1. Limits –
For a function
the limit of the function at a point
is the value the function achieves at a point which is very close to
.
Formally,
Let
be a function defined over some interval containing
, except that it
may not be defined at that point.
We say that,
if there is a number
for every number
such that
whenever
The concept of limit is explained graphically in the following image –
As is clear from the above figure, the limit can be approached from either sides of the number line i.e. the limit can be defined in terms of a number less that
or in terms of a number greater than
. Using this criteria there are two types of limits –
Left Hand Limit – If the limit is defined in terms of a number which is less than
then the limit is said to be the left hand limit. It is denoted as
which is equivalent to
where
and
.
Right Hand Limit – If the limit is defined in terms of a number which is greater than
then the limit is said to be the right hand limit. It is denoted as
which is equivalent to
where
and
.
Existence of Limit – The limit of a function
at
exists only when its left hand limit and right hand limit exist and are equal and have a finite value i.e.
Some Common Limits –
L’Hospital Rule –
If the given limit
is of the form
or
i.e. both
and
are 0 or both
and
are
, then the limit can be solved by
L’Hospital Rule.
If the limit is of the form described above, then the L’Hospital Rule says that –
where
and
obtained by differentiating
and
.
If after differentiating, the form still exists, then the rule can be applied continuously until the form is changed.
-
Example 1 – Evaluate
-
Solution – The limit is of the form , Using L’Hospital Rule and differentiating numerator and denominator
-
Example 2 – Evaluate
-
Solution – On multiplying and dividing by and re-writing the limit we get –
2. Continuity –
A function is said to be continuous over a range if it’s graph is a single unbroken curve.
Formally,
A real valued function is said to be continuous at a point in the domain if –
exists and is equal to .
If a function is continuous at then-
Functions that are not continuous are said to be discontinuous.
-
Example 1 – For what value of is the function defined by
continuous at ?
-
Solution – For the function to be continuous the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function at that point must be equal.
Value of function at
Right hand limit-
RHL equals value of function at 0-
-
Example 2 – Find all points of discontinuity of the function defined by –
.
-
Solution – The possible points of discontinuity are since the sign of the modulus changes at these points.
For continuity at ,
LHL-
RHL
Value of at ,
Since LHL = RHL = , the function is continuous at
For continuity at ,
LHL-
RHL
Value of at ,
Since LHL = RHL = , the function is continuous at
So, there is no point of discontinuity.
3. Differentiability –
The derivative of a real valued function wrt is the function and is defined as –
A function is said to be differentiable if the derivative of the function exists at all points of its domain. For checking the differentiability of a function at point ,
must exist.
If a function is differentiable at a point, then it is also continuous at that point.
Note – If a function is continuous at a point does not imply that the function is also differentiable at that point. For example, is continuous at but it is not differentiable at that point.
GATE CS Corner Questions
Practicing the following questions will help you test your knowledge. All questions have been asked in GATE in previous years or in GATE Mock Tests. It is highly recommended that you practice them.
1. GATE CS 2013, Question 22
2. GATE CS 2010, Question 5
3. GATE CS 2008, Question 1
4. GATE CS 2007, Question 1
5. GATE CS 2015 Set-1, Question 14
6. GATE CS 2015 Set-3, Question 19
7. GATE CS 2016 Set-1, Question 13
8. GATE CS 1998, Question 4
References-
Continuity – Wikipedia
Limits – Wikipedia
Differentiability – Wikipedia