DP Math AA · HL / SL · Calculus

SL 5.1—Introduction of differential calculus

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Notes Quiz

What is a Limit?

Limit: A limit describes the value that a function approaches as the input gets closer and closer to a particular value , without necessarily reaching it. We write: limx→a​f(x)=L which reads "the limit of f(x) as x approaches a equals L".

Limits are the foundation on which all of calculus is built. They allow us to talk precisely about the behaviour of a function near a point, even if the function is undefined at that exact point.

Analogy

Imagine walking towards a wall. A limit describes how close you get to the wall , it doesn't matter whether you actually touch it. The limit is about the journey, not the destination.

Warning

The limit of a function as x approaches a point is not the same as the function's value at that point. We only care about what the function approaches , not what happens exactly at that point.

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