In mathematical calculus, a limit is a fundamental concept used to describe the behavior of a function as the input variable approaches a particular value. It is used to analyze the behavior of functions, such as their continuity and convergence. It plays a crucial role in the development of derivative and integral calculus.
It tells us the limit of a function can exist or not exist, be finite or infinite, and have a variety of different behaviors of the different functions. Nowadays, limits are not used only in calculus but also in many other branches of mathematics and science, including differential equations, physics, and engineering.
In this article, we will discuss the detailed definition of a limit and the basic formulas of a limit. For a better understanding of limit solving different examples.
Table of Contents
Limit’s Definition: Exploring the Fundamental Concept
The limit of a function g(X) as “X” approaches a value “c” is denoted by.
Lim X→c g(X) = L
Where “L” is the limiting value of the function.
This notation indicates that we are interested in the behavior of g(X) as “X” gets closer and closer to “c”, but not necessarily equal to c. The limit can exist even if the function is not defined at c or if it is defined differently at c.
Limits are played a crucial role in calculus and mathematical analysis, and they are used to define important concepts such as continuity, derivatives, and integrals. It also has practical applications in fields such as physics and engineering.
Extended Definition of Limit: Epsilon-Delta Approach
The extended definition of a limit involves the concept of neighborhoods and epsilon-delta definitions. The extended definition of a limit is defined as:
Let g(X) be a function defined on an interval that is open and contains the point “c,” perhaps with the exception of “c” itself. If for every ε > 0, there exists a δ > 0 such that,
If |X – c| < δ, then |g(X) – L| < ε.
In this definition, ε represents a positive number that specifies how the function values are nearer to the limit L. “δ” represents a positive number that suggests how close the input values “X” to “c” are in order for the function values with “ε” of the limit “L”.
This definition is important because it provides a way to describe the behavior of functions as their input values approach a certain point. It is used to prove many theorems in calculus and is performed many developments in modern analysis of mathematics and engineering.
Basic Rules of Limit: A Comprehensive Guide
In this section, we discussed the basic rules of limits.
- Constant Rule: The constant function’s limiting value is identical to that of the constant itself. If “b” is a constant, then
Lim X→c (b) = b.
- Identity Rule: The limit of the identity function (f(X) = X) as “X” approaches “c” then its limiting value is “c”.
Lim X→c (x) = c.
- Sum Rule: The limit of the sum of two functions is equal to the sum of their limits. That is, if Lim X→c (f(X)) = L and Lim X→c (g(X)) = M, then
Lim X→c [f(X) + g(X)] = L + M.
- Difference Rule: The limit of the difference between two functions is equal to the difference of their limits. That is, if Lim X→c (f(X)) = L and Lim X→c (g(X)) = M, then
Lim X→c [f(X) – g(X)] = L – M.
- Product Rule: The limit of the product of two functions is equal to the product of their limits. If Lim X→c (f(X)) = L and Lim X→c (g(X)) = M, then
Lim X→c [f(x)g(x)] = LM.
- Quotient Rule: The limit of the quotient of two functions is equal to the quotient of their limits (the denominator is not zero). That is, if Lim X→c (f(X)) = L and Lim X→c (g(X)) = M (where M ≠ 0), then
Lim X→c [f(x)/g(x)] = L/M.
- Power Rule: The limit of a power function (f(X) = Xn, where n is a positive integer) as “X” approaches “c” is equal to cn. That is,
Lim X→c [f(X)] = Lim X→c (Xn) = cn.
- Exponential Rule: The limit of the exponential function (f(X) = eX) as “X” approaches “c” then the limiting value is “ec”. That is,
Lim X→c [f(X)] = Lim X→c (eX) = ec.
Example of Limits: Solving Real-World Problems
In this section, we’ll discuss the different examples to understand how to find the limit of a function.
- Example 1:
Find the solution of the given function by the limits formula x2 – 5 at x = 3.
Solution:
- Step 1: let the given value is equal to G(X).
G(X) = X2 – 5
- Step 2: Apply the limit on both sides and put the limiting value carefully.
Lim X→3 G(X) = Lim X→3 (X2 – 5)
- Step 3: With the help of the difference rule of limit we get.
Lim X→c [f(X) – g(X)] = Lim X→c [f(X)] – Lim X→c [g(X)]
Lim X→3 G(X) = Lim X→3 (X2) – Lim X→3 (5)
- Step 4: Apply the constant, and identity rule and also simplify.
Lim X→c X = c, Lim X→c b = b
Lim X→3 G(X) = [(3)2 – (5)] = 9 – 5 = 4
Lim X→3 G(X) = 4 is the solution of X2 – 5 at x = 3.
- Example 2:
Find the solution of the given function by the limits formulas, X2 – 3X + 4 at x = -2.
Solution:
- Step 1: let the given value is equal to G(X).
G(X) = X2 – 3X + 4
- Step 2: Apply the limit on both sides and put the limiting value carefully.
Lim X→-2 G(X) = Lim X→-2 (X2 – 3X + 4)
- Step 3: With the help of the difference rule of limit we get.
Lim X→c [f(X) – g(X) + h(X)] = Lim X→c [f(X)] – Lim X→c [g(X)] + Lim X→c [h(X)]
Lim X→-2 G(X) = Lim X→-2 (X2) – Lim X→-2 (3X) + Lim X→-2 (4)
- Step 4: Apply the constant and identity rule and also simplify.
Lim X→c X = c, Lim X→c b = b
Lim X→-2 G(X) = [(-2)2 – 3(-2) + (4)] = 4 + 6 + 4 = 14
Lim X→-2 G(X) = 14 is the solution of X2 – 3X + 4 at x = -2.
Summary:
In this article, we discussed the definition of a limit and the basic rules of the limit such as product, sum, difference, and quotient. To understand the idea of limit solved the examples with the help of constant, difference, and sum rules in detail.
