Finding limits algebraically - direct substitution

Do better in math today

Get Started Now

Chapter 1 Topics:

Finding limits algebraically - direct substitution

Graphically finding the limit of a function is not always easy, as an alternative, we now shift our focus to finding the limit of a function algebraically. In this section, we will learn how to apply direct substitution to evaluate the limit of a function.

Lessons

Notes:
• if: a function ff is continuous at a number aa
then: direct substitution can be applied: limx→a−f(x)=limx→a+f(x)=limx→af(x)=f(a)\lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) =\lim_{x \to a} f(x)= f(a)

• Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere, therefore “direct substitution” can ALWAYS be applied to evaluate limits at any number.
  • 1.
    No more finding limits “graphically”; Now, finding limits “algebraically”!
    • b)
      When to apply Direct Substitution, and why Direct Substitution makes sense.
      Exercise: f(x)=1x−2f(x)=\frac{1}{x-2}
      i) Find the following limits from the graph of the function.
      limx→3f(x)\lim_{x \to 3} f(x)
      limx→2.5f(x)\lim_{x \to 2.5} f(x)
      limx→0f(x)\lim_{x \to 0} f(x)
      ii) Evaluate:
      f(3)f(3)
      f(2.5)f(2.5)
      f(0)f(0)
  • 2.
    Evaluate the limit:
  • 3.
    Evaluate the one-sided limit:
    • a)
      limx→−1−g(x)\lim_{x \to {-1^ - }} g(x)
      limx→−1+g(x)\lim_{x \to {-1^ + }} g(x)
      limx→−1g(x)\lim_{x \to {-1}} g(x)
    • b)
      limx→4−g(x)\lim_{x \to {4^ - }} g(x)
      limx→4+g(x)\lim_{x \to {4^ + }} g(x)
      limx→4g(x)\lim_{x \to {4}} g(x)
Teacher pug

Finding limits algebraically - direct substitution

Don't just watch, practice makes perfect.

We have over 170 practice questions in Calculus 1 for you to master.
Get Started Now