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Continuous and Discontinuous Functions

The document defines continuous functions and outlines the conditions for continuity at a point. It explains types of discontinuities: removable, jump, and infinite, with examples for each. Additionally, it includes a summary table of various functions and their continuity status, along with a student practice section for further understanding.

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Emmanuel Anthony
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4 views2 pages

Continuous and Discontinuous Functions

The document defines continuous functions and outlines the conditions for continuity at a point. It explains types of discontinuities: removable, jump, and infinite, with examples for each. Additionally, it includes a summary table of various functions and their continuity status, along with a student practice section for further understanding.

Uploaded by

Emmanuel Anthony
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Continuous and Discontinuous

Functions
Definition of a Continuous Function
A function f(x) is continuous at a point x = a if the following three conditions are satisfied:
1. f(a) is defined
2. limₓ→ₐ f(x) exists
3. limₓ→ₐ f(x) = f(a)

If a function is continuous at every point in an interval, we say it is continuous on that


interval.

Intuition: You can draw the graph without lifting your pencil.

Examples of Continuous Functions


- Polynomial functions: f(x) = x² + 3x - 2
- Exponential functions: f(x) = eˣ
- Trigonometric functions (except where undefined): f(x) = sin(x)
- Rational functions (where the denominator ≠ 0)

Types of Discontinuity

1. Removable Discontinuity
Occurs when:
- limₓ→ₐ f(x) exists, but
- f(a) is either undefined or not equal to the limit

Example:
f(x) = (x² - 1)/(x - 1), x ≠ 1
limₓ→1 f(x) = 2, but f(1) is undefined.

2. Jump Discontinuity
Occurs when:
- Left-hand and right-hand limits exist but are not equal

Example:
f(x) = {2x + 1, x < 1; x², x ≥ 1}
limₓ→1⁻ f(x) = 3, limₓ→1⁺ f(x) = 1
3. Infinite Discontinuity
Occurs when:
- One or both one-sided limits tend to infinity

Example:
f(x) = 1/x
limₓ→0⁻ f(x) = -∞, limₓ→0⁺ f(x) = ∞

Summary Table
Type of Function Continuous? Notes

f(x) = x² + 3x Yes Polynomial – always


continuous

f(x) = 1/x No at x = 0 Infinite discontinuity at 0

Piecewise function Depends Often has jump or


removable discontinuities

Step function ⌊x⌋ No at integers Has jump discontinuities

sin(x), cos(x) Yes Continuous everywhere

Student Practice Section


1. Determine whether the function f(x) = (x² - 9)/(x - 3) is continuous at x = 3.
2. Identify the type of discontinuity in the function f(x) = |x|/x at x = 0.
3. Is the function f(x) = ln(x) continuous at x = 0?
4. Sketch the graph of a piecewise function showing a jump discontinuity.
5. Explain why the function f(x) = 1/(x - 5) is not continuous at x = 5.

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