Physics I / Limits and continuity
Practice question · Multiple choice

A function can have a limit of 5 at x=2x = 2 while f(2)=9f(2) = 9, or while f(2)f(2) does not exist at all. What does that show about what a limit measures?

Hints
  1. Look at which xx-values the definition actually uses.
  2. Ask what the difference quotient equals exactly at h=0h = 0.
Show the answer

C. That it describes what the function APPROACHES, not its value

Why

Deliberately ignoring the point is the whole design. Without it the derivative could not be defined, because the difference quotient is undefined precisely where the derivative is being taken.

Read the lesson: Limits and continuity →

Practise Limits and continuity

The app has 8 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Physics I is free to start.

More questions on Limits and continuity