What is a limit?

In mathematics, the limit of a function is the value, towards which a function tends, as the independent variable of the given function gets closer and closer to some number. In other words, take our function to be equal to y = f(x), and x tends to x0. We say that the limit of f(x) as x tends to 0 (all possible notations will be given in a real session) is the value of f(x) towards which the function gets closer and closer, as x approaches the value of x0. Note that we don't care about the specific value of the function f(x0), as in the definition for limit, x never really becomes x0. A mathematical way to describe this would be the following: Let f be a defined function over the interval, which includes x = x0. Suppose then, that there exists an e (epsilon) > 0 with a respective dx, such that x0-dx < x0 < x0 + dx correlates with f(x0) - e < f(x0) < f(x0) + e. Then, for any e, there exists such f(x), that abs(f(x) - c) < e where "c" is a constant which is then called the limit of the function f(x) as x approaches x0. (Note that the real session would include graphs and examples to make it easier for the students!)

MS
Answered by Martin S. Maths tutor

3796 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the derivative with respect to x of the function f(x)=1+x^3+ln(x), x>0 ?


Integrate the function f(x) where f(x)= x^2 +sin(x) + sin^2(x)


You're on a game show and have a choice of three boxes, in one box is £10, 000 in the other two are nothing. You pick one box, the host then opens one of the other boxes showing it's empty, should you stick or switch?


When trying to solve inequalities (e.g. 1/(x+2)>x/(x-3)) I keep getting the wrong solutions even though my algebra is correct.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning