17Calculus - Limits FAQs

Does a removable discontinuity have to be a vertical asymptote?

No, here is an example of a nonremovable discontinuity at $$x=c$$ that is not a vertical asymptote. Click here for more information about nonremovable discontinuities.

What is a root of a function?

A root of a function is just a fancy word for an x-intercept, i.e. it is where the graph crosses the x-axis. The term root is often used in engineering, especially electrical engineering. You can also call a root, a zero (since $$y=0$$).

 synonyms root zero x-intercept

Note that you can have multiple roots of a function since a graph can cross with the x-axis multiple times without failing the vertical line test, which is why we talk about A root and not THE root.

What does 'indeterminate' mean?

The word 'indeterminate' usually shows up when discussing limits and it means 'cannot be determined'. For example, when you take a limit and get the result $$0/0$$, this is indeterminate, meaning the limit could be anything and cannot be determined with the given information.

Many times, you can determine the limit but in order to do so, you need to alter the function using algebra, trig or L'Hôpital's Rule to put it in a form so that is no longer indeterminate. You can find plenty of examples (practice problems) on the finite limits page, infinite limits page and L'Hôpital's Rule page.

You can find more information on 17Calculus: Indeterminate Forms (including a table listing most indeterminate forms you will see in calculus).

When using the material on this site, check with your instructor to see what they require. Their requirements come first, so make sure your notation and work follow their specifications.

DISCLAIMER - 17Calculus owners and contributors are not responsible for how the material, videos, practice problems, exams, links or anything on this site are used or how they affect the grades or projects of any individual or organization. We have worked, to the best of our ability, to ensure accurate and correct information on each page and solutions to practice problems and exams. However, we do not guarantee 100% accuracy. It is each individual's responsibility to verify correctness and to determine what different instructors and organizations expect. How each person chooses to use the material on this site is up to that person as well as the responsibility for how it impacts grades, projects and understanding of calculus, math or any other subject. In short, use this site wisely by questioning and verifying everything. If you see something that is incorrect, contact us right away so that we can correct it.