Objectives

Definition
A function 𝑓 is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 when all the following
conditions are met:

(i) 𝑓(𝑎) is defined

(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists

𝑥→𝑎

(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)

𝑥→𝑎

Otherwise, function 𝑓 is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1 is continuous at 𝑎 = 2.

First, we need to Now, we will determine After doing the previous two
evaluate 𝑓 at 𝑎 = 2. if lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists. procedures, we will compare
𝑥→𝑎
That is, whether lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎).
𝑥→𝑎

𝑓 2 = 2 2 +2 2 −1 2
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥→2
+2 2 −1 Since both yield the same
𝒇 𝟐 =𝟕 value, which is 7, we can say
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟕 that 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 is
𝒙→𝟐
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑎) continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟐.
exists.
Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1 is continuous at 𝑎 = 2.

First, we need to Now, we will determine After doing the previous two
evaluate 𝑓 at 𝑎 = 2. if lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists. procedures, we will compare
𝑥→𝑎
That is, whether lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎).
𝑥→𝑎

𝑓 2 = 2 2 +2 2 −1 2
lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥→2
+2 2 −1 Since both yield the same
𝒇 𝟐 =𝟕 value, which is 7, we can say
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟕 that 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 is
𝒙→𝟐
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑎) continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟐.
exists.
 4𝑥−3
Determine whether 𝑔 𝑥 = is continuous at 𝑎 = 5.
2𝑥−2

First, we need to Now, we will determine After doing the previous two
evaluate 𝑔 at 𝑎 = 5. if lim 𝑔(𝑥) exists. procedures, we will compare
𝑥→𝑎
That is, whether lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑎).
𝑥→𝑎
4 5 −3
𝑔 5 =
2 5 −2 4 5 −3 Since both yield the same
lim 𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥→5 2 5 −2 value, which is 17/8, we can
𝟏𝟕 𝟒𝒙−𝟑
𝒈 𝟓 = say that 𝒈 𝒙 = is
𝟖 𝟐𝒙−𝟐
𝟏𝟕
Therefore, g(𝑎) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈 𝒙 = continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟓.
𝒙→𝟓 𝟖
exists.
 4𝑥−3
Determine whether 𝑔 𝑥 = is continuous at 𝑎 = 5.
2𝑥−2

First, we need to Now, we will determine After doing the previous two
evaluate 𝑔 at 𝑎 = 5. if lim 𝑔(𝑥) exists. procedures, we will compare
𝑥→𝑎
That is, whether lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑎).
𝑥→𝑎
4 5 −3
𝑔 5 =
2 5 −2 4 5 −3 Since both yield the same
lim 𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥→5 2 5 −2 value, which is 17/8, we can
𝟏𝟕 𝟒𝒙−𝟑
𝒈 𝟓 = say that 𝒈 𝒙 = is
𝟖 𝟐𝒙−𝟐
𝟏𝟕
Therefore, g(𝑎) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒈 𝒙 = continuous at 𝒂 = 𝟓.
𝒙→𝟓 𝟖
exists.
Types of Discontinuity

a) Essential (Nonremovable)

This type of discontinuity occurs when function 𝑓 is discontinuous at 𝑎

and condition (ii) is not satisfied.
Types of Discontinuity

b) Removable

This type of discontinuity occurs when function 𝑓 satisfies

condition (ii) but fails to satisfy either (i) or (iii). Given this
type of discontinuity, we can remove the discontinuity by
redefining function 𝑓.
 𝑥−1
Determine whether 𝑘 𝑥 = is continuous at 𝑎 = −1. If it is discontinuous,
𝑥+1
determine the type of discontinuity.

Clearly, at 𝑎 = −1, function 𝑘 is not defined. If we are going to evaluate

lim 𝑘 𝑥 , we can observe that the limit does not exist and there is no such
𝑥→−1
way to redefine function 𝑘 to make it continuous. Therefore, we can say
𝑥−1
that 𝑘 𝑥 = has an essential discontinuity.
𝑥+1
 𝑥−1
Graph of 𝑘 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1

𝑉𝐴: 𝑥 = −1
 2𝑥 2 +5𝑥+3 3
Determine whether 𝑚 𝑥 = is continuous at 𝑎 = − . If it is
4𝑥+6 2
discontinuous, determine the type of discontinuity.

3
Clearly, at 𝑎 = − ,
function 𝑚 is not defined, but we can reconstruct our
2
function so that we can evaluate its limit later. Now,

2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 3 (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1) 𝑥 + 1
𝑚 𝑥 = = =
4𝑥 + 6 2(2𝑥 + 3) 2
3 3
3 3 − +1 1 − +1 1
At 𝑎 = − , we have 𝑚 − = 2
= − . Evaluating its limit, we have lim3 𝑚 𝑥 = 2
= − .
2 2 2 4 𝑥→− 2 4
2
Continuation…

So, we can say that the given function 𝑚 has a removable discontinuity.
Therefore, we can redefine the function to

2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 3 3
, 𝑥≠−
4𝑥 + 6 2
𝑀 𝑥 =
1 3
− , 𝑥=−
4 2
Determine if each of the given functions is continuous at 𝑎.
If it is discontinuous, state which of the three conditions
is/are not met and determine what type of discontinuity is
involved.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 =
4𝑥
; 𝑎=1 Discontinuous;
2
𝑥 +𝑥−2 Nonremovable

2𝑥 3 −2𝑥
2. ℎ 𝑥 = ; 𝑎 = −1 Discontinuous; Removable
𝑥+1

Process Question: By just looking at the graph of any function, can you really tell
whether continuity or discontinuity exists? Explain.
Study the graph below…
The given graph is the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = −𝑥 2 + 16.

Clearly, we can say that 𝑓 is defined at −4 < 𝑥 < 4; and

from this, 𝑓 is said to be continuous for all 𝑥 on the
open interval (−4,4) for which −𝑥 2 + 16 > 0.

Is 𝑓 𝑥 continuous on the closed interval −4,4 ?

Since the limit exists for both lim + 𝑓 𝑥 and

𝑥→−4
lim− 𝑓 𝑥 , we can say that 𝑓 is continuous on the
𝑥→4
closed interval [−4,4].
Definition
If 𝑓 is continuous at every point on an open interval (𝑎, 𝑏), we say that 𝒇
is continuous on (𝒂, 𝒃). On the other hand, we say that 𝒇 is continuous
on the closed interval [𝒂, 𝒃], if 𝑓 is continuous on the open interval
(𝑎, 𝑏) and

lim+ 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑎) and lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑏)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑏

Note: If 𝑓 is continuous on any values of 𝑥 on the given interval

(−∞, ∞), we just say that 𝑓 is continuous.
 2
Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥 = is continuous at [−2,3].
𝑥−1

Function 𝑓 is a rational function in 2

which it is not defined at 𝑥 = 1. 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
Since 1 is included on the interval
[−2,3], it implies that 𝑓 is not
continuous on the interval (−2,3)
as well as [−2,3]. Therefore, we
can say that 𝒇 is not continuous 𝑉𝐴: 𝑥 = 1
at [−𝟐, 𝟑].
 2
Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥 = is continuous at (1,3].
𝑥−1

The given function 𝑓 is not defined at 𝑥 = 1. Now, we will check whether it

is continuous on the open interval (1,3). Clearly, we can observe that 𝑓 is
continuous on whatever values of 𝑥 on the open interval (1,3).
 2
Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥 = is continuous at (1,3].
𝑥−1

The given function 𝑓 is not defined at 𝑥 = 1. Now, we will check whether it

is continuous on the open interval (1,3). Clearly, we can observe that 𝑓 is
continuous on whatever values of 𝑥 on the open interval (1,3).
 3
6 − 5𝑥 , 𝑥 < 2
Determine whether 𝑘 𝑥 = ൞ 8 , 𝑥 = 2 is continuous at (−5,5].
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 > 2

We need to investigate whether 𝑘 is continuous on the open interval

(−5,5). To do this, using our previous knowledge on determining the
continuity of a function at a given point, let us investigate first whether 𝑘 is
continuous at a given value of 𝑎 (which in this case is 𝑥 = 2).
 3
6 − 5𝑥 , 𝑥 < 2
Determine whether 𝑘 𝑥 = ൞ 8 , 𝑥 = 2 is continuous at (−5,5].
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 > 2
Continuation…

As a recall, we need to satisfy the following:

(i) 𝑘(𝑎) is defined (ii) lim 𝑘(𝑥) exists (iii) lim 𝑘(𝑥) = 𝑘(𝑎)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
 3
6 − 5𝑥 , 𝑥 < 2
Determine whether 𝑘 𝑥 = ൞ 8 , 𝑥 = 2 is continuous at (−5,5].
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 > 2
Continuation…

Now, given 𝑘 𝑎 = 𝑘 2 = 8, we can say that 𝑘 𝑎 is defined. The next thing we need
to do is to evaluate whether the limit exists from both sides of 𝑎 = 2.

lim− 𝑘(𝑥) = 6 − 5𝑥 3 = 6 − 5 2 3
= −34
𝑥→2

lim+ 𝑘(𝑥) = 2(2) − 1 = 3

𝑥→2
 3
6 − 5𝑥 , 𝑥 < 2
Determine whether 𝑘 𝑥 = ൞ 8 , 𝑥 = 2 is continuous at (−5,5].
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 > 2
Continuation…

From our solution, we can observe that 𝑘 𝑎 ≠ lim 𝑘(𝑥). Hence, the limit
𝑥→2
does not exist at 𝑥 = 2. Since 2 is included in the interval (−5,5], therefore,
we can conclude that 𝒌 is not continuous at (−𝟓, 𝟓].
 𝑘 𝑥 = 6 − 5𝑥 3
𝑘 2 =8
3
6 − 5𝑥 , 𝑥 < 2 𝑘 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 1
Graph of 𝑘 𝑥 = ൞ 8 , 𝑥=2
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 > 2
 𝑥 + 3, 𝑥 < 4
Determine whether 𝑀 𝑥 = ቊ is continuous at [2,4].
3𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 4

We need to investigate whether 𝑀 is continuous on the open interval (2,4).

Since the given function has polynomial sub-functions, we can say that it is
defined on the open interval (2,4). Now, we are going to check whether
lim+ 𝑀 𝑥 = 𝑀(𝑎) and lim− 𝑀 𝑥 = 𝑀(𝑏).
𝑥→2 𝑥→4
 𝑥 + 3, 𝑥 < 4
Determine whether 𝑀 𝑥 = ቊ is continuous at [2,4].
3𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 4
Continuation…

𝑀 𝑎 =𝑀 2 =2+3=5 𝑀 𝑏 = 𝑀 4 = 3 4 − 1 = 11

lim+𝑀 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 3 = 2 + 3 = 5 lim−𝑀 𝑥 = 4 + 3 = 7
𝑥→2 𝑥→4

Therefore, lim+ 𝑀 𝑥 = 𝑀(𝑎) Therefore, lim− 𝑀 𝑥 ≠ 𝑀(𝑏)

𝑥→2 𝑥→4

𝒙 + 𝟑, 𝒙 < 𝟒
Since we have found out that lim− 𝑀 𝑥 ≠ 𝑀(𝑏), we can say that 𝑴 𝒙 = ቊ is not continuous
𝑥→4 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏, 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒
at [𝟐, 𝟒].
 𝑥 + 3, 𝑥 < 4
Graph of 𝑀 𝑥 = ቊ
3𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 4

𝑀 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 1

𝑀 𝑥 =𝑥+3
Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the
given point/interval.
csc(𝑥) 𝜋
,𝑥 ≤
𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − cos(𝑥) 2
𝜋
sin 𝑥 ,𝑥 >
2
𝜋
1. 𝑎 =
2
2.(0, +∞)
3.[0, +∞)
Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the given point/interval.
csc(𝑥) 𝜋
,𝑥 ≤
𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − cos(𝑥) 2
𝜋
sin 𝑥 ,𝑥 >
2
𝜋
1. 𝑎 =
2

1
𝜋 𝜋 1
csc( ) sin( )
𝑓 𝑎 = 2 = 2 = 1 = 1
𝜋 1−0 1
1 − cos( )
2
Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the given point/interval.
csc(𝑥) 𝜋
,𝑥 ≤
𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − cos(𝑥) 2
𝜋
sin 𝑥 ,𝑥 >
𝜋 2
1. 𝑎 =
2

csc(𝑥) 𝜋
lim = 1 lim+ sin(𝑥) = sin =1
𝑥→
−
𝜋 1 − cos(𝑥) 𝑥→
𝜋 2
2 2

𝑓 𝑎 = lim𝜋 𝑓 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→
2
𝜋
∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓 𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎 = .
2
Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the given point/interval.
csc(𝑥) 𝜋
,𝑥 ≤
𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − cos(𝑥) 2
𝜋
sin 𝑥 ,𝑥 >
2
2.(0, +∞)
𝜋
,
Between 0 to the function is continuous to the left of zero since the cosecant
2
function is not continuous only at values of pi or 𝑥 = 𝑛𝜋 . There are no multiples of 𝜋
𝜋
between zero & . Also, the cosine function is defined for all real numbers. The function
2
𝜋
is defined to the left of . Hence, the function is continuous at the two given interval.
2
Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the given point/interval.
csc(𝑥) 𝜋
,𝑥 ≤
𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − cos(𝑥) 2
𝜋
sin 𝑥 ,𝑥 >
2
3.[0, +∞)

f(0) = undefined; function is not continuous at the given interval.

Determine if the given function is continuous on each of the
given intervals.
3𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 ≤ −1
2
𝑓 𝑥 = ቐ𝑥 + 5𝑥 , −1 < 𝑥 < 1
3
3𝑥 , 𝑥≥1

1. (−∞, 0] Discontinuous
2.[−10, −1] Continuous
3.[1, ∞) Continuous
Objectives
☺