What it means
The value an expression approaches as a variable gets ever closer to a point, even if it never reaches it. Derivatives, integrals and infinite sums are all defined by limits.
Read aloud in real formulas
lim_{x→0} sin(x)/x = 1
Aethel says
the limit as x goes to 0 of sin of x, over x equals 1
the classic limit
lim_{n→∞} (1 + 1/n)ⁿ = e
Aethel says
the limit as n goes to infinity of the quantity 1 plus 1 over n, to the power of n, equals e
one definition of e
Typing it
- LaTeX
- \lim_{x \to a}
- Unicode
- —
Formulas that use it
Questions
How do you say lim out loud?
It is usually read “the limit as x goes to a of”.
What does lim mean in maths?
The value an expression approaches as a variable gets ever closer to a point, even if it never reaches it. Derivatives, integrals and infinite sums are all defined by limits.
How do you type lim?
In LaTeX, write \lim_{x \to a}.