What is a limit? Limits are the fundamental basics of calculus. They distinguish calculus from algebra and trigonometry.

The limit of a function is the value the function is attempting to reach, regardless of whether or not it actually does. Therefore, the limit of a function at a point, and the value of the function at that point do not have to be equal. Estimating Limits from Graphs or Tables of Data On a graph of a function, a limit can be estimated by looking at where the function approaches on the certain point. So if a function is approaching 3 from both sides where x=2, then the limit where x=2 is 3. Three Methods of Evaluating Limits Analytically The first method of evaluating a limit is by substitution. Substitution is simply plugging in the x into the limit. The second method of evaluating a limit is by graphing. The graph can be used to find the value the function is approaching at a point. The third method of evaluating a limit is by simplifying. This is used when the limit is zero over zero when plugged in, some sort of algebraic simplification is required. When does a limit fail to exist? A limit fails to exist when both the left and right handed limits do not equal each other. On a graph, this is perceived as the y approached from the left will not be the same from the right. What is a one-side limit? A one sided limit is a limit from one side. There are two types of one sided limits and those are left handed limits and right handed limits.

Asymptotic and Unbounded Behavior Asymptotes are examples of unbounded behavior. There are two types of asymptotes, vertical and horizontal. Vertical is where there is a x that is being approached but will never be reached and horizontal is where there is a y that is being approached but will never be reached. Tricky Trig Limit Formulas

When is a function continuous at a point x = a ? A function is continuous when the limit exists and the limit is equal to the actual value of the function at that point. 4 types of discontinuity The four types of discontinuities are jump discontinuities, removable discontinuities, infinite discontinuities, and oscillating. Jump discontinuity is when the one sided limits have different values. Removable discontinuity can be fixed by setting the limit to a point. Infinite discontinuity is where the limits go to infinity. Oscillating discontinuity is where the function oscillates and has no limit. How to tell if a piecewise function is continuous? * A piecewise function is continuous if the endpoints on a piece are equal to the endpoints of a different piece. On a graph, it will look like a solid line. Intermediate Value Theorem The intermediate value theorem states that if a function is continuous, the function must pass through every point in between the two intervals.