Last updated: October 22, 2026 · Written by the Math Made Easy math teachers

These 20 problems build the skills of AP Calculus AB Unit 1: reading limits from graphs and tables, evaluating them with algebra, and linking them to continuity. The early problems use direct substitution and factoring; later ones bring in asymptotes and discontinuities.
The last six problems are multi-step situations. They combine limits with the Intermediate Value Theorem, a garage fee schedule and a medicine model. Work each one fully before checking the answer key.
Standards: AP Calculus AB Unit 1 · Level: Grade 12 AP Calculus AB
Problem 1 Limits from a graph ★★★
The graph of h is shown. Find each value:
- limx→1− h(x)
- limx→1+ h(x)
- limx→1 h(x)
- h(1)
- limx→3 h(x)
Problem 2 Estimating from a table ★★★
A table of values for f(x) = x3 − 8x − 2 is given. Estimate limx→2 f(x).
| x | 1.9 | 1.99 | 1.999 | 2.001 | 2.01 | 2.1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| f(x) | 11.41 | 11.9401 | 11.994 | 12.006 | 12.0601 | 12.61 |
Problem 3 Direct substitution ★★★
Evaluate limx→−2 (3x2 − 4x + 1).
Problem 4 Factoring a 0/0 form ★★★
Evaluate limx→4 x2 − x − 12x − 4.
Problem 5 Using a conjugate ★★★
Evaluate limx→0 √(x + 25) − 5x.
Problem 6 One-sided limits with absolute value ★★★
Let g(x) = |2x − 10|x − 5. Find limx→5− g(x), limx→5+ g(x) and limx→5 g(x).
Problem 7 Limit at infinity of a rational function ★★★
Evaluate limx→∞ 6x2 − x2x2 + 5 and state the horizontal asymptote.
Problem 8 Limits at infinity with a root ★★★
Evaluate limx→∞ 4x + 1√(x2 + 9) and limx→−∞ 4x + 1√(x2 + 9).
Problem 9 Infinite one-sided limits ★★★
Let f(x) = x + 1(x − 7)(x + 3). Find limx→7+ f(x), limx→7− f(x), and name every vertical asymptote.
Problem 10 Squeeze Theorem ★★★
Use the Squeeze Theorem to evaluate limx→0 x2cos(7/x).
Problem 11 Making a function continuous ★★★
Let f(x) = x2 − 2x − 35x − 7 for x ≠ 7 and f(7) = k. Find k so that f is continuous at x = 7.
Problem 12 Classifying discontinuities ★★★
Let f(x) = (x + 5)(x − 6)(x + 5)(x − 2). List the discontinuities, state their types and give the value or behavior of f near each.
Problem 13 A piecewise function and one parameter ★★★
Let f(x) = x2 + ax for x ≤ 2 and f(x) = 7x − 9 for x > 2. Find a so that f is continuous at x = 2.
Problem 14 Intermediate Value Theorem for a polynomial ★★★
Show that f(x) = x3 + 3x − 11 has a zero in the interval (1, 2).
Problem 15 Counting guaranteed zeros ★★★
The function g is continuous on [0, 6] and its known values are plotted.
- What is the least number of zeros of g in (0, 6)?
- Is g(x) = 4.5 guaranteed to have a solution in [4, 6]? Is it guaranteed in [0, 2]?
Problem 16 Parking garage fees ★★★
A garage charges $6 for a stay of up to 2 hours, $9 for more than 2 and up to 4 hours, and $12 for more than 4 and up to 6 hours. Let C(t) be the cost for a stay of t hours.
- Find limt→4− C(t) and limt→4+ C(t).
- Is C continuous at t = 3? At t = 4?
- What does a 4.5-hour stay cost?
Problem 17 Medicine level in the blood ★★★
The concentration of a medicine in a patient, in mg/L, is C(t) = 45t + 203t + 10 where t is hours after the dose. Find C(0), the limit as t → ∞, and the time when the concentration reaches 14 mg/L.
Problem 18 Repairing a cubic quotient ★★★
Let f(x) = x3 − 27x2 − 9. Find every discontinuity, classify it, and tell how to redefine f to remove the removable one.
Problem 19 Horizontal and vertical asymptotes with a root ★★★
Let f(x) = √(9x2 + 4x)x + 1. Find its horizontal asymptotes and describe its behavior at x = −1.
Problem 20 Continuity of a three-piece function ★★★
Let f(x) = 2x + a for x < −1; bx + 3 for −1 ≤ x ≤ 2; and x2 + 1 for x > 2. Find a and b so that f is continuous for all real x.
Mis à jour le

