Q.limx→4x−24x+3
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →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?" …
The key idea is that for a rational function where the denominator does not vanish at the limit point, the limit is simply the function's value at that point.
Since x−2=0 when x=4, we can directly substitute:
- Substitute x=4 into the numerator: 4(4)+3=16+3=19. …
Since the denominator does not approach zero at x=4, we can evaluate the limit of this rational function by direct substitution. The value is 219.
Why Direct Substitution Works Here
When you see a limit of a rational function (a polynomial divided by a polynomial), your first instinct should be to check what happens to the denominator at the target point. The key idea is simple: a rational function is continuous wherever its denominator is non-zero. Continuity means the limit equals the function value — just plug in the number.
The classic pitfall students fall into is assuming every limit requires factoring or cancellation. That's only needed when the denominator also goes to zero, creating a 00 form. Here, at x=4, the denominator x−2 equals 2, which is perfectly fine. So we can skip all the algebraic gymnastics.
Do not try to factor or simplify unless you first check if the denominator is zero at the limit point. Unnecessary manipulation wastes time and can introduce errors.
Step-by-Step Solution
-
Check the denominator.
At x=4, the denominator is 4−2=2=0. This tells us the function is continuous at x=4, so the limit is simply the function value.
-
Substitute directly. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.∫π/43π/41+cos2xxsinxdx= (A) 2π (B) −2π (C) 2π (D) −2π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the property ∫abf(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)dx to exploit symmetry, then simplify the integrand using cos2x=2cos2x−1. The integral evaluates to 2π.
The key insight here is that the integrand looks messy, but the limits π/4 to 3π/4 are symmetric about π/2. Whenever you see an integral with x multiplied by a function of sinx and cosx over symmetric limits, the property ∫abf(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)dx is your best friend. It often lets you replace x with something simpler, like π−x in this case, and then add the two forms to cancel the x factor.
Let’s also simplify the denominator first. cos2x=2cos2x−1, so 1+cos2x=2cos2x. That’s clean — the integrand becomes 2cos2xxsinx=2x⋅cos2xsinx=2xsecxtanx. That derivative form is a hint, but the x outside still makes direct integration tricky. Symmetry to the rescue.
- Apply the symmetry property. Let I=∫π/43π/41+cos2xxsinxdx. Using ∫abf(x)dx=∫abf(a+b−x)dx, here a+b=π/4+3π/4=π. So replace x by π−x:
I=∫π/43π/41+cos2(π−x)(π−x)sin(π−x)dx.
Since sin(π−x)=sinx and cos(2π−2x)=cos2x, the denominator stays the same. Thus:
I=∫π/43π/41+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx.
- Add the two expressions for I. We have:
I=∫π/43π/41+cos2xxsinxdxandI=∫π/43π/41+cos2x(π−x)sinxdx.
Adding them:
2I=∫π/43π/41+cos2x[x+(π−x)]sinxdx=∫π/43π/41+cos2xπsinxdx.
The x cancels beautifully. So:
I=2π∫π/43π/41+cos2xsinxdx.
- Simplify the remaining integrand. As noted, 1+cos2x=2cos2x, so:
1+cos2xsinx=2cos2xsinx=21secxtanx.
Therefore:
I=2π∫π/43π/421secxtanxdx=4π∫π/43π/4secxtanxdx.
- Integrate. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫cos4xtan2xdx=
(A) tan2x−log(1−tan2x)2+c (B) −tan2x−log(1−tan2x)2+c (C) −tan2x+log(1−tan2x)2+c (D) tan2x+log(1−tan2x)2+c›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to rewrite tan2x in terms of tanx and cos4x in terms of sec4x, then substitute t=tanx. The integral simplifies to −tan2x−log(1−tan2x)2+c, which matches option (B).
The problem asks for an indefinite integral, and the options are all expressed in terms of tanx and a logarithm. That’s a strong hint: the integrand should be rewritten so that a substitution t=tanx becomes natural. Let’s see why that works.
We have tan2x=1−tan2x2tanx, and cos4x=(cos2x)2=sec4x1=(1+tan2x)21. So the integrand becomes a rational function of tanx times dx. And since d(tanx)=sec2xdx, we need to account for that factor — but here we have cos4x1=sec4x, which is sec2x⋅sec2x. One sec2x will combine with dx to give dt, and the other remains as 1+t2. Perfect.
- Rewrite the integrand in terms of tanx.
tan2x=1−tan2x2tanx,cos4x1=sec4x=(1+tan2x)2.
So
cos4xtan2x=1−tan2x2tanx⋅(1+tan2x)2.
- Substitute t=tanx. Then dt=sec2xdx=(1+t2)dx, so dx=1+t2dt. The integral becomes
∫1−t22t⋅(1+t2)2⋅1+t2dt=∫1−t22t⋅(1+t2)dt.
- Simplify the integrand.
1−t22t(1+t2)=1−t22t+2t3.
Perform polynomial division: divide 2t+2t3 by 1−t2.
1−t22t+2t3=−2t+1−t24t.
(Check: −2t(1−t2)=−2t+2t3, subtract from 2t+2t3 gives 4t, so remainder 4t over 1−t2.)
- Integrate term by term. ∫(−2t+1−t24t)dt=−2∫tdt+4∫1−t2tdt. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] ∫−3π3π2−sin2xx+2πdx=
(A) 63π2 (B) 2πtan−1(23) (C) 32π2 (D) 2πtan−1(23)›Reveal solutionSolution
Use the property ∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx to simplify the integrand; the odd part vanishes and the even part reduces to a standard integral, yielding 63π2.
The key insight is symmetry. The limits are symmetric about zero, so we can split the integrand into even and odd parts. The denominator 2−sin2x is even because sin2x is even. The numerator x+2π is the sum of an odd part (x) and an even part (2π). Over a symmetric interval, the odd part integrates to zero, leaving only the even part to handle.
- Write the integral as
I=∫−π/3π/32−sin2xx+2πdx.
Use the property for symmetric limits:
∫−aaf(x)dx=∫0a[f(x)+f(−x)]dx.
Here f(x)=2−sin2xx+π/2, so
f(x)+f(−x)=2−sin2xx+π/2+2−sin2x−x+π/2=2−sin2xπ.
The x terms cancel because sin2(−x)=sin2x. Therefore
I=∫0π/32−sin2xπdx=π∫0π/32−sin2xdx.
- Now we need to evaluate J=∫0π/32−sin2xdx. A standard technique for integrals of rational functions of sin2x is to divide numerator and denominator by cos2x, turning the integrand into a function of tanx. Since cos2x>0 on [0,π/3], this is safe.
2−sin2x1=2/cos2x−tan2x1/cos2x=2(1+tan2x)−tan2xsec2x=2+tan2xsec2x.
So
J=∫0π/32+tan2xsec2xdx.
- Substitute t=tanx, so dt=sec2xdx. When x=0, t=0; when x=π/3, t=tan(π/3)=3. Then
J=∫032+t2dt.
This is a standard form: ∫a2+t2dt=a1tan−1(at)+C. Here a=2, so
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.If in (0,2π), 2cosx+k=3secx and cotx=−1, then the sum of squares of all possible values of k is (A) 0 (B) 42 (C) 8 (D) 16
›Reveal solutionSolution
cotx=−1 gives x=43π,47π; solving 2cosx+k=3secx yields k=∓22, so ∑k2=8+8=16.
In (0,2π), cotx=−1⇒x=43π or x=47π.
At x=43π: cosx=−21, secx=−2.
2(−21)+k=3(−2)⇒−2+k=−32⇒k=−22,k2=8. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/4x2sin2xdx= (A) 8π2−2 (B) 8π(π−2) (C) 8π−2 (D) 8π+2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This definite integral is solved by integration by parts twice, yielding the value 8π2−2, which corresponds to option (A).
We are evaluating
∫0π/4x2sin2xdx.
The integrand is a product of a polynomial (x2) and a trigonometric function (sin2x). Integration by parts is the natural choice: it lets us reduce the power of x step by step until only a simple trigonometric integral remains.
1. First integration by parts
Let
u=x2,dv=sin2xdx.
Then
du=2xdx,v=−21cos2x.
Integration by parts gives
∫x2sin2xdx=−21x2cos2x−∫(−21cos2x)(2xdx)=−21x2cos2x+∫xcos2xdx.
2. Second integration by parts
Now we need ∫xcos2xdx. Set
u=x,dv=cos2xdx.
Then
du=dx,v=21sin2x.
So
∫xcos2xdx=21xsin2x−∫21sin2xdx=21xsin2x+41cos2x.
3. Combine the results
Substituting back,
∫x2sin2xdx=−21x2cos2x+21xsin2x+41cos2x+C.
4. Evaluate the definite integral from 0 to π/4
[−21x2cos2x+21xsin2x+41cos2x]0π/4.
At x=π/4:
cos(2⋅π/4)=cos(π/2)=0,
sin(2⋅π/4)=sin(π/2)=1.
So the value is
−21(4π)2⋅0+21⋅4π⋅1+41⋅0=8π.
At x=0:
cos0=1, sin0=0.
So the value is
−21⋅02⋅1+21⋅0⋅0+41⋅1=41.
Thus the definite integral is
8π−41=8π−82=8π−2. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.If 45π<x<47π, then ∫1+sin2x1−sin2xdx= (A) −sec2(4π−x)+c (B) −logsec(4π−x)+c (C) sec2(4π−x)+c (D) logsec(4π−x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
On (45π,47π) the integrand reduces to tan(x−4π), whose integral is logsec(4π−x)+c. Answer: (D).
Factor the surds. Since 1∓sin2x=(cosx∓sinx)2,
1+sin2x1−sin2x=∣cosx+sinx∣∣cosx−sinx∣.
Signs on the interval. For x∈(45π,47π): cosx+sinx=2sin(x+4π)<0, while cosx−sinx=2cos(x+4π)>0. Hence
∣cosx+sinx∣∣cosx−sinx∣=−(cosx+sinx)cosx−sinx=−1+tanx1−tanx=−tan(4π−x)=tan(x−4π).
Integrate.
∫tan(x−4π)dx=−logcos(x−4π)+c=logsec(4π−x)+c, …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.If 45π<x<47π, then ∫1+sin2x1−sin2xdx= (A) −logsec(4π−x)+c (B) −sec2(4π−x)+c (C) logsec(4π−x)+c (D) sec2(4π−x)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both 1−sin2x and 1+sin2x are perfect squares, so the integrand collapses to tan(4π−x). On (45π,47π) that modulus opens as −tan(4π−x), whose integral is logsec(4π−x)+c — option (C).
The concept first
Whenever you see 1±sin2x under a root, do not reach for a substitution — reach for the identity. Since sin2x=2sinxcosx and sin2x+cos2x=1,
1−sin2x=cos2x−2sinxcosx+sin2x=(cosx−sinx)2,
1+sin2x=(cosx+sinx)2.
A square root of a square is a modulus, not the bracket itself. That is exactly why the question bothers to tell you the interval 45π<x<47π: the interval decides the sign.
Step-by-step
Step 1 — rewrite the integrand.
1+sin2x1−sin2x=∣cosx+sinx∣∣cosx−sinx∣=cosx+sinxcosx−sinx.
Step 2 — recognise the tangent. Divide numerator and denominator by cosx:
cosx+sinxcosx−sinx=1+tanx1−tanx=tan(4π−x).
Step 3 — fix the sign on the given interval. Write both brackets as single sinusoids:
cosx−sinx=2cos(x+4π),cosx+sinx=2sin(x+4π).
If 45π<x<47π then x+4π∈(23π,2π) — the fourth quadrant. There cos>0 and sin<0, so
cosx−sinx>0,cosx+sinx<0.
The quotient is therefore negative, and its modulus is
tan(4π−x)=−tan(4π−x).
Step 4 — integrate. Put t=4π−x, so dt=−dx, i.e. dx=−dt: …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.∫e−2x(tan2x−2sec22xtan2x)dx= (A) e−2xtan2x+c (B) −2e−2x[sec22x+tan2x]+c (C) −2e−2x[tan2x−sec22x]+c (D) e−2xsec22x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integrand is the exact derivative of −21e−2x(sec22x+tan2x) — option (B).
Test option (B) by differentiating it. Let
F(x)=−21e−2x(sec22x+tan2x).
Using the product rule with dxdsec22x=4sec22xtan2x and dxdtan2x=2sec22x:
F′(x)=−21[−2e−2x(sec22x+tan2x)+e−2x(4sec22xtan2x+2sec22x)].
Simplify inside the bracket:
−2sec22x−2tan2x+4sec22xtan2x+2sec22x=−2tan2x+4sec22xtan2x.
So …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(1−sinx+1+sinx)dx=f(x)+c, where c is the constant of integration. If 25π<x<27π and f(38π)=−2, then f′(38π)= (A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 0 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to simplify the integrand using trigonometric identities, then integrate piecewise with the correct sign based on the given interval. The derivative of the antiderivative is just the original integrand evaluated at x=8π/3, which simplifies to 1.
Concept & Intuition
We are given that ∫(1−sinx+1+sinx)dx=f(x)+c, so f′(x) is exactly the integrand:
f′(x)=1−sinx+1+sinx.
The problem asks for f′(8π/3), which is simply the value of this expression at x=8π/3. The tricky part is simplifying the square roots correctly for the given interval 25π<x<27π, because 1±sinx can be rewritten using half-angle formulas, but the sign of the resulting cosine or sine terms depends on the quadrant.
Step-by-step solution
- Rewrite the integrand using half-angle identities. Recall:
1−sinx=(sin(x/2)−cos(x/2))2,1+sinx=(sin(x/2)+cos(x/2))2.
Therefore,
1−sinx=∣sin(x/2)−cos(x/2)∣,1+sinx=∣sin(x/2)+cos(x/2)∣.
- Determine the sign of these expressions on the given interval. The interval is 25π<x<27π, so dividing by 2:
45π<2x<47π.
This places x/2 in the third and fourth quadrants (angles between 225∘ and 315∘).
- On this range, sin(x/2) is negative (from −2/2 to −1 and back to −2/2).
- cos(x/2) is also negative in the third quadrant but becomes positive in the fourth quadrant. Let’s check the sum and difference:
For x/2 just above 5π/4 (e.g., 230∘): both sin and cos are negative, so sin+cos is negative, sin−cos is negative (since sin is more negative than cos).
For x/2 just below 7π/4 (e.g., 310∘): sin negative, cos positive, so sin+cos could be negative or positive? At 7π/4, sin=−2/2, cos=2/2, so sum = 0, difference = −2.
Actually, we need the sign of sin(x/2)±cos(x/2) over the whole interval. A clean way:
- sin(x/2)+cos(x/2)=2sin(x/2+π/4). For x/2∈(5π/4,7π/4), the argument x/2+π/4∈(3π/2,2π). Sine is negative there (except at 2π where it's 0), so sin(x/2)+cos(x/2)≤0.
- sin(x/2)−cos(x/2)=2sin(x/2−π/4). For x/2∈(5π/4,7π/4), the argument x/2−π/4∈(π,3π/2). Sine is negative there (except at π and 3π/2 where it's 0), so sin(x/2)−cos(x/2)≤0. Hence both expressions are non-positive on the entire interval. So: ∣sin(x/2)−cos(x/2)∣=−(sin(x/2)−cos(x/2))=cos(x/2)−sin(x/2), …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.In triangle ABC, if a=4, b=3, c=2 then 2(a−bcosC)(a−csecB)= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
With a=4,b=3,c=2, the Law of Cosines gives a−bcosC=811 and a−csecB=1112, so 2(a−bcosC)(a−csecB)=3 — option (D).
First factor. cosC=2aba2+b2−c2=2416+9−4=87, so
a−bcosC=4−3⋅87=4−821=811.
Second factor. cosB=2aca2+c2−b2=1616+4−9=1611, so secB=1116 and …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.∫4π2π1+2sin2xsecxdx= (A) 31log(2+1)+12π2 (B) 32log(2+1)+6π2 (C) 61log(2−1)+12π (D) 41log(2−1)−6π3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=sinx, split by partial fractions, and the integral evaluates to 31log(2+1)+12π2.
Reduce to an algebraic integral. Multiply numerator and denominator by cosx:
1+2sin2xsecx=cos2x(1+2sin2x)cosx=(1−sin2x)(1+2sin2x)cosx.
Let u=sinx, du=cosxdx. Over the interval the limits run u:0→21, so
I=∫01/2(1−u2)(1+2u2)du.
Partial fractions (in t=u2): (1−t)(1+2t)1=1−t1/3+1+2t2/3, so
(1−u2)(1+2u2)1=31⋅1−u21+32⋅1+2u21.
Integrate each piece.
31∫01/21−u2du=31[artanhu]01/2=31⋅21log1−211+21=31log(2+1),
using 2−12+1=(2+1)2. …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin2xdx= (A) 2log(2+1) (B) 21log(2+1) (C) log(2+1) (D) 21log(2−1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to exploit symmetry: replace x by 2π−x and add the two forms to simplify the denominator. The integral evaluates to 21log(2+1), which corresponds to option (B).
Concept and intuition
When you see a trigonometric integral over [0,π/2] with both sinx and cosx in the denominator, a classic trick is to use the substitution x→2π−x. This swaps sinx and cosx, often creating a simpler sum. Here, the denominator sinx+cosx becomes symmetric, and the numerator sin2x becomes cos2x. Adding the original integral and its transformed version gives a new integral with a constant denominator, which is easy to handle.
Step-by-step solution
- Define the integral and apply the symmetry substitution Let
I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin2xdx.
Substitute x=2π−t. Then dx=−dt, and when x=0, t=π/2; when x=π/2, t=0. So
I=∫π/20sin(π/2−t)+cos(π/2−t)sin2(π/2−t)(−dt)=∫0π/2cost+sintcos2tdt.
Renaming t back to x, we have
I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxcos2xdx.
- Add the two expressions for I Adding the original and the transformed version:
2I=∫0π/2sinx+cosxsin2x+cos2xdx=∫0π/2sinx+cosx1dx.
So
I=21∫0π/2sinx+cosx1dx.
- Simplify the denominator using a trigonometric identity Recall that sinx+cosx=2sin(x+4π). Thus
I=21∫0π/22sin(x+4π)1dx=221∫0π/2csc(x+4π)dx.
- Perform a simple substitution Let u=x+4π. Then du=dx, and when x=0, u=4π; when x=2π, u=43π. So
I=221∫π/43π/4cscudu.
- Evaluate the integral of cscu The standard antiderivative is
∫cscudu=log∣cscu−cotu∣+C.
Hence
I=221[log∣cscu−cotu∣]π/43π/4.
- Compute the values at the bounds
- At u=43π: csc(3π/4)=2, cot(3π/4)=−1. So csc−cot=2−(−1)=2+1. …
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