x−2
2 2
x→ 2 x→ 2 x→ 2 x→ 2

Find the vertical asymptotes without using a calculator, and classify each of them as even or odd.
1 x x x
3. f ( x ) = 2 4. f ( x ) = 5. f ( x ) = 2 6. f ( x ) = 2
x ( x − 1) x −4 x −x−2
2
x

Find these limits without using a calculator. Whenever appropriate answer  or - .

x x x x
7. lim− 8. lim 9. lim+ 2 10. lim 2
x→ 3 x − 3 x→ 3 x − 3 x→ 1 x − x x→ 0 x − x

x+3 x −3 x − 2x
2
1 
11. lim 2 12. lim 2 13. lim 14. lim−  − 10 
x→ 3 x − 6 x + 9 x→ 3 x − 6 x + 9 x→ 0  x 
x→ 0 3
x
3 x
15. lim+ 16. lim
 cos x x →  csc x
x→
2

Find these limits without using a calculator.

2 x4 + x2 + 2
17. f ( x) = a. lim f ( x ) b. lim f ( x )
x4 + 1 x→  x → −

4
18. f ( x) = a. lim f ( x ) b. lim f ( x )
x +12 x→  x → −

2x
19. f ( x) = a. lim f ( x ) b. lim f ( x )
x2 + 2 x→  x → −

x ( 2 x − 1)
2
2x + 5 1 − 5 x3 4 x2 + 3
20. lim 21. lim 22. lim 23. lim
x→  3x − 4 x → −  10 x 3 − x 2
3 x ( x − 3)
x→  2 x→ −  2x
x x 2− x 2 x2 − 2
24. lim 25. lim 26. lim 27. lim
x→ − 
x2 + x x→ 
x2 + x x→ − 
x2 − 3 x→ − 
x4
 44

 4e x + 2 x 
28. lim
sin x
x→  x + 1
29. lim 
x→ −
 x→ 
(
30. lim x5e x + 2 )
 3x 

( )
x
31. Use a calculator to find lim 1 + 1 .
x→  x

Without using a calculator, find the discontinuities. Which are removable?

x+2
32. f ( x ) = 2 33. f ( x ) =  3 x 
1
x −4  
 x2 , x2  x2 , x  2 x+2
34. f ( x) =  35. f ( x) =  36. f ( x ) =
2 x − 2, x  2  2 x, x  2 x+2

2ax − 6, x  2
37. If f ( x ) =  2 is a continuous function, find the value of a.
 x + a, x  2

Use a calculator to find all discontinuities.

 cos x − 1
 , x0 x2 − 4
38. f ( x ) =  x 39. f ( x ) = 3
 5 x, x − 2x2 − 2x + 4
x0

Does the Intermediate Value Theorem guarantee a value of c in the given interval? If so, find the
c-value. If not, explain why not.
x2 − x
40. f ( x ) = , f ( c ) = −1 on  −2, 2 41. f ( x ) = x 2 − x , f ( c ) = −1 on  −2, 2
x
42. f ( x ) = x 2 − x , f ( c ) = 5 on  −2, 2

Use the graph of y = f ( x ) at the right for Problems 43-52. y

Find these limits. 

43. lim f ( x ) 44. lim+ f ( x ) 45. lim− f ( x )

x→ 6 x→ 4 x→ 4

46. lim f ( x ) 47. lim f ( x ) 48. lim f ( x )
x→ 4 x→ 3 x→ 1
x
  
Determine if f ( x ) is continuous at these x-values. Use correct
notation to explain your answer using the definition of continuity from page 34.
49. x = 1 50. x = 3 51. x = 4 52. x = 6
 45

LESSON 1.4 CURVE SKETCHING

What to watch for:

Domain: possible x-values. Avoid zero denominators and square roots of negative numbers.
Vertical Asymptotes: denominator restrictions from the reduced function (write
equations in the form x = a )
Holes: denominator restrictions from the original function which are no longer
restricted in the reduced function (plug into the reduced function to find the
y-value and write as ordered pairs)
x-intercepts: let y = 0, solve for x (write as ordered pairs)
y-intercepts: let x = 0, solve for y (write as ordered pairs)
End Behavior: look at highest degree terms in the numerator and the denominator,
analyze for “large” positive and negative x-values
Even/Odd: for vertical asymptotes and x-intercepts (or holes on the x-axis)
Note: These come from degrees of factors in the reduced function.

Examples: For Examples 1-3 give the domain, reduce the function, find vertical asymptotes,
holes, and end behavior.

x+2 2 x3 x2 + 2 x − 8
1. f ( x) = 2. g ( x) = 3. h ( x) =
x2 − 2 x ( x + 3) x2 − 4
2

Do: Do: h ( x) =
( x + 4 )( x − 2 )
( x + 2 )( x − 2 )
V.A.: V.A.: Do:
E.B.: E.B.: hred ( x ) =
V.A.:
Hole:
E.B.:

Curve Sketching Recipe:

1. Give the domain.
2. Reduce f (x). Oftentimes, you must factor before you can reduce.
3. Find vertical asymptotes and holes.
4. Give x- and y-intercepts.
5. Find the end behavior (horizontal asymptotes or other).
6. (optional) Check for symmetry.
7. (if needed) Find a starting point.
8. Graph.

 y
Examples: Follow the Curve Sketching Recipe to graph.
4. f ( x ) = x ( x − 1)( x + 2 )
2

x
Do: x-int.:
−

y-int.: E.B.:
−
 46

x ( x − 1) ( x + 3)
2 3

5. g ( x) =
x 2 ( x − 1)( x − 3)
2

Do.: g red ( x ) =

V.A.: Holes:

x-int.: y-int.: − − − −    

E.B.:

x +1
6. y=
x2

Do.: V.A.:
− − − −    
Holes: x-int.:

y-int.: E.B.:

Starting Point:

ASSIGNMENT 1.4
Find the indicated characteristics of these functions without using a calculator.
x ( x − 1)
3

1. f ( x) = , domain, hole, and vertical asymptote

x 2 ( x − 1)
−x
2. f ( x) = , domain and all horizontal asymptotes
x2 −1

Follow the Curve Sketching Recipe to graph each function without using a calculator.
( x + 2) ( x − 4)
2
x−2
( ) ( )( ) 4. f ( x ) = 5. f ( x ) =
2
3. f x = x + 2 x − 1
x+2 ( x − 1)
2

6. f ( x) =
x ( x − 1)
3

(see Problem 1) 7. f ( x) =
( x − 1)
2
(x 2
)
+1
x ( x − 1)
2
x −1
2

−x
f ( x) =
1
8. f ( x) = 9. (see Problem 2)
x x2 −1
 47

Find these limits without using a calculator. y


2− x
10. lim 2 11. y = f ( x ) a. lim− f ( x ) b. lim+ f ( x )
x→ 2 x − 4 x → −1 x → −1
x
−
c. lim f ( x )
x → −1

x −2 x −3  x, x 1  x 2 − 5, x  0
12. lim 13. lim 14. lim  15. lim 
x→ 4 x−4 x→ 3 x −3 x → 1 x − 1, x 1 x→ 0 2 x − 5, x0
 
x − 2x
2
16. lim  + 2 
x x
17. lim  4 x + 2 18. lim 19. lim
x→ 1  4  x→ 1 x→ 2 x − 2 x→ 2 x − 2

3x 2 − 5 x
20. lim
x
21. lim 22. lim x 2 − 9( ) 23. lim 2
x
( x − 2) 7 x2 + 2 x→ −  x − 3
x→ 2 2 x→  x→ 2

x ( 3x − 5) x 3x + 5  3x 
24. lim 25. lim 26. lim 27. lim  e x − 2 
x→  3x + 2 x→ 0 3x + 2 x→ 2 x x→ − 
 x +x
tan
4

Find all discontinuities without using a calculator. Which are removable?

x x−2
28. f ( x ) = 29. f ( x ) = 30. f ( x ) =  2 x 
x −4
2
x2 − 4

 −2 x + 1, x2
31. f ( x ) =  2 32.  y
 x − 4 x + 1, x  2


x
− − 

−
 48

LESSON 1.5 RATE OF CHANGE, SQUEEZE THEOREM,

LIMITS OF COMPOSITIONS OF DISCONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS

Rate of Change:
Another meaning for slope is rate of change. In this course there will be two situations where you
will use slopes (rates of change).
1. Average Rate of Change This is the slope between two points on a graph or a rate of
change between two points in time. It is found algebraically using a method from previous
y y2 − y1 y y2 − y1
courses. AROC = m = = or AROC = =
x x2 − x1 t t2 − t1
2. Instantaneous Rate of Change This is the slope at a single point on a curve or a rate of
change at a single instant in time. It can be approximated using one or more average rates of
change or found exactly using a Calculus technique that will be shown in the next unit.

Examples:
1. Given f ( x ) = x3 − 2 x 2 − 10
a. find the average rate of change of f ( x ) b. find the average rate of change of f ( x )
between x = 2 and x = 3. between x = 3 and x = 4.

c. Which of these is likely to be a better estimate of the instantaneous rate of change at x = 2.4?

2. The data in the table shows the mileage from the start of a four hour car trip recorded at one hour
intervals. Assume the car continued in the same straight line.
time in hours 0 1 2 3 4
miles from start 0 55 120 180 250
a. Find the average rate of change (average speed) of the car for the final two hours of the trip.

b. Estimate the instantaneous speed at the 1.5 hour instant.

c. During which hour does the data suggest the car reached the greatest instantaneous speed?

Squeeze Theorem (Sandwich Theorem)

If f ( x )  g ( x )  h ( x ) for all x  c in some interval containing c and if lim f ( x ) = L = lim h ( x ) ,
x→c x→c

then lim g ( x ) = L.
x→c

Informally: If a function g is squeezed (sandwiched) between two other functions with the same
limit then g also approaches that same limit.
 49

Examples:
x3 − x3
3. The graphs of f ( x ) = and g ( x ) = are shown. y
2x 2x
Find lim f ( x ) and lim g ( x ) .
x →0 x →0
x
4. The graph of a third function k ( x ) is shown along with
the two functions from example 3. y
If g ( x )  k ( x )  f ( x ) find lim k ( x ) . Explain.
x →0

Use the functions graphed to find y = f ( x) y = g ( x)

y y
the following limits.
( f ( x ))
2 


5. lim =
x →3 g ( x) +1 
x

 

6. lim g ( f ( x ) ) =
x

x → 2.5 
−

7. lim f ( g ( x ) ) =
−

x →3

ASSIGNMENT 1.5
y

1. The function y = f ( x ) graphed at the right is a y = f ( x)

piecewise linear function. Find the instantaneous
rate of change at each of the following x-values.
a. x = −1
x
b. x = 1
c. x = 4

2. The function y = g ( x ) is graphed at the right. y y = g ( x)

a. Find the average rate of change on the interval  −2, −1 . ( 2,8)
( −1,5)
b. Find the average rate of change on the interval  −1, 2 .
c. Which of these is a better approximation for the ( −2, 0 )
instantaneous rate of change of g (x) at x = -1.5? x

3. Approximate the instantaneous rate of change of y = 3e x + 5sin x at x = 3.3 by finding the

average rate of change on the interval 3, 4 accurate to three decimal places.
 50

4. The data in the table below gives times and distances for a marathoner at selected points in the race.
time in minutes 0 40 55 95 129
miles from start 0 8 12 20 26
a. Find the runner’s average rate of change (speed in miles per minute) for the 26 miles included
in the table.
b. Approximate the instantaneous speed at the half-marathon spot (13.1 miles).
c. Which of the intervals shown in the table was the slowest for the runner?

x
6sin
6 x − 18
5. If f ( x ) = and g ( x ) = 6 and it is known that f ( x )  h ( x )  g ( x ) on the
x −3 cos ( x − 3)
interval  2, 4 except at x = 3. Find lim h ( x ) . Explain your reasoning.
x →3

x −4 2
6. Given f ( x ) = and f ( x )  h ( x )  j ( x ) for all x except x = −2 . If lim h ( x ) can be found
x+2 x →−2

by using the Squeeze Theorem what is lim j ( x ) ?

x →−2

Use the four functions graphed below to find the limits shown or state that the limit does not exist.
y = f ( x) y = g ( x) y = h ( x) y = j ( x)
y y

y y


  

x x x
x

     − −  

− − −
−

f ( x) − 2
7. lim j ( x ) 8. lim j ( x ) 9. lim 10. lim h ( j ( x ) )
( j ( x ))
x → −1 2
x→ −2 x→ 1 x→ 

11. lim g ( f ( x ) + 1) 12. lim f ( x + 2 ) 13. lim ( g ( x ) • f ( x + 2)) 14. lim j ( j ( x ) )

x → −1 x →0 x →0 x→ −2

x3 + x
15. Find the equation of the horizontal asymptote for the function g ( x ) = x without using a
e +x
calculator.
sin x + 2e x
16. Find lim without using a calculator.
x→ 0 cos x
 x − 1, x  −1

17. Find the values of a and b so that f ( x ) = ax + b, −1  x  1 is continuous.
 2 x + 1, x 1

 51

2− x
18. Use a calculator to find this limit lim .
x→ 2 25 x − 50

19. Determine whether the Intermediate Value Theorem would guarantee a c-value where
x2 + x
f ( c ) = 6 , for the function f ( x ) = on the interval  , 4  .
5
x −1 2 
20. If your answer to problem 19 is yes, find the c-value. If your answer is no, try it again.

Find the following limits without using a calculator.

21. lim ( 3x − 3) 22. lim−  2 − 4  23. lim  − 4  24. lim+  2 − 4 
x x x
x→ −2 x→ 2   x→ 2  2  x→ 3  

Use the graph of y = f ( x ) for Problems 25-31.  y

Find the following limits and function values.
25. lim f ( x ) 26. f ( 2 ) 27. lim− f ( x ) 
x→ 2 x→ 2

28. lim f ( x ) 29. lim f ( x ) x

x→ 1 x→ 0
− −  
30. List all removable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
−
31. List all nonremovable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
−

ASSIGNMENT 1.6 REVIEW

Find the following limits without using a calculator.

x2 − 9 3+t x +1
1. lim ( 5 x − 3) 2. lim 3. lim 2 4. lim
x→ 2 x→ 3 3 − x t → −3 t − 9 x → −1 x + 2x + 1
2

t2 − 4  1  4x − 2 x −1
5. lim 2 6. lim+  x + 3  7. lim 8. lim 4
t → 2 t − 3t + 2 x → 1 x −1
x→ 0  x  x→ 2 x − 1
1
2
1 1
x − 2x +1
2
x − 2x +1
2
3x + 5 −
9. lim 10. lim 11. lim 12. lim 2 x
x→ 1 x +1 x→ 1 x −1 x→ 2 5 x − 2 x→ 2 x−2
( 2 x − 1)
2
x −92
3x − 5
2
2x
13. lim 14. lim 15. lim 16. lim
2 x2 + 9 x −9 x +1 ( x − 3)
x→ x→  2 x→ −  x→  2

− x2
19. lim  + 5 20. lim−  3 + 5
x x x
17. lim− 2 18. lim
x→ 2 x − 4 x →−  x x→ 2  3  x→ 3  
3 x + 5cos x e −2 x + 100
21. lim  + 5
x tan x
22. lim 23. lim 24. lim
x→ 3  3   −2sin x x→  x2 − 9  cos x + sin x
x→ x→
2 4
 52

Use the graph of y = f ( x ) for Problems 25-35.

Find the following limits and function values.
 y
25. lim f ( x ) 26. f ( −1) 27. f (1)
x → −1

28. lim f ( x ) 29. lim f ( x ) 30. lim+ f ( x ) 

x→ 1 x → −3 x→ 1

31. lim f ( x ) 32. lim f ( x ) 33. lim f ( x )

x→  x → − x→ −2 x
− − 
34. List all removable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
35. List all nonremovable discontinuities of f ( x ) .
x
36. On what intervals is y = continuous? Do not use a calculator.
x −x
2

37. On what intervals is y = x + 2 continuous? Do not use a calculator.

 x + 2, x0
 2
Use the function g ( x ) =  x + 2, 0  x  2 for Problems 38-44.
 2, x2

38. Sketch a graph of g ( x ) without using a calculator.
Find the following limits.
39. lim g ( x ) 40. lim g ( x ) 41. lim− g ( x ) 42. lim g ( x ) 43. lim g ( x )
x→ 0 x→ 2 x→ 2 x→ 1 x→ 

44. List all discontinuities of g ( x ) .

 x + 1, 1 x  3
45. If f ( x ) =  2 is continuous, find the values of a and b.
 x + ax + b, x  1 or x  3

46. Find the domain, vertical asymptotes, holes, intercepts, end behavior, and graph for the
x ( x − 1)
function y = 2 .
x −1
47. Determine whether the Intermediate Value Theorem would guarantee a c-value on
the given interval. If it does, find the c value. If it does not apply, write a sentence explaining
why.
a. f ( x) = x − 4 x − 8
2
f (c ) = 4  −4, −1
x+3
b. f ( x) = f (c ) = 4 0,5
x−2
x+5
c. f ( x) = f (c ) = 3  2,5
x −1

48. If f ( x ) = 2 x3 − 3x + 2 approximate the instantaneous rate of change of f ( x ) at x = 1 by

finding the average rate of change on the interval 0,3 .
 53

Use the functions graphed below to find the limits shown or state that the limit does not exist.
y = f ( x) y = h ( x)
49. lim f ( h ( x ) ) y y

x →0 

50. lim
x→2
(( f ( x ) −1) − 6)
2




51. lim ( h ( x ) + f ( x ) )  
x→2 x


−

−

52. If the Squeeze Theorem can be applied and g ( x )  f ( x )  h ( x ) except at x = 5 where

x 2 − 25
g ( x) = , find lim h ( x ) and lim f ( x ) .
x −5 x →5 x →5

53. Find the indicated information for the following rational functions and then graph.
Make sure your answers are in the right form and your graphs are consistent with
your list.
( x − 3)( x + 2)2 ( x − 1) 2
a. f ( x) =
( x + 1)( x − 3)( x − 1)( x − 2) 2
Domain: f red = Holes:
VA: EB: x-int:
y-int:
(4 − x)
b. p( x) =
x2 − 9
Domain: f red = Holes:
VA: EB: x-int:
y-int:
 54

UNIT 1 SUMMARY

Limits:
A limit is a y-value.
Analyze left and/or right behavior.
Use direct substitution.

Discontinuities: holes, vertical asymptotes, and jumps (breaks).

Removable (holes). Nonremovable (jumps and vertical asymptotes).

Limit at infinity: (end behavior)

Consider the highest degree terms in the numerator and denominator.

Curve sketching:
Vertical Asymptotes: denominator restrictions from the reduced function (write equations in the
form x = a )
Holes: denominator restrictions from the original function which are no longer restricted in the
reduced function (plug into the reduced function to find the y-value and write as ordered pairs)

y2 − y1
Average Rate of Change: (the slope between two points) AROC =
x2 − x1
Instantaneous Rate of Change can be approximated with an average rate of change

Squeeze Theorem (Sandwich Theorem)

If f ( x )  g ( x )  h ( x ) for all x  c in some interval containing c and if lim f ( x ) = L = lim h ( x ) ,
x→c x→c

then lim g ( x ) = L.
x→c