Limits at infinity include both x→∞ and x→−∞. The two limits lead to a maximum of two horizontal asymptotes for a function. Limits of sequences are only very briefly touched upon in this course, but they follow the same ideas.
Oscillation that maintains its amplitude is diverging (limit does not exist). For example
x→∞limsin(x)dne
If a limit at infinity exists, then there is a horizontal asymptote. The function may approach the asymptote from above, approach from below, or oscillate towards it at decreasing amplitudes.
If the limit at (positive) infinity exists, the function (or sequence) converges, else it diverges.
Limit rules
Some common and useful properties of limits.
x→alimf(x)f(x)g(x)=x→alimg(x)
x→alimkg(x)=kx→alimg(x)
For continuous function f, and finite g(x)
x→alimf(x)=f(a)
x→alimf(g(x))=f(x→alimg(x))
Operations are not defined or available for undefined. This means you can splits a single limit only into a sum or product, L of two finite limits. You cannot break into limits involving undefined or indeterminate forms.
A function f(x) is continuous at x=x0 if and only if
x→x0limf(x)=f(x0)
Since real numbers are continuous, it is more interesting to see types of discontinuity.
vertical asymptotes
Vertical asymptotes are also known as infinite discontinuities, arising from the fact that ±∞ are not real numbers.
jump discontinuity
Here, the two one-sided limits converge to different values, meaning that x→x0limf(x) is not defined, even though f(x) may be defined.
removable discontinuity
In this case, f(x0) is defined at a different point than x→x0limf(x). The discontinuity can be taken out by simply redefining f(x0) to match the limit.
Differentiability
A continuous function is differentiable at x=x0 if and only if
h→0limhf(x+h)−f(x)=f′(x)
is defined at x=x0.
Not differentiable means either the two one-side limits do not approach the same number (eg x=0 on x↦∣x∣) or a vertical tangent (eg x=0 on x↦x31 using the real-valued root).
Since h→0lim3x2, h→0lim3hx, h→0limh2 are all finite, the single limit can be split into three limits.
L=h→0lim3x2+h→0lim3hx+h→0limh2=3x2+0+0=3x2■
The fact that 3x2 is continuous was also implicitly used.
Final remarks
You do not have to prove a function is continuous or differentiable. You only have to identify discontinuities, make piecewise functions continuous (and possibly differentiable), and differentiate polynomials from first principles.