# Meaning Of $\lim_{x\to c}f(c)$

I'm coming across a problem that states $\lim_{x\to c}f(c)=f(c)$. But I'm really confused by this. What does $\lim_{x\to c}f(c)=f(c)$ even mean?

For instance let's say $f(x)=x^2$, and $c=2$. So $\lim_{x\to c}f(c)$ means $\lim_{x\to 2}4$?. What does that even mean? $4$ isn't a function, it's just a number, how can you find the limit of it?

Can someone please explain this to me? Try to avoid using epsilon delta proofs - I'm still just learning Khan Academy Calculus.

• $f(c)=4$ can simply be viewed as a constant function, so no matter what value $x$ takes, however close you may bring $x$ to $2$, the function's value is still $4$, and by definition, it's limit as $x\to 2$ remains $4$ – GoodDeeds Sep 2 '18 at 11:52
• @GoodDeeds I included a screenshot above, it's from a proof that all differentiable functions are continuous. You say it's a constant function. But then how is it a function when it is just and individual number? Thanks by the way. – Ethan Chan Sep 2 '18 at 11:56
• An individual number is a constant function. Its value does not depend on $x$. – GoodDeeds Sep 2 '18 at 11:57
• Instead of using limit properties with respect to subtraction, consider the limit of the difference, without rewriting as two separate limits. When $x = c + 0.1,$ then $f(x) = f(c + 0.1) - f(c).$ When $x = c + 0.01,$ then $f(x) = f(c + 0.01) - f(c).$ When $x = c + 0.001,$ then $f(x) = f(c + 0.001) - f(c).$ When $x = c + 0.0001,$ then $f(x) = f(c + 0.0001) - f(c).$ Do you see that the values of $f(x)$ are approaching $\;\lim_{x \rightarrow c} f(x) \;\; - \;\; f(c)?$ – Dave L. Renfro Sep 2 '18 at 12:16

It means that as $x$ comes close to $c$, the value of $f(c)$ comes close to, well, $f(c)$. Because $f(c)$ doesn't care what $x$ is.