Skip to the reading

Indeterminate forms

This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.

Indeterminate forms: When the result of evaluating the limit at a specific point is one of the forms: $0 \cdot \infty$ , $- \frac{\infty}{\infty}$ , $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$ , $\frac{0}{0}$ , $0 \cdot - \infty$ , $0^{0}$ , or $1^{\infty}$ , it is known as an indeterminate limit.
Related Glossary Terms: L’Hospital’s Rule
Index: Chapter 5 - L’Hospital’s Rule

Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers

These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.

Indeterminate form
An indeterminate form is a pattern in a proposed limit that does not by itself determine the limit’s value. The forms 0/0 and infinity divided by infinity can lead to several different outcomes. For example, x/x approaches 1 as x approaches 0, while x²/x approaches 0 despite the same 0/0 substitution pattern. The form signals that a justified further analysis is needed.
Read more: 4.7 · Indeterminate form →

Indeterminate form

Help us improve Omniguides