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# 2.3: One Sided Limits

Created by: CK-12

This activty is intended to supplement Calculus, Chapter 1, Lesson 6.

ID: 10994

Time required: 15 minutes

## Activity Overview

Students will graph piecewise functions and evaluate both the left hand limit and the right hand limit of the function as $x$ approaches a given number, $c$. The Trace feature will be used to graphically estimate the one sided limit. Students will also use a table of values of each function to numerically verify that the values of the function to left and right of $c$ are approaching the same number.

Topic: Limits

• One Sided Limits

Teacher Preparation and Notes

• Students should already have been introduced to one-sided limits.
• Students should know that a limit exists if and only if the left hand limit and the right hand limit are equal.
• Upgrade the TI-89 Titanium to OS Version 3.10 so that “Discontinuity Detection” can be utilized. On a graph, press $F1$ > Format to turn Discontinuity Detection ON.

Associated Materials

The student worksheet gives key press instructions to set up the window so that their graphs look like the following.

## Problem 1

Before changing the value of $a$, students will graphically estimate the limit of $y1(x)$ as $x$ approaches 1 from the left and the right. Students will also use the table to numerically estimate the value of $a$ that will ensure that the limit of $y1(x)$ as $x$ approaches one exists.

Solutions

$\lim_{x \to 1^-} y1(x) & \approx 1; \\\lim_{x \to 1^+}y1(x) & \approx 5; \\a & \approx 1$

## Problem 2

Problem 1 is repeated for a different function. Before changing the value of $a$, students will graphically estimate the limit of $y2(x)$ as $x$ approaches 1 from the left and the right. Students will also use the table to numerically estimate the value of $a$ that will ensure that the limit of $y2(x)$ as $x$ approaches one exists. Here the algebraic calculations for the left and right hand limits are to be shown.

Solutions

$\lim_{x \to 1^-} \ y2(x) & \approx 3; \lim_{x \to 1^+} \ y2(x) \approx 5; a \approx 3 \\ \lim_{x \to 1^-} \ y2(x) & = 1 + 2 = 3 \\\lim_{x \to 1^+} \ y2(x) & = a \cdot(1^2) = a \\\text{So} \ 1 + 2 & = a \cdot 1^2; \quad \ a = 3$

## Problem 3

Problems 1 and 2 are repeated for a different function. Before changing the value of $a$, students will graphically estimate the limit of $y3(x)$ as $x$ approaches 2 from the left and the right. Students will also use the table to numerically estimate the value of $a$ that will ensure that the limit of $y3(x)$ as $x$ approaches two exists. Here the algebraic calculations for the left and right hand limits are to be shown.

Students should view the table near $x = 2$ instead of 1.

Solutions

$\lim_{x \to 2^-} \ f1(x) & \approx 2; \lim_{x \to 2^+} \ f1(x) \approx 5; a \approx 2; \\2\sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2}(2-1)\right) & = 3 \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2}(2-4)\right) + a; a = 2$

## Extension – Continuity

Students are introduced to the concept of continuity and are asked to prove the functions in Problems 2 and 3 are continuous. They are also instructed how to use CAS to algebraically solve for $a$ that makes the limit exist.

Solutions

Students must show that all three conditions are met in order to satisfy the criteria for continuity.

Feb 23, 2012

Nov 04, 2014