Home > Calculus > Determining Limits Graphically

How do you find limits on a graphing calculator?

Answer 1

I am not sure if there is a TI-84 Plus function that directly finds the value of a limit; however, there is a way to approximate it by using a table. Let us approximate the value of the limit

#lim_{x to 1}{sqrt{x+3}-2}/{x-1}#

Step 1: Go to "Y=", then type in the function.

Step 2: Go to "TBL SET" (2nd+WINDOW), then set TblStart=.97 and #Delta#Tbl=.01.

(Note: TblStart is the starting x-value in the table, so put a number slightly smaller that the number x approaches. #Delta#Tbl is the increment value in the x-column, so make it sufficiently small for the precision you need.)

Step 3: Go to "" TABLE (2nd+GRAPH).

As you can see in the table above, the function value (#Y_1#) approaches 0.25 (or 1/4) as x approaches 1; therefore, we conclude that

#lim_{x to 1}{sqrt{x+3}-2}/{x-1}=1/4#

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Answer 2

Aurora Alvarado

To find limits on a graphing calculator, follow these steps:

Enter the function into the calculator.
Press the "Graph" button to plot the function on the graph.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the point on the graph where you want to find the limit.
Press the "Trace" or "Calc" button (depending on your calculator model).
Select the "Limit" option from the menu.
Enter the desired x-value or approach direction for the limit.
The calculator will calculate and display the limit value.

Note: Make sure to check the calculator's manual or guide for specific instructions based on your calculator model.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.