A limit calculator is a tool used to determine the value a function approaches as its input approaches a specific value. For example, one might use such a tool to find the behavior of a function as its input approaches infinity or a point where the function itself is undefined. These tools can employ various techniques, including symbolic manipulation and numerical approximation, to compute these limits.
Understanding limits is fundamental to calculus and its applications in fields like physics, engineering, and economics. They provide a foundation for defining derivatives and integrals, which are essential for analyzing rates of change and accumulated quantities. Historically, the rigorous development of limit theory revolutionized mathematics and paved the way for modern calculus. The ability to precisely determine limits allows for more accurate modeling and prediction in scientific and mathematical applications.