2.5: The Limit Laws
- Page ID
- 128920
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- Recognize the basic limit laws.
- Use the limit laws to evaluate the limit of a function.
- Evaluate the limit of a function by factoring.
- Use the limit laws to evaluate the limit of a polynomial or rational function.
- Evaluate the limit of a function by factoring or by using conjugates.
- Evaluate the limit of a function by using the squeeze theorem.
In the previous section, we evaluated limits by looking at graphs or by constructing a table of values. In this section, we establish laws for calculating limits and learn how to apply these laws. In the Student Project at the end of this section, you have the opportunity to apply these limit laws to derive the formula for the area of a circle by adapting a method devised by the Greek mathematician Archimedes. We begin by restating two useful limit results from the previous section. These two results, together with the limit laws, serve as a foundation for calculating many limits.
Evaluating Limits with the Limit Laws
The first two limit laws were stated previously and we repeat them here. These basic results, together with the other limit laws, allow us to evaluate limits of many algebraic functions.
Basic Limit Results
For any real number \(a\) and any constant \(c\),
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}x=a\)
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}c=c\)
Example \(\PageIndex{1}\): Evaluating a Basic Limit
Evaluate each of the following limits using the "Basic Limit Results" shown above.
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}x\)
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}5\)
Solution
- The limit of \(x\) as \(x\) approaches \(a\) is \(a\): \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}x=2\).
- The limit of a constant is that constant: \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}5=5\).
We now take a look at the limit laws, the individual properties of limits. The proofs that these laws hold are omitted here.
Limit Laws
Let \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) be defined for all \(x≠a\) over some open interval containing \(a\). Assume that \(L\) and \(M\) are real numbers such that \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)=L\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}g(x)=M\). Let \(c\) be a constant. Then, each of the following statements holds:
- Sum law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)+g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)+\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L+M\]
- Difference law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)−g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)−\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L−M\]
- Constant multiple law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}cf(x)=c⋅\lim_{x→a}f(x)=cL\]
- Product law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)⋅g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)⋅\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L⋅M\]
- Quotient law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}=\frac{\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)}{\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}g(x)}=\frac{L}{M}\]
for \(M≠0\).
- Power law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\big(f(x)\big)^n=\big(\lim_{x→a}f(x)\big)^n=L^n\]
for every positive integer \(n\).
- Root law for limits:
\[\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\sqrt[n]{f(x)}=\sqrt[n]{\lim_{x→a} f(x)}=\sqrt[n]{L}\]
for all \(L\) if \(n\) is odd and for \(L≥0\) if \(n\) is even.
We now practice applying these limit laws to evaluate a limit.
Example \(\PageIndex{2A}\): Evaluating a Limit Using Limit Laws
Use the limit laws to evaluate \[\lim_{x→−3}(4x+2). \nonumber\]
Solution
Let’s apply the limit laws one step at a time to be sure we understand how they work. We need to keep in mind the requirement that, at each application of a limit law, the new limits must exist for the limit law to be applied.
\[\begin{align*} \lim_{x→−3}(4x+2) &= \lim_{x→−3} 4x + \lim_{x→−3} 2 & & \text{Apply the sum law.}\\[4pt] &= 4⋅\lim_{x→−3} x + \lim_{x→−3} 2 & & \text{Apply the constant multiple law.}\\[4pt] &= 4⋅(−3)+2=−10. & & \text{Apply the basic limit results and simplify.} \end{align*}\]
Example \(\PageIndex{2B}\): Using Limit Laws Repeatedly
Use the limit laws to evaluate \[\lim_{x→2}\frac{2x^2−3x+1}{x^3+4}. \nonumber\]
Solution
To find this limit, we need to apply the limit laws several times. Again, we need to keep in mind that as we rewrite the limit in terms of other limits, each new limit must exist for the limit law to be applied.
\[\begin{align*} \lim_{x→2}\frac{2x^2−3x+1}{x^3+4}&=\frac{\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}(2x^2−3x+1)}{\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}(x^3+4)} & & \text{Apply the quotient law, make sure that }(2)^3+4≠0.\\[4pt]
&=\frac{\displaystyle 2⋅\lim_{x→2}x^2−3⋅\lim_{x→2}x+\lim_{x→2}1}{\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}x^3+\lim_{x→2}4} & & \text{Apply the sum law and constant multiple law.}\\[4pt]
&=\frac{\displaystyle 2⋅\left(\lim_{x→2}x\right)^2−3⋅\lim_{x→2}x+\lim_{x→2}1}{\displaystyle \left(\lim_{x→2}x\right)^3+\lim_{x→2}4} & & \text{Apply the power law.}\\[4pt]
&= \frac{2(4)−3(2)+1}{(2)^3+4}=\frac{1}{4}. & & \text{Apply the basic limit laws and simplify.} \end{align*}\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)
Use the limit laws to evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→6}(2x−1)\sqrt{x+4}\). In each step, indicate the limit law applied.
- Hint
-
Begin by applying the product law.
- Answer
-
\(11\sqrt{10}\)
Techniques for Evaluating Limits Analytically
As we have seen, we may evaluate easily the limits of polynomials and limits of some (but not all) rational functions by direct substitution. However, as we saw in the introductory section on limits, it is certainly possible for \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)\) to exist when \(f(a)\) is undefined. The following observation allows us to evaluate many limits of this type:
If for all \(x≠a,\;f(x)=g(x)\) over some open interval containing \(a\), then
\[\displaystyle\lim_{x→a}f(x)=\lim_{x→a}g(x).\]
To understand this idea better, consider the limit \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→1}\dfrac{x^2−1}{x−1}\).
The function
\[f(x)=\dfrac{x^2−1}{x−1}=\dfrac{(x−1)(x+1)}{x−1}\nonumber\]
and the function \(g(x)=x+1\) are identical for all values of \(x≠1\). The graphs of these two functions are shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\).
We see that
\[\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{x^2−1}{x−1}=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{(x−1)(x+1)}{x−1}=\lim_{x→1}\,(x+1)=2.\nonumber\]
The limit has the form \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)/g(x)\), where \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→a}f(x)=0\) and \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→a}g(x)=0\). (In this case, we say that \(f(x)/g(x)\) has the indeterminate form \(0/0\).) The following Problem-Solving Strategy provides a general outline for evaluating limits of this type.
Problem-Solving Strategy: Calculating a Limit When \(f(x)/g(x)\) has the Indeterminate Form \(0/0\)
- First, we need to make sure that our function has the appropriate form and cannot be evaluated immediately using the limit laws.
- We then need to find a function that is equal to \(h(x)=f(x)/g(x)\) for all \(x≠a\) over some interval containing a. To do this, we may need to try one or more of the following steps:
- If \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) are polynomials, we should factor each function and cancel out any common factors.
- If the numerator or denominator contains a difference involving a square root, we should try multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the expression involving the square root.
- If \(f(x)/g(x)\) is a complex fraction, we begin by simplifying it.
- Last, we apply the limit laws.
The next examples demonstrate the use of this Problem-Solving Strategy. Example \(\PageIndex{4}\) illustrates the factor-and-cancel technique; Example \(\PageIndex{5}\) shows multiplying by a conjugate. In Example \(\PageIndex{6}\), we look at simplifying a complex fraction.
Example \(\PageIndex{4}\): Evaluating a Limit by Factoring and Canceling
Evaluate \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x^2−3x}{2x^2−5x−3}\).
Solution
Step 1. The function \(f(x)=\dfrac{x^2−3x}{2x^2−5x−3}\) is undefined for \(x=3\). In fact, if we substitute 3 into the function we get \(0/0\), which is undefined. Factoring and canceling is a good strategy:
\[\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x^2−3x}{2x^2−5x−3}=\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x(x−3)}{(x−3)(2x+1)}\nonumber\]
Step 2. For all \(x≠3,\dfrac{x^2−3x}{2x^2−5x−3}=\dfrac{x}{2x+1}\). Therefore,
\[\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x(x−3)}{(x−3)(2x+1)}=\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x}{2x+1}.\nonumber\]
Step 3. Evaluate using the limit laws:
\[\lim_{x→3}\dfrac{x}{2x+1}=\dfrac{3}{7}.\nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{4}\)
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→−3}\dfrac{x^2+4x+3}{x^2−9}\).
- Hint
-
Follow the steps in the Problem-Solving Strategy
- Answer
-
\(\dfrac{1}{3}\)
Example \(\PageIndex{5}\): Evaluating a Limit by Multiplying by a Conjugate
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{\sqrt{x+2}−1}{x+1}\).
Solution
Step 1. \( \displaystyle \dfrac{\sqrt{x+2}−1}{x+1}\) has the form \(0/0\) at −1. Let’s begin by multiplying by \(\sqrt{x+2}+1\), the conjugate of \(\sqrt{x+2}−1\), on the numerator and denominator:
\[\lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{\sqrt{x+2}−1}{x+1}=\lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{\sqrt{x+2}−1}{x+1}⋅\dfrac{\sqrt{x+2}+1}{\sqrt{x+2}+1}.\nonumber\]
Step 2. We then multiply out the numerator. We don’t multiply out the denominator because we are hoping that the \((x+1)\) in the denominator cancels out in the end:
\[=\lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{x+1}{(x+1)(\sqrt{x+2}+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 3. Then we cancel:
\[= \lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x+2}+1}.\nonumber\]
Step 4. Last, we apply the limit laws:
\[\lim_{x→−1}\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x+2}+1}=\dfrac{1}{2}.\nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{5}\)
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sqrt{x−1}−2}{x−5}\).
- Hint
-
Follow the steps in the Problem-Solving Strategy
- Answer
-
\(\dfrac{1}{4}\)
Example \(\PageIndex{6}\): Evaluating a Limit by Simplifying a Complex Fraction
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→1}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x+1}−\dfrac{1}{2}}{x−1}\).
Solution
Step 1. \(\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x+1}−\dfrac{1}{2}}{x−1}\) has the form \(0/0\) at 1. We simplify the algebraic fraction by multiplying by \(2(x+1)/2(x+1)\):
\[\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x+1}−\dfrac{1}{2}}{x−1}=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x+1}−\dfrac{1}{2}}{x−1}⋅\dfrac{2(x+1)}{2(x+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 2. Next, we multiply through the numerators. Do not multiply the denominators because we want to be able to cancel the factor \((x−1)\):
\[=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{2−(x+1)}{2(x−1)(x+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 3. Then, we simplify the numerator:
\[=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{−x+1}{2(x−1)(x+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 4. Now we factor out −1 from the numerator:
\[=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{−(x−1)}{2(x−1)(x+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 5. Then, we cancel the common factors of \((x−1)\):
\[=\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{−1}{2(x+1)}.\nonumber\]
Step 6. Last, we evaluate using the limit laws:
\[\lim_{x→1}\dfrac{−1}{2(x+1)}=−\dfrac{1}{4}.\nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{6}\)
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→−3}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{x+2}+1}{x+3}\).
- Hint
-
Follow the steps in the Problem-Solving Strategy
- Answer
-
−1
Example \(\PageIndex{7}\) does not fall neatly into any of the patterns established in the previous examples. However, with a little creativity, we can still use these same techniques.
Example \(\PageIndex{7}\): Evaluating a Limit When the Limit Laws Do Not Apply
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→0}\left(\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{5}{x(x−5)}\right)\).
Solution:
Both \(1/x\) and \(5/x(x−5)\) fail to have a limit at zero. Since neither of the two functions has a limit at zero, we cannot apply the sum law for limits; we must use a different strategy. In this case, we find the limit by performing addition and then applying one of our previous strategies. Observe that
\[\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{5}{x(x−5)}=\dfrac{x−5+5}{x(x−5)}=\dfrac{x}{x(x−5)}.\nonumber\]
Thus,
\[\lim_{x→0}\left(\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{5}{x(x−5)}\right)=\lim_{x→0}\dfrac{x}{x(x−5)}=\lim_{x→0}\dfrac{1}{x−5}=−\dfrac{1}{5}.\nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{7}\)
Evaluate \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→3}\left(\dfrac{1}{x−3}−\dfrac{4}{x^2−2x−3}\right)\).
- Hint
-
Use the same technique as Example \(\PageIndex{7}\). Don’t forget to factor \(x^2−2x−3\) before getting a common denominator.
- Answer
-
\(\dfrac{1}{4}\)
Let’s now revisit one-sided limits. Simple modifications in the limit laws allow us to apply them to one-sided limits. For example, to apply the limit laws to a limit of the form \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a^−}h(x)\), we require the function \(h(x)\) to be defined over an open interval of the form \((b,a)\); for a limit of the form \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a^+}h(x)\), we require the function \(h(x)\) to be defined over an open interval of the form \((a,c)\). Example \(\PageIndex{8A}\) illustrates this point.
Example \(\PageIndex{8A}\): Evaluating a One-Sided Limit Using the Limit Laws
Evaluate each of the following limits, if possible.
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→3^−}\sqrt{x−3}\)
- \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→3^+}\sqrt{x−3}\)
Solution
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) illustrates the function \(f(x)=\sqrt{x−3}\) and aids in our understanding of these limits.
a. The function \(f(x)=\sqrt{x−3}\) is defined over the interval \([3,+∞)\). Since this function is not defined to the left of 3, we cannot apply the limit laws to compute \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→3^−}\sqrt{x−3}\). In fact, since \(f(x)=\sqrt{x−3}\) is undefined to the left of 3, \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→3^−}\sqrt{x−3}\) does not exist.
b. Since \(f(x)=\sqrt{x−3}\) is defined to the right of 3, the limit laws do apply to \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→3^+}\sqrt{x−3}\). By applying these limit laws we obtain \(\displaystyle\lim_{x→3^+}\sqrt{x−3}=0\).
In Example \(\PageIndex{8B}\) we look at one-sided limits of a piecewise-defined function and use these limits to draw a conclusion about a two-sided limit of the same function.
Example \(\PageIndex{8B}\): Evaluating a Two-Sided Limit Using the Limit Laws
For \(f(x)=\begin{cases}4x−3, & \mathrm{if} \; x<2 \\ (x−3)^2, & \mathrm{if} \; x≥2\end{cases}\), evaluate each of the following limits:
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^−}f(x)\)
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^+}f(x)\)
- \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}f(x)\)
Solution
Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\) illustrates the function \(f(x)\) and aids in our understanding of these limits.
a. Since \(f(x)=4x−3\) for all \(x\) in \((−∞,2)\), replace \(f(x)\) in the limit with \(4x−3\) and apply the limit laws:
\[\lim_{x→2^−}f(x)=\lim_{x→2^−}(4x−3)=5\nonumber \]
b. Since \(f(x)=(x−3)^2\)for all \(x\) in \((2,+∞)\), replace \(f(x)\) in the limit with \((x−3)^2\) and apply the limit laws:
\[\lim_{x→2^+}f(x)=\lim_{x→2^−}(x−3)^2=1. \nonumber \]
c. Since \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^−}f(x)=5\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^+}f(x)=1\), we conclude that \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2}f(x)\) does not exist.
Exercise \(\PageIndex{8}\)
Graph \(f(x)=\begin{cases}−x−2, & \mathrm{if} \; x<−1\\ 2, & \mathrm{if} \; x=−1 \\ x^3, & \mathrm{if} \; x>−1\end{cases}\) and evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→−1^−}f(x)\).
- Hint
-
Use the method in Example \(\PageIndex{8B}\) to evaluate the limit.
- Answer
-
\[\lim_{x→−1^−}f(x)=−1\nonumber\]
We now turn our attention to evaluating a limit of the form \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\dfrac{f(x)}{g(x)}\), where \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)=K\), where \(K≠0\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}g(x)=0\). That is, \(f(x)/g(x)\) has the form \(K/0,K≠0\) at \(a.\)
Example \(\PageIndex{9}\): Evaluating a Limit of the Form \(K/0,\,K≠0\) Using the Limit Laws
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x^2−2x}\).
Solution
Step 1. After substituting in \(x=2\), we see that this limit has the form \(−1/0\). That is, as \(x\) approaches \(2\) from the left, the numerator approaches \(−1\); and the denominator approaches \(0\). Consequently, the magnitude of \(\dfrac{x−3}{x(x−2)} \) becomes infinite. To get a better idea of what the limit is, we need to factor the denominator:
\[\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x^2−2x}=\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x(x−2)} \nonumber\]
Step 2. Since \(x−2\) is the only part of the denominator that is zero when 2 is substituted, we then separate \(1/(x−2)\) from the rest of the function:
\[=\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x}⋅\dfrac{1}{x−2} \nonumber\]
Step 3. Using the Limit Laws, we can write:
\[=\left(\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x}\right)\cdot\left(\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{1}{x−2}\right). \nonumber\]
Step 4. \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x}=−\dfrac{1}{2}\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{1}{x−2}=−∞\). Therefore, the product of \((x−3)/x\) and \(1/(x−2)\) has a limit of \(+∞\):
\[\lim_{x→2^−}\dfrac{x−3}{x^2−2x}=+∞. \nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{9}\)
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→1}\dfrac{x+2}{(x−1)^2}\).
- Solution
-
Use the methods from Example \(\PageIndex{9}\).
- Answer
-
\(+∞\)
The Squeeze Theorem
The techniques we have developed thus far work very well for algebraic functions, but we are still unable to evaluate limits of very basic trigonometric functions. The next theorem, called the squeeze theorem, proves very useful for establishing basic trigonometric limits. This theorem allows us to calculate limits by “squeezing” a function, with a limit at a point \(a\) that is unknown, between two functions having a common known limit at \(a\). Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\) illustrates this idea.
The Squeeze Theorem
Let \(f(x),g(x)\), and \(h(x)\) be defined for all \(x≠a\) over an open interval containing \(a\). If
\[f(x)≤g(x)≤h(x)\]
for all \(x≠a\) in an open interval containing \(a\) and
\[\lim_{x→a}f(x)=L=\lim_{x→a}h(x)\]
where \(L\) is a real number, then \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}g(x)=L.\)
Example \(\PageIndex{10}\): Applying the Squeeze Theorem
Apply the squeeze theorem to evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0} x \cos x\).
Solution
Because \(−1≤\cos x≤1\) for all \(x\), we have \(−x≤x \cos x≤x\) for \(x≥0\) and \(−x≥x \cos x ≥ x\) for \(x≤0\) (if \(x\) is negative the direction of the inequalities changes when we multiply). Since \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0}(−x)=0=\lim_{x→0}x\), from the squeeze theorem, we obtain \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0}x \cos x=0\). The graphs of \(f(x)=−x,\;g(x)=x\cos x\), and \(h(x)=x\) are shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\).
Exercise \(\PageIndex{10}\)
Use the squeeze theorem to evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0}x^2 \sin\dfrac{1}{x}\).
- Hint
-
Use the fact that \(−x^2≤x^2\sin (1/x) ≤ x^2\) to help you find two functions such that \(x^2\sin (1/x)\) is squeezed between them.
- Answer
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0
We now use the squeeze theorem to tackle several very important limits. Although this discussion is somewhat lengthy, these limits prove invaluable for the development of the material in both the next section and the next chapter. The first of these limits is \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\sin θ\). Consider the unit circle shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\). In the figure, we see that \(\sin θ\) is the \(y\)-coordinate on the unit circle and it corresponds to the line segment shown in blue. The radian measure of angle \(θ\) is the length of the arc it subtends on the unit circle. Therefore, we see that for \(0<θ<\dfrac{π}{2},\) we have \(0<\sin θ<θ.\)
Because \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^+}0=0\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^+}θ=0\), by using the squeeze theorem we conclude that
\[\lim_{θ→0^+}\sin θ=0.\nonumber\]
To see that \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^−}\sin θ=0\) as well, observe that for \(−\dfrac{π}{2}<θ<0,0<−θ<\dfrac{π}{2}\) and hence, \(0<\sin(−θ)<−θ\). Consequently, \(0<−\sin θ<−θ\). It follows that \(0>\sin θ>θ\). An application of the squeeze theorem produces the desired limit. Thus, since \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^+}\sin θ=0\) and \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^−}\sin θ=0\),
\[\lim_{θ→0}\sin θ=0\nonumber\]
Next, using the identity \(\cos θ=\sqrt{1−\sin^2θ}\) for \(−\dfrac{π}{2}<θ<\dfrac{π}{2}\), we see that
\[\lim_{θ→0}\cos θ=\lim_{θ→0}\sqrt{1−\sin^2θ}=1.\nonumber\]
We now take a look at a limit that plays an important role in later chapters—namely, \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}\). To evaluate this limit, we use the unit circle in Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\). Notice that this figure adds one additional triangle to Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\). We see that the length of the side opposite angle \(θ\) in this new triangle is \(\tan θ\). Thus, we see that for \(0<θ<\dfrac{π}{2}\), we have \(\sin θ<θ<\tanθ\).
By dividing by \(\sin θ\) in all parts of the inequality, we obtain
\[1<\dfrac{θ}{\sin θ}<\dfrac{1}{\cos θ}.\nonumber\]
Equivalently, we have
\[1>\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}>\cos θ.\nonumber\]
Since \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^+}1=1=\lim_{θ→0^+}\cos θ\), we conclude that \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^+}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1\), by the squeeze theorem. By applying a manipulation similar to that used in demonstrating that \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^−}\sin θ=0\), we can show that \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0^−}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1\). Thus,
\[\lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1.\]
Evaluating Trigonometric Limits Analytically
The limit we just proved above can help us evaluate many related trigonometric limits that initially have the indeterminate form \(\dfrac{0}{0}.\)
In Example \(\PageIndex{11}\), we use this limit to establish \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ}=0\). This limit also proves useful in later chapters.
Example \(\PageIndex{11}\): Evaluating an Important Trigonometric Limit
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ}\).
Solution
In the first step, we multiply by the conjugate so that we can use a trigonometric identity to convert the cosine in the numerator to a sine:
\[\begin{align*} \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ} &=\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ}⋅\dfrac{1+\cos θ}{1+\cos θ}\\[4pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos^2θ}{θ(1+\cos θ)}\\[4pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin^2θ}{θ(1+\cos θ)}\\[4pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}⋅\dfrac{\sin θ}{1+\cos θ}\\[4pt]
&= \left(\lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ} \right)\cdot\left( \lim_{θ→0} \dfrac{\sin θ}{1+\cos θ}\right) \\[4pt]
&= 1⋅\dfrac{0}{2}=0. \end{align*}\]
Therefore,
\[\lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ}=0. \]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{11}\)
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{\sin θ}\).
- Hint
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Multiply numerator and denominator by \(1+\cos θ\).
- Answer
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\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{\sin θ} &= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{\sin θ}\cdot \dfrac{1+\cos θ}{1+\cos θ}\\[5pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos^2 θ}{\big(\sin θ\big)\big( 1+\cos θ \big)} \\[5pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin^2 θ}{\big(\sin θ\big)\big( 1+\cos θ \big)} \\[5pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{1+\cos θ} \\[5pt]
&= \dfrac{\sin 0}{1 + \cos 0} = \dfrac{0}{1+1} =\dfrac{0}{2} \\[5pt]
&= 0 \end{align*}\)
a. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{5θ^3+\sin^5 θ}{θ^3}\).
b. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0}\dfrac{\tan^2 (7x)}{5x}\).
c. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x^2-25}\).
Solution
In all three of these examples, we notice that plugging in the target value gives us the indeterminate form \(\dfrac{0}{0}.\) That means there is likely a way to evaluate the limit, and since these limits all can be written in terms of a sine function, we attempt to rewrite the limit expression in such a way that we can use the limit we proved above: \[\lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1.\nonumber\]
a. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{5θ^3+\sin^5 θ}{θ^3}\).
\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{5θ^3+\sin^5 θ}{θ^3} &= \lim_{θ→0}\left[\dfrac{5θ^3}{θ^3}+\dfrac{\sin^3 θ}{θ^3}\cdot \sin^2 θ \right] \\[5pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0}\left[5+\left(\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}\right)^3\cdot \sin^2 θ \right] \\[5pt]
&= \lim_{θ→0} 5 + \lim_{θ→0}\left(\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}\right)^3\cdot \lim_{θ→0} \sin^2 θ & & \text{Using the Sum and Product Rules.}\\[5pt]
&= 5 + \left(\lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}\right)^3\cdot \left(\lim_{θ→0}\sin θ\right)^2 & & \text{Using the Constant Rule and Power Rule.}\\[5pt]
&= 5 + 1^3 \cdot 0^2 & & \text{Using limits proven above.} \\[5pt]
&=5 \end{align*}\)
Note how we needed to use the limit rules to rewrite this limit so that the limit, \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}\) was set off by itself. Once we have that limit set off, we know its value from what we proved earlier and we were able to evaluate the limit clearly and without issues.
b. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→0}\dfrac{\tan^2 (7x)}{5x}\).
\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{x→0}\dfrac{\tan^2 (7x)}{5x} &= \lim_{x→0}\left[\dfrac{\sin(7x)}{\cos(7x)}\cdot\dfrac{\tan(7x)}{5x} \right] \\[5pt]
&= \lim_{x→0}\left[\dfrac{\sin(7x)}{7x}\cdot\dfrac{7\tan(7x)}{5\cos(7x)} \right] & & \text{We rewrite and multiply through by }\frac{7}{7}\text{ to obtain form }\frac{\sin u}{u}\text{ with } u = 7x.\\[5pt]
&= \left(\lim_{x→0}\dfrac{\sin (7x)}{7x}\right)\cdot \frac{7}{5}\lim_{x→0} \dfrac{\tan(7x)}{\cos(7x)} & & \text{We set off }\lim_{x→0}\dfrac{\sin (7x)}{7x}\text{ by itself.}\\[5pt]
&= 1\cdot\dfrac{7}{5}\cdot\dfrac{\tan 0}{\cos 0} & & \text{Now each part can be evaluated.}\\[5pt]
&= \dfrac{7}{5}\cdot\dfrac{0}{1}\\[5pt]
&= \dfrac{7}{5}\cdot 0\\[5pt]
&=0 \end{align*}\)
c. Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x^2-25}\).
This example is the most interesting and requires a little more insight. We observe that there is a sine function in the limit expression and we see that it does have the form \(\frac{0}{0},\) so we will seek to rewrite it so that part of the limit can be expressed in terms of \(\displaystyle \lim_{u→0} \frac{\sin u}{u}\) for some \(u\).
\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x^2-25} &= \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x-5}\cdot\dfrac{1}{x+5} & & \text{Here we factored the denominator and see that }u=x-5 \text{ is a natural choice.}\\[5pt]
&= \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x-5}\cdot\lim_{x→5}\dfrac{1}{x+5} \end{align*} \)
Now, is we let \(u = x - 5,\) then as \(x \to 5, \; u \to 0,\) so we could rewrite \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x-5} = \lim_{u→0}\dfrac{\sin u}{u}.\)
Then we have:
\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x^2-25} &= \lim_{x→5}\dfrac{\sin (x-5)}{x-5}\cdot\lim_{x→5}\dfrac{1}{x+5}\\[5pt]
&=\left(\lim_{u→0}\dfrac{\sin u}{u}\right)\cdot\left(\dfrac{1}{5+5}\right) & & \text{We can evaluate the second limit by direct substitution.} \\[5pt]
&= 1 \cdot \frac{1}{10}\\[5pt]
&= \frac{1}{10}\end{align*} \)
An Application of Limits
Deriving the Formula for the Area of a Circle
Some of the geometric formulas we take for granted today were first derived by methods that anticipate some of the methods of calculus. The Greek mathematician Archimedes (ca. 287−212; BCE) was particularly inventive, using polygons inscribed within circles to approximate the area of the circle as the number of sides of the polygon increased. He never came up with the idea of a limit, but we can use this idea to see what his geometric constructions could have predicted about the limit.
We can estimate the area of a circle by computing the area of an inscribed regular polygon. Think of the regular polygon as being made up of \(n\) triangles. By taking the limit as the vertex angle of these triangles goes to zero, you can obtain the area of the circle. To see this, carry out the following steps:
1. Express the height \(h\) and the base \(b\) of the isosceles triangle in Figure \(\PageIndex{8}\) in terms of \(θ\) and \(r\).
2. Using the expressions that you obtained in step 1, express the area of the isosceles triangle in terms of \(θ\) and \(r\).
(Substitute \(\frac{1}{2}\sin θ\) for \(\sin\left(\frac{θ}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{θ}{2}\right)\) in your expression.)
3. If an \(n\)-sided regular polygon is inscribed in a circle of radius \(r\), find a relationship between \(θ\) and \(n\). Solve this for \(n\). Keep in mind there are \(2π\) radians in a circle. (Use radians, not degrees.)
4. Find an expression for the area of the \(n\)-sided polygon in terms of \(r\) and \(θ\).
5. To find a formula for the area of the circle, find the limit of the expression in step 4 as \(θ\) goes to zero. (Hint: \(\displaystyle \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1)\).
The technique of estimating areas of regions by using polygons is revisited in Introduction to Integration.
Key Concepts
- The limit laws allow us to evaluate limits of functions without having to go through step-by-step processes each time.
- For polynomials and rational functions, \[\lim_{x→a}f(x)=f(a).\]
- You can evaluate the limit of a function by factoring and canceling, by multiplying by a conjugate, or by simplifying a complex fraction.
- The squeeze theorem allows you to find the limit of a function if the function is always greater than one function and less than another function with limits that are known.
Key Equations
- Basic Limit Results
\[\lim_{x→a}x=a \quad \quad \lim_{x→a}c=c \nonumber \]
- Important Limits
\[ \lim_{θ→0}\sin θ=0 \nonumber \]
\[ \lim_{θ→0}\cos θ=1 \nonumber \]
\[ \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{\sin θ}{θ}=1 \nonumber \]
\[ \lim_{θ→0}\dfrac{1−\cos θ}{θ}=0 \nonumber \]
Glossary
- constant multiple law for limits
- the limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}cf(x)=c⋅\lim_{x→a}f(x)=cL \)
- difference law for limits
- the limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)−g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)−\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L−M\)
- limit laws
- the individual properties of limits; for each of the individual laws, let \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) be defined for all \(x≠a\) over some open interval containing \(a\); assume that \(L\) and \(M\) are real numbers so that \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)=L\) and \(\lim_{x→a}g(x)=M\); let \(c\) be a constant
- power law for limits
- the limit law \( \displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x))^n=(\lim_{x→a}f(x))^n=L^n \) for every positive integer \(n\)
- product law for limits
- the limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)⋅g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)⋅\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L⋅M\)
- quotient law for limits
- the limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\dfrac{f(x)}{g(x)}=\dfrac{\lim_{x→a}f(x)}{\lim_{x→a}g(x)}=\dfrac{L}{M}\) for \(M≠0\)
- root law for limits
- the limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}\sqrt[n]{f(x)}=\sqrt[n]{\lim_{x→a}f(x)}=\sqrt[n]{L}\) for all \(L\) if \(n\) is odd and for \(L≥0\) if \(n\) is even
- squeeze theorem
- states that if \(f(x)≤g(x)≤h(x)\) for all \(x≠a\) over an open interval containing a and \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)=L=\lim_ {x→a}h(x)\) where \(L\) is a real number, then \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}g(x)=L\)
- sum law for limits
- The limit law \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}(f(x)+g(x))=\lim_{x→a}f(x)+\lim_{x→a}g(x)=L+M\)
Contributors and Attributions
Gilbert Strang (MIT) and Edwin “Jed” Herman (Harvey Mudd) with many contributing authors. This content by OpenStax is licensed with a CC-BY-SA-NC 4.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org.
- Work for the answer to Exercise \(\PageIndex{11}\) and all of Example
Limits of Polynomial and Rational Functions
By now you have probably noticed that, in each of the previous examples, it has been the case that \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→a}f(x)=f(a)\). This is not always true, but it does hold for all polynomials for any choice of \(a\) and for all rational functions at all values of \(a\) for which the rational function is defined.
Limits of Polynomial and Rational Functions
Let \(p(x)\) and \(q(x)\) be polynomial functions. Let \(a\) be a real number. Then,
\[\lim_{x→a}p(x)=p(a)\]
\[\lim_{x→a}\frac{p(x)}{q(x)}=\frac{p(a)}{q(a)}\]
when \(q(a)≠0\).
To see that this theorem holds, consider the polynomial
\[p(x)=c_nx^n+c_{n−1}x^{n−1}+⋯+c_1x+c_0.\]
By applying the sum, constant multiple, and power laws, we end up with
\[ \begin{align*} \lim_{x→a}p(x) &= \lim_{x→a}(c_nx^n+c_{n−1}x^{n−1}+⋯+c_1x+c_0) \\[4pt] &= c_n\left(\lim_{x→a}x\right)^n+c_{n−1}\left(\lim_{x→a}x\right)^{n−1}+⋯+c_1\left(\lim_{x→a}x\right)+\lim_{x→a}c_0 \\[4pt] &= c_na^n+c_{n−1}a^{n−1}+⋯+c_1a+c_0 \\[4pt] &= p(a) \end{align*}\]
It now follows from the quotient law that if \(p(x)\) and \(q(x)\) are polynomials for which \(q(a)≠0\),
then
\[\lim_{x→a}\frac{p(x)}{q(x)}=\frac{p(a)}{q(a)}.\]
Example \(\PageIndex{3}\): Evaluating a Limit of a Rational Function
Evaluate the \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→3}\frac{2x^2−3x+1}{5x+4}\).
Solution
Since 3 is in the domain of the rational function \(f(x)=\displaystyle \frac{2x^2−3x+1}{5x+4}\), we can calculate the limit by substituting 3 for \(x\) into the function. Thus,
\[\lim_{x→3}\frac{2x^2−3x+1}{5x+4}=\frac{10}{19}. \nonumber\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)
Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x→−2}(3x^3−2x+7)\).
Use LIMITS OF POLYNOMIAL AND RATIONAL FUNCTIONS as reference
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