Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

11 Zest for Progress

Z Peal of artnership

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 - Module 2:
Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic, and
Trigonometric Functions

Name of Learner: ___________________________

Grade & Section: ___________________________
Name of School: ___________________________
 What I Need to Know
The module contains only one lesson:
• Lesson 2 - Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic, and Trigonometric Functions

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions using

tables of values and graphs of the functions.
2. illustrate limits involving the expressions and using tables of values.

What I Know
Directions: Read the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which represents b in an exponential function of the form f(x) = bx?

A. b = any real number such that b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
B. b = any real number such that b < 0 and b ≠ 1.
C. b = any real number such that b ≠ 0 and b > 1.
D. b = any real number such that b ≠ 0 and b < 1.

2. What methods will be used in computing the limits of exponential functions?

A. Diagrams and Equations
B. Graphs and Equations
C. Ordered Pairs and Diagrams
D. Table of Values and Graphs

3. What is the limit of lim 4𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →+∞
A. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

4. What is the limit of lim 5𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →−∞
A. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

1
 1 𝑥𝑥
5. What is the limit of lim �4� ?
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞
6. What is the limit of lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙6 x?
𝑥𝑥 →0
A. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

7. What is the logarithmic form of 42 = 16?

A. log216 = 4
B. log42 = 16
C. log416 = 2
D. log24 = 16

8. What is the limit of lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →−∞
A. -∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

9. What is the limit on the given Table of Values?

X -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
f(x) 0.13534 0.367879 1 2.71828 7.38906 20.08554 54.5982 148.4132

A. -∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

10. What is the limit on the given Table of Values?

X 2 1 0 -1 -3 -5 -7 -9
f(x) 4 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.03125 0.00781 0.00195

A. -∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

2
 What’s In

Activity 1: Fill Me In
This activity will give you an opportunity to review the past lesson.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with your correct answer. Write your answer on the space
provided.

-1 0 2 4 5 6

1. lim 𝑥𝑥 + 2 = _______
𝑥𝑥→4
2. lim 𝑥𝑥 − 3 = _______
𝑥𝑥→2
3. lim 𝑥𝑥 + 4 = _______
𝑥𝑥→1
4. lim 𝑥𝑥 2 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 3 = __________
𝑥𝑥→3
𝑥𝑥 2 −4𝑥𝑥+3
5. lim 𝑥𝑥−3
= ___________
𝑥𝑥→3

What’s New
Activity 2. Match Me
Directions: Match Column A with Column B by writing the letter of your correct answer
before the number.

Column A Column B

________1. lim 4𝑥𝑥 = +∞ a. Limit of Exponential Function

𝑥𝑥 →+∞
b. Limit of Natural Exponential
sin 𝑡𝑡
________2. lim =1 Function
𝑡𝑡 →0 𝑡𝑡

c. Limit of Logarithmic Function

________3. lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
d. Limit of Trigonometric
Function
3 𝑥𝑥
________4. lim �4� = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

________5. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙2 x = +∞.

𝑥𝑥 →+∞

3
 What is it
Limits of Exponential, Logarithmic, and Trigonometric Functions

Limits of Exponential Functions

An exponential function is a function in which the exponent of the expression is a
variable. It is of the form
f(x) = bx
where: b = any real number such that b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
x = any real number
The limits of exponential functions can be computed by using a table of values and
graphs.

Example 1. Consider the exponential function.

f(x) = 2x
Compute lim 2𝑥𝑥 using a table of values and a graph.
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

Solution:
a. Construct a table of values. Since x → +∞, let x take on the
number -3, -1, 0, 1, 3, 5, and so on.

x -3 -1 0 1 3 5 7 9
f(x) 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512

The graph passes through point (0, 1). The graph increases without bound as x
approaches positive infinity. Notice that in the table of values, as the value of x increases,
the value of f(x) increases too. This means as x → +∞, 2x approaches +∞.
lim 2𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

4
 1 𝑥𝑥
Example 2. Find lim �2� using a table of values and a graph.
𝑥𝑥→∞
Solution:
Let x take on the values -2, -1, 0, 1, 3, 5, and so on. Then, for each x, find the
corresponding values of f(x).

x -2 -1 0 1 3 5 7 9
f(x) 4 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.03125 0.00781 0.00195

The graph passes through point (0, 1). The graph is asymptotic to the x-axis as x
approaches positive infinity. It can be seen in the table as well as in the graph that x →
1 𝑥𝑥
+∞, the function f(x) = �2� approaches 0.

1 𝑥𝑥
lim �2� = 0
𝑥𝑥→∞

Example 3. Find lim 2𝑥𝑥 using a table of values and a graph.

𝑥𝑥 →−∞
Solution:
Let x take on the values 2, 1, 0, -1, and so on. These numbers are decreasing in
values. Then, for each x find the corresponding value of f(x).
x 2 1 0 -1 -3 -5 -7 -9
f(x) 4 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.03125 0.00781 0.00195

The graph passes through point (0, 1). It is asymptotic to the x-axis as x approaches
negative infinity. The table of values and the graph show that x approaches negative
infinity, the function approaches 0.
lim 2𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

5
 1 𝑥𝑥
Example 4. Find lim �2� using table of values and a graph.
𝑥𝑥→−∞
Solution:
Since x → −∞, let x take on values that are approaching negative infinity such as 3,
2, 1, 0, -1, -3, and so on. Then, for each x compute the corresponding value of f(x).

x 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -7 -9 -11
f(x) 0.125 0.25 0.5 1 2 4 8 128 512 2048

The graph passes through the point (0, 1). The graph increases without bound as x
approaches negative infinity. In the table of values, as the value of x decreases, the value
of f(x) increases. This means that as x → −∞, the function approaches positive infinity.
1 𝑥𝑥
lim � � = +∞
𝑥𝑥→−∞ 2

Summary:

1. If b > 1
a. lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

b. lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

2. If 0 < b < 1
a. lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

b. lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

6
The Natural Exponential Function
The exponential function with base e is frequently used in advanced mathematics.
The natural exponential function is f(x) = ex where e = 2.718281828…
The limit of a natural exponential function can be determined by using table of
values and graphs.

Example 5. Find lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 by using a table of values and by sketching the graph of f(x) =
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
ex.

Solution:
Construct a table of values similar to the table below.

x -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
f(x) 0.13534 0.367879 1 2.71828 7.38906 20.08554 54.5982 148.4132

Notice that as the value of x increases, the corresponding value of f(x) rapidly
increases. In the graph, the value of x increases without bound.
lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

Summary:

1. lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

2. lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

3. lim 𝑒𝑒 −𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

4. lim 𝑒𝑒 −𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →−∞

7
Limits of Logarithmic Functions
Exponential Functions of the form y = f(x) = bx were graphed in the previous lesson.
The inverse of y = bx which is x = by is also a function. For b > 0 and b ≠ 1, the logarithmic
function y = log b x is equivalent to x = by.

Example 6. Express the following in logarithmic form.

1. 82 = 64
2. 36 = 62
1
3. 252 = 5
Solution:
1. log864 = 2
2. log636 = 2
1
3. log255 = 2

Example 7. Find lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙2 x by using a table of values and by sketching the graph of
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
f(x) = log2x

Solution:
Remember that y = log2x is equivalent to x = 2y. To construct a table of values for
y = log2x, use x = 2y. Choose values for y and calculate the corresponding value of x.
Let y take on the values -3, -1, 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and so on. Compute the corresponding
value of y for each value of x.

x 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128 512 2048

f(x) -3 -1 0 1 3 5 7 9 11

The values of x are increasing rapidly. The values of y are also increasing, although
slowly. Although slowly, y will also approach infinity. This can be seen in the graph.
Hence, lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙2 x = +∞.
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

8
Example 8. Find the limits of the following.
1. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙3 x
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

2. lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙3 x
𝑥𝑥 →0

3. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 4x
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
Solution:
1. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙3 x = + ∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

2. lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙3 x = -∞
𝑥𝑥 →0

3. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 4x = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞

Summary:

1. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 x = + ∞; b > 0

𝑥𝑥 →+∞

2. lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 x = -∞; b > 0

𝑥𝑥 →0

3. lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 (x) = +∞

𝑥𝑥 →+∞

4. lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 (x) = -∞

𝑥𝑥 →0

Limit of Trigonometric Functions

sin(𝑡𝑡)
Example 9. Find the limit of 𝑡𝑡
as t approaches 0.

Solution:
sin 𝑡𝑡
lim 𝑡𝑡
𝑡𝑡 →0
Construct tables of values. The value of t should be in radians.

t(radians) -1.5 -0.8 -0.5 -0.2 -0.08 -0.03 -0.01 -0.001

sin(𝑡𝑡)
𝑡𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999

t(radians) 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.2 0.08 0.03 0.01 0.001

sin(𝑡𝑡)
𝑡𝑡 0.664997 0.896695 0.958851 0.993347 0.998934 0.999850 0.999983 0.999999

Take note:
180
radian = 𝜋𝜋

9
Computations:
1800
When t = 1.5, sin�1.5 × � ÷ 1.5 = 0.664997
𝜋𝜋
1800
When t = 0.8, sin�0.8 × � ÷ 0.8 = 0.896695
𝜋𝜋
1800
When t = 0.5, sin�0.5 × � ÷ 0.5 = 0.958851
𝜋𝜋
sin 𝑡𝑡
Follow this procedure for the other values of 𝑡𝑡
.
sin 𝑡𝑡
The sketch of the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑡𝑡
is shown below.

It can be observed from the table of values that

sin 𝑡𝑡
lim 𝑡𝑡
= 1.
𝑡𝑡 →0

1−cos 𝑡𝑡
Example 10. Find the limit lim 𝑡𝑡
.
𝑡𝑡 →0

Solution:
Construct tables of values. The value of t should be in radians.

t(radians) -1.5 -0.5 -0.2 -0.08 -0.03 -0.01 -0.001

1 − cos 𝑡𝑡
𝑡𝑡 - -0.244835 -0.099667 -0.039979 -0.014999 -0.005 -0.0005
0.619508

t(radians) 1.5 0.5 0.2 0.08 0.03 0.01 0.001

1 − cos 𝑡𝑡
𝑡𝑡 0.619508 0.244835 0.099667 0.039979 0.014999 0.005 0.0005
Computations:
180
When t = 1.5 �1 − cos �1.5 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 1.5 = 0.619508
180
When t = 0.5 �1 − cos �0.5 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.5 = 0.244835
180
When t = 0.2 �1 − cos �0.2 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.2 = 0.099667
180
When t = 0.08 �1 − cos �0.08 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.08 = 0.039979
180
When t = 0.03 �1 − cos �0.03 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.03 = 0.014999
180
When t = 0.01 �1 − cos �0.01 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.01 = 0.005
180
When t = 0.001 �1 − cos �0.001 × 𝜋𝜋
�� ÷ 0.001 = 0.0005
It can be observed from the table of values above that as the values of t
approaches zero, the values of 1−cos
𝑡𝑡
𝑡𝑡
also approach zero. This means that the limit of 1−cos 𝑡𝑡
𝑡𝑡
is zero as t → 0.
1−cos 𝑡𝑡
lim 𝑡𝑡
= 0.
𝑡𝑡 →0

10
 What’s More
Activity 3: Evaluate Me
Directions: Evaluate the limit using a table of values.

𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 −1
1. lim 𝑡𝑡
𝑥𝑥→0

x(radians) -1.0 -0.5 -0.1 -0.01 -0.001 -0.0001

𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 − 1 0.632120

𝑡𝑡

x(radians) 1.0 0.5 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001

𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 − 1
𝑡𝑡
𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 −1
lim 𝑡𝑡
= ___
𝑥𝑥→0

What I Have Learned

Activity 4: Check Me if I’m Right
Directions: Read the statement and answer what is asked. Put a check ✔ mark if the
statement is correct and put an X if the statement is wrong.
Limits of Exponential Functions:
If b > 1 If 0 < b < 1
𝑥𝑥
_______1) lim 𝑏𝑏 = +∞ __________3) lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = 1
𝑥𝑥 →+∞ 𝑥𝑥 →+∞
_______2) lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = 0 ________4) lim 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →−∞ 𝑥𝑥 →−∞
Limits of Natural Exponential Functions:
________5) lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = +∞
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
___________6) lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 = 0
𝑥𝑥 →−∞
Limits of Logarithmic Functions:
________7) lim 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 x = 0; b > 0
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
________8) lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 x = -∞;b >0
𝑥𝑥 →0
Limits of Trigonometric Functions:
sin 𝑡𝑡
________9)lim 𝑡𝑡
=0
𝑡𝑡 →0

1−cos 𝑡𝑡
_______10) lim 𝑡𝑡
=1
𝑡𝑡 →0

11
 What I Can Do
Activity 5: Construct Me
Directions: Refer to the given limit:
lim 3𝑥𝑥
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
Construct the following:
a. construct a table of values.
b. graph the function.
c. find the indicated limits.

Assessment
Directions: Read the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which represents b in an exponential function of the form f(x) = bx?

A. b = any real number such that b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
B. b = any real number such that b < 0 and b ≠ 1.
C. b = any real number such that b ≠ 0 and b > 1.
D. b = any real number such that b ≠ 0 and b < 1.

2. What methods will be used in computing the limits of exponential functions?

A. Diagrams and Equations
B. Graphs and Equations
C. Ordered Pairs and Diagrams
D. Table of Values and Graphs

3. What is the limit of lim 9𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →+∞

𝐴𝐴. −∞
𝐵𝐵. 0
𝐶𝐶. 1
D.+∞

4. What is the limit of lim 6𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →−∞
𝐴𝐴. −∞
𝐵𝐵. 0
𝐶𝐶. 1
D. +∞
1 𝑥𝑥
5. What is the limit of lim �5� ?
𝑥𝑥 →+∞
𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

13
 6. What is the limit of lim+ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙8 x?
𝑥𝑥 →0
𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

7. What is the logarithmic form of 82 = 64?

A. log264 = 8
B. log82 = 64
C. log864 = 2
D. log28 = 64

8. What is the limit of lim 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 ?

𝑥𝑥 →∞
𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

9. What is the limit on the given Table of Values?

X -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

f(x) 0.13534 0.367879 1 2.71828 7.38906 20.08554 54.5982 148.4132

𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

10. What is the limit on the given Table of Values?

X 2 1 0 -1 -3 -5 -7 -9

f(x) 4 2 1 0.5 0.125 0.03125 0.00781 0.00195

𝐴𝐴. −∞
B. 0
C. 1
D. +∞

14
References
Balmaceda, Jose Maria P., et al. 2016. Teaching Guide for Senior High School. Basic
Calculus. Printed in the Philippines by EC-TEC Commercial, No. 32 St. Louis
Compound 7, Baesa, Quezon City, ectec_com@yahoo.com

Canoy, Sergio R. et. al. 2006. Analytic Geometry and Calculus. Published by Mindanao
State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City

Mercado, Jesus P. and Fernando B. Orines. 2016. Next Century Mathematics - Basic
Calculus. Published and distributed by Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. pp. 42 –
57. 927 Quezon Avenue., Quezon City

Pelias, John Gabriel P. 2016. Basic Calculus. Published by Rex Bookstore

15
 Development Team
Writer: Pede I. Casing
Diplahan National High School

Editor/QA:
Ivy V. Deiparine
Danniel M. Manlang

Reviewer: Gina I. Lihao

EPS in Mathematics

Illustrator:
Layout Artist:
Management Team:

Evelyn F. Importante
OIC-CID Chief EPS

Dr. Jerry C. Bokingkito

OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Dr. Aurelio A. Santisas, CESE

OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Dr. Jeanelyn A. Aleman, CESO VI

OIC-Schools Division Superintendent

16