7 LIMITS

We will study functions of x, a real variable, and

Let's Study a, b, c etc will denote constants. x → a implies that
x takes values as near a as possible. So in this case
• Meaning – Definition of Limit
we have to consider x going nearer a from either
• Calculation of various limits
1 1 1 1
• Limits of Trigonometric Functions side. So, x = a – , a + , a – , a + ......
4 4 2 2
• Limits of Exponential and Logarithmic
Functions We will illustrate with an example.
• Limit at Infinity and Infinite limit
Consider the function f(x) = x + 3
Introduction:
Take the value of x very close to 3 but not equal
Calculus is an important branch of
to 3.
mathematics. The concept of limit of a function
is a fundamental concept in calculus. The following table shows that as x gets nearer to
3, the corresponding values of f(x) also get nearer
7.1.1 Definition of Limit: to 6.
(I)
Let's :Learn
x approaches to 3 from left
7.1.1 LIMIT OF A FUNCTION : x 2.5 2.6 … 2.9 2.99
Suppose x is a variable and a is a constant. f(x) 5.5 5.6 … 5.9 5.99
If x takes values closer and closer to ‘a’ but
(II)
not equal to ‘a’, then we say that x tends to a.
Symbolically it is denoted as x → a. x approaches to 3 from right
x 3.6 3.5 … 3.1 3.01
f(x) 6.6 6.5 … 6.1 6.01

From the table we see that as x → 3 from either

Fig. 7.1 side, f(x) → 6.
You can observe that the values of x are very This idea can be expressed by saying that the
near to ‘a’ but not equal to ‘a’. limiting value of f(x) is 6 when x approaches 3,
at x = 3, which is the limiting value of f(x) as
When x > a and x takes values near a, for example, x→3
1 1 1
x = a + , x = a + , x = a + ... etc; we say that Observe that if P(x) is a polynomical in x, then
8 4 2
lim P(x) = P(a), for any constant ‘a’.
x  a+ (x tends to a from larger values). When x→a

x < a and x takes values near a, for example, We are going to study the limit of a rational
1 1 1 P( x)
x = a – , x = a – , x = a – ... etc. then we function f(x) = as x  a.
2 4 8 Q( x)
say that x a (x tends to a from smaller values).
–
Here P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials in x.

133
We get three different cases.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
(1) Q(a) ≠ 0,
(2) Q(a) = 0 and P(a) = 0 Strategy : Steps for verifying the ∈ - δ definition.
(3) Q(a) = 0 and P(a) ≠ 0 Consider ∈ > 0 given, substitute the values of f(x)
and l in |f(x) – l|< ∈ and proceed to find the value
In case (1) the limit of f(x) as x → a is
of δ. We may have to manipulate the inequalities.
P( x) P(a)
lim = . Ex. 1. Consider the example f(x) = 3x + 1, take
x→a Q( x) Q(a)
a = 0 and l = 1
In Case (2) (x – a) is a factor of P(x) as We want to find some δ > 0 such that,
well as Q(x). So we expresse P(x) and Q(x) as 0 < |x – 0|< δ impies that, |(3x + 1)– 1| <∈
P(x) = (x – a)P1(x) and Q(x) = (x – a)Q1(x) ∈
if |3x| <∈ i.e. if 3|x| <∈ i.e. if |x| <
3
∈
P( x) ( x − a ) r P1 ( x) So, we can choose δ=
Now = = (x – a ≠ 0) 3
Q( x) ( x − a) s Q1 ( x) ∈
(If fact any δ ≤ will do.)
P( x) P1 (a ) 3
If r = s then lim = ∴ 0 < |x – 0| < δ ⇒ |f(x) – l|< ∈
x→a Q( x) Q1 (a )
P( x) ∴ lim (3x + 1) = 1
If r > s then lim =0 x→0
x→a Q( x)
If r < s then we proceed to case (3).

In case (3), if Q(a) = 0 and P(a) ≠ 0

P( x)
lim does not exist.
x→a Q( x)

7.1.2 Definition of Limit :

We need to confirm that f(x) is very near to
l (or as near as expected). This is expressed by
|f(x) – l| < ∈ for any ∈ > 0. Here ∈ can be arbitrarily
small to ensure that f(x) is very near l. If this
condition is satisfied for all x near enough, then Fig. 7.2
we can say that f (x) → l as x → a, the fact that x is
near enough a is expressed by 0 < |x – a| < δ where Ex. 2. f(x) = x2
δ > 0. This δ can be very small and depends upon Here take a = 3 and l = 9
f(x) and ∈. We want to find some δ > 0 such that
Hence the Definition 0 < |x – 3| < δ implies |x2 – 9|< ∈
i.e. 3 – δ < x < 3 + δ ⇒ |x2 – 9|< ∈
If given ∈ > 0 there exists δ > 0 such that
|f(x) – l |< ∈ for all |x – a |< δ, then we say δ can be chosen as small as we like
that f(x) → l as x → a. and take δ < 1

134
 Then, 3 – δ < x < 3 + δ ⇒ 2 < x < 4 or From the above example we notice that the
5<x+3<7 limits of f(x) as x → a+ or a– can be different. This
We want |(x + 3) (x – 3)| < ∈ induces us to define the following.

But |(x + 3) (x – 3) | < 7 |x – 3| 7.1.3 One Sided Limit: xlim →a−

f(x) and xlim
→a+
f(x);
So 7 |(x – 3)| < ∈ ⇒ |x2 – 9| < ∈ if they exist are called one sided limits.
∈ 7.1.4 Left hand Limit: If given ∈ > 0, there
If δ = , |(x – 3)| < δ ⇒ |x2 – 9| < ∈
7 exists δ > 0 such that for |f(x) – l| < ∈ for all
∈
So we choose δ = min { ,1} x with a – δ < x< a then
7
lim f(x) =l
then |(x – 3)| < δ ⇒ |f (x) – 9| < ∈ x→a−

* Note that, we want to get rid of factor 7.1.5 Right hand Limit : If given ∈ > 0 there
|x + 3| Hence we have to get its lower bound. exists δ > 0 such that for |f(x) – l| < ∈ for all
x with a < x < a + δ then
Ex. 3. f(x) = [x], 2 < x< 4 where [x] is a greatest
integer function. lim f(x) = l
x→a+
We have seen the f(x) = [x], 2 ≤ x ≤ 4
Note that 7.1.6 Existence of a limit of a function at a
point x = a
[x] = 2 for 2 ≤ x < 3
= 3 for 3 ≤ x < 4 If lim+ f(x) = lim− f(x) = l, then limit of the
x→a x→a
Let us study the limits of f(x) as x  3 and function f(x) as x a
exists and its value is l.
  
x  2.7
And if lim+ f(x) ≠ lim− f(x) then lim f(x) does
x→a x→a x→a
lim f(x) = 3,
x→3+ not exist.
lim− f(x) = 2.
But for x < 3, f(x) = 2. So, x→
Example:
3

1
If we take l = 3, then for ∈ = and any δ >0 Find left hand limit and right hand limit for the
2
following function.
3 − δ < x < 3 ⇒ f(x) = 2 and |f(x) – l| = 1 ∈
V

 3 x + 1 if x < 1
If we take l = 2, then 3< x <3 + δ ⇒ f(x) = 3, 
f ( x) = 
7 x 2 − 3 if x ≥ 1
|f(x) – 2| = 1 ∈ 
V

∴ lim
x→3
f(x) does not exist. Solution : Right hand limit, lim f(x), for x > 1
x→1
lim f(x)
Consider x→2 .7 i.e. lim+ f(x) = lim (7x2 – 3) = 4
x→1 x→1
Consider a = 2.7 We see that for 2 < x < 3,
Left hand limit, lim f(x), for x < 1:
f(x) = 2. x→1
lim f(x) = lim (3x + 1) = 4
If we choose δ = 0.3, x→1− x→1

then 2 < 2.7 − δ < 2.7 < 2.7 + δ < 3 Since left and right-hand limits are equal, the
two-sided limit is defined, and lim f(x) = 4.
and f(x) = 2 is a constant. x→1

∴ lim f(x) = 2
x → a f(x) means x → a − f(x) = x → a + f(x)
Note : lim lim lim
x→2.7

135
7.1.7 ALGEBRA OF LIMITS: (3) × (3 + 1) × (6 + 1)
=
It is easy to verify the following. 6
Let f(x) and g(x) be two functions such that 3× 4 × 7
=
lim f(x) = l and lim g(x) = m, then 6
x→a x→a
= 14
1. lim [f(x) ± g(x)] = lim f(x) ± lim g(x)
x →a x →a x →a
Ex. 2 : lim [(y2 – 3)(y + 2)]
= l ± m y→2

= lim [(y2 – 3) [y + 2]
2. lim [f(x) × g(x)] = lim f(x) × lim g(x) y→2
x →a x →a x →a
= (22 – 3)(2 + 2) = (8– 3)(4) = 5 × 4 = 20
=l×m

3. lim [k f(x)]= = k × lim f(x) = kl, where ‘k’  6+ x − 7− x 

x →a x →a Ex. 3 : lim 
x →3 

 x 
is a constant

f ( x) lim f ( x ) l
=
lim
x →3
( )
6 + x − lim
x →3
( 7−x )
4. lim = x →a where m ≠ 0 =
x →a g ( x) lim g ( x ) m lim ( x )
x →a x →3

Note:
6+3 − 7−3
=
1) lim k = k , where k is a constant 3
x→a

9− 4 3− 2 1
2) lim x = a = = = 2
x→a 3 3
3) lim x n = a n
x→a 1 
 −1 
4) lim r x = r a Ex. 4 : lim
x →1
x 
x→a
 x −1 
 
5) If p(x) is a polynomial,
 1− x 
then lim p ( x) = p (a )  x 
x→a
= lim  
 x −1 
x →1
While evaluating limits, we must always
 
check whether the denominator tends to zero, and
if it does, then whether the numerator also tends  (1 − x ) 
== lim 
x →1 ( x − 1) × x

to zero. In case both tend to zero we have to study  
the function in detail.
 − ( x − 1) 
== lim 
x →1 ( x − 1) × x

 
SOLVED EXAMPLES
 −1  1 1
== lim   = − lim  [As
 = −x g1, x−1 ≠ 0]
 n(n + 1)(2n + 1) 
x →1
x x →1 x
  1
Ex. 1 : lim  ∑ r 2  = lim 
n

n →3
 r =1 
n → 3
 6   −1  1 1
= lim   = = − lim   = −
(3) × (3 + 1) × (6 + 1)
x →1
x x →1 x
  1
= = –1
6

136
Ex. 5 : Discuss the limit of the following function 77.1.8 Theorem: Prove that
as x tends to 3 if
xn − an
lim = na n −1 where n∈N, a > 0
 x 2 + x + 1, 2 ≤ x ≤ 3 x→a x − a
f(x) = 
 2 x + 1, 3< x ≤ 4
Proof : We know, an − bn = (a − b)(an−1 + an−2b +
Solution: As f(x) is defined seperately for x ≤ 3 an−3b2 + ... +bn−1) for n ∈ N.
and x > 3, we have to find left hand limit (when x
 xn − an 
≤ 3) and right hand limit (when x > 3) to discuss lim  =
the existance of limit of f(x) as x→3.
x→a
 x−a 

lim  ( x − a ) ( x + x a + x a + ...... + a ) 
For the interval 2 ≤ x ≤ 3; f(x) = x2 + x + 1  n −1 n−2 n −3 2 n −1

x→a
∴ lim− f(x) = lim− (x2 + x + 1) = (3)2 + 3 + 1  x−a 
x→3 x→3

= 9 + 3 + 1 = 13 -----(I) = lim (xn−1 + xn−2a + xn−3a2 + ... +an−1)

x→a

Similarly for the interval 3 < x ≤ 4; for [x − a ≠0]

f(x) = 2 x + 1 = an−1 + an−2a + an−3a2 + ... +an−1
lim f(x) = lim+ (2x + 1) = (2 × 3) + 1 = an−1 + an−1 + an−1 + ... +an−1 (n terms)
x→3+ x→3
=6+1=7 -----(II) = nan−1
From (I) and (II), lim− f(x) ≠ lim+ f(x)
x→3 x→3
Note : The above limit can also be found by using
∴ lim f(x) does not exist.
x→3 the substitution x − a = h.

Ex. 6 : For a given ∈ > 0, find δ > 0 such that x − a = h ∴ x = a + h and x→a ⇒ h→0. Use
whenever |x − a| < δ, we have |f(x) − l| < ∈ so that binomial theorem to expand (a + h)n, simplify
lim (4x + 3) = 7 and apply the limit to get the result
x→1

Solution : We want to find δ so that  xn − an  n −1

lim  =na
lim (4x + 3) = 7
x→1
x→a
 x−a 
Here a = 1, l = 7 and f(x) = 4x + 3 Verify : If n < 0 say n = – m then

Consider ∈ > 0 and |f(x) − l| < ∈ lim  x − a  lim  x − a 

n n −m −m

x→a   = x→a  x − a 
|(4x + 3) − 7| < ∈  x−a   

if |(4x − 4)| < ∈ = – ma–m–1

i.e. if |4(x − 1)| < ∈ Note : The above theorem can also be verified if
ε p
i.e. if |x − 1| < n is a fraction say n = where q ≠ 0. Then
4 q
ε
We can have δ ≤ so that |(x − 1)| < δ
4  qp p
 p
lim  x − a  lim  x − a
n n q
⇒ |f(x) − 7| < ∈  p a q −1
x→a   = x→a  = q
 x−a   x−a 
 

137
 SOLVED EXAMPLES  2x − 2 
Ex. 4 : Evaluate lim  3 
x →1
 26 + x − 3 
 x 4 − 625  Solution: Put 26 + x = t3, ∴ x = t3 – 26
Ex. 1 : Evaluate x→5  x − 5 
lim
As x 1, t 3
 

 x 4 − 625   x 4 − 54   2x − 2 
∴ lim
lim  3 
Solution : x→5  x − 5  = x→5  x − 5 
lim lim x →1
x→1
 26 + x − 3 
   

lim
xn − an 
= na n −1  lim 
( )
 2 t 3 − 26 − 2 

= 4(5) .....  x →a
4−1
= lim
 x−a  t→3 
x →3
t
3 3
− 3 


= 4(125) = 500

(
 2 t 3 − 33 ) 
= lim
x →3
 t − 3 
 x 7 − 128 
Ex. 2 : Evaluate lim
x→2  
 x − 32   t 3 − 33 
5

= 2 lim  
 x 7 − 128  lim  x 7 − 27 
t →3
 t −3 
Solution : lim
x→2   = x→2  5 5
 x − 32   x −2  = 2 × 3(3)3–1
5

= 54
 x7 − 2 7 
 
= lim
x→5 
x−2 
 x 5 − 25  EXERCISE 7.1
 
 x−2 
... [As x→2, x − 2 ≠ 0] Q.I Evaluate the following limits :
6
7(2)  z+6
= lim 
5(2) 4 1. 
 z 
z →−3

 xn − an 
...  lim = na n −1 
 x→a x − a   y 5 + 243 
2. lim  3 
7(2) 2
y →−3
 y + 27 
=
5  1 1  
 z + 5  
28 3. lim   
=
5
z →−5
 z + 5 
 
 x n − 4n 
Ex. 3 : If x →4 
lim  = 48 and n∈N, find n.
 x−4  [Link] Evaluate the following limits :
x −4 
n n
Solution : Given lim   = 48  2x + 6 
x→4
 x−4  1. = lim  
 x 
x →3
∴ n(4)n-1 = 48
∴ n(4)n–1 = 3(4)3–1
∴n=3 .… by comparing

138
  x −3 − 2−3  [Link] In the following examples, given ∈ > 0,
2. lim   find a d > 0 such that whenever, x-a < d, we
x→2
 x−2  must have f(x)-l < ∈
 x3 − 125  1. lim(2 x + 3) = 7 2. lim (3 x + 2) = −7
3. lim  5  x→2 x →−3
x →5 x − 3125
 
3. lim( x 2 − 1) = 3 4. lim( x 2 + x + 1) = 3
 x − 14
x −a  3 3 x→2 x →1
4. If lim   = lim  ,
x →1
 x − 1  x→a  x − a 
7.2 METHOD OF FACTORIZATION:
find all possible values of a.
P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials in x such that
[Link] Evaluate the following limits : P( x)
f(x) = . We consider lim
x → a f(x).
Q( x)
 x + x 2 + x3 + ......... + x n − n 
1. lim  
x →1 x −1 Let’s check lim lim
x → a Q(x) and x → a P(x).
 
If lim Q(x) = m ≠ 0
2. lim 
 ( 3
x−37 )(
x+37 
3

) 1)
x→a

x →7  x−7   P( x) 
  then lim f(x)= lim 
x→a x → a
 m 
 x k − 5k 
3. If lim   = 500 , find all possible If lim
x →5
 x −5  2) x → a Q(x) = 0, then (x − a) divides Q(x). In

values of k. such a case if (x − a) does not divide P(x) then

lim f(x) does not exist.
 (1 − x )8 − 1  x→a
4. lim  
 (1 − x ) − 1 
x →0 2

(3) Further if lim

x→a
P(x) is also 0, then (x − a) is a
 3 1+ x − 1+ x  factor of both P(x) and Q(x).
5. lim  
x →0
 x 
So lim f(x) = lim  P ( x) / ( x − a )  .
 Q( x) / ( x − a) 
x→a
 2y − 2  x→a
6. lim  
y →1 3 7 + y − 2
  Factorization of polynomials is a useful tool
to determine the limits of rational algebraic
 3 3
 expressions.
lim  ( z + 2 ) 2 − ( a + 2 ) 2

7. z →a  z−a 
  SOLVED EXAMPLES
 x 3 − 343 
8. lim    z ( 2 z − 3) − 9 
x →7
 x− 7 Ex.1 : Evaluate lim  2 
 z − 4z + 3 
z →3

 x + x 3 + x5 + ... + x 2 n −1 − n 
9. lim   Solution: If we substitute z = 3 in numerator
x →1
 x −1  and denominator,

139
 we get z(2z – 3) – 9 = 0 and z2 – 4z + 3 = 0  1 
2
= lim  − 
So (z  –  3) is a factor in the numerator and x →1 x − 1
 ( x − 1) ( x + 1) 
denominator.
 z ( 2 z − 3) − 9   2 z 2 − 3z − 9   1+ x − 2 
lim  2  = z →3  2
lim  = lim 
x →1 ( x − 1) ( x + 1)

z →3
 z − 4z + 3   z − 4z + 3   

 ( z − 3) ( 2 z + 3)   x −1 
= = lim   = lim  
 ( z − 3) ( z − 1)  x →1 ( x − 1) ( x + 1)

z →3
 

 ( 2 z + 3)   1 
= = lim   = x →1  x + 1 
lim
 ( z − 1)   ( ) 
z →3

...[As z→3, z − 3 ≠ 0] ...[As x→1, x − 1 ≠ 0]

2 ( 3) + 3
1
=
== 2
3 −1
9
= =  x3 + x 2 − 5 x + 3 
2 Ex.4: Evaluate lim  
x →1
 x2 −1 
 3  Solution : In this case (x – 1) is a factor of the
( x − 8 x 2 + 16 x)9 
Ex.2: Evaluate lim 
( )
x→4  18
 numerator and denominator.
 x 2
− x − 12  To find another factor we use synthetic division.
Numerator: x3 + x2 – 5x + 3
  x x − 4 2 9 
  ( ) 
Solution : lim 1 1 1 –5 3
x→4  18 
 ( x − 4 ) ( x + 3) 
18
1 2 –3
1 2 –3 0
 ( x − 4 ) x9  18
∴ x3 + x2 – 5x + 3 = (x– 1)(x2 + 2x –3)
= x→4 
lim 
 ( x − 4 ) ( x + 3) 
18 18
Denominator: x2 – 1 = (x + 1)(x –1)

 x9   x3 + x 2 − 5 x + 3 
lim  
= x→4 
lim 
x2 −1
 ( x + 3) 
x →1
18
 

...[As x→4, x − 4 ≠ 0]
lim 
(
 ( x − 1) x 2 + 2 x − 3 ) 
 ( x + 1) ( x − 1)
=
49
x →1

= 18
7
 x2 + 2x − 3 
lim  
Ex.3: Evaluate lim 
 1
+
2  = x →1
 x + 1  ...[As x→1, x −1 ≠ 0]
x →1 x − 1 1 − x 2 
 

 1  1+ 2 − 3
2 = =0
Solution : lim  +  1+1
x →1 x − 1
 (1 − x ) ( x + 1) 
140
  1 − 3 x2 + 1  [Link] Evaluate the following limits :
Ex.5: Evaluate lim
x→0  
 x 2   u 4 − 1
  1. lim  3 
u →1 u − 1
 
Solution : Put 3
x 2 + 1 = t, x2 + 1 = t3
 1 9x 
∴ x2 = t3 − 1, as x→0, t→1 2. lim  − 3
x →3 x − 3
 x − 27 
 (1 − t ) 
lim  1 − x + 1  = lim  3
3 2
  x3 − 4 x 2 + 4 x 
x→0
 x 2  t →1
 (t − 1)  3. lim  
  x→2
 x2 −1 
 −(t − 1) 
= lim 
t →1 (t − 1)(t + t + 1)

2 
 lim 
( ) 
 ( x + ∆x )2 − 2 ( x + ∆x ) + 1 − x 2 − 2 x + 1
4. ∆x →0  ∆x 
 −1   
= lim  2 
t →1 t + t + 1
   x2 + x 2 − 4 
...[As t→1, t − 1 ≠ 0] 5. x → 2  x 2 − 3 x 2 + 4 
lim
 
−1 1
= =−  x3 − 7 x + 6 
1+1+1 3 6. lim  3 
x → 2 x − 7 x + 16 x − 12
2
 

EXERCISE 7.2
[Link] Evaluate the Following limits :

Q.I Evaluate the following limits :  1 − 8 y3 

1. lim  3
y→  y − 4 y 
1
 z 2 − 5z + 6  2
1. lim  
 z −4 
z →2 2
 x−2 1 
2. lim  2 − 3 
x →1 x − x x − 3x + 2 x 

2
 x+3 
lim  2
x →−3 x + 4 x + 3 
2.
 
 x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 
3. lim  3
 5 y3 + 8 y 2  x →1 x − 5 x 2 + 3 x + 1 
lim  4  
3. y →0 3 y − 16 y 2

 
 x+2 x−4 
 −2 x − 4  4. lim  2 + 
lim  3 x →1 x − 5 x + 4
 2
(
3 x − 3x + 2 ) 
 x + 2 x 
4. 2
x →−2

 1 1 
 x 2 + 2 x − 15  lim  2 + 2 2
5. x → a x − 3ax + 2a 2 2 x − 3ax + a 
5. lim  2  
x →3
 x − 5x + 6 

141
7.3 METHOD OF RATIONALIZATION:  b+ z − b−z b+ z + b−z 
= = lim  × 
If the function in the limit involves a square z →0
 z b+ z + b−z 
root or a trigonometric function, it may be possible
to simplify the expression by multiplying and  (b + z ) − (b − z ) 1 
= lim  × 
dividing by its rationalizing factor. z →0
 z b+ z + b−z 

SOLVED EXAMPLES  2z 1 
= lim  × 
z →0
 z b+ z + b−z 
 1+ x −1 
Ex. 1. Evaluate : lim    2 
x →0  x lim  ...[As z→0, z ≠ 0]
  = 
z →0
 b+ z + b−z 
 1+ x −1  2
Soluton : lim 
x →0 
 =
b+0 + b−0
 x 
2
 1+ x −1 1+ x +1  =
= lim  ×  2 b
x →0 
 x 1 + x + 1 
1
  =
1+ x −1 b
= lim  
x →0 
 (
x 1+ x +1 ) 
  x 2 + x − 20 
Ex. 3. Evaluate x →4  2
lim 
 x − 7 − 25 − x 
2
 
 x 
= lim
x →0 

x ( )
1+ x +1 


Solution : x →4  2
lim
x 2 + x − 20 

 x − 7 − 25 − x 
2

 1 
x →0  1 + x + 1 
= lim ...[As x→0, x ≠ 0]
   x 2 + x − 20 x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2 
= lim  × 
x→4  
 x − 7 − 25 − x x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2
2 2
=
1
=
1 
1+ 0 +1 2

=
(
 ( x − 4 ) ( x + 5) x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2
lim 
) 
 x 2 − 7 − 25 + x 2 
) ( ) 2 
1 1 x→4
( b + z − b − z  
Ex. 2. Evaluate lim 
2
 
z →0  z 
 
=
(
 ( x − 4 ) ( x + 5) x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2
lim 
) 
 1 1
 2( x 2 − 16) 
Solution : lim  ( b + z ) 2 − ( b − z ) 2

x→4




z →0  z 
 
(
 ( x − 4 ) ( x + 5) x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2

lim 
) 
 b+ z − b−z  = x→4 2( x − 4)( x + 4) 
= lim    
z →0 z  
 

142
  ( x + 5)
lim 
( )
x 2 − 7 + 25 − x 2 
  x2 + 9 − 2x2 + 9 
 
=  5. = lim
x →0  
x→4
 2( x + 4)   3x + 4 − 2 x + 4 
2 2

 
...[As x→4, x − 4 ≠ 0] [Link] Evaluate the Following limits :

(4 + 5) ( 42 − 7 + 25 − 42 ) = (9)(3 + 3) = 27 lim 
 x2 + x x − 2 
= 1. 
2( 4 + 4) 2(8) 8 x →1
 x −1 

 1 + x2 − 1 + x 
EXERCISE 7.3 2. lim  
x →0
 1 + x 3 − 1 + x 

Q.I Evaluate the following limits :  x 2 + x − 20 

3. lim  
 6 + x + x2 − 6 
x→4
 3x + 4 − 4 
1. lim  
x →0
 x  3 − 5 + z 
4. lim  
z →4 1 − 5 − z
 2x + 3 − 4x − 3   
2. lim  
x →3
 x2 − 9   3 1
5. lim  − 
x →0 x 9 − x
 x
 1− y2 − 1+ y2 
3. lim  
y →0
 y2 
7.4 LIMIT OF A TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTION :
 2+ x − 6− x 
4. lim   Let’s Learn :
x→2
 x− 2 
To evaluate the limits involving trigonometric
functions, we state -
[Link] Evaluate the following limits :
1) lim sinx = sina
x→a
 a + 2 x − 3x 
1. lim   2) lim cosx = cosa
 3a + x − 2 x 
x→a
x→a

Using these results and trigonometric identities,

 x2 − 4 
2. lim   we solve some examples.
x→2
 x + 2 − 3x − 2 
Evaluation of limits can be done by the
 1+ 2 + x − 3  method of Factorization, Rationalization or
3. lim   Simplification as the case may be. While solving
x→2
 x−2  examples based on trigonometric functions we
can use trigonometric identities.
 a+ y − a
4. lim   Squeeze theorem (Also known as Sandwich
y →0
 y a + y  theorem)

143
 Suppose f(x), g(x) and h(x) are given In ∆OAP,
functions such that f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for all x in PM
an open interval about a. sin θ =
OP
Suppose lim lim
x → a f(x) = L and x → a h(x) = L ∴ PM = OP sin θ
So, lim lim lim
x → a f(x) ≤ x → a g(x) ≤ x → a h(x) = r sin θ
Also, in ∆OAB
⇒ L ≤ lim
x → a g(x) ≤ L ∴ lim
x → a g(x) = L

AB
sinθ tan θ =
7.4.2 Theorem : lim = 1; where θ is OA
θ →0
θ ∴ AB = OA tan θ
measured in radian.
Proof : First consider the case when θ is = r tan θ
tending to zero through positive values. using these in (I), we get
We may take 0 < θ < π . 1 1 2 1
2 r.r. sin θ < r θ< r.r tan θ
2 2 2
Draw a standard circle with radius r i.e.
circles with centre at origin O and radius r.
θ 1 1
Let A be the point of intersection of the i.e. 1 < < ... [Divide by r2 sin θ]
sinθ cosθ 2
circle and the X-axis. Take point P on the circle
such that m∠AOP = θ sinθ
∴ 1> > cos θ
Draw PM ⊥ OX. Draw a line through A θ
parallel to Y-axis to meet OP extended at B sinθ
(fig. 7.2) i.e. cos θ < <1
θ
Area of ∆OAP < Area of sector OAP < Area
of ∆OAB Taking limit as θ → 0+

∴
1 1 1
[Link]< r2θ < [Link] ..... (I) sinθ
∴ lim+ cos θ ≤ lim+ ≤ θlim 1
2 2 2 θ →0 θ →0 θ → 0+

sinθ
∴ 1≤ θlim ≤1
→ 0+ θ
By using squeeze theorem
sinθ
∴ lim =1 .... (II)
θ → 0+ θ
Now suppose θ→0 through negative values
Let θ = – φ where φ > 0. Also as θ → 0, φ→0
sinθ sin(−φ )
∴ θlim
→ 0− = φlim
θ →0 +
−φ

− sin φ sin φ
= lim+ = φlim =1
Fig. 7.3 φ →0 −φ →0+
φ

144
 sinθ  cot x − 1 
∴ θlim
→ 0− =1 .... (III) Ex. 2 : Evaluate : limπ  
θ x→
4  cosec x − 2 
2

sinθ
∴ from (II) and (III), lim
θ →0 =1  cot x − 1 
θ Solution : limπ  
4  cosec x − 2 
x→ 2

Note:
 θ   cot x − 1 
 =1
Corollary 1 : lim  lim  2 
θ → 0 sin θ
  = x → π4  cot x + 1 − 2 

 tan θ   cot x − 1 
Corollary 2 : lim   =1 = x → π  cot x − 1 
lim  2
θ →0
 θ 
4
 θ 
Corollary 3 : lim 
θ → 0 tan θ
 =1  cot x − 1 
  lim 
= x → ( cot x + 1) ( cot x − 1) 
π
4 
 sin pθ 
Corollary 4 : lim   = 1 , (p constant.)  1 
θ →0
 pθ  = limπ  
x →  ( cot x + 1) 
 tan pθ  4

Corollary 5 : lim   = 1 , (p constant.) .....[As x π cot x − 1 ≠ 0]

θ →0
 pθ  4
 pθ  1 1
=
Corollary 6 : lim 
θ → 0 sin pθ
 = 1 , (p constant.) =
π  1+1
  cot   + 1
4
 pθ 
Corollary 7 : lim 
θ → 0 tan pθ
 = 1 , (p constant.) =
1
 
2
 3 − sin x − 2 
SOLVED EXAMPLES Ex. 3) Evaluate : lim 
3π 

cos 2 x 
2 
x→

Ex. 1) If 3x2 + 2 ≤ f(x) ≤ 5x2 − 6 for all x ∈ R,  3 − sin x − 2 

Solution : lim 
3π 

then find x→−2
lim f(x). x→  cos 2 x 
2

Solution : Let g(x) = 3x2 + 2 and h(x) = 5x2 − 6  3 − sin x − 2 3 − sin x + 2 

= lim  × 
3π  cos 2 x
So, we have g(x) ≤ f(x) ≤ h(x) x→
2  3 − sin x + 2 
Taking as limit x→ −2 throughout we  
 3 − sin x − 4 
= lim
get
x→
3π 
2  (
cos x 3 − sin x + 2 
2
 )
lim g(x) ≤ lim f(x) ≤ lim h(x)
x→−2 x→−2 x→−2  
 −1 − sin x 
= lim
lim (3x2+2) ≤ lim f(x) ≤ lim (5x2− 6)
x→−2 x→−2 x→−2
x→
3π 
2  (
1 − sin x 3 − sin x + 2
2
) 

lim f(x) ≤ 5(−2)2 − 6
3(−2)2 + 2 ≤ x→−2  
 − (1 + sin x ) 
= lim
lim f(x) ≤ 14
14 ≤ x→−2 x→
3π 
2  (
(1 − sin x ) (1 + sin x ) 3 − sin x + 2 ) 


∴ lim f(x) = 14 ....... [By squeeze
x→−2 .....As x→, 3π , sin x → −1 and 1+sinx ≠ 0
theorem] 2
145
   1× 8
 −1  = = 2 (... as x → 0, 8x → 0, 4x → 0)
1× 4
= 
 3π   3π  
 1 − sin     3 − sin  
 +    tan pθ 
.... lim  sin pθ 
2 
  2     2     = 1 lim   =1
θ →0
 pθ 




θ →0
 pθ 

−1 2sinx - sin 2x 
Ex. 6. Evaluate : lim 
1
=−
(1 + 1) ( )
=
3 +1 + 2 8 x →0  x3 

 2 sinx − sin 2 x 
Solution : lim
 sin7θ  x →0  x3 

Ex. 4. Evaluate : lim
θ →0 
 θ 
 2 sinx − 2 [Link] 
= lim
x →0  x3 
 sin 7θ  
Solution : lim  
θ →0
 θ 
 2 sinx(1 − cosx) 
= lim
x →0  
 sin 7θ   x.x 2
= lim  =×17
θ →0
 7θ 
 2 sinx   (1 − cosx) 
... as θ → 0, 7θ → 0 = lim   × lim  
x →0
 x  x →0  x2
 sin pθ 
= 1 × 7 lim = 1  sinx   (1 − cosx) (1 + cosx) 
 θ →0 pθ  = 2 × lim × lim  ×
x →0  
 x  x →0  x2 (1 + cosx) 
=7
 (1 − cos 2 x) 1 
 sin8x  = 2 × 1 × lim  × 
Ex. 5. Evaluate : lim 
x →0
 x 2
(1 + cosx) 
x →0 tan 4 x 
 
 ( sin 2 x)   1 
 sin8 x  = 2 × lim   × lim  
Solution : lim 
x →0 tan 4 x   x   (1 + cosx) 
x →0 2 x → 0
 
Divide Numerator and Denominator by x  sinx 
2
 1 
= 2 × lim  × lim  
 sin8 x  x →0
 x  x →0  (1 + cos0) 
 x 
= lim 
x →0 tan 4 x
  1   sin θ 
= 2 (1) × 
2
   lim = 1
 x  1 + 1  θ →0 θ 

 sin8 x  1
lim  =2×1×
 x 
x →0
=1
2
=
 tan 4 x 
lim 
x →0
 x   sin x 2 (1 − cos x 2 ) 
Ex. 7. Evaluate : lim
x →0
 x6 
 sin8 x   
lim  × 8
x →0
 8x 
=  sin x 2 (1 − cos x 2 ) 
 tan 4 x  Solution : x →0 
lim 
lim  × 4  x6 
x →0
 4x 

146
  sin x 2 (1 − cos x 2 ) 1 + cos x 2   πx   πx 
 ×  sin   π  sin   π
1 + cos x 2 
= lim
x →0
 x6 = – 2 lim   45   × × lim   180   ×
x →0
 π x  45 x →0  πx  180
 sin x 2 (1 − cos 2 x 2 )     
×
1  45   180 
= lim
x →0
 x6 1 + cos x 2 
 π π   sin pθ  
 sin x 2 .sin 2 x 2 
= −2 × (1) × × (1) × ......  lim   = 1
 θ →0  pθ
1 45 180  
= x →0 
lim × 2
 x 6
1 + cos x 
π π  π 
2

= −2 × 4 × × = −8  
 3 2  180 180  180 
 sin x 1 
= lim ×
 (x )
x →0  + x 
2 3
tan x − sin x
2
1 cos
 Activity-1 lim
x →0 sin 3 x
3
 sin x 2   1  tan x − sin x
= lim   × lim  
x →0
2
 x  x →0  1 + cos x 
2 2 Solution : lim
x →0 sin 3 x
.....[As x→ 0, x2 → 0]  
 sin x × 1 − sin x 
= (1)
3 1
=
1
=
1
= x →0 
lim � 
1 + cos 0 1 + 1 2  sin 3 x 
 
  sin θ  2  1 
..... lim   = 1, here θ = x  sin x  −� 
  θ 
θ →0
  cos x 
= lim
x →0 sin 3 x
 cos 5 xο − cos 3 xο 
Ex. 8. Evaluate : x →0 
lim   (1 − cos x) 1 
 x2  = lim × 2 
x →0 
 cos x sin x 
 cos 5 xο − cos 3 xο 
Solution : x →0 
lim  (1 cos x) 1
 x2  =
lim
x 0 cos x 1
 −2 sin 4 xο sin xο  (1 cos x) 1
= x →0 
lim  = lim
 x2  x 0 co 1 cos )

 sin 4 xο sin xο   1 1 
×  ×
= – 2 lim   = lim
x → 0 cos x
 (1 + cos x) 
x →0
 x x 

  πx   πx   1 1 
=  ×
 sin 4  180  sin  180  
 ×   � ) 
 cos� (1 + cos
= – 2 lim 
x →0
 x x  1 1
  = ×
  � (1 +
� )
  1 1
 πx   πx  = ×
= – 2 lim  sin  45  sin  180   1 �
x →0
  ×  
1
 x x  =
  �
147
 Activity-1:
EXERCISE 7.4
1 − cos px 1 2
lim = p
Q.I Evaluate the following limits :
x→0 x 2
2

 sin (mθ )  Consider,

lim 
θ →0 tan ( nθ ) 
1.
  1 − cos px
lim
x→0 x2
1 − cos 2θ 
2. lim  
 θ
θ →0 2
2.
= lim
x→0
x2
 [Link] 
lim 
x →0 1 − cosx 
3.
  Use 1– cos A = 2sin2 A
2
 sec x − 1 
2

4. lim   = lim 2.
 x  x→0
x
x →0 2

px
2
[Link] Evaluate the Following limits :  
 sin 2 
= lim 2 ×� 
 1 − cos(nx)  x→0 px
lim   
x →0 1 − cos ( mx ) 
1.
   2 

 2 − cosecx   px 
2
2. lim  
x →  cot x − 3 
π 2
 sin 2   p 2 
px   4 
6
= lim 2
x→0
 
 cosx − sinx   2 
3. lim 
x→ 
π cos 2 x 
4
 p2  sin θ
= 2 (1)  
2
∵ lim =1
[Link] Evaluate the following limits :  4 
x→0
θ
 cos ( ax ) − cos(bx) 
1. lim   =
x →0
 cos ( cx ) − 1 
1 − cos px 1 2
 1 − cosx − 2  lim = p
2. lim  
x→0 x 2
2
x →π
 sin 2 x 
7.5 Substitution Method :
 tan 2 x − cot 2 x 
3. lim   We will consider examples of trigonometric
x →  secx − cosecx 
π
4 functions in which x→a where generally a takes
π π π π
 2sin 2 x + sinx − 1  the values such as π, , , , etc. In such
4. lim  2 3 4 6
 a case we put x – a = t so that as x→a, t→o.
x →  2sin x − 3sinx + 1 
π 2
6

148
  t  sin(t / 2)   1 
SOLVED EXAMPLE = – 2 lim  sin  a +   lim   
t →0
  2  t → 0  t / 2   2 
 
 cos x  1   sin θ  
= −2sin(a + 0).(1) .... lim   =1
Ex. 1. Evaluate limπ  π 2  θ →0  θ  
x→
2 x− 
 2 = −sina
π π
Solution : Put x – =t ∴x= +t
2 2
1 + cos π x 
π Ex. 3. Evaluate lim  1− x 2 
As x→ ; t→0. x →1
 ( ) 
2

   π 
 cos  + t   Solution : Put 1 – x = t ∴ x = 1 – t;
 cos x   2 
lim   = lim  As x→1, t→0.
π π t →0
 t 
x→
2 x− 
 2   1 + cos π x  1 + cos[π (1 − t )] 
lim  2 
= lim  
x →1
 (1 − x)  t → 0  t2
 − sin t 
= lim
t→0 
 t  1 + cos (π − π t ) 
= lim
t→0  (1 − x) 2

 sin t   
= – lim
t →0  t 
  1 − cos π t 
= lim
t →0  
 t
2

  sin θ  
=–1 lim   = 1
 θ →0
 θ    2  πt 
 2 sin  2  
lim   
= t →0  t 2

 cos x − cos a   
Ex. 2. Evaluate x →a 
lim
x −a

 
2
Solution : Put x – a = t ∴ x = a + t;   πt 
 sin  2  
As x→a, t→0.   
= 2 lim
t →0
 t 
 cos x − cos a   cos( a + t ) − cos a   
lim   = lim  
x→a
 x −a  t →0  t
  πt  2
 sin  2    π  2
  2a + t  t 2 lim    
 −2 sin  2  . sin 2  = t →0  π t   2 
lim      2 
= t →0  t 
 
π2    sin Pθ  
= 2 (1)   ....  lim   =1
  t  sin(t / 2)   4   θ → 0  Pθ  
lim  − sin  a + . 
= 2 t →0   2 t 
π2
=
2

149
  3 − tan x  4 1  tan θ 
(1) × .......  lim = 1
( )
lim   =
Ex. 4. Evaluate x →  π − 3 x 
π
3
3 1 + 3 tan 0  θ →0 θ 

π π 4
Solution : Put − x = t, ∴ x = – t, =
3 3 3

π
As x → ,t→0
3
EXERCISE 7.5
 
 3 − tan x   3 − tan  I) Evaluate the following
lim   = lim   π 
π
x→  π − 3 x  x → π  3  − x  
3 3
 3   
   cos ec x −1 
lim  2 
x→   π  
π
 
1) 2  − x 
  2  
1 π   
= lim  3 − tan  − t  
3 t →0   3 
 t  sin x − sin a
  lim
2) x→a 5
x−5a
 
1  3 − tan(π / 3) − tan t   5 + cos x − 2 
= lim  1 + tan(π / 3) tan t  lim  
3 t →0    (π − x)
3) x →π 2
 t  
 
 cos x − 3 sin x 
  lim  
 3 − tan t 
4) π
x→  π − 6x 
 3−
6
1 
= lim 1 + 3 tan t
3 t →0  
 t   1 − x2 
  5) lim  
x →1
 sin π x 
 
 3 + 3 tan t − 3 + tan t  II) Evaluate the following
1
= t →0 
lim
1 + 3 tan t

3    2 sin x −1 
 t  lim  
  1) x→  π − 6 x 
π
6

1  4 tan t   2 − cos x − sin x 

= lim   lim  
3 t →0  t (1 + 3 tan t )  π
(4x −π )
2
2) x→  
4 

4  tan t   1   2 − 3 cos x − sin x 

= lim   lim   lim  
3 t →0  t  t →0  (1 + 3 tan t )  3) π
( x − π )
2
x→  6 
6 

150
  sin
lim 
 x   sin  a   SOLVED EXAMPLES
4) xa  xa 
 
 5x  1
cos 3 x 3 cos x Ex. 1. Evaluate : lim  
x 0
lim  sinx 
5) x (2 x )3
2  5x  1
Solution : lim  
x 0
 sinx 
7.6 LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL AND Divide Numerator and Denominator by x
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS :
 5x  1 
 
= lim  x 
 sinx 
Let's :Learn x 0

 x 
We use the following results without proof.
 5x  1
 e 1 
x lim  
1) lim    log e  1
x 0
 x 
x 0
 x  =
 sinx 
lim 
 a x 1 
x 0
 x 
2) lim    log a (a > 0, a ≠ 0)
x 0
 x  log 5
=
1
1
3) lim 1  x  x  e
x 0   sin    ax 1  
.... lim    1, lim    log a 
 log 1  x   
 0
   x 0
 x  
4) lim   1
x 0
 x  = (log5)

 e px  1 
5) lim    1 , (p constant)  5 x - 3x 
x 0
 px  Ex. 2. Evaluate : lim  
x 0
 x 
 a px  1 
6) lim    log a , (p constant)  5 x  3x 
x 0
 px  Solution : Given lim  
x 0
 x 
 log 1  px    5 x  1  3x  1 
7) lim    1, (p constant) lim  
x 0
 px  = x 0 x
 

 
1
8) lim 1  px  px  e , (p constant)  5 x  1  (3x  1) 
x 0
= lim  
x 0
 x 

= lim
5 x
1  – lim 3  1
x

x 0 x x 0 x

151
  a x −1 
3 1
×
= log5 – log3 ..... lim   = log a  
2 2 3
 3 x  3x
x→a
 x  lim 1 +  
 x →0  2  
  5  =  
= log    −5 1
×
  3   2
 2 3

lim 1 + −5 x  
−5 x

  
x → 0 2  
1
 
 5x  x 3
Ex. 3. Evaluate : lim
x →0 
1+  e6  1

 6 = −5
.....  lim
 x →0 (1 + kx ) kx = e

e 6

1
 5x 
8 4
x
Solution : lim 1+  = e=
6
e3
x →0 

 6
5  log 4 + log(0.25 + x) 
 1
6 Ex. 5. Evaluate : lim  
 5 x  x →0
 x
 1+ 
6
= lim
x →0 
  5x 
 6   log 4 + log(0.25 + x) 
  Solution : lim 
x →0
 x 
5
= (e)6
= lim  log [ 4(0.25 + x) ] 
x →0
 x 
1
 3x + 2  3 x  log (1 + 4 x ) 
Ex. 4. Evaluate : lim  = lim  
x →0 2 − 5 x 
  x →0
 x 
1 1
 log (1 + 4 x ) 
 3x + 2  3 x  2 + 3x  3 x = 4 × lim  
Solution: lim   = lim  x →0
4x
x →0 2 − 5 x x →0 2 − 5 x   
   
 
1 = 4(1) ..... lim  log(1 + px)  = 1
  3x   3x
 x →0  px  
 2 1 + 2  
= lim    =4
x →0
 2 1 − 5 x  
  
2    e 2 x + e −2 x − 2 
Ex. 6. Evaluate : lim  
1 x →0
 x sin x 
 
1 3
 3 x
 1 +    x
Solution :
 2  
= lim   1   e 2 x ( e 2 x + e −2 x − 2 ) 
x →0  e 2 x + e −2 x − 2 
  5x  x  lim   = lim  
 1 − 2   x →0
 x sin x  x →0 

e 2 x x sin x 

 
 e 4 x + 1 − 2e 2 x 
= lim  2 x 
x →0
 e x sin x 

152
  ( e 2 x ) 2 − 2e 2 x + 1   ( 3x − 1) ( 7 x − 1) 
= lim  2x   
x →0
 e x sin x   x 2
 ....[ As x → 0, x 2 ≠ 0]
= lim
x →0  x log(1 + x) 
 (e 2 x − 1) 2 1   x2 
= lim  × 2x   
x →0
 x sin x e   3x − 1 7 x − 1 
 ×
= lim  x x 
 (e 2 x − 1) 2 
 
x →0
 log(1 + x) 
= lim  x 2 1
× 2x   x 
x →0
 x sin x e 
 x 
 
2
log [Link] 7
=
....[As x→0, x ≠ 0, x2≠0] 1
2  ax −1 log (1 + x ) 
  e2 x − 1   ....  lim = log a, lim = 1
lim   × 4  x →0 x x →0 x 

x →0
 2 x   1 
= × lim  2 x 
 sin x  x → 0
e  = log [Link] 7
lim  
x →0
 x 

(1) 2 × 4 1  e kx − 1 sin θ  Activity-3

= × ο .....  lim = 1, lim = 1
e θ →0 θ
1  x →0 kx   8x − 4 x − 2 x + 1
Evaluate : lim  
=4 x →0
 x2 

(4× � )
x
− 4x − 2x + 1
= lim  
 21x − 7 x − 3x + 1  x →0
 x2 
Ex. 7. Evaluate : x →0  x log(1 + x) 
lim
  x
4x 4x 2x 1
lim
x 0 x2
 21 − 7 − 3 + 1 
x x x
Solution : lim  
x →0
 x log(1 + x)  (2 1)
lim 2
x 0 x
 7 .3 − 7 − 3 + 1 
x x x x
= lim   (2 x 1). (4 x 1)
x →0
 x log(1 + x)  lim
x 0 x2

 7 x ( 3x − 1) − ( 3x − 1) 
= lim    (2 x − 1)   (4 x − 1) 
x →0  x log(1 + x)  = lim   × lim  
  x →0
 x  x →0  x 

 ( 3x − 1) ( 7 x − 1) 
= lim   =
x →0
 x log(1 + x) 

153
Activity-4: [Link] Evaluate the following limits :

 e x − sin x − 1 
Evaluate : x →0 
lim   3x + 3− x − 2 
 x  1) lim  
x →0
 [Link] 

 (e x − 1) −�  1
= lim   3 + x  x
x →0
 x  2) lim 
x →0 3 − x 
 

sin x 
2
�  5x + 3  x
= lim  −

x →0 x
 �  3) lim 
x →0 3 − 2 x 
 

�   sin x 
= lim   − lim   log ( 3 − x ) − log (3 + x) 
  x →0  x 
x →0 x 4) lim  
x →0
 x 
= −1 1
 4 x + 1 x
= 1−1 5) lim 
x →0 1 − 4 x 
 
=
1
 5 + 7 x  3x
6) lim 
x →0 5 − 3 x 
EXERCISE 7.6  

Q.I Evaluate the following limits : [Link] Evaluate the following limits :

 9 x − 5x   ax − bx 
1) lim  x  1) lim  
x →0 sin ( 4 x ) − sin ( 2 x )
x →0
 4 −1   

 5 x + 3x − 2 x − 1   ( ) 
3
2x −1
2) lim 
x →0 x
 2) lim  x 
  x →0  (3 − 1).[Link] (1 + x ) 
 
 ax + bx + cx − 3 
3) lim   15 x − 5 x − 3x + 1 
x →0
 sin x  3) lim  
x →0
 x . sinx 

 6 x + 5 x + 4 x − 3x +1 
4) lim    (25) x − 2 ( 5 ) x + 1 
x →0
 sin x  4) lim  
x →0
 x . sinx 

 8sin x − 2 tan x   (49) x − 2 ( 35 ) x + ( 25 ) x 

5) lim  
x →0
 e −1 
2x 5) lim  
x →0
 sin [Link](1 + 2 x) 

154
7.7 LIMIT AT INFINITY : Definition : A function f is said to tend to limit ‘l’
(FUNCTION TENDING TO INFINITY) as x tends to – ∞ if for given ∈ > 0, there exists
a positive number M such that |f(x) – l| < ∈, for
all x > M
Let's :Learn
∴ xlim f ( x) = l
→− ∞
7.7.1 Limit at infinity :
1 Note : Whenever expression is of the
Let us consider the function f ( x ) =
x form ∞∞ , then divide, by suitable power of
Observe that as x approaches to ∞ or –∞ the value x to get finite limits of numerator as well as
of f(x) is shown below,
denominator.
1
i) Observe the following table for f ( x ) =
x
7.7.2 Infinite Limits :
x 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000 … 1
Let us consider the function f(x) = .
f(x) 1 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001 0.00001 … x
Observe the behavior of f(x) as x approaches zero
We see that as x assumes larger and larger
from right and from left.
1
values, assumes the value nearer and nearer 1
x i) Observe the following table for f ( x ) =
to zero. x

∴ lim = 0
1 x= 1 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001 0.00001 …
x →∞ x f(x) 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000 …

Definition : A function f is said to tend to limit ‘l’ We see that as x assumes values nearer 0, but
as x tends to ∞ if for given ∈ > 0, there exists a 1
greater than 0, assumes the values larger and
positive number M such that |f(x) – l| < ∈, ∀ x in x
larger.
the domain of f for which x > M
1
∴ lim f ( x) = l ∴ xlim f ( x) = lim+ →∞
x →∞
→ 0+ x →0 x

1
ii) Observe the following table for f ( x ) = ii) Observe the following table for f ( x ) =
1
x x
x -1 -10 -100 -1000 -10000 -100000 … x= -1 -0.1 -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001 -0.00001 …
f(x) -1 -0.1 -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001 -0.00001 … f(x) -1 -10 -100 -1000 -10000 -100000 …

We see that as x assumes values which tend We see that as x assumes values nearer to
1 1
to −∞, assumes the value nearer and nearer to 0, but less than 0, assumes the values which
x x
zero. tends to – ∞
1
∴ xlim =0
→−∞ x 1
∴ xlim f ( x) = lim− → −∞
→ 0− x →0 x

155
 SOLVED EXAMPLES 10 + 0 + 0 ( lim
1
= 0)
= x
5−0+0 x →∞

 ax +b  10
Ex. 1. Evaluate : lim
x →∞  cx + d 
=
  5

 ax + b  = 2
Solution : lim
x →∞  cx + d 
 
Ex. 3. Evaluate : lim  x 2 + 3 x − � x 
 ax + b  x →∞  
 x 
= lim 
x →∞ cx + d
  x 2 + 3x − x 
  Solution : lim
x →∞  
 x 
b  ( x 2 + 3 x − x)( x 2 + 3 x + x) 
  
lim  a +  = lim
x →∞
 x x →∞
 ( x 2 + 3x + x) 
=
 d
lim c + 
x →∞
 x  x 2 + 3x − x 2 
= lim  2 
 x + 3x + x 
x →∞
a+0
= --- as x → ∞, 1 → 0
c+0 x
 3x 
lim  
a = x →∞
 x + 3x + x 
2
=
c
 
 3x 
10x 2 +5x +3  lim  3 
Ex. 2. Evaluate : lim  2  = x →∞  x 1 + + x 
x →∞
 5x -3x +8  x
 
 
10 x 2 + 5 x + 3 
Solution : lim  2   
x →∞
 5 x − 3x + 8   3 
Divide by x2 to get finite limits of the lim  3 
= x →∞  1 + + 1 
numerator as well as of the denominator,
 x 
 
 10 x 2 + 5 x + 3 
 
lim  2 x
2 3 1
=  = ( lim = 0)
x →∞
 5 x − 3x + 8  1+ 0 +1 x →∞ x

 x2 
3
=
 5 3 1+1
lim 10 + + 2 
x →∞
 x x  3
= =
 3 8 2
lim 5 − + 2 
x →∞
 x x 

156
 EXERCISE 7.7
Let's Remember

I Evaluate the following : Note : For limits of trigonometric functions,

angle is supposed to be in radian.
 ax3 + bx 2 + cx + d 
1) x →∞  3
lim 
 ex + fx + gx + h 
2
1) lim sin x = 1
x→0 x
 x3 + 3x + 2  2) lim sin x = sin a
2) x →∞ 
lim  x→a
 ( x + 4 ) ( x − 6 ) ( x − 3) 
3) lim cos x = cos a
x→0
 7 x2 + 5x − 3 
3) lim  2
x →∞ 8 x − 2 x + 7
 4) lim tan x = 1
  x→0 x

II Evaluate the following : 5) lim sin kx = k

x→0 x
 7 x2 + 2x − 3  lim tan kx = k
1) lim   6) x→0 x
 x +x+2 
x →∞ 4

 x 2 + 4 x + 16 − x 2 + 16  lim [Link]  1  = 0
2) lim 7) x→0  
x →∞   x
lim 1–cosp x = p
2

3) lim  x 4 + 4 x 2 − x 2  8) x→0
x2 2
x →∞  
lim cosm x – cosn x = n − m
2 2

III Evaluate the following : 9) x→0

x2 2

1) lim 
( )( )
 3 x 2 + 4 4 x 2 − 6 (5 x 2 + 2) 
 10) lim
x→0
ax–1 = log a, " a > 0
4 x6 + 2 x4 − 1 x
x →∞
 
1
 ( 3 x − 4 )3 ( 4 x + 3 ) 4  11) lim
x→0 (1 + x ) x = e
2) lim  
( 3x + 2 )
7
x →∞
 
12) lim log (1 + x) = 1
x→0
x
3) lim  x
x →∞ 
( x +1 − x 
 )  xn − an 
lim
13) x →a   = nan–1 for a > 0
 ( 2 x − 1)20 ( 3 x − 1)30   x − a 
4) lim  
( 2 x + 1)
50
x →∞
   ex −1 
lim
14) x→0   =1
 x2 + 5 − x2 − 3   x 
5) lim  
x →∞
 x 2 + 3 − x 2 + 1  1
15) lim   =0
x→∞  x 

157
  k   3 cos x + cos 3 x 
16) lim  p  = 0 for k, p ∈ R and p > 0
lim  =
x→∞
x  7) π
x→  ( 2 x − π )3 
2

1 3 1 1 1
A) B) C) – D)
17) As x → 0,  x  → ∞ 2 2 2 4
 
x  15 x − 3x − 5 x + 1 
18) lim  a  = 0, if a < b 8) lim  =
x→∞   sin 2 x
x→ 0
b  
A) log 15 B) log 3 + log 5
C) log [Link] 5 D) 3 log 5
MISCELLANEOUS EXERCISE - 7
1
 3 + 5x  x
I) Select the correct answer from the given 9) lim 
x→ 0 3 − 4 x
 =
alternatives.  
A) e3 B) e6 C) e9 D) e–3
 x 4 −16 
1) lim  2
x→2 x − 5 x + 6
=
   log(5 + x) − log(5 − x) 
10) lim  =
A) 23 B) 32 C) –32 D) –16 x→ 0
 sin x 
3 5 1 2
 x 7 + 128  A)
2
B) –
2
C) –
2
D)
5
2) lim  3 =
x →−2
 x +8 
 
56 112 121 28  3cos x −1 
A) B) C) D)
3 3 3 3 11) x → π  π
lim =
2  −x 
   2 
1 1 π
3) lim  2 + 2 = A) 1 B) log 3 C) 3 2 D) 3 log 3
x →3 x − 11x + 24 x − x−6 


A) −
2 2 7
D) −
7  [Link] (1 + 3 x) 
25
B)
25
C)
25 25 12) lim  3x =
 (e −1) 
x→ 0 2

 x + 4 −3  1 1 1 1
A) 9 B) 3 C) D)
lim  = e e 9 3
4) x →5  3 x − 11 − 2 
 
−2 2 5 2  (3sin x −1)3 
A)
9
B)
7
C)
9
D)
9 13) x→ 0  (3x −1) ⋅ tan x ⋅ log(1 + x)  =
lim
 
A) 3 log 3 B) 2 log 3
 tan 2 x − 3 
5) lim  = C) (log 3)2 D) (log 3)3
x →  sec x − 8 
π 3
3

1 1 1  5 x −3 − 4 x −3 
A) 1 B)
2
C)
3
D)
4 14) x → 3  sin( x − 3)  =
lim
 
5
 5 sin x − x cos x  A) log 5 – 4 B) log
=
lim  4
6) x →0 x − x 2
 2 tan 3  log 5 log 5
C) D)
A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 log 4 4

158
  (2 x + 3)7 ( x − 5)3   log x − log 2 
15) x → ∞ 
lim = 12) lim 
x−2 
 (2 x − 5)10  x→2

3 1 1 1
A) B) C) D)  ab x − a x b 
8 8 6 4 13) lim  2 
x →1
 x −1 
II) Evaluate the following.  ( ) 
2
5x − 1
 (1 − x ) − 1 
5 14) lim  x 
x →0  ( 2 − 1)log (1 + x ) 
1) lim    
 (1 − x ) − 1 
x →0 3

 ( 2 x + 1)2 ( 7 x − 3)3 
lim [ x ] ([*] is a greatest integer function.) 15) lim  
2)
(5x + 2)
5
x →0
x →∞
 

 f (r + h) − f (r )   x cos a − a cos x 
3) If f(r) = πr2 then find lim   16) lim
h →0
 h  x→a  x−a 

 x 
lim  2 lim  (sin x − cos x) 
2
4)
x →0
 x + x  17) x→ 
π 
4  2 − sin x − cos x 

5) Find the limit of the function, if it exists,

at x = 1  22 x − 2 − 2 x + 1 
18) lim  
 sin ( x − 1) 
2
x→1
7 − 4 x for x <1
f(x) = 
 x + 2 for
2
x ≥1  4 x −1 − 2 x + 1 
19) lim  
 ( x − 1) 
x→1 2

6) Given that 7x ≤ f(x) ≤ 3x2 – 6 for all x.

Determine the value of lim f ( x )  
x →3 20) lim  x − 1 
 log x 
x→1

 secx 2 −1 
7) lim  
 x
x →0 4
  1− cos x 
21) lim
x→0  
 x
 e x + e− x − 2   
8) lim  
x →0
 [Link]  22) lim x 3x 2 5 x3 (2n 1) x n n 2
x→1
x 1
 x (6 x − 3 x ) 
9) lim  
x →0 cos ( 6 x ) − cos( 4 x )
  23) lim
x→0

 a3 x − a 2 x − a x + 1
10) lim    1   x2   x4   x2   x 4   
x →0
 [Link]   12 1 − cos   − cos   + cos   cos    
 x   2   4   2   4   
 sinx − sina  4 x +3
11) lim 
x→a
 x − a  24) lim
 8 x 2 + 5 x + 3  8 x −1
x→∞  
 2x − 7x − 5 
2

v v v
159