All Flashcards
What does the Squeeze Theorem state?
If for all x near a, and , then .
What does the Intermediate Value Theorem state?
If f is continuous on [a, b], then for any value N between f(a) and f(b), there exists a c in (a, b) such that f(c) = N.
What does the Extreme Value Theorem state?
If f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], then f has both a maximum and a minimum value on that interval.
What does L'Hôpital's Rule state?
If and (or both approach infinity), and if and exist, then .
How can the Squeeze Theorem be used to find limits?
If you can bound a function between two other functions that have the same limit, then the function in the middle must also have the same limit.
How is the Intermediate Value Theorem used?
To show that a continuous function takes on a specific value within a given interval.
How is the Extreme Value Theorem used?
To guarantee the existence of maximum and minimum values for a continuous function on a closed interval.
When can L'Hopital's Rule be applied?
When evaluating limits that result in indeterminate forms such as 0/0 or ∞/∞.
What is the Constant Multiple Rule for Limits?
The limit of a constant times a function is the constant times the limit of the function:
What is the Sum/Difference Rule for Limits?
The limit of a sum (or difference) is the sum (or difference) of the limits:
Explain how to find a limit from a graph.
Look at the y-value the graph approaches as x approaches a certain value. The limit is what y is heading toward, not necessarily the value at that point.
Explain how to estimate a limit from a table.
Analyze the trend of y-values as x-values get closer to a specific point. Look for patterns and the value y is approaching.
Explain how algebraic properties are used to determine limits.
Use limit laws to break down complex functions into simpler ones. Limits work well with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Consider composite functions.
Explain how algebraic manipulation is used to determine limits.
Manipulate the function to eliminate indeterminate forms (like 0/0). Use conjugates, L'Hôpital's rule, or simplifying rational functions.
When should you use a visual representation to find a limit?
When you are given a graph. Scan the graph to see what y-value the function approaches as x approaches a certain value.
When should you use a table to find a limit?
When you are given a table of x and y values. Look for patterns and see where the y-values are heading as the x-values approach a specific point.
When should you use algebraic properties to find a limit?
When you see basic limit theorems (sums, differences, products, quotients) or composite functions. Break down the problem into simpler parts.
When should you use algebraic manipulation to find a limit?
When you have complex functions that need simplification. Think conjugates, L'Hôpital's Rule, or simplifying rational functions.
Explain the concept of the Squeeze Theorem.
If a function is bounded above and below by two other functions that have the same limit at a certain point, then the function in the middle must also have the same limit at that point.
Explain why it's important to check for indeterminate forms before applying L'Hopital's Rule.
L'Hopital's Rule can only be applied to indeterminate forms (0/0 or ∞/∞). Applying it to other forms will lead to incorrect results.
Define a Limit.
The value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain value.
What is an indeterminate form?
An expression whose limit cannot be evaluated directly (e.g., 0/0, ∞/∞).
Define L'Hôpital's Rule.
A method to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms by taking the derivative of the numerator and denominator.
What is the Squeeze Theorem?
If and , then .
Define Continuity.
A function is continuous at a point if the limit exists at that point, the function is defined at that point, and the limit equals the function value.
What is a rational function?
A function that can be expressed as the quotient of two polynomials.
Define a composite function.
A function that is formed by combining two functions, where the output of one function becomes the input of the other.
What is meant by algebraic manipulation?
The process of rewriting an expression using algebraic rules to simplify it or transform it into a more useful form.
What is a conjugate?
An expression formed by changing the sign between two terms in a binomial, often used to rationalize denominators.
What does it mean for a limit to 'not exist'?
The function does not approach a specific value as x approaches a certain point, or the left-hand limit and right-hand limit are not equal.