16

Functions, Limits and Continuity

STRUCTURE
161. FUNCTIONS
162. MAPPING
163. NOTATIONS FOR FUNCTIONS
164. TYPES OF FUNCTIONS
165. LIMIT OF A FUNCTION
166. METHODS OF EVALUATING LIMIT OF A FUNCTION
167. SOME IMPORTANT LIMITS
161. CONTINUITY OF A FUNCTION
169, CONTINUITY IN AN INTERVAL

OBJECTIVES

After studying this chapter, you should be able to understand

• functions, mapping, notations for functions and types of function
• the concept of limit of a function
• the continuous functions at a point and in an interval.

161. FUNCTIONS

A function is a technical term used to symbolise relationship between

variables. When two variables are so related that, for any arbitrarily
assigned value to one of them, there corresponds a definite value (or a set
of definite values) for the other, the second variable is said to he the
function of the first.
For example, the distance covered is a function of time and speed,
the railway freight charged is a function of weight or volume, the quantity
d emanded or supplied is a function of price, etc. The area of a circle
depends upon the length of its radius and so the area is said to be the
function of radius.
FUNCTIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY
627

Thus, a function explains the nature of correspondence between

variables indicated by some formula, graph or a mathematical equation.
We can say that a function is some sort of a mould which give-, some
unique shape to the material poured into it. It should be remembered that
it is not the degree of variation but the way the variables move in a given
function which is or significance However, a functional re!atiorishp should
not be confused with any causal (cause and effect) relationship. It is purely
a mathematical relationship.
The idea of function is sometimes expressed as
The relationship between two real variables say x and y which are so
related that corresponding to every value 'a' of x defined is the domain,
we get a finite value 'b' of y defined as the range then y is said to be the
function of x,
The domain of variation of x in a function is called the domain of the
definition.
The fact that y is a function of a variable x is expressed symbolically
by equations
y=f(x'), y_= F(x), y=-(x), etc.
The set of the values of x belonging to the domain of a function
generate another Set which consists of values of y{ or f(x)). This generated
set is called the range of the function! (x).
If a is any particular value of x, the value of the function fix) for
a is denoted by f(a.
If the relation between x and y is such that the value of y is nxed
as soon as a definite value is assigned to x then the variable y is said to be
dependent variable and x is the independent variable. The independent
variable is sometimes called the argument of the function.
We shall now clarify the above concept of function by following
examples.
(1) If is always equal to x 2 , then y is a function of x and we write
y=x 2 (her
Similarly cos x, e', log x, (x +a) , etc., are all functions of X.

(ii) If v is defined by saving that

y=rX?, when x>2
y=x— l, when .\2
Here y is defined as a Function of x but two formulae have been used to
define the function, one holds for one part of the domain and the other
for the remaining part of the domain.
(iii) Consider the two numbers x and y with their relationship defined
by the equations
 628
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
IY=,x2, when x<Q
when OxçI

i= k- when x> ii
The domain of definition of this function which is expressed by three
formulae is the whole Set of real numbers. The first formula is used for
the domain of all real numbers less than 0. The second formula is used
for the domain of all real numbers lying between 0 and I. The third
formula
than 1. is used for the domain of all those real numbers which are greater
(lv) Let

Here y is a function of x defined for aggregate of positive integers only.

(v) Let X I
Here y is a function
same futj0 0 can alsoof x defined for the entire field of real numbers. The
be defined as follows
y='x, when x0
y--X, when x<0
162, Nf"pINC
In modern m
is malping• athematics, the equivalent expression for a function
Definition. 1ff Is a rule
one and only one element of which associates every element of set X with
or mapping set Y, then the rule j is said to be
the function
from the set X to the set Y This we write 3ymbollca// 1,
as
f; K-Y
If y is the element of Y,
by rule f, WC write this as yfxcorrespondiog to an element x of X, given
at x'. or y==J(x) and read as
'y is the value of
163. NOT ATIONS FOR FUNCTIONS

The mere fact that a quantity is a function of a single variable, say,

X, is indicated by writing the function in one of the forms f(x), F(x),
(x) ,
If one of these occurs alone, it is read "a function of x"
or "some function of x", if some of these are together, they are read "the
f-function of x", "the F
function of x", "the phi-function of x",
The latter y is often used to denote a function of
() f x,
The fact that a quantity is a function of several variables, sayx, y, z
it is indicated by means of several symbols, Jt x , y), ,
4i(x, y, z,ii y), F(x, ,y, z ).
.......) These are read as "thef function of x and ;" "the phi-
function of x and Y", "the F-function of x, y and z,"
etc.
Sometimes the exact relation between the function and the dependent
variable (or variables) is stated, as for example
FUNCTIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 1629
A X) =-x 2 +3x -7, or y -x'-f-3x-7, F(x, y)=2e x +7e,
I
In such cases the f-function of any other number is obtained by substitut-
ing that number for x infix), and the F-function of any two numbers is
obtained by substituting those for x and y respectively in F(x, y). Thus
f(z) z2+3z-7j(4)=4'+3X4-7=21
A l , z )= 2e 1 +7e 1 +tz_I, F(2, 3)20+7e+5
(1) Constants. The symbols which retain the same value throughout
a vet of mathematical operations are called constants.
It has become customary to use initial alphabets a, b, c,.. as symbols
for constants. These are of two types
(a) Absolute constants. Those which have the same value in all
operations and discussions For example rr, \/2,etc., e are absolute constants.
(b) Arbitrary Constants. Those which may have any assigned value
throughout a set of mathematical operations.
For example, the radius of a circle or the sides of a right angled
triangle in forming the trigonometric ratios are the arbitrary constants.
(ii) Variables. If a symbol x denotes any element of a given set
of numbers, then x is said to be a variable.
The last few alphabets x, y, z or U, v, w,... are generally used to
denote variables.
The variables which can take arbitrarily assigned values are
usually termed as Independent variables. The other variables whose values
must he determined in order that they may correspond to these assigned
values are usually termed as dependent variables. It will be seen later that
a "function" and "dependent variable" are synonymous terms.
(iii) A Con tinuous Real Variable. If x assumes SUcCeSSIVelY
every numerical value of an aggregate of all real numbers from a given
number 'a' to another given number b', then x is called a 'continuous real
variable'
(iv) A Domain Interval. If a variable x which can take only those
numencal values which lie between two given numbers a and b then ail
the numerical values between a and b taken collectively is called domain
or interval of the variable x and is usually denoted by (a, b).
If the set of values say x is such that axb then the domain or
interval (a, b) is called a closed domain or interval. In this case the num-
ber a and b are also included in the domain.
If the set of x is such that a <x <b then it is called an open domain
interval which is denoted by [a, bJ to distinguish it from (a, b). Here the
numbers a and h do not belong to the domain.
We may also have semi-closed intervals like.
(a, b} or ax<b ; [ a, b) or a<xb
630 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

The first interval is closed on the left and the second one is closed on
the right.
We may have domains of variation extending without bound in one
or the other direction, which we write
(-00, b) or xçb ; (a, 00) or xa ; (-00, 00) or any x.

164 TYPES OF FUNCTIONS

We shall now introduce some different types of functions which are
particularly useful in calculus.
I One Valued Function. When a function has only one value
corresponding to each value of the independent variable, the function is
called a one valued fuuct ion. If it has two values corresponding to each
value it is called a two valued function. In case a function has several
values corresponding to each value of the independent variable, it is
called a multiple valued fun ctlon, or a many valued Junction, e.g.,
(i) If y =x , y is a single valued function of x,
(ii) If y= %/x, y is a two valued function of x (+Vx and --/x).
II. Explicit Functions. A function expressed directly in terms of
the dependent variable is said to be an explicit function, e.g., y=X1+2x-5.
In it one of the variables is dependent on the other and the relation-
ship is not mutual so that the other could be expressed as a dependent
variable.
The function which is not expressed directly in terms of the depend-
ent variable there is a mutual relationship between two variables and
either variable determines the other, is said to be an implicit functions
e.g.,
2
(1) 2x - 3y= 0 then x= y and Y= x
.
(11) x'+y5 =16 so that =±Vl6_y 2 and y=d,116_x2
(iii) x—y'---6x--8y---7=0 so that
y=±(x-_3)-4 and X=±(y+4)+3.
III. Algebraic and Tranacende tal Functions. Functions may
also be classified according to the operations involved in the relation con-
necting a function and its dependent variable (or variables). When the
relation which involves only a finite number of terms and the variables are
affected only by the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, powers and roots, the function is said to be an algebraic function.
Thus 2x1 +3x1 -9, .,/x-4- are algebraic functions of x.

All the functions of x which are not algebraic are called transcend-
ental functions. We have the following sub-classes of transcendental
functions'
FUNCtIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 631

(1) Exponential Functions. (II) Logarithmic Functions,

(iii) Trigonometric Functions. (Iv) Inverse Trigonometric Functions.
Functions, e.g., cos x, tan (x+ x), sin-' xe2x log x and log (4x+5)
are transcendental functions of x.
IV. Rational and Irrational Functions. Expressions involving
x which consist of a finite number of terms of the form ax, in which 'a' j
a constant and n a positive integer, e.g.,
4x'+3x'_2x2 +9X— 7
is called a rational Integral function of x.
When an expression having more than two terms but only one
variable it is called polynomIal in x. For example in
................... -f-a,,
where a0 , a, a2 ...... ..a,,, are constants and in is the degree of the poly-
nomial.
If an expression in x, in which x has positive integral exponents only
and a finite number of terms including the division by a rational integral
function of x, it is a called a rational function of x, e.g.,
x-2
x2 +6 7x-4xf7
x+7 +8x-9
3x'+9 ' (X-5)(2x-3) 4x+5
Rational integral functions and rational functions are included in
rational functions.
An expression involving x which involves root extraction of terms is
called an irrational function, e.g.,
v Vx2+4xf5+9x_7
We can say. a rational function is an algebraic expression which
involves no variable in an irreducible radical form (or under a fractional
exponent) ; a function which can be written as a quotient of polynomials.
The expressions 2x 2 + I and 2+-- are rational but ./x+ 1 and x3'2±1
are not.
V Monotone Functions. When the dependent variable increa-
ses with an increase in the independent variable, the function is called a
monotonically increasing function. For example, the function of supply is
a monotonically increasing function of price. As against thia a demand
functions is a monotonically decreasing function of price because the quan-
tity demanded decreases with every increase in price. A function y =f(x)
is called a monotone increasing function in an interval if a larger value of
X gives a larger value of y, i.e., an increase in X causes an increase in y in an
interval. Similarly a function is called a monotone decreasing function in
an interval if an increase in the value of x always brings out a decrease in
 632
BUSINBS MATHEMATICS

the value the function in the lnten'al. Thus, if x and X 1 are only two
numbers in the interval such that x1>x1, then
fix) is monotonically increasing if Jx)>.f(x1)
and fix) is monotonically decreasing if Jix2)<jx).
VI. Even and Odd Functions. If a function f(x) is such that
ft—x)==fix)
then it is said to be an even function of x, e.g., x', 5x 1 , 7x2 -l-cos X are all
even functions of x.
Now if a fun cti onJ( —x) is such that
J( — x) ---J(x)
then it is said to be art odd fwictk, p, of x, e.g., x, 5x+6x 3 , sin x, are all
odd functions of x,
VII. Periodic Functions, A function such that the range of the
independent variable can be separated into equal sub-intervals such that
the graph of the function is the same in each part interval. The length of
the smallest such part is the period. Technically if f(x4 p ) = f(x) for all
X orf(x) and fix-4-p)
are both undefined, then p is the period off For
e xample, the trigonometric function of sine has period 2n radians, since
sin (x +20=sin x of all x
VIII. Composite Functions. If y g(u) and u=f(x) then
y-=g{flx)) is called a function of function or a composile function. For
example the volume of a cylindrical water tank is the function of area and
depth, while, area itself is a function of the radius ( ': A=r 2), SO the
function of the volume is the function of the area.
IX. Inverse Functions. If y= f(x), defined in an interval (a, b),
Isa function such that we can express x as a function of y, say x=(y),
then (y) is called the inverse affix), e.g.,

(I) if 5x+3
---- * then 3-9y
=-
2x-1-9 2y-5is the inverse of the first function.
(u) Y=sin' x is the inverse function of x=sin y
(iii) X= '?/ Y is inverse function ofy=x5.
X. Continuous and Discontinuous Functions. A discussion
on an exceedingly important classification of functions is given in the next
section on limits of a function.
16'5. LIMIT OF A FUNCTION
The limit of a function is that fixed value to which a function approa-
ches as the variable approaches a given value. The function approaches
this fixed constant in such a way that the absolute value of the difference
between the function and the constant may be made smaller and smaller
FUNCTIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 633
than any positive number, however small. This difference continues to
remain less than this assigned number say € when the variable approaches
still nearer to the particular value chosen for it.
The limit of a function say I is then that value to which a function
J(x) approaches, as x approaches a given value say a. In other words, as
x reaches closer and closer to a, the function f(x) reaches closer and closer
to I so that given a positive number c (epsilon), however small, we can
find a number 6r= I f(x)—J I such that 5<E as x approaches closer and
closer to a.
Def. If corresponding to a positive number e, however small, we are
able to find a number 3 such that
fix)- 11 <E for all values of x satisfying x—a I <6 then we say
that f(x) .4l as x-+a and write this symbolically as
tim f(x)=l
X-
It should be remembered that the function may not actually reach
the limit I but it may get closer and closer to I as x approaches a so that
I f(x) --I I is lcss than any given value. For example, let us have a func-
tion f(x)=x 2 — 2. The function approaches the limit 7 as x approaches
3, we can express it is lim (x 2 -2)=7 This can he shown below first
x-+ 3
with x approaching closer and closer to 3 from the tower side
when x=299 f(x)=-69401
when x=2999 f(x)=6994001
when x=29999 f(x)= 699940001
Now when x approaches 3 from the higher side, we have
when x301 f(x)r-.7060l
when x= TOO l J(x)=7006001
when x=30001 f(x)700060001
It is evident from the above that as x is taken closer and closer to 3,
f (x) moves closer and closer to 7.

166. METHODS OF EVALUATING LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

In this section we shall give the various methods of finding the limits.
The following are some theorems on the limits which are often used for
evaluating the limits of a function. The proofs are, however, beyond the
scope of the book.
If tim f(x)=A and tim (x)B, then
x-+o x-a

I. tim [f(x)±(x)}= tim J(x)+Ijm (x)=A+B

x-+a
634 BU5'1NSS MATHEMATICS
This can be extended to any finite number of functions.
II. Urn (ftx).O(x)]— Urn f(x). urnO (x)=AB

This can also be extended to any finite number of functions.

III. It obviously follows that
Urn kf(x)k urn f(x)=k.4
X- X-+a

Jim f(x)
IV. iimISJ X-'a A
xa qS(x)ljm g5(x) -p-, where urn (x):;e_'-O
X-+a

V. urn • J_ provided urn f(x)^Q

x-^af(x) urn.
— f(x) A
X - a
VI. Urn l ogf( x )=log urn Jx)=log A

167. SOME IMPORTANT LIMITS

I. urn na"-'
x-,.() )C—J

II. Urn (I -n)''=im(u+- ---- ' "-

,t- . co's fl,'

In. urn 0 ±x) I

X
sin
1V. Jim =1
X- 0. X

Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side Limits

Jim ftx)= Urn f(a—h)== limit of Jx),

when x approaches 'a' from the L.H.S.

also Jim f(x)== Jim f(a-u-h)=lirnit off(x),
h--O
when x approaches 'a' from the R.H.S.
Therefore, to find the left hand side limit, we write a -h for x in Jx)
and take the limit as h-o. Similarly to find the right hand side limit, we
write a-4--h for X in f(x) and take the limit as h-)O, where h is always
positive.
Example 1. Find the behaviour of as x-' O from the left hand
side as well as from the right hand side.
FUNCTIONS, UMtrS AND CONTINUITY 635

Solution. For L.H.S., we have

I—1 I
tim - = [Link]-
x+O_ XhO 0—h
urn
-+o 7)
(7 _oO

and urn L= tim 1 urn (I

h
).=+
x-0-j- X h-'O h-*O

Example 2. Find urn when x-afrorn the left hand as well

x +a
as from the right hand side.

Solution. For L.H.S. limit, we have

1
urn eX_0 urn e_ a Jim e h
X-* a— h-i-U h-s-O

=1im -'--=0 for !__*ooash_O

h-O !._.
h
e
For the R.H.S. limit, we have
1 ft \ 1
Jim e- = tim e ka+h – a)= urn e
x-.-a+ h-'O h+O
4,4+3x2_1
Example 3. Find the limit of when x-* 1.

I
Solution. We have to find tim
x-.I x3-l--7

Substituting x= 1 in the express i on we find that it comes out to be a

definite number . Hence the required limit is

2 +2x— 15
Example 4. Evaluate urn x X'—

Solution. Replacing x by 3 in the expression, we get .-, which is

indeterminate, x-3 must therefore be a factor of the numerator as well

as of the denominaxor-
Factorising we get
Jim x'+2-x-15 (x-3)(x+5)
X2-9
 636 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

• x+5 8 4
x+36 - by putting x=3.

Example 5. Prove that urn /c2±x s/a—x' 1

x-.O x2 V a-
0
Solution. We find that if we put x =O, we get -u-. In such cases
rationalising the numerator s we have

Tim urn
X-o x-o X1[/(a+)+V(axf}
2 1
-V W+
—O+ Va-
Example6. Evaluate : lint [C.A., May 19911
x-+O X

Solution, Tim Jim

Q X x-O X v'fT+i]
lim[_(1+x)—1 I
urn
O x(Vl+x+1) xO 2
Example 7. Evaluate: lint F(x-f-h)_.F(x)
h
where F(x)= sin 2 x. [C.A., November 1991)
sins (Xfh)_Sj2 X
Solution. Jim --------_----- Tim sin (2x+ h ) sin h
h-O h-O
si
=Jim
h-p 0 I sin (2x+h) L ]sin 2x.
Example 8. Find lint VLx.
x-*I xt—1
Solution. Substituting x= 1, we get
hence by rationalising,

litu
x2-1

- V

Jim=— (3+x)— (5—x)

x-..j (x+l)(x-1)[Vi+/5
FUNCTIONS LIMITS AND CONTINUITY
637
Jim
2

2 ___
1
(l+1)[VjT7
Example 9. Show that urn
x-i2 x-2
-
x-3x-+-2
_J_ -
Solution. lini [I 1
;-. _ x'-3x+1]
[r
urn x-3x+2—(x_2)
x^ 2

Jim x2 - 4x -f 4
,*2

=1im I I
X-2 x .—I rrr—_czrr1
2—i
Example 10. Show that urn 2(n+5n+6)
fT*00 (n+4)(n.f-5)
o

Solution. The given limit-=Jijn 2 lm

n-+ 00 , — co

JimJim n 2 + 5n+6
n+9n+
5 6
Jim -- Jim -n --
fl-*

=OxIO
Example 11. Show that urn Ax) exists and l.y equal tof(l), where
x+I

f(x)r=x+Ifor xeJ
J_ x 2 for x>J.
1!.[Link].A., June 19911
Solt; 0 . We have
J1)=J+I=2.
L.H.L.=jjm f(x )-11m f(1 —h),

=Ijrn
h--O
638 BU511SS MATHEMATICS

RH.L. — lim fix)==lim Al—h),h>O

h-.O

=lim (3—(l+h)21"2

Since L.H.L.='R.H.L., urn fix) exists and is equal to flu).

X- I

Example l2. Discuss the exisleact of urn fix), If

X-+

f(x)=3+2X for— 4.x<O

--3-2x for

=-3-2x for
[J.C.W.A,, June 19901
Solution.

L.H.L=lirn f(x)Jim f(-} +h h>O

x-*+-fO

= urn r_3_2(+h)]33_6.
2

R.H.L.=lim f(x)lini f(.}

_h
),
h>O

rlim I3_2(..---h')]3_3o
2
h-0
Since L.1-I.L:AR.H.L., urn f(x) does not exist.
3
x-.

168. CONTINUITY OF A FUNCTION

A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x= a, if corresponding to

any arbitrarily assigned positive number c, however small (but not zero)
there exists a positive number a such that
f(x)—f( a) I < for all I x—a
We note that in order to obtain the above we have to replace 1
by 1(a) in the definition of f (x) tending to a limit I as x-+a'. Hence
the above definition becomes:
FUNCTIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 639
A function 1(x) is said to be continuous at a point X— a. if 1(x)
possesses a finite and definite limit as x tends to the 'value 'a' from either
side and each of these limits is equal t of(o) so that
urn f(x)=f(a) jim f(x)
X'.O-

Thus the continuity of a function at point x=a boils down to the deter-
mination of three numbers
(1) f( o ), (fi) urn f (x), (iii) Jim f(x)
X- Q-

which involves only the simple process of

(i) replacing x by 'a' inf(x) and then finding if f(a) is finite and
definite.
(ii) evaluating the left hand limit,)
(ill) evaluating the right hand limit j by methods already explained,
If all the three number so obtained are equal, then f(x) is continuous
at x=a otherwise it is discontinuous.
Example 13. Show that f(X)=3x2 42x__1 Is continuous at x=2.
Hence prove that 1(x) Is continuous for all values of x,
Solution. The conditions to be satisfied by a function before we
cn say that it is continuous at a particular point say x=a are
f(a), urn f(x) and Jim f(x)

should have definite and finite values and that

urn f(x)=f(a)=. Jim f(x)
-+ a- X-*a+
Let us examine whether these conditions are satisfied by f(x)=3x'+2x-1
for x'=2. Here a2. therefore, we have
(i) f(2)=3.22 +2.2-1l 5
Again by the method of finding the le't hand and right hand side
limits. we have
(ii) urn (3x'+2-x— l)= urn (3(2—h)'1+2(2—h)—J)_ l5

Left hand side limit=] 5

Also (ill) Jim (3x 2 +2x—l)= Jim l3=l
­ 2+
Right hand side limit= 15.
We find that the value of the function at x=2, the left hand and the
right hand limits all exist., and are finite and equal.
We shall show further that f(x)=3x+2x— I is continuous for
values of X. The method followed is quite general and the students are
required to note it carerully.
640 BOINESS MATHEMATICS

Let x=k be any value of x arbitrarily selected and find out whetner
the given function is continuous at x==k.
Here a=k, therefore f(k)=3k 2 +2k__l (finite number)
Also urn (3x2 +2x—l)= urn {3(k h)2J_2(k_h)_,}
h-o
=lim (3 k2_ 6khf_3h 2 +2k2/,_ 1)
h-O
-30+2k_t
Similarly, we find that
urn (3xl-2x— 1)=3k'+2k - I
x.k
From (1), (2) and (3), we deduce that the given function is continu-
ous at x=k. Since k is any arbitrary value of X, therefore f(x) is continu-
ous for all values of X.
Example 14. Discuss the continuity of
xo

f(.)=O, xO
Solution. f(x) can be written as
f(x)=l, x>O
f(x)O,x=O
f(x)=— I, x<O

Graphically the function is discontinuous

at xO. Analytically we have f(0)-Q.
But urn f(x)=-J, which is not equal
to f(0).

Hence the function is discontinuous at

this point.

Example 15. Show that

e-' /Z
when x^O
I +e'"
O, when x=O is not continuous at xO.
Solution. Here f(0)0, given
I I

C x e0_h.
L.H.L.- urn urn (I)
± h-O -
l-f-e
F UNCflONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY G41

(2)
,jo 1
11

c as Ii ,-O, therefore •-,O :i

[.
17
arid t' i '->oo as /1 -_.tq

urn ---- hrn -

h )
(2) arid (3) R,H.L;:/L. I 1.1
Jim 1(x) does not exist
x -+0

.1(x) is discontinuous at x O.
Example 16. Consider the functions defined OS follows
2_4 24
(a) f(x), for x<2 (b) Jx)=--,for x<2

f(x)=-4,for x=2 fx)=2,for x2

f(x)_=2,fur x>2

(C) f(x) helL Ux <: 2 (d) Ax) = x 2 when Ox <

• f(x)=2, when x-.-2 f(x)=2, w/:e,i x =2

f(x)x1, when >2 Jx)±2, when x>2

Diwuss the continuity at x=2.

Sointuon. (a) Here A2)---4, a finite and nic gvcn number.
The first condition is, therefore, satisfied. The function is defined for values

of x<2 by f(x)

For the left hand limit we have to take up t' tt -.-t'of func-
x2 -4 (x-2)(x4-2)
tion. We then have Jim bin -- it (x -1-2) = 4
X .2— x-2 x-^2—
x-2
Again the function is defined for values of x>2 by J(x):-. 2, therefore
the right hand limit is to be calculated from f(x) =2:
Here we have lint 2=2
2-

Also we ccc that A2)= tim f(x)

Hence the function is discontinuous at X2.

642 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(b) Here f(2)=2 and Jim fi x) = Jim 2=2

x2 -4 (X--2)(x+2)
But Jim f(x)= Jim --= Jim Jim (x+2)=-4.
x-'2— x-2— XJ

Whence f(2)=2-A Jim

X-+2— x-2
Hence f(x) is discontinuous at x=2.
(c) Here f(2)=2 (given)

Ji and Jim (x-F-J)= 3

A— m x v12+
which show that

JimJim (x±J)-7^=f(2)
x*2—x-2 x-21-
1-jence the function is discontinuous at x=2.

(d) 3x+2
_____
Here Jim - =4, urn - =4
x-2— x-2 X

but f(2)-2 which means that

urn f(x)= Jim f(x)f(2)
x.2f

I-Jcnce the function is discontinuous at x=2.

Example 17. Show that the function fi x) as defined below, is dis-
continuous at x=
f(x)=x, when Ox<
f(x)=i, when x=
f(x)=1_x, when 4<x.<l
We are given that
ftx)=1 when x=
which means that AD— l, i.e., the value of the function at x= j is 1.
the first condition is satisfied.
Now let us find urn fix) and Jim fix)

In urn fi x), we have to find the limit when x—j through those

values of x which are less than J.

Now fix)=x is the only part of the function which is defined for
values of - c i ch that Ox<i.
 643
'UNCLI0S, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

Therefore, we should find tim x. By the method of finding the

left hand limit, we have

tim x= lini (__h)='—
2
2
at this stage we stop and gay thatf( X ) is discontinuous at x-- because
f(fl tim X.
X­ -
There is no need of finding the right hand limit. In case we want to
find the right hand limit then we must select f(x)=d— X as our function
because this is the only part of the given function which is defined for
values of x greater than 4.
CONTINUITY IN AN INTERVAL
interval (a, h)
A function f(x) is said to be continuous in the closed is
<x<b, and if f(x) continuous
if it is Continuous for every value of x in a
from the right at 'a' and from the left at 'b', I.e., if urn fix) exists and
X -* a ±

is equal tof( a ), and urn f(x) exists and is equal tof(b).

x- b—

It is easily deduced from the theorems on limits that the sum pro-
duct, difference or quotient of two functions which are continuous at a
certain point are themselves continuous at that point, except that in the
case of quotient in which the denominator must not vanish at the point
in question. Further it is true that the function of a continuous function
is a continuous function.
We now take up a few examples to illustrate the method of applica-
tion of the set of conditions arrived at in the previous sections to prove the
continuity of a function at a point as well as in an interval.
Example 18. A fund Ion f(x)
Is defined as follows

for x < I

f(1) —3
and f(x)=.±,for x>I

Examine the continuity of in the interval (-3, 3).

Soluton, f(x)- is to be considered for values of x lying

between —3 and I because this is the part of the function which is defined
for value of x<l.
The denominator of becomes 0 when X-2. But —2 is a
644 BUSINESS MATIMMATI CS
point between -3 and 1. Hence J(x) is disconti nu ous at x=-2 as the
function is not defined at x -2. Againf(l)=3.

and Jim urn 9(11

x+2 h-'O (1-h)-1-2

x+3 . 1+h-j-3
also urn - = bin
1±h
=4
h*O
Since the right hand limit is not equal to the left hand limit and is
not equal to the value of the function at x- 1, therefore, the given function
is discontinuous at x=. J.
Hence Ax) is discontinuous at x=- -2 and 1, for all other values of
X it is Continuous.
Etmple 19. Show that the function f(x)-x sin (I/x), xAO 13
cont inuous at x=O, where fO).O.

Solu tion. Here f(0)=0

and urn x sin ±-\ urn ( h) sin (11- h)= 1111) h sin ( l Jh) =O
hO h-.o

Also In-n X sin urn h sin --- =0

xo+ x h
Hence the function is continuous at X= 0.
Exa, j,j 20 Show that the function defined as under is continuous
f

f(x)=x 2 cos e'i for all x excepting x=O

Jtx) = I for xO
R ender 11 con tinuous by changing Its definition
SoJuj0 Here f(0)_.

lim x cos xh/x=lim h' cos -j—=0

x-j--.
Also Jim x 2 cos e''- urn h t cos e1lh..O
li-+0
lirn x2cose'/'-O
,0
X-

Since Jim fx)--Af(0), the function is not continuous at x=-0.

X-+ 0
The function becomes continuous at X=0 if we define the functio n
BS follows

cos e1', x_7^:0

f(x)=0, when x==0.
FUNCTIONS, LIMITS AND CONTINUITY 645

EXERCISES
Evaluate the following limits
2X2
2x2-7X46
I. (a) hill 5x 2 —llx+2 urn
x-2
x34-2y-6X--3'

jim 4x'+5x4 7x2-l-6x

(C)
x*O 5x{-7X2-l-x

W— 5x4 6(x2-3X-I-2) (b) lim ----

2. (a) urn 4x
x-* 2 x3--3x-4-4 X-+ Co

•- 2
1- (b) urn
3. (a) liju
x-'O x X- a

(c) urn V'x+x-3- V+ 1

x-*2

4. (a) urn 1_L_ 21

1)(x— 2)
*2
.v- L2

(b) lit r ..!.......

Lx-3 x(x2._5x+6)

x_ 3 - a3
(C) lijn ------
x-*o

5. Prove that the function x t +4x-2 is continuous at x=1.

6. Prove that the function is discontinuous at x==3.

x-3
7. Discuss the continuity of the following functions:

(I) flx)= - at x=O, (ii) flx)=-4- at x=O.

8. Snow that the function defined as
f(x)=1 for x=0
f(x) x for x>O
is discontinuous at the end point x=O.
9. (a) A function f(x) is defined as follows
f(x)= J —x, when 0<x<
Jtx) =O , when x-
f(x) = - 3x, when j <x< 1
Show that f(x) is continuous at x=.
646 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(b) A functionf(x) is defined as follows:

f(x)=3+2x, for—x<0
f(x)=3-2x, for OX<
f(x)==-3-2x, for x>
Show that J(x ) is continuous at x=O and is discontinuous at x=.
10. A function f(x) is defined in the interval (0, 3) in the following
way:
f(x)=x', when 0 <x<l
f(x)==x, when 1x<2
f(x)r=kx 3 , when 2x<3
Show that f(x) is continuous at x=2 and x=1,

ANSWERS
1. (a) - , (b) —5, (c) 6 2. (a) , (b) 3. (a) 0,

(b) , (c) 4. (a) , (b) (c)

V3 2a