1 Finding Limits Graphically & Numerically Section 1.2

2 After this lesson, you should be able to: estimate a limit using a numerical or graphical approach determine the existence of a limit

3 Introduction to Limits The functionis a rational function. If I asked you the value of the function when x = 4, you would say ______ What about when x = 2 ? Well, if you look at the function and determine its domain, you’ll see that. Look at the table and you’ll notice ERROR in the y column for –2 and 2. On your calculator, hit  then  then . You’ll see that no y value corresponds to x = 2.

4 Continued… Since we know that x can’t be 2, or –2, let’s see what’s happening near 2 and -2… Let’s start with x = 2. We’ll need to know what is happening to the right and to the left of 2. The notation we use is: read as: “the limit of the function as x approaches 2”.  In order for this limit to exist, the limit from the right of 2 and the limit from the left of 2 has to equal the same real number. 

5 Right and Left Limits To take the right limit, we’ll use the notation, The + symbol to the right of the number refers to taking the limit from values larger than 2. To take the left limit, we’ll use the notation, The - symbol to the right of the number refers to taking the limit from values smaller than 2.

6 Right Limit  Numerically The right limit: Look at the table of this function. You will probably want to go to TBLSET and change the  TBL to be.1 and start the table at 1.7 or so. We can also set Indpnt to Ask and enter our own values close to 2. As x approaches 2 from the right (larger values than 2), what value is y approaching? x f(x)

7 Left Limit  Numerically The left limit: Again, look at the table. As x approaches 2 from the left (smaller values than 2), what value is y approaching? x f(x)

8 The Limit  Numerically Both the left and the right limits are the same real number, therefore the limit exists. We can then conclude, To find the limit graphically, trace the graph and see what happens to the function as x approaches 2 from both the right and the left. You can ZOOM IN to see x values very close to 2.

9 Another Example: Finding Limit Numerically On your calculator, graph Where is f(x) undefined? Use the table on your calculator to estimate the limit as x approaches 0. Take the limit from the right and from the left:

10 One more Example EXAMPLE: Find the numerically and verify graphically. Answer: *Use Radian mode.

11 Methods for finding limits Limits can be estimated three ways: Numerically… looking at a table of values Graphically…. using a graph Analytically… using algebra OR calculus (covered next section) Notation: roughly translates into: The value of f(x), as x approaches c from either side, becomes close to L.

12 Limits  Graphically: Example 1 c L2L2 L1L1 Discontinuity at x = c There’s a break in the graph at x = c Although it is unclear what is happening at x = c since x cannot equal c, we can at least get closer and closer to c and get a better idea of what is happening near c. In order to do this we need to approach c from the right and from the left. Right Limit Left Limit

13 Limits  Graphically: Example 2 c Hole at x = c Discontinuity at x = c Right Limit Left Limit Note: The limit exists but L  f(c) L The existence or nonexistence of f(x) at x = c has no bearing on the existence of the limit of f(x) as x approaches c.

14 Limits  Graphically: Example 3 c Continuous Function f(c) No hole or break at x = c Right Limit Left Limit In this case, the limit exists and the limit equals the value of f(c).

15 Limit Differs From the Right and Left- Case 1 The limits from the right and the left do not equal the same number, therefore the limit ____________________________________. To graph this piecewise function, this is the  menu

16 Unbounded Behavior- Case 2 Since f(x) is not approaching a real number L as x approaches 0, the limit does not exist.

17 Oscillating Behavior- Case 3 Since f(x) is oscillates between –1 and 1 as x approaches 0, the limit does not exist. Look at the graph of this function (in radian mode).

18 A limit does not exist when: 1. f(x) approaches a different number from the right side of c than it approaches from the left side. (case 1 example) 2. f(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches c. (The function goes to +/- infinity as x  c : case 2 example) 3. f(x) oscillates between two fixed values as x approaches c. (case 3 example)

19 Homework Section 1.2: page 54 #3, 7-15 odd, 19, 49, 53, 63, 65