Limits
A one-sided limit follows inputs toward the target from only one side. The minus superscript denotes approach from smaller inputs, rather than the sign of the function value.
Read one-sided limits from a graph: upward divergence on the left of6 and a finite right-hand limit of-3. Includes original explanations of graph estimates, open circles and finite versus infinite-limit notation.
Read one-sided limits directly from a graph. Approaching x=6 from the left, the plotted branch grows without bound; from the right, it approaches the open circle at y=-3. The instructor uses nearby inputs and graphical tracing to distinguish these two behaviors. The lesson also explains why a limit of positive infinity describes divergence rather than a finite real answer: writing no finite limit and using infinite-limit notation express compatible conventions.
Generated from the video's visuals and explanation; not verbatim speech.
To read the left-hand limit at x=6, follow the plotted g(x) only for inputs below6 that get arbitrarily close to6. The question concerns nearby behavior, independently of any value assigned at the target.
The marked inputs2,3,4,5,5.5 and5.75 move toward6 from below. The graph readings are approximate: g(2) is just above1, g(3) is higher, g(4) is below2, g(5) is near3, g(5.5) near5 and g(5.75) near9. They illustrate the growing branch rather than specifying a function equation.
The displayed curve rises without bound as inputs approach6 from below, alongside the vertical dashed line x=6. That one-sided upward divergence identifies the vertical asymptote x=6.
A limit of positive infinity describes eventual growth beyond every finite bound. Infinity is not a finite real number, so this notation must be distinguished from a finite real limit.
The next part retains the same graph. As inputs approach6 from below, the branch still grows without bound alongside x=6.
The source writes not exist because this exercise seeks a finite real limit. The upward divergence may also be described by positive-infinite-limit notation; the two statements use different conventions for the same branch.
Now approach6 from above to examine the right-hand branch. Approaching6 from this side behaves differently from approaching on the left.
Trace the right branch toward6 using inputs8,7 and6.5. Those sample points help locate the limiting height, but this longer traced stretch need not be monotone.
Inputs6.01 and6.0000001 are closer to6 on its right. The curve approaches the open circle at height-3; an open circle does not prevent that one-sided limit.
The right-hand limit is-3. This graph contrasts a finite right-hand limit with upward divergence on the left. A discontinuity alone would not force different one-sided limits; these particular plotted branches do have different behavior.
A one-sided limit follows inputs toward the target from only one side. The minus superscript denotes approach from smaller inputs, rather than the sign of the function value.
Follow function values as the inputs approach the target from the required side. Approximate graph readings help illustrate the trend; a few sample values alone are not a general proof of a limit.
A vertical line x=c is a vertical asymptote when the function tends to positive or negative infinity from at least one side. Mere oscillatory unboundedness need not be a definite infinite limit.
Positive-infinite-limit notation describes function values eventually exceeding every finite bound. It does not assign a finite real limit, so the exercise may record no finite limit for the same branch.
The branches at x=6 have different one-sided behavior. The inequality in this card illustrates the unequal-limit case, rather than a rule for every discontinuity; at a removable hole, both one-sided limits can agree.
The specific left branch grows without bound near x=6, so no finite real limit exists. It may also be described as a positive infinite limit in extended notation.
Approach the target along the specified side of the curve and read the height approached. The graph shown tends to-3 from the right; the point itself need not be filled in.
Explore conditions, steps and evidence. Supplementary explanations are labeled separately from content shown in the video.
The function is labeled as y = g(x) on the graph.
g(x)
The dependent variable representing the output of the function g for a given input x.
Displayed real-input branches; a full algebraic domain is unspecified.
The independent variable is represented by x on the horizontal axis.
x
The independent variable representing the input to the function g.
Real numbers
The limit notation is written as lim_{x -> 6^-} g(x).
lim
The mathematical operator indicating the limit of a function as the input approaches a specific value.
The symbol ∞ is used to denote that the function's value becomes unbounded.
∞
Represents an unbounded increase in the value of the function; not a specific number.
The function is labeled y = g(x) on the graph.
g(x)
The function whose graph is shown.
The displayed domain branches approach x=6 from each side; a full algebraic domain is not provided.
The expression \lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) is written on the screen.
\lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x)
The left-hand limit of g(x) as x approaches 6.
x < 6
The expression \lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) is written on the screen.
\lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x)
The right-hand limit of g(x) as x approaches 6.
x > 6
The text 'not exist' is written in pink next to the left-hand limit expression.
not exist
Indicates that the limit does not have a finite value.
The number -3 is written in green next to the right-hand limit expression.
-3
The finite value that the function approaches from the right side.
The explanation specifies approach toward the target from the left side.
The expression lim_{x -> 6^-} g(x) is written on the screen.
A one-sided limit describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a specific value from only one direction (either from values less than or greater than the target). In this case, it is the limit as x approaches 6 from the left.
x must approach 6 from values strictly less than 6.
The explanation follows nearby plotted inputs and the rising branch near the vertical asymptote.
The graph shows a dashed vertical line at x=6, with the blue curve rising steeply towards positive infinity as it gets closer to the line from the left.
A vertical line x=c is a vertical asymptote when the function tends to positive or negative infinity from at least one side. Mere oscillatory unboundedness need not be a definite infinite limit.
At least one one-sided limit is positive or negative infinity; the sign is definite.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
The expressions \lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) and \lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) are used.
A one-sided limit describes the behavior of a function as the input variable approaches a specific point from only one direction (either from values less than the point or greater than the point).
The domain contains points arbitrarily close to the target from the specified side.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
The graph shows the function increasing without bound as x approaches 6 from the left.
The left branch shown grows without bound as x approaches6 from below, so it has no finite real limit. Under the extended infinite-limit convention this particular upward divergence is written as a limit of +infinity. General unbounded behavior need not have a definite infinite-limit sign.
The stated nonexistence concerns a finite real limit.
A limit of positive infinity describes eventual growth beyond every positive bound; infinity is not a finite real number.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
In the context of standard limits, infinity (∞) is used as descriptive notation for unbounded behavior and does not represent a specific numerical value.
We are working within the standard definition of limits over real numbers.
Universal
The explanation follows nearby plotted inputs and the rising branch near the vertical asymptote.
Pink dots appear sequentially on the graph at x=2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, and 5.75, with horizontal dashed lines projecting their y-values to the y-axis.
Selecting x=2, which is less than 6, and observing the graph shows the y-value is slightly above 1.
Graphical reading
Selecting x=3, the y-value increases further.
Graphical reading
Selecting x=4, the y-value continues to increase, remaining under 2.
Graphical reading
Selecting x=5, the y-value jumps to approximately 3.
Graphical reading
Selecting x=5.5, the y-value increases to around 5.
Graphical reading
Selecting x=5.75, very close to 6, the y-value shoots up to around 9.
Graphical reading
As x gets closer and closer to 6 from the left, the y-values grow without bound, leading to the conclusion that the limit is infinity.
Definition of infinite limits
The displayed branch tends to positive infinity from the left of6. Approximate samples illustrate this plotted behavior; no algebraic function formula or general proof is supplied.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
The cursor traces the blue curve upwards towards positive infinity as it nears the vertical dashed line at x=6 from the left.
Observe the graph of g(x) for x-values less than 6 as they get closer to 6.
Definition of a left-hand limit.
Notice that the y-values of the function increase rapidly and do not settle on any specific finite number.
Visual inspection of the graph's behavior near the vertical asymptote.
Conclude that because the function is unbounded, the left-hand limit does not exist.
Standard convention for limits exhibiting infinite behavior when seeking finite values.
\lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) = \text{not exist}
The explanation traces the right branch toward the open circle and concludes its finite limit.
The cursor moves along the lower part of the graph from right to left, getting closer to the open circle at (6, -3).
Consider x-values greater than 6, such as x=8, x=7, x=6.5, x=6.01, and x=6.0000001.
These values represent approaching 6 from the right side.
Observe the corresponding y-values on the graph for these x-inputs.
Reading the function's output from its graphical representation.
For inputs sufficiently close to6 from the right, function values approach-3. The listed farther sample points need not approach that height monotonically.
Visual trend of the curve approaching the horizontal level y=-3.
Conclude that the right-hand limit is -3.
Definition of a limit based on the function's approach to a specific value.
\lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) = -3
The explanation specifies approach toward the target from the left side.
The graph of y=g(x) is displayed, showing the relevant section near x=6.
Determine the value of \lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) given the graph of y = g(x).
The graph of the function y = g(x).
A vertical dashed line at x = 6 indicating an asymptote.
The curve approaches the asymptote from the left, going upwards.
Evaluate the left-hand limit of g(x) as x approaches 6.
Identify that we need to look at the behavior of the graph for x-values strictly less than 6, moving towards 6.
Definition of left-hand limit
Follow the blue curve from left to right as it gets closer to the vertical line at x=6. The y-values are increasing rapidly.
Visual inspection of the graph
Since the y-values increase without bound as x approaches 6 from the left, the limit is described as infinity.
Definition of infinite limits
\infty
The graphical evidence clearly shows the function growing unboundedly large as it nears the vertical asymptote from the left side.
The graph has a left-side upward vertical asymptote at x=6 and a separate right branch approaching(6,-3).
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
Determine \lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) and \lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) given the graph of y=g(x).
The graph of the function y=g(x).
A vertical dashed line at x=6 indicating an asymptote or discontinuity.
The upper branch of the graph goes to +\infty as x \to 6^-.
The lower branch of the graph approaches the point (6, -3) as x \to 6^+.
Evaluate the left-hand and right-hand limits of g(x) at x=6.
For the left-hand limit, observe the graph as x approaches 6 from values less than 6. The curve shoots upwards indefinitely.
Graphical analysis of the function's behavior to the left of x=6.
Since the function is unbounded, the limit does not exist as a finite number.
Definition of non-existent limits due to infinite behavior.
For inputs sufficiently close to6 from the right, function values approach-3. The listed farther sample points need not approach that height monotonically.
Numerical and graphical analysis of the function's behavior to the right of x=6.
The function approaches the finite value -3 from the right side.
Definition of a limit.
\lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x) = \text{not exist}, \quad \lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) = -3
The results match the visual features of the graph: an upward vertical asymptote on the left and a curve ending at an open circle at y=-3 on the right.
A coordinate plane with a grid, axes labeled from -9 to 9, and a blue curve representing y=g(x). A vertical dashed line is at x=6.
Coordinate axes
Grid lines
Blue curve y=g(x)
Vertical dashed line at x=6
Open circle at (6, -3)
The shape and position of the graph of g(x)
The location of the vertical asymptote at x=6
Provides the visual data necessary to evaluate the limit of the function.
Pink dots appear on the blue curve at x=2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, and 5.75. Horizontal pink dashed lines project these points to the y-axis, showing their approximate y-values.
Pink dots on the curve
Horizontal pink dashed projection lines
Pink dots appear one by one from left to right along the curve as x approaches 6.
Corresponding horizontal lines show the increasing y-values on the y-axis.
The underlying graph of g(x) remains unchanged.
Demonstrates numerically how the function's output grows as the input approaches 6 from the left.
The text 'lim_{x -> 6^-} g(x) =' is handwritten in teal ink on the right side of the screen.
Handwritten text
The limit expression is written step-by-step.
Formalizes the question being asked about the graph's behavior.
The infinity symbol '∞' is handwritten in pink ink next to the limit expression.
Handwritten infinity symbol
The symbol appears to complete the equation.
States the conclusion of the limit evaluation based on the graphical evidence.
The mouse cursor moves up the blue curve on the left side of the vertical asymptote at x=6.
Blue curve of g(x)
Vertical dashed line at x=6
Mouse cursor
Cursor position moves upwards along the curve.
Y-values of the function increase towards positive infinity.
X-values remain less than 6 but get closer to 6.
Demonstrates the unbounded behavior of the function as x approaches 6 from the left.
The mouse cursor moves leftwards along the lower blue curve, starting from around x=8 and stopping near x=6.
Lower blue curve of g(x)
Open circle at (6, -3)
Mouse cursor
Cursor position moves leftwards towards x=6.
Function values approach -3 as the input tends to6 from the right; they need not move monotonically throughout the earlier traced branch.
X-values remain greater than 6 but get closer to 6.
Demonstrates the function approaching the finite value -3 as x approaches 6 from the right.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
Believing that writing a limit equals infinity means the limit evaluates to a specific, finite numerical value.
Infinity is a descriptive term used to indicate that the function grows without bound; it is not a real number.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
Confusing an infinite-limit convention with the existence of a finite real limit.
The source exercise writes not exist for this unbounded branch because it seeks a finite real limit. It is also valid to describe the specific upward divergence using +infinity in extended infinite-limit notation; these conventions are not contradictory.
The explanation follows nearby plotted inputs and the rising branch near the vertical asymptote.
The graph visually links the behavior near the vertical line x=6 to the function's output.
Evaluating a one-sided limit that results in infinity confirms the presence of a vertical asymptote at that x-value.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
The method of evaluating one-sided limits is applied to determine that the left-hand limit does not exist due to unbounded behavior.
The explanation follows nearby plotted inputs and the rising branch near the vertical asymptote.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
The narration distinguishes upward divergence from the existence of a finite real limit.
\lim_{x \to 6^-} g(x)
The explanation traces the right branch toward the open circle and concludes its finite limit.
\lim_{x \to 6^+} g(x) = -3
Covered · Introduction of the problem and definition of the one-sided limit.
Covered · Numerical evaluation of the limit using sample points on the graph, leading to the identification of a vertical asymptote.
Covered · Conclusion of the limit as infinity and clarification on the nature of infinity in calculus.
Covered · Evaluation of the left-hand limit, identifying unbounded behavior and concluding it does not exist.
Covered · Transition period where the speaker introduces the next problem (right-hand limit).
Covered · Evaluation of the right-hand limit by tracing the graph and testing numerical values, concluding the limit is -3. Actual full-media tail145.7sec (relative55.7) retains the completed right-hand -3 conclusion on screen; the final fractional second has no new mathematical event.
Candidate from reviewed en material v1: A one-sided limit follows inputs toward the target from only one side. The minus superscript denotes approach from smaller inputs, rather than the sign of the function value.
Candidate from reviewed zh material v1: 单侧极限只从一侧观察输入向目标靠近。上标负号表示从较小输入的一侧趋近,并不是说函数值必须为负。