How to Estimate Limits from Tables
When given a table of values, you can use it to estimate the limit of a function as \( x \) approaches a particular value. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step-by-Step Guide to Estimate Limits from Tables:
1. Understand the Question:
- Ensure you know what you’re being asked. Typically, the question might be something like, “Estimate the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( c \)”.
2. Examine the Table:
- Look at the table’s structure. You’ll typically have two columns: one for \( x \) values and one for \( f(x) \) values.
3. Look for the Target x-value:
- Find the x-value you’re approaching in the table (let’s call it \( c )\). The table might not have this exact value, but it should have values close to it.
4. Observe Values from Both Sides:
- Check the function values as \( x \) approaches \( c \) from the left (values slightly less than \( c \)).
- Check the function values as \( x \) approaches \( c \) from the right (values slightly greater than \( c \)).
5. Recognize Patterns and Trends:
- As the \( x \) values get closer and closer to \( c \), what is happening to the \( f(x) \) values?
- Are the \( f(x) \) values approaching a particular number from both sides? Or are they diverging or behaving differently from the left and the right?
6. Make the Estimation:
- If the \( f(x) \) values are getting closer and closer to a specific number as \( x \) approaches \( c \) from both the left and the right, then you can estimate the limit to be that number.
- If the values approach different numbers from the left and right or if they don’t appear to approach any particular number at all, then the limit at \( x = c \) might not exist.
7. Address Special Cases:
- In some tables, the \( x \) value might skip right over \( c \). That’s okay; the limit doesn’t need the function to be defined at \( x = c \). Focus on how the function behaves as it gets close to \( c \), not necessarily at \( c \).
8. Write Your Conclusion:
- State your estimate clearly. For example, “The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( c \) is estimated to be \(L\).” Or, “The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( c \) does not appear to exist.”
Example:
Suppose you’re given the following table for the function \( f(x) \):
\( x \) | \(f(x)\) |
---|---|
\(1.9\) | \(3.81\) |
\(1.99\) | \(3.9801\) |
\(1.999\) | \(3.998001\) |
\(2\) | \(?\) |
\(2.001\) | \(4.002001\) |
\(2.01\) | \(4.0201\) |
\(2.1\) | \(4.21\) |
And you’re asked to estimate the limit as \( x \) approaches \(2\).
From the table, you can see that as \( x \) gets closer to \(2\) (from both sides), \( f(x) \) seems to be getting closer to \(4\). Thus, you would estimate that the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \(2\) is \(4\).
Remember, this is an estimation based on the table’s values, and the actual limit could be slightly different if calculated analytically or with more precise values.
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