CONTINUITY
Lesson 4
Continuity at a Number
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at the
number a if all of the following three conditions are
satisfied.
a. exists
b. exists
c.
If any one or more of the above three
conditions fail, the function is said to be
discontinuous at a number a.
Example 1: Determine whether is continuous at x = 1.
Solution:
a. b. c.
The three conditions
are satisfied. The
function is
continuous at x=1
Example 2: determine whether the function is continuous at:
1. x = 0 2. x = 2 3. x = 3
Solution:
1. At x = 0
a. b. c.
The three conditions
are satisfied. The
function is continuous
at x=0
2. At x = 2
a. b. c.
The three conditions
are satisfied. The
function is
continuous at x = 2
The graph is shown
3. At x = 3
below.
a.
indeterminate
In the language of calculus, is
indeterminate.
Hence, the function is discontinuous at
x=3
There is a break in the graph of the
function at the points where x = 3.
This is indicated by the hole.
Types of Discontinuity
Removable Discontinuity – This discontinuity occurs when there
is a hole in the
graph of the function.
Example: Consider the function
The denominator of this rational function should not be equal to zero,
that is
If , then x = 2. Substituting 2 in Place of x will make the rational
function equal to which is indeterminate. This means that the
function is discontinuous at x = 2. This can be verified using the
three conditions of continuity.
a. indeterminate
The first condition is not satisfied.
Hence, the function is discontinuous at
x = 2.
The graph is shown at the right side.
There is a hole in the graph.
x 0 1 2 3
f(x indetermina
2 3 5
) te
The discontinuity of the function is removable. To remove the
discontinuity, redefine the function.
{ 𝑥2− 4
𝑓 (𝑥 )= ¿ 𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 ≠ 2
¿ 4 , 𝑥 =2
Jump Discontinuity – This discontinuity occurs when the graph
of the function
stops at one point and seems to jump at
another point.
In a jump discontinuity, the left hand and
the right-hand
Example: limits exist but are not equal.
Solution:
a.
b.
The does not exist. Hence is discontinuous at x = 3.
This is a non-removable discontinuity. It is not possible to
redefine it.
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =3 𝑥 −2
x -1 0 1
-5 -2 1
f(x)
x 3 4 5
f(x) 2 3 4
Asymptotic/Infinite Discontinuity
– In this type of discontinuity, at least one of the two limits is
infinite.
Example: Consider the function
Solution:
a.
undefined
The first condition is not satisfied. Therefore, the function is
discontinuous at x = 2.
b. Find the limits.
Table 1
x -1 0 1 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.99 1.999
f(x) -1 -1.5 -3 -6 -10 -30 -300 -3,000
As the value of x approaches 2 from the left, approaches negative
infinity.
Table 2
x 3 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.01 2.001
f(x) 3 6 7.5 10 15 30 300 3,000
As the value of x approaches 2 from the right, approaches positive
infinity.
The vertical asymptote is x = 2. The graph of the function
approaches but never touches the vertical asymptote. The vertical
asymptote is represented by the broken line.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!
Prepared by:
Ms. Marialisa E. Virador