Q.limr→1πr2
Concept understanding — Limit Of Polynomial
What Happens to a Polynomial as x Approaches a Number?
A limit answers a simple question about a polynomial: as x gets closer and closer to some number a, what value does the polynomial settle near?
The Intuition
Take P(x)=3x2−2x+1. What happens as x gets really close to 2?
- At x=2, the polynomial gives 3(4)−4+1=9.
- At x=1.9, it gives about 8.63.
- At x=2.1, it gives about 9.43.
The closer x gets to 2, the closer P(x) gets to 9. There is no drama — the polynomial just slides smoothly to that value.
For any polynomial, limx→aP(x)=P(a). You can simply substitute the number.
The Precise Statement
Limit of a Polynomial at a Point
limx→aP(x)=P(a)
where P(x)=cnxn+cn−1xn−1+⋯+c1x+c0 is any polynomial.
Why this works. Using the algebra of limits, the limit of a sum is the sum of the limits, and the limit of a constant multiple is the constant times the limit. Since limx→ax=a and limx→ac=c, each term ckxk tends to ckak. Adding the terms back together gives exactly P(a).
A Concrete Example
Find limx→3(2x3−5x+4).
Step 1: Recognise it is a polynomial.
Step 2: Substitute x=3:
2(27)−5(3)+4=54−15+4=43
For polynomials, direct substitution is the only tool you need — no factoring, no rationalising. Just plug in and compute.
The One Trap: "But What If I Can't Plug In?"
You might wonder whether a polynomial can have a hole. It cannot — a polynomial is defined for every real number, so there is never a value you must avoid. The only time "just plug in" can fail is with a rational function (a polynomial divided by another polynomial), where the denominator might be zero. For a pure polynomial, the limit is always the value.
Why This Matters
Limits of polynomials are the foundation for:
- Derivatives (the slope of a curve at a point),
- Evaluating more complicated limits by simplifying to a polynomial first,
- Solving problems in physics such as instantaneous velocity.
This is the simplest, most predictable limit in the whole chapter — everything else builds on it.
Limit of a Polynomial is one of the earliest results in the NCERT Class 11 Mathematics chapter on Limits and Derivatives, matching searches like "limits of polynomial functions formula" or "limits and derivatives important questions class 11". Because the direct-substitution rule is so reliable, it is a quick-scoring question type in both CBSE boards and JEE Main's calculus section.
Concept: Direct substitution for polynomial limits
A polynomial function is continuous everywhere, so we can evaluate the limit by substituting the point directly.
The expression πr2 is a polynomial in r (with coefficient π). Since polynomials have no discontinuities, the limit as r→1 equals the function value at r=1:
limr→1πr2=π(1)2=π
The value is π.
Direct substitution in a polynomial limit: as r→1, the expression πr2 approaches π(1)2=π.
Polynomials are the friendliest functions in calculus. They're continuous everywhere, which means the limit as you approach any point is simply the value at that point. No jumps, no holes, no drama.
The expression πr2 is a polynomial in r (specifically, a monomial of degree 2 with coefficient π). When we want to find its limit as r→1, we're asking: what value does this expression get arbitrarily close to as r gets arbitrarily close to 1?
Because polynomials are continuous, we can answer this question by direct substitution.
Solution
-
Recognize the function type. The expression πr2 is a polynomial function of r. Polynomials are continuous at every real number.
-
Apply the continuity property. For any continuous function f and any point a in its domain:
limx→af(x)=f(a)
- Substitute directly. Since f(r)=πr2 is continuous at r=1:
limr→1πr2=π(1)2=π⋅1=π
For polynomial and rational functions (where the denominator is non-zero), always try direct substitution first. It works in the vast majority of basic limit problems.
The value is π.
Showing the 12 most recent of 76 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If x→0lim3sin2x−sin6xtanax−sinax=1, then x→alimx−alog(x−3)= (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
First find a from the given trigonometric limit using small-angle (Taylor) expansions, then evaluate a log limit at that a using L'Hôpital's rule. Answer: 1.
Concept and Intuition
For x→0 limits of the form 0/0 built from trig functions, replacing each function by its leading Taylor terms turns the whole limit into a ratio of polynomials in x, which is much easier to simplify than repeated L'Hôpital differentiation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand near u=0: tanu≈u+3u3, sinu≈u−6u3. So tanu−sinu≈3u3+6u3=2u3. With u=ax: numerator ≈2a3x3.
- Expand sin2x≈2x−6(2x)3=2x−34x3, so 3sin2x≈6x−4x3. Expand sin6x≈6x−6(6x)3=6x−36x3. Denominator: 3sin2x−sin6x≈(6x−4x3)−(6x−36x3)=32x3.
- So the limit =32x3a3x3/2=64a3. Given this equals 1: a3=64⇒a=4.
- Now compute x→alimx−alog(x−3)=x→4limx−4log(x−3). At x=4: log(1)=0 and denominator →0, so it's 00.
- Apply L'Hôpital: differentiate numerator and denominator w.r.t. x: dxdlog(x−3)=x−31, dxd(x−4)=1.
- Limit =x−31x=4=11=1.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the minus sign in sinu≈u−u3/6, which flips the sign of the numerator expansion.
- Not recognizing the second limit is also an indeterminate 0/0 form requiring L'Hôpital (rather than just plugging in).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 1.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.x→0lim(cos2x)tanx= (A) 0 (B) e (C) 1 (D) e2
›Reveal solutionSolution
A 1∞ indeterminate form; taking logs and using small-x approximations shows the exponent-times-log product vanishes, so the limit is 1.
Concept and Intuition
For limits of the form limg(x)h(x) where g(x)→1 and h(x)→∞ (or is unbounded), the standard technique is: let L be the limit, take logL=limh(x)logg(x), evaluate that simpler limit, then exponentiate back.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let L=x→0lim(cos2x)tanx. Since cos2x→1 and tanx→0, this is 10 actually — but let's verify via logs directly (safe either way).
- logL=x→0limtanx⋅log(cos2x).
- As x→0: tanx≈x.
- cos2x≈1−2(2x)2=1−2x2, so using log(1+u)≈u for small u: log(cos2x)≈log(1−2x2)≈−2x2.
- So logL≈x→0limx⋅(−2x2)=x→0lim(−2x3)=0.
- Therefore L=e0=1.
Common Mistakes
- Misreading the exponent form as ∞⋅0 requiring L'Hôpital on a rewritten fraction, when direct substitution of small-angle expansions is far quicker here.
- Sign error in expanding cos2x, which would flip the sign of the (ultimately irrelevant, since it still →0) intermediate product.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 1.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If x→0limx3sin3kxsin23xtan45x=35, then k= (A) 15 (B) 12 (C) 25 (D) 27
›Reveal solutionSolution
Replacing each trig factor by its small-angle equivalent turns the limit into a pure power ratio, giving k=15.
Concept and Intuition
For small x, sin(ax)∼ax and tan(ax)∼ax (since limu→0usinu=limu→0utanu=1). This lets us replace every trig factor in a limit at 0 by its linear approximation, turning the whole expression into a simple algebraic power of x, provided the overall power of x cancels to give a finite nonzero limit (which it does here, both top and bottom being x6).
Step-by-Step Solution
- sin3x∼3x⇒sin23x∼9x2.
- tan5x∼5x⇒tan45x∼625x4.
- sinkx∼kx⇒sin3kx∼k3x3.
- The limit becomes x3⋅k3x39x2⋅625x4=k3x65625x6=k35625.
- Set equal to 35: k35625=35⇒k3=5625⋅53=3375.
- k=33375=15 (since 153=3375).
Common Mistakes
- Miscounting the power of x in tan45x (it's x4, not x2).
- Arithmetic error computing 9×625=5625.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 15.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.x→0lime2x−1e3x−(1+x)ex= (A) 3 (B) 31 (C) 2 (D) 21
›Reveal solutionSolution
A quick Taylor expansion (or L'Hôpital) of this 0/0 form gives the limit 21.
Concept and Intuition
Both numerator and denominator vanish at x=0, so this is a 0/0 indeterminate form. Expanding each exponential as a Taylor series around 0 (or equivalently applying L'Hôpital's rule once) isolates the leading behavior and gives the limit cleanly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- e3x=1+3x+29x2+…
- (1+x)ex=(1+x)(1+x+2x2+…)=1+2x+23x2+…
- Numerator: e3x−(1+x)ex=(1+3x+…)−(1+2x+…)=x+O(x2).
- Denominator: e2x−1=2x+O(x2).
- Limit =2x+O(x2)x+O(x2)→21 as x→0.
- (Check via L'Hôpital: f′(x)=3e3x−ex(2+x), f′(0)=3−2=1; g′(x)=2e2x, g′(0)=2; ratio =1/2.)
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to expand (1+x)ex as a product (dropping the cross term x⋅x from (1+x)(x) which contributes to the x2 term, though not needed for a linear-term answer here — but skipping it can cause errors if pushed further).
- Applying L'Hôpital only once when the first attempt still looks like 0/0 due to an arithmetic slip.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 21.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.If x→∞lim(lx2+mx+n)(ax2+bx+c)(lx+a)2x(lx−1)2x=16e3, then x→0lima+bx+nx2l+mx+cx2= (A) 43 (B) 34 (C) 45 (D) 54
›Reveal solutionSolution
Matching the given exponential-limit value pins down a=3, l=4; the second limit then evaluates directly (no indeterminate form) to l/a=4/3.
Concept and Intuition
The given limit splits into a rational-function part (which tends to the ratio of leading coefficients) times an exponential part of the form (1+xk)x/2→ek/2. Matching both factors against the target value 16e3=4e3 gives two independent equations for a and l. The second requested limit is then a red herring in complexity — at x=0 neither the numerator nor denominator vanishes, so it is not an indeterminate form; it's simply l/a.
Step-by-Step Solution
- As x→∞: lx2+mx+nax2+bx+c→la (ratio of leading coefficients).
- For the exponential factor, write lx+alx−1=1−lx+aa+1.
- As x→∞, (1−lx+aa+1)x/2→exp(−la+1⋅21)=exp(−2la+1), using (1+xk)x→ek with k=−(a+1)/l (since lx+a∼lx).
- So the full limit is laexp(−2la+1)=4e3=43e−1/2.
- Matching the rational and exponential parts separately: la=43 and 2la+1=21⇒la+1=1⇒l=a+1.
- From a/l=3/4: 4a=3l=3(a+1)⇒4a=3a+3⇒a=3, so l=4.
- Now compute limx→0a+bx+nx2l+mx+cx2: at x=0 this is simply al (both numerator l=4=0 and denominator a=3=0, so it's continuous at x=0 — direct substitution, no L'Hôpital needed).
- al=34.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to solve for b,c,m,n (which are never determined and aren't needed) instead of noticing the second limit only needs l and a.
- Sign error in expanding lx+alx−1 as 1−lx+aa+1.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 34.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.limx→2π(1+tan2x)(π−2x)3(1−tan2x)(1−sinx)= (A) 0 (B) 81 (C) 161 (D) 321
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests evaluating a 00 limit near x=π/2 using the substitution x=π/2+h and small-angle expansions. The limit works out to 321.
Concept and Intuition
Near x=π/2, both the numerator and denominator vanish, so we shift the variable to h=x−π/2→0 and expand every trigonometric piece to its leading order in h. The tangent half-angle ratio simplifies neatly using the tangent subtraction identity.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let x=2π+h, so h→0 as x→2π. Then π−2x=π−π−2h=−2h, so (π−2x)3=−8h3.
- 1−sinx=1−sin(2π+h)=1−cosh≈2h2 for small h.
- For 2x=4π+2h, using tan(4π+2h)=1−tan(h/2)1+tan(h/2): with t=tan(h/2), 1+tan(x/2)1−tan(x/2)=1+1−t1+t1−1−t1+t=2−2t=−t≈−2h.
- Combine: the expression =(1+tan(x/2)1−tan(x/2))(1−sinx)⋅(π−2x)31≈(−2h)(2h2)⋅−8h31.
- =−8h3−h3/4=321.
Common Mistakes
- Not substituting h=x−π/2, which makes all three factors' behaviour near the point opaque.
- Sign errors when expanding tan(4π+2h) via the addition formula.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 321.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.limx→∞[x(1+x1+(1+x)(1+2x)1+(1+2x)(1+3x)1+⋯+(1+(n−1)x)(1+nx)1)]= (A) 1−x1 (B) 1+x1 (C) 1 (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests recognizing a telescoping sum inside a limit. After the partial-fraction split, almost every term cancels, and the limit as x→∞ is simply 1.
Concept and Intuition
Each term (1+kx)(1+(k+1)x)1 has denominators differing by exactly x, which is the classic setup for a partial-fraction telescoping sum: ab1=b−a1(a1−b1) when b−a is constant across all terms.
Step-by-Step Solution
- For each k, let a=1+kx, b=1+(k+1)x, so b−a=x.
- ab1=x1(a1−b1)=x1[1+kx1−1+(k+1)x1].
- Summing from k=0 to n−1, the sum telescopes: ∑k=0n−1(1+kx)(1+(k+1)x)1=x1[1+01−1+nx1]=x1[1−1+nx1].
- Multiplying by x (as in the original expression): x⋅x1[1−1+nx1]=1−1+nx1.
- As x→∞ (with n fixed), 1+nx1→0, so the limit is 1−0=1.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to evaluate each term's limit individually instead of telescoping the sum first — the number of terms n also depends implicitly on x if not careful, but the telescoping bypasses this entirely.
- Forgetting to cancel the outer x against the x1 from the partial fraction split.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 1.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.limn→∞n21∑r=1nrer/n= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) e (D) 2e
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given sum, once written as n1∑(r/n)er/n, is exactly a Riemann sum for ∫01xexdx, which evaluates to 1.
Concept and Intuition
When a limit has the shape limn→∞n1∑r=1nf(r/n), it's the definition of the definite integral ∫01f(x)dx (Riemann sum with n equal subintervals of [0,1]). Recognizing this converts a discrete summation limit into a straightforward integration-by-parts problem.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite the sum: n21∑r=1nrer/n=n1∑r=1nnrer/n.
- This is a Riemann sum for f(x)=xex over [0,1], with sample points xr=r/n.
- So n→∞limn1r=1∑nnrer/n=∫01xexdx.
- Integrate by parts: ∫xexdx=xex−∫exdx=xex−ex+c.
- Evaluate from 0 to 1: [xex−ex]01=(1⋅e−e)−(0⋅1−1)=0−(−1)=1.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the 1/n factoring needed to see the Riemann-sum structure, and instead trying to evaluate the sum directly with a closed-form formula (much harder).
- Sign error in the integration by parts, e.g. forgetting the −∫exdx term.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 1.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.x→2lim(x2−3x+3)x2−41= (A) e21 (B) 1 (C) 0 (D) e41
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the standard 1∞ exponential-limit technique; the answer is e1/4.
Concept and Intuition
When limf(x)=1 and limg(x)=±∞ (with the base tending to 1 and the exponent blowing up), limf(x)1/g(x) is evaluated using limf(x)1/g(x)=elim(f(x)−1)/g(x), since f(x)1/g(x)=eg(x)logf(x) and logf(x)≈f(x)−1 near f=1.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At x=2: base =4−6+3=1, and the exponent x2−41→∞ — a 1∞ form.
- f(x)−1=x2−3x+2=(x−1)(x−2).
- g(x)=x2−4=(x−2)(x+2).
- g(x)f(x)−1=(x−2)(x+2)(x−1)(x−2)=x+2x−1 for x=2.
- x→2limx+2x−1=41.
- Hence the required limit =e1/4.
Common Mistakes
- Plugging in x=2 directly into the exponent without recognizing the 1∞ indeterminate form.
- Not cancelling the common factor (x−2) before taking the limit.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — e41.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.x→0lim1−cosxx⋅2x−x= (A) log2 (B) 21log2 (C) 2log2 (D) 2log21
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the standard small-x equivalents 2x−1∼xln2 and 1−cosx∼x2/2, the
limit evaluates to 2ln2.
Concept and Intuition
Every 0/0 limit built from standard functions can be attacked with known small-angle/small-x
equivalents rather than L'Hôpital: ax−1∼xloga and 1−cosx∼x2/2 as x→0.
Recognising these turns a seemingly awkward limit into simple algebra.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite the numerator: x⋅2x−x=x(2x−1).
- As x→0: 2x−1=exln2−1∼xln2 (first-order Taylor).
- So numerator ∼x⋅xln2=x2ln2.
- Denominator: 1−cosx∼2x2 as x→0.
- Limit:
limx→0x2/2x2ln2=2ln2
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the factor of x multiplying (2x−1), mistakenly treating the numerator as just 2x−1∼xln2 (which would give the wrong order and a limit of 2ln2/x→∞).
- Using 1−cosx∼x2 instead of the correct x2/2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 2log2.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If x→∞lim(1+xa+x2b)2x=e2, then a= (A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 21 (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Taking logs and using log(1+u)∼u for small u=a/x+b/x2, the exponent
2xlog(⋯)→2a must equal 2, so a=1.
Concept and Intuition
Limits of the form (1+ (vanishing))(growing) are
best handled by taking log: if L=lim(1+u)v with u→0, v→∞, then
logL=limv⋅u (using log(1+u)∼u), turning an indeterminate exponential form
into a simple product limit.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let L=x→∞lim(1+xa+x2b)2x=e2.
- Take log: logL=x→∞lim2xlog(1+xa+x2b).
- As x→∞, u=xa+x2b→0, so log(1+u)∼u−2u2+⋯; only the leading u∼a/x term survives after multiplying by 2x (the b/x2 and u2 terms vanish as x→∞ once multiplied by 2x, since they are O(1/x)).
- So logL=x→∞lim2x⋅xa=2a.
- Given L=e2, we need 2a=2⇒a=1.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming b must also appear in the final answer — but at this order b/x2 doesn't survive the 2x multiplication, so b is genuinely irrelevant to determining a.
- Not justifying why higher-order terms vanish, and mistakenly keeping them in the limit.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 1.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.n→∞limn1[tan24nπ+tan24n2π+⋯+tan24π]= (A) 1 (B) 0 (C) −1 (D) π4−π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognize the sum as a Riemann sum over [0,π/4] for tan2x; the limit evaluates to π4−π.
Concept and Intuition
A sum of the form n1∑k=1nf(4nkπ) is a Riemann sum whose sample points xk=4nkπ march from 0 to 4π in steps of Δx=4nπ. Since n1=π4⋅Δx, the whole sum converges to π4∫0π/4f(x)dx.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Here f(x)=tan2x, and the sum runs over xk=4nkπ for k=1,…,n (the last term tan24π confirms xn=π/4).
- Write
n1∑k=1ntan2(4nkπ)=π4⋅4nπ∑k=1ntan2(4nkπ)n→∞π4∫0π/4tan2xdx.
- Use tan2x=sec2x−1:
∫0π/4tan2xdx=[tanx−x]0π/4=(1−4π)−0=1−4π.
- So the limit is
π4(1−4π)=π4−1=π4−π.
Common Mistakes
- Treating n1∑f(xk) as directly equal to ∫0π/4f(x)dx without the correction factor π4 that comes from Δx=π/(4n)=1/n.
- Forgetting tan2x=sec2x−1 and trying to integrate tan2x from a table incorrectly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — π4−π.
ANSWER: D
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