Calculate Logo
Calculate

Limit Calculator

Calculate limits of functions with steps. Supports one-sided limits and undefined forms.

Our Limit Calculator evaluates the behavior of a function as input approaches a specific value. It handles standard limits, indeterminate forms (0/0, ∞/∞), and limits at infinity.

Perfect for calculus students learning continuity, asymptotic behavior, and L'Hôpital's Rule.

Enter Function & Limit Point

x →
Examples:

Graph Visualization

Calculated Limit

limx1x21x1=2\lim_{x \to 1} \frac{x^2-1}{x-1} = 2
Advertisement

What is Limit Calculator?

A **Limit** describes the value that a function (or sequence) approaches as the input (or index) approaches some value. Limits are essential to calculus and are used to define continuity, derivatives, and integrals.

limxaf(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L

This means that as xx gets closer and closer to aa,f(x)f(x) gets closer and closer to LL.

Formula & Calculation

Key Limit Rules

  • Sum Rulelim(f+g)=limf+limg\lim (f + g) = \lim f + \lim g
  • Product Rulelim(fg)=limflimg\lim (f \cdot g) = \lim f \cdot \lim g
  • Quotient Rulelim(f/g)=limf/limg\lim (f / g) = \lim f / \lim g
  • L'Hôpital's RuleFor 0/0 or ∞/∞, take derivative of top and bottom.

Example Calculation

Classic Limit Example

Find the limit of sinxx\frac{\sin x}{x} as x approaches 0.

Direct substitution gives 0/0. Using geometric proof or L'Hôpital's Rule:

limx0sinxx=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the limit is 0/0?

This is an "indeterminate form". You cannot say the limit is 0, 1, or undefined yet. You must simplify the expression (factor, conjugate) or use L'Hôpital's Rule.

What is a one-sided limit?

Sometimes a function behaves differently depending on whether you approach from the left (values smaller than a) or the right (values larger than a). If left and right limits don't match, the limit does not exist.

Does the function need to be defined at the point?

No! Limits tell us about the behavior *near* the point, not *at* the point. A function can have a hole at x=a but still have a limit there.