Limit - AP® Calculus AB Definition

What are limits in AP® Calculus?

In the context of AP® Calculus, a limit refers to the value that a function or sequence approaches as the input or index variable approaches a certain point. It is fundamental in understanding the behavior of functions at points where they might not be explicitly defined.

Limits help in analyzing the continuity, differentiability, and integrability of functions, forming the basis of calculus concepts such as derivatives and integrals. Calculating limits often involves numerical, graphical, or analytical methods, with the aim of determining the trends of the function's values as they get arbitrarily close to a particular point (what happens at the point itself is not considered when calculating a limit).

Understanding limits is important for dealing with situations involving instantaneous rates of change and areas under curves.

Limits study resources to ace your exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to help you explore the topic of limits in more detail. Try this study guide on the topic, then have a go at some multiple choice and free response exam questions.

Explore our Calculus AB and Calculus BC study resources.