To find the left-hand limit as x approaches a value c (denoted limx→c−f(x)), observe the behavior of the function's curve strictly for input values less than c, moving towards c. If the y-values grow without bound in either the positive or negative direction, the finite real limit does not exist.
Conditions: The function has a vertical asymptote or discontinuity at x=c.; You are evaluating the limit from the left side (inputs strictly less than c).
To find the left-hand limit as x approaches a value c (denoted limx→c−f(x)), observe the behavior of the function's curve strictly for input values less than c, moving towards c. If the y-values grow without bound in either the positive or negative direction, the finite real limit does not exist.
Conditions: The function has a vertical asymptote or discontinuity at x=c.; You are evaluating the limit from the left side (inputs strictly less than c).
A jump discontinuity is identified when the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit at a point exist but are not equal. Because the one-sided limits differ, the two-sided limit does not exist, preventing the function from being continuous at that point.
Conditions: The function is defined on both sides of the point.; The left-hand limit and right-hand limit both exist as finite numbers.; The left-hand limit does not equal the right-hand limit.
A jump discontinuity is identified when the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit at a point exist but are not equal. Because the one-sided limits differ, the two-sided limit does not exist, preventing the function from being continuous at that point.
Conditions: The function is defined on both sides of the point.; The left-hand limit and right-hand limit both exist as finite numbers.; The left-hand limit does not equal the right-hand limit.