BASIC
CALCULU
S
(Module 6)
PREPARED BY:
MS. CHRISHELYN D. DACSIL
SHS TEACHER
KEY TAKEAWAYS
0
Let us recall the definition of indeterminate form of type .
0
0
A limit that is indeterminate of type may exist. To find the actual value, one should find an
0
expression equivalent to the original, by factoring or by rationalizing. So, the expression that will emerge
after factoring or rationalizing will have a computable limit.
2
x −x−2
Let us try to evaluate lim .
x→−1 x +1
Solution: The limit of both the numerator and the denominator as 𝑥 approaches -1 is 0. Thus, this
0
limit is an indeterminate form of type . However, observe that (x +1) is a factor common to the numerator
0
and the denominator, and
x −x−2 ( x−2)(x+ 1)
2
= =x−2.
x +1 (x +1)
2
x −x−2
Therefore, lim = lim (x−2).
x→−1 x +1 x →−1
Module Content
Once you trace the entire graph of the given function without lifting your pen or pencil from your sheet of
paper, the graph describes a continuous function. Let us start by graphically illustrating what it means to be
continuity at a point.
Consider the graph below:
Let us use the graph to check if the function is continuous at
x=1.
Note that one is able to trace the graph from the left side of the
number x=1 going to the right side of x=1, without lifting one’s pen.
Hence, we can say that the function is continuous at x=1.
Let us have another example:
1
Consider the graph of the function f ( x )= .
x−4
Is the function continuous at x=4?
If we trace the graph from the left of 𝑥 = 4 going to the right of 𝑥 = 4, we
have to lift our pen since at the left of 𝑥 = 4, the function values will go
downward indefinitely, while at the right of 𝑥 = 4, the function values will
go upward indefinitely. Thus, the function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 4.
Suppose we are not given the graph of a function but just the function itself. In this case, we have to check
three conditions. Here are the three conditions of continuity. A function (𝑥) is said to be continuous at x=c if
the following three conditions are satisfied:
(i)f (c ) exist;
(ii) lim f (x ) exist; and
x →c
(iii) f (c )lim f ( x ) If at least one of these conditions is not met, 𝑓 is said to be discontinuous at
x →c
x=c .
x−3
Example 1. Determine if f ( x )= 2 is continuous or not at x=1.
x + x−12
Solution: We have to check the three conditions for continuity of a function.
(a) If x=1, then
3 2
f ( 1 ) =1 + 1 −2
¿ 1+1−2
¿0
3 2
(b) lim f ( x )=lim x + x −2
x →1 x →1
3 2
¿ 1 +1 −2
¿0
(c) f ( c ) =lim
x→ c
f (x)
0=0, Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at x=1.
x−3
Example 2. Determine if f ( x )= 2 is continuous or not at x=3 .
x + x−12
Solution:
3−3
(a) If x=3 , then f ( x )= 2
3 +3−12
0
¿
0
(𝒄) does not exist
Note that the given function is not defined at x=3 , since 3 is not in the domain of 𝑓. Hence, the first
condition in the definition of a continuous function is not satisfied. Therefore, 𝑓 is discontinuous at x=3 .
Example 3. Determine if f ( x )= √ x−1 is continuous or not at x=4.
Solution: Let us check the three conditions.
(a) If x=4, then f ( 4 )=√ 4−1
¿ √ 3 since it is greater than 0,
(𝒄) exist.
(b) lim f ( x )=lim √ x−1
x →c x→ 4
¿ lim √ 4−1
x→ 4
. ¿√3
(c) f ( c ) =lim
x→ c
f (x)
√ 3= √3, Therefore, the function f is continuous at x=4.
