Mathematics–I (B.
Tech 1st Year)
Functions of a Single Variable – Quick Revision Notes
Limits
• lim (x→0) (sin x / x) = 1
• lim (x→0) (1 - cos x)/x² = 1/2
• lim (x→∞) (1 + 1/x)^x = e
• L’Hôpital’s Rule: If 0/0 or ∞/∞, lim f(x)/g(x) = lim f'(x)/g'(x).
Continuity
• f is continuous at x=a if lim x→a■ f(x) = lim x→a■ f(x) = f(a).
• Types: Removable, Jump, Infinite discontinuity.
Differentiability
• Differentiable if derivative exists.
• Differentiable ⇒ Continuous (but not vice versa).
• Example: |x| not differentiable at x=0.
Mean Value Theorems
• Rolle’s: If f(a)=f(b), ∃ c∈(a,b) with f'(c)=0.
• Lagrange’s (MVT): f'(c) = (f(b)-f(a))/(b-a).
• Cauchy’s: f'(c)/g'(c) = (f(b)-f(a))/(g(b)-g(a)).
Taylor’s Theorem (Lagrange’s Remainder)
• f(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + f''(a)/2! (x-a)² + ... + f■(a)/n! (x-a)■ + R■(x).
• R■(x) = f■■¹(c)/(n+1)! (x-a)■■¹, c ∈ (a,x).
Series Expansions (Maclaurin)
• e^x = 1 + x/1! + x²/2! + ...
• sin x = x - x³/3! + x■/5! - ...
• cos x = 1 - x²/2! + x■/4! - ...
• ln(1+x) = x - x²/2 + x³/3 - ... (|x|<1).
Asymptotes
• Vertical: x=a if lim f(x)=∞.
• Horizontal: y=b if lim x→∞ f(x)=b.
• Oblique: y=mx+c, where m = lim f(x)/x, c = lim (f(x)-mx).
Curve Tracing Steps
• 1. Symmetry about axes/origin.
• 2. Find intercepts with axes.
• 3. Locate asymptotes.
• 4. Study behavior at infinity.
• 5. Find maxima, minima, inflection.
• 6. Sketch curve.
