Unit 1 Guided Notes Student
Unit 1 Guided Notes Student
Unit 1 Guided Notes Student
UNIT 1:
LIMITS &
CONTINUITY
NOTES
Lesson 1: The Concept of Instantaneous Rate of Change
Topic 1.1: Introducing Calculus: Can Change Occur at an Instant?
As students of life, and algebra, you have studied many rates of change for different situations: how
fast we drive, how our savings grow over time, the rate that the world population changes, our
growth rate every year, unemployment rates, and so much more. In each of these studies, we can
express one variable in terms of another, that is, as a function, 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥).
Velocity
Consider an object that travels in a straight line. The average velocity over some given time interval
can be defined as the ratio of the change in position (displacement or net change) to the elapsed
time period:
Average Velocity =
However, when we think of velocity, we usually mean instantaneous velocity, which indicates the
speed and direction of some object at a particular moment, which could be faster or slower than the
average velocity.
EX #1: If you climb to the top of the Tower of Pisa and drop a coin to the
ground, estimate the instantaneous velocity at 𝑡𝑡 = 0.7 seconds.
Use Galileo’s formula 𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡 = 16𝑡𝑡 2 to compute the average velocity,
in feet/second , over the time intervals listed in the table below.
Time Average
What is your estimate for the
Interval Velocity
Instantaneous Rate of Change
[0.7, 0.71] 22.56 (IROC) at 𝑡𝑡 = 0.7 second?
[0.7, 0.705]
[0. 7, 0.7001]
[0.7, 0.70005]
Photo: Jean Adams
[0.7, 0.700001]
Sketch the tangent line through point c. Can you estimate the instantaneous velocity at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐?
Have you ever taken a Spin Class at the gym? Then you know that after the class is over, your rapid
heart rate decreases as time passes. Let 𝐻𝐻(𝑡𝑡) represent your heart rate. Write an expression for
the rate of change of your heart rate over the period from 𝑡𝑡 = 0 seconds to 𝑡𝑡 = 90 seconds, after
you have stopped exercising.
A. Find the average speed (velocity) of the hypercoaster from 2 seconds to 8 seconds.
B. What is the average speed (velocity) of the hypercoaster from 4 seconds to 6 seconds?
[5, 5.1]
[5, 5.01]
[5, 5.001]
D. Explain the meaning of the instantaneous speed (velocity)in the context of the question at
𝑡𝑡 = 5 seconds.
D. Estimate the instantaneous rate of change of vehicles at 𝑡𝑡 = 18 by finding the average rates
from 𝑡𝑡 = 18 to 𝑡𝑡 = 18.1, 𝑡𝑡 = 18 to 𝑡𝑡 = 18.01, and 𝑡𝑡 = 18 to 𝑡𝑡 = 18.001.
[18, 18.1]
[18, 18.01]
[18, 18.001]
E. Why can’t the instantaneous rate of change of traffic in the departure lane with respect to
time be calculated using the method in part C?
Limits are the “backbone” of understanding that connect algebra and geometry to the mathematics of
calculus. In basic terms, a limit is just a statement that tells you what height a function INTENDS TO
REACH as you get close to a specific x-value. Recall from Pre-Calculus that you evaluated three types
of limits. Complete the table below:
Right-hand limit
Left-hand limit
General limit
Let’s begin our discussion of limits by analyzing a rational function and examining the graph.
EX #1: Use the equation for 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 and the graph of the function to analyze completely.
3𝑥𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑥 − 3
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
𝑥𝑥 2 − 9
Factor and
Simplify
Coordinates
of Hole
Domain
Range
Vertical
Asymptote
Horizontal
Asymptote
As 𝑥𝑥 −3 from the right, the graph As 𝑥𝑥 3 from the left, the graph
of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) _______ of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) _________
As 𝑥𝑥 −3 from the left, the graph of As 𝑥𝑥 3 from the right, the graph of
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 ________ 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 _______
Can you explain what the value of a limit represents in terms of the graph?
EX #3: Use the graph above to evaluate each of the following limits:
A. 𝑓𝑓(2) B. 𝑓𝑓(−1)
C. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 D. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
2
E. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 F. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
2
G. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 H. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
I. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 J. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
K. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 L. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
2
M. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 N. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
0
If we think of the function as a highway, then the point at 2, −1 could be considered the
end of the road, while the point at −1, 2 is more like a “pothole.” How would you describe
the points located at
(2, 1) : ______________________________________________________________________________________________
(4, 3) : _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hopefully, this analogy gives you a visual reference for understanding limits from a graphical
approach. Let’s get a little more formal with our definition now.
CASE 1: __________________________________________________________________
CASE 2: ___________________________________________________________________
CASE 3: ___________________________________________________________________
( )
Based on your analysis, what are the values of each of the limits below?
By evaluating certain types of functions at a particular value, we may not necessarily have a sufficient
understanding of the function’s behavior at a specific point. This is especially true for rational
functions that contain discontinuities.
When finding limits, ask yourself, “What is happening to y as x gets close to a certain number?”
You are finding the y-value for which the function is approaching as x approaches c.
Verbally: The limit as x approaches c on 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) will exist if and only if the limit as x approaches c
from the left is equal to the limit as x approaches c from the right.
2. 𝑥𝑥 = is a point discontinuity
2. 𝑥𝑥 = is a jump discontinuity
There will be times when you need to consider limits of functions symbolically, such as, 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥), 𝑥𝑥 ,
and (𝑥𝑥) . When you are given combinations, compositions, and other modifications of these
nonspecific functions, there are some important properties of limits that will prove essential to these
general function types.
LIMIT PROPERTIES
Let b and c be real numbers, let n be a positive integer, and let 𝑓𝑓and be functions.
9. Root Rule:
Being skilled at reciting these rules in English will help you truly understand them. For example, The
Sum or Difference Rule can be stated as “The limit of a sum (difference) is the sum (difference) of the
limits. Can you give a description for each property in your own words?
B. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 − (𝑥𝑥)
Graph of (𝑥𝑥)
C. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 − (𝑥𝑥)
3 ( )
D. lim ( )
J. lim
( )
K. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
( ) 2
A. lim 3 𝑥𝑥 − 2 𝑥𝑥 B. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 5 𝑥𝑥
C. lim 7 − 𝑥𝑥 2
D. lim
2 3 ( )
( )
E. lim 𝑥𝑥 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 + 6 F. lim
EX #3: Given lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 8 and lim 𝑥𝑥 = −4, then find the following:
2
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 + 2 𝑥𝑥
EX #5: Use the graphs of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and (𝑥𝑥) below to find the limits.
A. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 B. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
3
C. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 D. lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
3
1. Direct substitution.
2. Basic Limit Theorems
3. Factor, cancellation technique. Then go back to step 1.
4. The conjugate method, rationalize the numerator. Then, go back to step 2.
Substitution Theorem
If 𝑓𝑓 is a polynomial function or rational function, then lim 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑐𝑐) provided that if
𝑓𝑓 is a rational function the value of the denominator does not equal 0.
0
NOTE: Always try DIRECT SUBSTITUTION first. If you get 0
or the goal will be to simplify the
expression using algebraic techniques and then try substitution again.
EX #1: Find each of the following limits analytically using direct substitution.
C. lim D. lim 𝑥𝑥 + 4
3
You can perform the same algebraic analysis to find the limit of the removable, or point discontinuities
and the non-removable, or infinite discontinuities using what we will call the Factoring Method or
Cancellation Technique.
𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6
lim
2 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 8
Graphically looking at the function, we see that just because it is undefined at a specific x-value doesn’t
mean that we can’t find the limit. Remember the Hoover Dam construction example. Use the graph of
the function to determine the value of each limit below.
𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6
lim =
2 𝑥𝑥 2 − 6𝑥𝑥 + 8 _________________
𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6
lim = _________________
𝑥𝑥 2 − 6𝑥𝑥 + 8
𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6 Hole:
lim = _________________
𝑥𝑥 2 − 6𝑥𝑥 + 8
2, −
2
𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 6
lim = lim =
𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 8 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 8
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
EX #2: Finding limits analytically of piecewise functions. Show your algebraic steps.
𝑥𝑥 3 + 1, 𝑥𝑥 > 1 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 7, 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2
A. lim (𝑥𝑥) given, 𝑥𝑥 = B. lim (𝑥𝑥) given, 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑥𝑥 + 1, 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1 2 −𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 1, 𝑥𝑥 > 2
2
A. lim
20
2
B. lim 2
3
A. lim
0 B. lim
0
𝑥𝑥 + 2 − 1
lim
𝑥𝑥 + 1
𝑥𝑥 − 5
B. lim
3 − 𝑥𝑥 + 4
EX #6: Find each of the following limits analytically. Show your algebraic steps.
2
A. lim 𝑥𝑥 + 1 3 B. 𝑥𝑥 + 1 − 2
3 lim
3 𝑥𝑥 − 3
2
E. F. 𝑥𝑥 + − 3 𝑥𝑥 + − 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥
lim lim
0
0
c
Photo: Public Domain
𝑥𝑥 =
𝑦𝑦 = 𝐻𝐻(𝑥𝑥)
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = ln 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥 2
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
3
1
B. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = − +2 E. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = − +2
2
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
2
C. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = +1 F. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 2 −2
3
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
In PreCalculus, we learned the following rules without considering the behavior for negative a-values.
= +
𝑓𝑓 is increasing 𝑓𝑓 is decreasing
is exponential growth factor is exponential decay factor
Growth and decay are not synonymous with increasing and decreasing.
Consider the behavior of the function in relation to the horizontal asymptote. Notice whether the
function is moving away from or toward the horizontal asymptote.
Also, what effect does the negative coefficient on x do to the function behavior?
EX #3: Now, use the equations from example #1 to complete the table below:
Increase or
Graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) Base lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥
Decrease
GROWTH >1
3
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = − 3
2
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = − +2
2
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = +1
3
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 2 −2
C. lim −3 −3 D. lim − +1
3
E. lim 3
−1 F. lim 2
+5
2 3
Just like some polynomial functions where a function value is not defined, yet a limit will exist…the
same will occur with trigonometric functions.
sin − 1
EX #6: Evaluate the limit by direct substitution. lim
cos2
2
EX #7: You Got This! Use your new skills to evaluate each limit below by first rewriting the function
and using identities.
HAVE YOU DISCOVERED A PATTERN IN ALL OF THIS YET? If you ALWAYS try direct substitution
first, three things will occur!
EX #8: Use a graphing calculator and the table feature to evaluate the following trigonometric limits.
26
Topic 1.8: Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem
1
lim 𝑥𝑥 2 sin
0 𝑥𝑥
B. Consider the range of the sine function −1 ≤ sin 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1. We can conclude that
−1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Multiply through by 𝑥𝑥 2 to use the Squeeze Theorem.
1
EX #11: Find the limit. lim 𝑥𝑥 2 cos
0 𝑥𝑥 2
27
Lesson 6: Limits and Continuity
Now that we have an understanding of limits and using limit notation, we can use limits to define
continuity at a point. This will be a very important concept throughout our course.
Definition of Continuity
𝑥𝑥 = 9
𝑥𝑥 = 4
𝑥𝑥 = 3
𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 = −3
𝑥𝑥 = −5
Analyze this table and write the three conditions for continuity above.
Memorize the rules!
Classifying Discontinuities
Non-Removable
Removable or Point
(Holes) Infinite
Jump
2-sided limit exists At least one of the 1-sided limits
1-sided limits exists
doesn’t exist
EX #2: Find the points (intervals) at which the function is continuous, and the points at which
the function is discontinuous on the interval − < < .
One-Sided Continuity
A function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is called
Continuity at a Point
Suppose 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is defined on an open interval containing 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 .
Then 𝑓𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 if
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑐𝑐)
Properties of Continuity
Given functions f and g continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 , then the following functions are also
continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐.
1. Scalar multiple: 𝑓𝑓
2. Sum or difference: 𝑓𝑓 ±
3. Product: 𝑓𝑓
4. Quotient: ; if 𝑐𝑐 0
You must be able to confirm continuity without a graph or a calculator by using your knowledge of
function behavior for parent functions and their transformations.
EX #4: Find the values of x where the function is discontinuous. Describe the type, infinite or
removable. Justify your answer by using the definition of continuity.
A. 1 B. 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 7𝑥𝑥 + 6
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑥𝑥 − 3 𝑥𝑥 + 2
EX #4: Use the definition of continuity to find the value of k so that the function is continuous
for all real numbers.
A. 𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2 B.
𝑥𝑥 − 4
𝑥𝑥 = , 𝑥𝑥 < 4
𝑥𝑥 − 6, 𝑥𝑥 > 2 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 4
− 𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥 4
− 𝑥𝑥 − 5 ; 𝑥𝑥 < −2
EX #5: Given 𝑥𝑥 = 3 ; 𝑥𝑥 = −2 for what values of x is (𝑥𝑥) not continuous? Justify.
3
𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 + 3; 𝑥𝑥 > −2
2 𝑥𝑥 − ; 𝑥𝑥 < −1
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 6 ; 𝑥𝑥 = −1
2
𝑥𝑥 + ; 𝑥𝑥 > −1
You know that the function value and the limit value can exist independently of each other. Let’s
summarize the big ideas of continuity on intervals, at points, and one-sided limits.
2𝑥𝑥 + 1, 𝑥𝑥 < 3
EX #7: Given 𝑥𝑥 = find each of the following.
𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑥𝑥 3
Summary:
If a function is continuous at a point, then the function value
and the limit value are the same at that point!
−2𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 12
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 + 8
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑥𝑥 =
Your Discovery:
𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 5
𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑥𝑥 =
2𝑥𝑥 − 2
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑥𝑥 =
Your Discovery:
EX #2: Use the previous equations to find the one-sided limits analytically.
𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 5 𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 5
C. lim D. lim
2𝑥𝑥 − 2 2𝑥𝑥 − 2
𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 is: 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 is:
EX #3: Use the function below to find any vertical asymptote(s) that exist. Justify your answer
using limits.
2𝑥𝑥 2 + 9𝑥𝑥 − 5
𝑥𝑥 = 2
𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑥 − 10
Limits at Infinity
Next, we will explore limits at infinity in order to differentiate between the two conditions. Recall the
lessons from Pre-Calculus related to analyzing the end behavior of functions. In the exercise below,
use this prior knowledge to find each limit at infinity.
C. 3𝑥𝑥 2 − 4 D.
5𝑥𝑥 − 2
lim lim
𝑥𝑥 2 + 1 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1
A. The curve can increase without bound. B. The curve can decrease without bound.
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
C. The curve can become asymptotic to the D. The curve can become asymptotic to a specific
x-axis. y-value.
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
Revisiting the rules for finding potential horizontal asymptotes for rational functions from
PreCalculus, you can use the idea of a limit and calculus to see why those rules hold true.
1. If degree of numerator is less than degree of denominator (bottom heavy), then limit is zero.
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 0
±
2. If degree of numerator equals degree of denominator (powers equal), then limit is the ratio of
coefficients of the highest degree.
3. If degree of numerator is greater than degree of denominator (top heavy*), then limit does not
exist.
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = ±
±
A. 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 10𝑥𝑥
lim
𝑥𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑥 + 15
𝑥𝑥 + 3
B. lim
𝑥𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑥 + 5
C. 𝑥𝑥 2 − 4𝑥𝑥 − 3
lim
𝑥𝑥 − 2
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 =
3𝑥𝑥 − 3
lim =
𝑥𝑥 2 + 4
3𝑥𝑥 − 3
lim =
𝑥𝑥 2 + 4
In this lesson, we will explore our first existence theorem. Existence theorems allow us to draw
conclusions about a function’s behavior on an interval without precisely locating that behavior.
Another Approach:
Said in a different fashion, if we know a y-value, say 𝑦𝑦 = , that resides between the two
endpoints, 𝑓𝑓( ) and 𝑓𝑓( ), then we are guaranteed at least one x- value, 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 , between the
endpoints that generates that y-value, such that 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 = .
EX #1: Graphical representation of the Intermediate Value Theorem and its corollary:
1.
2.
3.
EX #4: Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 3 + 𝑥𝑥 − 1 has a zero in the
interval [0, 1].
EX #5: A car travels on a straight track. During the time interval 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 60 seconds, the car’s
velocity v, measured in feet per second is a continuous function. The table below shows
selected values of the function.
t, in seconds 0 15 25 30 35 50 60
2 3 4 5 8
( ) 3 4 5 2
3 3
(A) 1 (B) (C) ( ) 2
𝑥𝑥 − 3 2 , 𝑥𝑥 = 5
EX #7: For the function 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = . Find 𝑓𝑓(5) and 𝑓𝑓(10) . Does IVT guarantee a
6, 5 < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 10
y-value on 5 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 10 such that 𝑓𝑓 5 < 𝑓𝑓( ) < 𝑓𝑓(10) ? Justify your answer.
EX #8: The functions f and g are continuous for all real numbers. The table below gives values of
the functions at selected values of x The function h is given by 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 + 2.
Explain why there must be a value w for 1 < < 6 such that = 0.
1 2 6 8
( ) 2 9 8 13
( ) 3 −12 5 28