LIMITS

NAME:

Introduction: In this activity, we will study the behavior of a function f(x) near a specified point. While this is sometimes a straightforward process, it can also be quite subtle; in many instances in calculus the process for finding a limit must also be applied carefully. By gaining an intuitive feel for the notion of limits, you will be laying a solid foundation for success in calculus. Objectives: To develop an intuitive understanding of the nature of limits. To lay the foundation for the frequent use of limits in calculus. To experience the power and the peril of investigating limits by successively closer evaluation.

1. Our function today is

( )

a. Using your calculator, fill in the following table. 2 1.8 ( ) 1.9 1.99 1.999 1.9999 2.0001 2.001 2.01 2.1 2.2

b. What do you think happens to the values of f(x) as x approaches 2 from the left?

c. What do you think happens to the values of f(x) as x approaches 2 from the right?

d. In this particular case, you could have cheated by immediately evaluating f(x) at x=2. Use your graphing calculator to plot a graph of the function between 1.8 and 2.2. Sketch the graph below.

e. If the value of f(x) becomes closer and closer to a specific output value L as x gets closer and closer to a specific input value a, we write: ( ) . Based on what you found, express what you found in a-d above in this notation.

2. Using the same function as in question 1,

as x approaches 1.

( )

, lets consider this time what happens to f(x)

a. Study this situation experimentally as you did in question 1. 0.8 ( ) 0.9 0.99 0.999 1 0.9999 1.0001 1.001 1.01 1.1 1.2

b. What do you think happens to the values of f(x) as x approaches 1from the left?

c. What do you think happens to the values of f(x) as x approaches 1 from the right?

d. What happens when you cheat and try to evaluate f(x) directly at x=1?

e. Use your graphing calculator to plot a graph of the function between 0.8 and 1.2. Set your ycoordinates to be between 3 and 5. Sketch the graph below. Note that you will need something special at x = 1.

f.

Using the limit notation in 1e, try to write the limit notation for what you found in a-e above.

3. By calculator experimentation, try to determine the values of the following limits. Use function
evaluation as you approach the target value from the left and from the right. Show the charts that you use.
Answers, using limit notation:

a.

b.

c.

a.

b.

( ), where ( ) {

c.

4. Sometimes, however, limits may not exist. Investigate the following limits and explain why you know
(think) each on does not exist. You may either use the charts that we used in 1-3, or graphs to explore and explain. Show your work and explain your conclusion for each. a.

b.

c.

( )

d.

e.

( )