Limits of functions are evaluated by using many different methods ( techniques ) such as recognizing a type, simple substitution, factorization, simplification, rationalization etc. Let us solve a few examples by using each of these methods.

1.  Substitution

Example 1 Evaluate lim ( 5x² - 7x + 9 )
                                x®3

Solution : Let L = lim ( 5x²- 7x + 9 )
                             x®3

i.e. when x is replaced by 3, (5x² - 7x + 9 ) ® 33

Hence lim ( 5x² - 7x + 9 ) = 33
          x® 3

Example 2  Evaluate

Solution : Let L =

Direct substitution of x = 2 yields 0/0 form which means less. By Factoring, simplifying and then substituting we find that

L =   = ( x + 2 )

   = 2 + 2        x ¹ 2

   = 4

Note that the graph of y   =      is the same as the graph of y = ( x + 2 ) except it has a break at (2,4)

Example 3  Evaluate

Solution :  Let  L =

Substituting x = 2 yields 0/0 form which is meaning less. Hence ( x - 2 ) must be a factor of both numerator and denominator. Let us factorize them by synthetic division.

Index

2.1 Modulus
2.2 Inequalities
2.3 Limits Of Functions
2.4 Left Hand And Right Hand Limits
2.5 Theorems On The Algebra Of Limits
2.6 Evaluating Limits
2.7 Limits Of Trigonometric Functions
2.8 The Exponential Limits

Chapter 3