LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

Introduction

Limit Theorems

In the language of mathematics, the concept of limit Theorem 1: Let c , k , L and M be real numbers, and let
formally expresses the notion of arbitrary closeness. That is, a limit f (x) and g( x) be defined on some open interval containing c ,
is a value that a variable quantity approaches as closely as one except possibly at c .
pleases. The operations of differentiation and integration
from calculus are both based on the theory of limits. The theory of 1. If lim f ( exists,
x) then it is unique. That is x c+ f ( x )
x c
limits is based on a particular property of the real numbers;
x c f ( x )=lim
namely that between any two real numbers, no matter how close 2. lim k=k

together they are, there is always another one. Between any two
x c lim

real numbers there are always infinitely many more. 3. lim x=c
x c

4. Suppose lim f ( x ) =Land lim g ( x )=M

Limit of a Function x c x c

i. (Constant Multiple) lim [ k g ( x ) ]=k M

If the values of f ( x) get closer and closer to a number L as ii. (Addition/Subtraction) x c
the values of x approach c, we say that L is the limit of f ( x) as x iii. (Multiplication Rule) lim [ f ( x ) g ( x ) ] =L M
approaches c. This is written as iv. (Division Rule) x c
M0
v. (Power Rule) lim [ f ( x ) g ( x ) ]=L
p M
is a positive
lim f ( x ) =L
[ ]
x c f ( x )
L
x c lim =
integer x c g( x ) p Mp
lim n[ f ( x) ] =L
n
and is read as the limit of f ( x) as x approaches c is equal to vi. (Root / Radical) x c f ( x)= L for a positive
lim n
L and x c L>0 if n is
NOTE
even
The limit of a function describes the behavior of the function as approaches a particular Theorem
value, . 2: If f (x) is a polynomial function, then
generally has nothing to do with although, they are equal in some cases. lim f ( x ) =f ( c)
x c
Of interest are values of very close to , but not equal to . Theorem 3: Let h be a rational function of the form
The number may or may not be in the domain of . f ( x)
lim f ( x ) ! h ( x )= where f and g are polynomial functions. If
There is some open interval containing for which is defined at every number in the interval, except possibly at .
g (x)
x c
c is a real number and g(c ) 0lim, then
f (x)
x c f (c )
lim h(x)= =
x c g (x) g( c)