Functions, Graphs, and Limits Examples

Becky has been planning her Florida vacay for months. The only thing left on her to-do list is to find a new bathing suit. She is cruising the web to find the perfect one. Eventually, she gives up...

Vertical asymptotes most frequently show up in rational functions. When a rational function f(x) has a non-zero constant in the numerator and an expression with a variable in the denominator, the f...

Both vertical asymptotes and holes are places where the curve never quite touches. Holes occur at places where the limit of the function exists but the function itself does not. These correspond to...

When we find the limit of a function f(x) as x goes to infinity, we're answering the question "What value is f(x) approaching as x gets bigger and bigger and bigger...?''A rockin' example of this i...

Sometimes when a function has a horizontal asymptote, we can see what it should be. Sample ProblemLet f(x) = 4-x. Then as x approaches ∞ the function f approaches 0, there is a horizontal asympto...

We now have enough tools to draw some complicated functions from scratch. Now we know how graphing calculators do it, and why they require the energy of four triple-A's.When drawing a rational func...

In the world of horse races, power functions like 2x will always grow faster than plain old polynomials, no matter how high the degree of the polynomial. By "grow faster'' we mean that if we go far...

Who wins when we compare polynomials and logarithmic functions? Look at a picture.Eventually, after not too long, the polynomial will pull ahead of the logarithmic function. This makes sense, becau...

Basic Property 1If c is a real number, then Think of this as taking the limit of the constant function f(x) = c. No matter what we plug in for x, we get c as the output. If we made a tablexf(x)x1cx...

If  ,then  .This rule is often written .We say that we're "pulling out'' the constant c from the limit.Sample ProblemFor example,and .Be Careful: This rule is only valid if is a...

Limits can be added and subtracted, but only when those limits exist.Adding and Subtracting Property 1If a is a real number and bothand exist, thenIn words, as long as the limits that are added bot...

Multiplication PropertyAs long as both and exist,In words, the limit of a product is the product of the limits, as long as the limits involved exist.Assume Then Assume ThenAssume Then Using...

Power PropertyIf  exists, and p is any real number,Sample ProblemIf   then