Basic Calculus

Week 5
Activity 01
 PENCIL PUZZLE
Group Activity: Draw the shape without lifting your
hand.
1. Choose a representative for each group.
2. Representative will spin the wheel. (Each color
corresponds to a shape that the representative
will draw.)
3. The group will be given 1 minute to brainstorm.
4. Then the representative will be given 1 minute to
draw the diagram without lifting the marker/chalk.
SPIN

tekhnologic
 PENCIL PUZZLE

Do the same for

this shape.
 Guide Questions
1. How did you draw the shapes from the
1st activity?
2. How about the last shape?
3. How do you compare the last shape
from the first set of shapes?
Observe!
 Answer this!
1. Based on the graphs, which of them
makes you trace without lifting a
pen?
2. Can you tell which graphs are
continuous and which are not?
3. When do you say that a graph is
continuous or not?
CONTINUITY OF
FUNCTIONS
Session 1
 Definition of Continuity
Merriam Dictionary:
• The meaning of CONTINUITY is uninterrupted
connection, succession, or union.

Britannica Encyclopedia:
• continuity, in mathematics, rigorous formulation
of the intuitive concept of a function that
varies with no abrupt breaks or jumps.
What does “continuity at a point”
mean?

A function is said to be continuous at

𝒙 = 𝒄 if there is no interruption in the
graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑐.
Definition of Continuity of a Function
at a Point

1. Its graph is unbroken at c, and there is no

hole, jump or gap.
2. Intuitively, this means that in drawing the
graph of a function, the point in question will
be traversed.
EXAMPLE 1: Consider the graph below.

Is the function
continuous at
𝒙 = 𝟏?
YES
EXAMPLE 2: Consider the graph below.

Is the function
continuous at
𝒙 = 𝟏?
NO
EXAMPLE 3: Consider the graph of the
𝟏
function ℎ(𝑥) = .
𝒙

Is the function
continuous at
𝒙 = 𝟎?
NO
EXAMPLE 4: Consider again the graph
of the function
𝟏
ℎ(𝑥) = .
𝒙

Is the function
continuous at
𝒙 = 𝟐? YES
 Three Conditions of Continuity
A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐 if the
following three conditions are satisfied:
(i) 𝑓(𝑐) exists;

(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and

𝑥→𝑐

(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).

𝑥→𝑐
If at least one of these conditions is not met, 𝑓 is said to
be discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐.
EXAMPLE 5: Determine if 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟑 + 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐
is continuous or not at x = 1.
Solution. We have to check the three conditions for
continuity of a function.
a) If 𝑥 = 1, then 𝑓(1) = 0.

b) lim 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 2 = 13 + 12 − 2 = 0.
𝑥→1

c) 𝑓 1 = 0 = lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→1
Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.
 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
EXAMPLE 6: Determine if 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−2
is continuous or not at 𝑥 = 0.
Solution. We have to check the three conditions for
continuity of a function.
a) If 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑓(0) = 1.
𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 (𝑥−2)(𝑥+1)
b) lim 𝑓 𝑥 = lim = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥−2 𝑥→0 𝑥−2

= lim (𝑥 + 1) = 1
𝑥→0
 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
EXAMPLE 6: Determine if 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−2
is continuous or not at 𝑥 = 0.

Solution. We have to check the three conditions for

continuity of a function.
c) 𝑓 1 = 0 = lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→1
Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 0.
TRY THIS: Determine if 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1is
continuous or not at 𝑥 = 4.
A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐 if
the following three conditions are satisfied:
(i) 𝑓 4 = 4 − 1 = 3 > 0

(ii) lim 𝑥 − 1 = 4 − 1 = 3
𝑥→4

(iii) lim 𝑥 − 1 = 3 = 𝑓(4).

𝑥→4

Therefore, the function 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 4.

Individual
Practice
 ACTIVITY 1
Given the graph,
determine if the
function 𝐻(𝑥) is
continuous at the
following values of 𝑥:
1. 𝒙=𝟐 Continuous

2. 𝒙 = −𝟑 Continuous

3. 𝒙=𝟎 NOT
 ACTIVITY 2
𝑥−1
Determine if the function ℎ 𝑥 = is
𝑥 2 −1
continuous or not at 𝑥 = 1.
Solution:
𝑥−1 1
ℎ 𝑥 = ℎ 1 =
(𝑥−1)(𝑥+1) 1+1

1 1
ℎ 𝑥 = ℎ 1 =
𝑥+1 2
Therefore, it is continuous at 𝑥 = 1.
 Group Activity
Perform the task assigned to each group. Leaders
will randomly select the task that their group will
perform. Present answer/solution to the class.

Time Allotted: 5 minutes

Criteria for Grading:
Accuracy 15
Cooperation 10
Presentation 5
Total: 30
 𝟒𝒙+𝟓
Determine if 𝒇 𝒙 = is continuous or not at
𝟗−𝟑𝒙
𝒙 = 𝟑.

𝒙 + 𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < 𝟒
Determine if 𝒇 𝒙 = ൝ 𝟐 is
(𝒙 − 𝟒) 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒
continuous or not at x = 4.
𝒙𝟐 −𝟗
Determine where the function 𝒇 𝒙 = is
𝟑𝒙𝟐 +𝟐𝒙−𝟖
discontinuous.
Based on the graph, determine where the function is
discontinuous.
Based on the graph, determine where the function is
discontinuous.
SPIN

Group 5

tekhnologic
Answer Key
 𝒙 + 𝟏 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < 𝟒
Determine if 𝒇 𝒙 = ൝
(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒
is continuous or not at x = 4.

Solution. Note that f is defined at 𝑥 = 4 since

𝑓(4) = 3. However, lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 while
𝑥→4
lim+ 𝑓 𝑥 = 3. Therefore lim− 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐷𝑁𝐸
𝑥→4 𝑥→4
and 𝑓 is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 4.
 𝟒𝒙+𝟓
Determine if 𝒇 𝒙 = is continuous or not at
𝟗−𝟑𝒙
𝒙 = 𝟑.

Solution. We check the three conditions:

𝟒𝒙+𝟓
(a) 𝑓 3 = = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
𝟗−𝟑𝒙
𝟒𝒙+𝟓
(b) lim 𝐷𝑁𝐸
𝑥→3 𝟗−𝟑𝒙
𝟒𝒙+𝟓
(c) 𝑓 3 = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝐷𝑁𝐸.
𝑥→3 𝟗−𝟑𝒙
Therefore, the function f is not continuous at 𝑥 = 3.
 𝒙𝟐 −𝟗
Determine where the function 𝒇 𝒙 = is
𝟑𝒙𝟐 +𝟐𝒙−𝟖
discontinuous.
Solution. Factor out the denominator:
𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟖 = 𝟎
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟎
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎 𝒙+𝟐=𝟎
𝟒
𝒙= 𝒙 = −𝟐
𝟑
Therefore, the function is discontinuous at points
𝟒
𝒙 = and 𝒙 = −𝟐.
𝟑
The function is not continuous at 𝒙 = −𝟐, 𝒙 = −𝟖
𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟔.
The function is not continuous at 𝒙 = −𝟒, 𝒙 = 𝟐
𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟒
CONTINUITY on
an INTERVAL
Session 2
Continuity of a Function on an Interval
One-Sided Continuity:

• A function 𝑓 is said to be continuous from

the left at 𝑥 = 𝑐 if 𝑓 𝑐 = lim− 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐

• A function 𝑓 is said to be continuous from

the right at 𝑥 = 𝑐 if 𝑓 𝑐 = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
Example 1:Consider the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥:

Determine if the function

f(x) is continuous on the
following intervals:
(a) 0, +∞
(b) (0, 4)
(c) (−∞, 0)
Example 1:Consider the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥:

Solution.
(a) Trace the graph from the right side of x=0 to 𝑥 = ∞
without lifting the pen. Hence, we can say that the
function f is continuous on the interval 0, +∞ .
(b) We can trace the graph from the right side of x=0 and
from the left side of x=4 without lifting the pen. Hence,
we can say that the function f is continuous on the
interval (0, 4)
Example 1:Consider the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥:

Solution.

c) There’s no graph that can be traced from the left of

x=0, hence, the function is discontinuous at −∞, 0 .
Remarks on Continuous Functions:

1. Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.

2. The absolute value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is
continuous everywhere.
3. Rational functions are continuous on their
respective domains.
4. The square root function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 is continuous
on [0. ∞).
Try This!
Consider the graph, determine if the function f(x)
is continuous on the following intervals:

(a) (−1, 2)
(b) [0, 3]
(c) (−4, −1)
(d) (−2, 3)
S
O
L (a) (−1, 2)
U
T
I
O a) Trace the graph from 𝑥 = −1 𝑡𝑜 𝑥 = 2, we can notice
N that we did not lift the pen, therefore 𝑓(𝑥) is
continuous at interval (−1,2)
S
O
L b) [0, 3]
U
T
I
O b) From 𝑥 = 0, we did not lift the pen upon tracing not
until on 𝑥 = 3 which is a hollow dot. Since the given is
N a close interval at 3, therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous
on interval [0,3].
S
O
L c) (−4, −1)
U
T
I
O
c) From -4 to -1, there is a gap at x=-2, therefore f(x) is
N discontinuous on (-4,-1).
S
O
L d) (−2, 3)
U
T
I
O
d) From 𝑥 = −2 𝑢𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑥 = 3, which are both hollow dots,
N we did not lift the pen upon tracing because the given
is an open interval therefore, it is continuous at (−2,3).
If a function is given without its corresponding graph, here
are the definitions that a function 𝒇 is said to be continuous

a) Everywhere if 𝑓 is continuous at every real

number. In this case, we also say 𝑓 is continuous
on ℝ.
b) On (a,b) if 𝑓 is continuous at every point 𝑥 in (a,b).
c) On [a,b) if 𝑓 is continuous on (a,b) and from the
right at a.
d) On (a,b] if 𝑓 is continuous on (a,b) and from the
left at b.
If a function is given without its corresponding graph, here
are the definitions that a function 𝒇 is said to be continuous

e) On [a,b] if 𝑓 is continuous on (a,b] and on [a,b).

f) On 𝑎, ∞ if 𝑓 is continuous at all 𝑥 > 𝑎.
g) On [𝑎, ∞) if 𝑓 is continuous on 𝑎, ∞ and from
the right at a.
h) On (−∞, 𝑏) if 𝑓 is continuous at all 𝑥 < 𝑏.
i) On (−∞, 𝑏] if 𝑓 is continuous on −∞, 𝑏 and
from the left at b.
Examples
Example 1. Determine the largest interval over
which the function 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙 + 𝟐 is continuous.
Solution. Observe that the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 2 has
function values only if 𝑥 + 2 ≥ 0, that is, if 𝑥 ∈ −2, +∞ .
For all 𝑐 ∈ −2, +∞ ,
𝑓 𝑐 = 𝑐 + 2 = lim 𝑥 + 2
𝑥→𝑐
Moreover, 𝑓 is continuous from the right at -2 because
𝑓 −2 = 0 = lim+ 𝑥 + 2
𝑥→2
Therefore, for all 𝑥 ∈ −2, +∞ , the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 2
is continuous.
Example 2. Determine the largest interval over
𝒙
which 𝒉 𝒙 = 𝟐 is continuous.
𝒙 −𝟏

Solution. Observe that the given rational function

𝑥
ℎ 𝑥 = 2 is not defined at 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = −1.
𝑥 −1

Hence, the domain of ℎ is the set ℝ\ −1,1 .

As mentioned at the start of this topic, a rational function is
continuous on its domain. Hence, ℎ is continuous over
ℝ\ −1,1 .
Try This!
A. Given the graph of the function h below.

Determine if the
function 𝑓 is
continuous on the
following intervals:
a) (-1,1)
b) [0.5, 2]
B. Consider the function:

𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0,
3 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑔𝑥 =
3 − 𝑥2 𝑖𝑓 1 < 𝑥 ≤ 4
𝑥−3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 4

Is 𝑔 continuous on (0,1]? On 4, ∞ ?
 TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY

1. The removable
discontinuity is a
type of discontinuity
of functions that
occurs at a point
where the graph of
a function has a
hole in it.
 TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY

2. A jump discontinuity occurs when a function has

two ends that don’t meet, even if the hole is
filled in at one of the ends. In order to satisfy the
vertical line test and make sure the graph is truly
that of a function, only one of the end points
may be filled.
 TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY

2. A jump
discontinuity
 TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY

3. Infinite
discontinuities
occur when a
function has a
vertical
asymptote on one
or both sides.
 TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY

4. Alternating
Point/Oscillating
Discontinuity:exists
when the values of
the function appear
to be approaching
two or more values
simultaneously.
 EXTRA CHALLENGE!

Of the six basic trigonometric functions, which are

continuous over all real numbers? Which are not?
What type of discontinuities are there?

Answer:
Continuous: sin & cos
Discontinuous: sec, csc, tan, & cot. Type: Infinite/non-
removable
PROBLEMS INVOLVING
CONTINUITY
Session 3
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

PROBLEM 1: A rectangular field is enclosed with

300 meters of fencing material. If we let x be the
length of the field, express its area in square meters
in terms of x. Identify the domain of the function
representing the area and show that it is
continuous on its domain.
73
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

SOLUTION:
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 300 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦
Solving for y:
𝑦 = 150 − 𝑥
Area: 𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦
𝐴 𝑥 = 𝑥 150 − 𝑥 = 150𝑥 − 𝑥 2
74
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

SOLUTION: The following figure

represents the rectangular field described 𝑦 = 150 − 𝑥

in the problem.
𝑥
By observation:
𝐴 0 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴(150) = 0
Therefore, the domain of the function representing the area
of the field is (0, 150). 75
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

PROBLEM 2: A manufacturer of closed rectangular

aluminum containers having a square base maintains its
surface area at 40 square inches. If the base a side of 𝑥,
express the volume of the container in terms of
𝑥.continuous on its domain in terms of 𝑥. Identify the
domain of the resulting function and show that it is
continuous on its domain.

76
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

SOLUTION:
𝑉 𝑥 = 𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 ∗ 𝑦 = 𝑥2𝑦 𝑥 𝑥

Surface Area: 40 = 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2

𝑦
𝑜𝑟 40 = 4𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥 2

20 − 𝑥 2
𝑦=
2𝑥
77
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

SOLUTION: 20 − 𝑥 2
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑉 𝑥 =𝑥
2
20 − 𝑥 2 20𝑥 − 𝑥 3
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑥2 𝑉 𝑥 =
2𝑥 2

𝟐𝟎𝒙−𝒙𝟑
The function of the volume in terms of x is: 𝑽 𝒙 = .
𝟐

78
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

SOLUTION: Solve for 𝑥.

𝑥 20 − 𝑥 2 = 0
=0
2 𝑥 = 20
𝑥=0

Therefore, the domain that the resulting function is

continuous on (𝟎, 𝟐𝟎).
79
 SOLVING PROBLEMS RELATED ON CONTINUITY

ANSWER THIS: Is the taxicab fare charged in terms of

distance travelled a continuous or discontinuous function?
Explain your answer.

Answer: The cost of the taxi ride increases in small

increments with the distance travelled, therefore, it is
discontinuous and represented as a piecewise function.

80
PERFORMANCE
TASK
Session 3
 PERFORMANCE TASK 3.3

Tasks: (Each group will…)

● Think of a real-life situation that applies the

concept of continuity.
● Compose a worded problem with the application

of continuity.
● Present the solution.
 RUBRIC
VERY NEEDS
EXCELLENT SATISFACTORY
SATISFACTORY IMPROVEMENT
100% of the
Content- 80-99% of the 60-79% of the Below 60% of the
solutions are
Accuracy solutions are correct solutions are correct solutions are correct
correct
(20) (17) (14) (11)
(20)
Output is
exceptionally Output is attractive in Output is acceptably Output is distractingly
Presentation of
attractive in terms terms of design, attractive though it messy and not
Output (Pictures)
of design, layout, layout, and neatness may be a bit messy attractive
(10) and neatness
(7) (5) (3)
(10)
Complete
understanding of Substantial Limited
Mathematical Partial understanding
the mathematical understanding of the understanding of the
Content/ of the mathematical
concepts is mathematical mathematical
Reasoning concepts is applied
evident in the concepts is applied concepts is applied
(20) presentation (14)
(17) (11)
(20)