Limits

This section is currently under construction.

1. How can I guess the value of a limit of a function as x approaches "a" using the calculator?

Answer: We assume that the function is stored in the function variable Y₁. Create a table of values for the function. In the TBLSET menu, select "Ask" for the independent variable, and "Auto" for the dependent variable. Then press [2nd] [TABLE]. In the table, enter values of X which come closer and closer to the value of "a", both from above "a" and below "a". Read the numbers generated in the Y₁ column. The pattern of these numbers should give you a hint (in general) concerning what the value is for the limit of the function.
For example, if the number of leading significant digits which remain constant (from one function value to the next) is increasing as X gets closer to "a", this would be good evidence that the first few such digits will approximate well the limit of f(X).

2. I'm trying to compute limit as x approaches zero of (1+x)^(1/x) but keep getting infinity. I know I am supposed to get e. What is going on?

Answer: You probably left out the parentheses on the 1/x.




Related questions




Q1. How do I set up a function in the TI83?

Q2. How do I create a table of numbers using the Y₁ function?

Q3. How can I see more decimal places for the numbers in a table?

Q4. How can I delete the numbers in a table?

Q5. How do I enter the variable Y₁ onto the home screen?




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