Limit Properties and Finding Strategies
Limits describe what happens to a function as its input approaches a specific value. The key limit properties you need to know include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and composition. For example, the limit of a sum equals the sum of the limits, and the limit of a product equals the product of the limits.
When finding limits, always start with direct substitution. If substitution gives you an actual value, you're done! If you get ∞/0, that indicates an asymptote. But if you get the indeterminate form 0/0, you'll need to try other techniques.
The indeterminate form 0/0 doesn't mean the limit doesn't exist - it just means you need more work to find it. This is where special techniques come into play.
Quick Tip: When you encounter 0/0, think of it as a signal to try factoring, conjugates, or trig identities - not as a final answer!