Lesson 33 – Continuity of
Functions
Calculus - Santowski
1 Calculus - Santowski 06/24/24
Lesson Objectives
1. Introduce piecewise functions algebraically,
numerically and graphically
2. Define continuity and know the 3 conditions of
continuity
3. Understand the conditions under which a function
is NOT continuous on both open and closed intervals
4. Use algebraic, graphic, & numeric methods to
determine continuity or points of discontinuity in a
function
5. Apply continuity to application/real world
problems
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(A) Piecewise Functions
We will work through an internet “investigation” that will
explain to you how to put together the graph of a
piecewise function
The function we will graph and analyze is
⎧x 2 −1 if x < 2
f (x) = ⎨
⎩2 − x if x > 2
€
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(A) Piecewise Functions
Sketch/graph the following:
⎧
⎪1
⎧x + 3 x <1 x ≠0
f (x) = ⎨ f (x) = ⎨x 2
⎩1− x 2
x ≥1 ⎪
⎩1 x =0
⎧x 2 − x − 2
⎪ x ≠2
f (x)€= ⎨ x − 2
⎪
⎩1 x =2
4
€ Calculus - Santowski 06/24/24
(B) Continuity
We can understand continuity in several ways:
(1) a continuous process is one that takes place
gradually, smoothly, without interruptions or abrupt
changes
(2) a function is continuous if you can take your
pencil and can trace over the graph with one
uninterrupted motion
(3) We will develop a more mathematically based
definition later
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(C) Types of Discontinuities
(I) Jump Discontinuities:
⎧x + 3 x <1
ex f (x) = ⎨ 2
⎩1− x x ≥1
Determine the function
values (from the left and
from the right) at x = 1.
€
We notice our function
values "jump" from 4 to
0
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(C) Types of Discontinuities
(II) Infinite
Discontinuities
⎧
⎪1 x ≠0
f (x) = ⎨x 2
ex. ⎪
⎩1 x =0
determine the function
€ values (L & R) at x = 0.
The left hand value and
right hand value do not
exist (both are +∞)
although the function
value is 1
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(C) Types of Discontinuities
(III) Removable
Discontinuities
⎧x 2 − x − 2
⎪
Ex f (x) = ⎨ x − 2 x ≠2
⎪
⎩1 x =2
Determine the function
€ values (L & R) at x = 2.
The left value and right
value are equal to 3
although the function
value is 1
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(E) Conditions for Continuity
a function, f(x), is continuous at a given number, x = c, if:
(i) f(c) exists;
(ii) lim f (x)exists
x →c
(iii) lim f (x) = f (c)
x →c
In other words, if I can evaluate a function at a given value of x = c and if
€ I can determine the value of the limit of the function at x = c and if we
notice that the function value is the same as the limit value, then the
function is continuous at that point.
€ A function is continuous over its domain if it is continuous at each
point in its domain.
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(D) Continuity - Examples
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(D) Continuity - Examples
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(D) Continuity - Examples
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(D) Continuity - Examples
Find all numbers, x = a, for which each function is
discontinuous. For each discontinuity, state which of the
three conditions are not satisfied.
x 2
(i) f (x) = 2 (ii) f (x) = − 9
x
( x + 1) x−3
€ ⎧ 4 3 €2
⎪2x2 − 3x − x + x −1 x ≤ 2
(iii) f (x) = ⎨x + 2x − 3
⎪ x >2
⎩ x −1
⎧x 2 + 3x −10
⎪ x ≠2
(iv) f (x) = ⎨ x − 2
€ ⎪
⎩7 x =2
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(F) Importance of Continuities
Continuity is important for three reasons:
(1) Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)
(2) Extreme Value Theorem (EVT)
(3) differentiability of a function at a point - for now, the
basic idea of being able to draw a tangent line to a
function at a given point for x
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(I) “67” Level Work
Research the Intermediate Value Theorem
Tell me what it is, why it is important, what continuity has
to do with it and be able to use it
MAX 2 page hand written report (plus graphs plus
algebra) + 2 Q quiz
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(I) “67” Level Work
A function is defined as follows:
⎧ex + a x < −2
⎪
f (x) = ⎨ x + 2 −2 ≤ x ≤ 3
⎪b + e x−3 x>3
⎩
(i) Evaluate fcn value(s) if a = 1 (limx-2 )
(ii)
€ Evaluate fcn value(s) if b = 1 (limx3)
(iii) find values for a and b such f(x) is continuous at
BOTH x = -2 and x = 3
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(I) “67” Level Work
Define a piecewise function as f(x) where
⎧ x − c, x < −3
⎪
f (x) = ⎨2 − bx, −3 < x < 1
⎪x 3 + bx, x > 1
⎩
(a) Find a relationship between b and c such that f(x)
is continuous at -3. Then give a specific numerical
€ example of values for b and c
(b) Find value(s) for b such that f(x) is continuous at 1
(c) Find values for b and c such that f(x) is continuous
on xεR
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Resources
(1) Link #1 Calculus AB Limits & Continuity Test
http://oldwww.sd67.bc.ca/teachers/dmillar/AP
%20CALCULUS/Limits2009-2010-Test-with-Solutions-
ugr9c5.pdf
(2) Link #2 mathgotserved Limits and Continuity
http://mathgotserved.com/unit-1-limits-continuity
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