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3 Continuity
Most of the techniques of calculus require that functions be continuous. A function is continuous if you can draw it in one motion without picking up your pencil. A function is continuous at a point if the limit is the same as the value of the function.
2 1
This function has discontinuities at x=1 and x=2. It is continuous at x=0 and x=4, because the one-sided limits match the value of the function
Removable Discontinuities:
Essential Discontinuities:
jump
infinite
oscillating
Removing a discontinuity:
x3 1 f ( x) = 2 x 1
3 = 2
Removing a discontinuity:
x3 1 x2 1 , x 1 f ( x) = 3 , x =1 2
Continuous functions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, divided and multiplied by a constant, and the new function remains continuous. Also: Composites of continuous functions are continuous. examples:
y = sin ( x 2 )
y = cos x
Intermediate Value Theorem If a function is continuous between a and b, then it takes on every value between f ( a ) and f ( b ) .
f ( b)
f ( a) a
Because the function is continuous, it must take on every y value between f ( a ) and f ( b ) .
b
Example 5:
(Note that this doesnt ask what the number is, only if it exists.)
x = x3 1 0 = x3 x 1 f ( x ) = x3 x 1
f ( 1) = 1
f ( 2) = 5
Since f is a continuous function, by the intermediate value theorem it must take on every value between -1 and 5. Therefore there must be at least one solution between 1 and 2.
solve ( x = x3 1, x )
F2 1: solve
1.32472
Graphing calculators can sometimes make noncontinuous functions appear continuous. Graph: y = floor ( x )
CATALOG
floor(
Note resolution.
This example was graphed on the classic TI-89. You can not change the resolution on the Titanium Edition. The calculator connects the dots which covers up the discontinuities.
Graphing calculators can make non-continuous functions appear continuous. Graph: y = floor ( x )
CATALOG
floor(
If we change the plot style to dot and the resolution to 1, then we get a graph that is closer to the correct floor graph.
The open and closed circles do not show, but weGRAPHthe can see discontinuities.