

Problem 1 is a typical case in which factoring helps out. Let’s see how these techniques might be used in the following examples. Usually, you have to simplify the expression in some way and then plug in the x-value.

When graphs are not given, it can be tricky to find limits. For example, in the graph below, the limit exists at x = 3 even though the function has a hole in the graph at that point. It’s important to realize that the limit value does not depend on the actual value of f( a). This notation means: “The y-value of f( x) approaches L as x approaches a. We use the following notations for a limit: What is a limit anyway? In simple terms, a limit for a function is a particular y-value that the function approaches as x is allowed to approach a specified value. Much more can be said about limits and continuity in general. Keep in mind this is just a short review.
LIMITS IN CALCULUS BC HOW TO
We’ll also see the “three-part” definition for continuity and how to use it. In this article, we’ll discuss a few different techniques for finding limits. You must also understand how and when to use each formula.įurthermore, there are tons of more specialized formulas that didn’t make it to this list.Limits and continuity are topics that show up frequently on both the AP Calculus AB and BC exams. Memorizing a list of formulas will not guarantee you a high score on the exam.

This list provides just the foundation for your study.
LIMITS IN CALCULUS BC SERIES
Below are some common Maclaurin series that are worth memorizing. If a function f is differentiable to all orders, then you can build its Taylor series centered at c as follows.Ī Taylor series centered at c = 0 is called a Maclaurin series. Just as in the ratio test, if the limit is > 1, then the series diverges. However, if the limit is > 1, then the series diverges. And in that case, the error bound for the nth partial sum is | a n+1|. If the series is alternating (i.e., the terms alternate in sign forever), then the series converges if and only if a n → 0 as n → ∞. The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) states that if a function f is continuous on a closed interval, and if L is any number between f( a) and f( b), then there must be a value x = c where a 1 and diverges if p ≤ 1. Instead, each limit problem may require different algebraic or trigonometric “tricks.” However, it helps to know L’Hospital’s Rule:Ī function f is continuous at a point x = a if: There are not a lot of formulas for computing limits.
LIMITS IN CALCULUS BC PLUS
Moreover, if you plan to take the Calculus BC exam, then you will have to know every formula that could show up on the AB exam, plus a whole slew of additional formulas and concepts that are specific to the BC exam. There are a number of basic formulas from calculus that you need to memorize for the exam. Once you have mastered those fundamental topics of mathematics, you can then build your expertise in calculus. For a quick review check out the following helpful articles. The Basic Formulasįirst and foremost, you must be you must know arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry inside-out. The tallest skyscrapers require a solid foundation in order to stand.
