
IB Math AI SL 5.1 – Limits
Topic: Calculus
Level: IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL)
File Type: Editable Slides / Lesson Presentation
Overview
This resource introduces the concept of limits as the foundation of differential calculus.
Students learn how limits describe the behavior of functions as inputs approach specific values, and how this concept leads to the definition of the derivative as an instantaneous rate of change.
The lesson builds from intuitive examples to the formal definition of a limit, helping students understand the transition from average rate of change to instantaneous gradient through graphical and analytical reasoning.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe the concept of a limit intuitively and formally.
- Recognize when a function is well-defined or undefined at specific points.
- Use limits to describe the behavior of a function as ( x ) approaches a value.
- Understand that the derivative is defined as a limit of the average rate of change.
- Interpret the derivative as both the gradient of a curve and a rate of change.
What’s Included
- Conceptual introduction showing functions that are well-defined and undefined at certain points.
- Visual exploration of function behavior as ( x ) approaches a specific value.
- Intuitive definition of a limit followed by the formal epsilon-delta definition
- Examples illustrating how limits predict the behavior of functions near discontinuities.
- Step-by-step transition from average rate of change (secant line) to instantaneous rate of change (tangent line).
- Definition of the derivative as a limit
- Comparison of gradient behavior for linear vs. nonlinear functions.
Topics Covered
- Concept and definition of a limit.
- Formal epsilon-delta definition.
- Average vs. instantaneous rate of change.
- Definition of the derivative as a limit.
- Interpreting limits graphically and analytically.
Why You’ll Love It
- Establishes a clear conceptual foundation for all of calculus.
- Combines visual, numerical, and analytical approaches to limits.
- Smoothly bridges intuitive understanding with formal mathematical definition.
- Fully aligned with IB Math AI SL Topic 5: Calculus.
- Classroom-ready and ideal for interactive instruction or student exploration.
Tags: IB Math SL, Limits, Derivatives, Gradient, Rate of Change, Continuity, Calculus Foundations, IB Curriculum, Lesson Slides
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