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82. Chapter 1 Limits ig 8, in pean ss 4 Jin im [2 In Problems 43-48, find the horicontal and vertical asymp~ {oes for the graphs of the indicated functions. Then sketch their graphs 4 fo) = ary 3 46. Fl) = 48. g(x) = O° Vers 49, The line y = ax + D scaled an oblique asymptote to the graph of y = f(s) if ether fim [f(2) ~ (ax + B)] = 0 oF lim, [/(2) ~ (ax + b)] = 0. Find te obtique asymptote for Hine Begin by dividing the denominator into the numerator 50, Find the oblique asymptote for SI. Using the symbols Mand 6, give precise definitions of ach expression (2) im f2) = 28 (0) fim fa) 52, Using the symbols M and J, give procise definitions of each expression ) im f00) $3. Give a rigorous proof that if fim. f(x) = A and dim, @¢2) = Athen ~ 0 (©) lim, f(x) = 00 dim, 900) + al] = A+B $4. We have given meaning to lim f(x) for A= a o0, ec. Moreover, in each case, this limit may be L (inite), ~©0, 00, oF may fail to exist in any sense. Make a illustrating each of the 20 possible cases 55, Find each of the following limits or indicate that it does ‘not exist even in the infinite sense. a) fim sins (b) im sin 1.6 Continuity of Functions (6) im 0? sin (6) im, 3°? sins © in sin(Z +2) wo mms(e-3) 0) alte 2) a] '56. Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity says that the mass ‘n(o) of an object i related to its velocity v by 1 (©) Jim, ssn n(v) Vi- we Here my is the rest mass and c is the velocity of tight. What is ims mo)? [COUse a computer or a graphing caleulator to find the limits bi Problems 57-64. Begin by ploting the function in an appropriate window. 57 fim SEE a 59. lim (Vie + ax — VEE 0. tin ai, jim (1 +4) MART ety em(ty a mld a mld lrinat the one-sided limits in Problems 65-71. Begin by plot ting the furction in an appropriate window. Your computer may indicate that some of these limits do not exist, bu, fs, you should ‘beable to interpret the unswer as ether 2° oF sin|x — 3) 66 HY ante — 3) 69. lim (1 VE) ot mh ave ‘Answers to Concepts Review: 1, xinereases without bound: f(x) gets close to L asx increases without bound 2. f(x) increases without bound as x approaches ¢ from the right: f(x) decreases without bound asx approaches ¢ fromthe left 3. y= 6; horizontal 4, x = 6; vertical In mathematics and seience, we use the word continuous to describe a process that goes on without abrupt changes. In fact, our experience leads us to assume that this, is an essential feature of many natural processes. It is this notion as it pertains to functions that we now want to make precise. In the three graphs shown in Figure 1, only the third graph exhibits continuity ate. In the first two graphs, either lim f(x) does not exist, or it exists but does not equal (c). Only in the third graphs does Jim f0) = 0). ‘A Discontinuous Machine: A good example of a discontinuous machine isthe postage machine, whieh (in 2005) charged $0.37 for a [ounce letter but $1.60 for a letter the least litle bit ver I ounce, Section 1.6 Continuity of Functions 83 in fe does no exit. i fxd exas bat lin forse) mse fe. Figure 1 Here is the formal definition, Definition Continuity at a Point Let f be defined on an open interval containing c. We say that fis continuous at cit fim f(s) = fle) ‘We mean by this definition to require three things: 1. im f(x) exists, 2. f(€) exists (ie.,€is in the domain of f),and 3. lim f(x) = fle). If any one of these three fails then fis discontinuous at c. Thus, the functions tep- resented by the frst and second graphs of Figure | are discontinuous at c. They do appear, however, to be continuous at other points of their domains. Let fla) = in order to make it continuous there? qi # 2.How should fe defined at x = 2 SOLUTION an ELBE +2) x-2 = lim(x +2) Therefore, we define f(2) = 4. The graph of the resulting function is shown in Figure 2. In fact, we see that f(x) = x +2 forall.x, . A point of discontinuity cis called removable if the function can be defined or redefined at cso as to make the function continuous, Otherwise, point of discon- tinuity is called nonremovable. The function fin Example 1 has a removable dis- continuity at 2 because we could define f(2) = 4 and the function would be continuous there, Continuity of Familiar Functions Most functions that we will meet in this book are either (1) continuous everywhere or (2) continuous everywhere except at a few points, In particular, Theorem 1.3B implies the following result, Continuity of Polynomial and Rational Functions ‘A polynomial function is continuous at every real number c.A rational funetion is continuous at every real number in its domain, that is everywhere except where its denominator is zero, 84 Chapter 1 Limits sure |s Recall the absolute value function f(x) ~ [xls its graph is shown in Figure 3. For x <0, (x) = —x. a polynomial; for x > 0, f(x) = x, another polynomial. ‘Thus, |x] is continuous at all numbers different from 0 by'Theorem A. But lim |x = 0 = ol {im | = 0 = [ol (ee Problem 27 of Section 1.2). Therefore, [x is also continuous at 0: eontinu- ous everywhere. By the Main Limit'Theorem (Theorem 1.3) lim Vz = Vix = Ve provided e > 0 when n is even. This means that f(x) = ‘is continuous at each point where it makes sense to talk about continuity In particular, f(x) ~ Vw is continuous at each real number ¢ > 0 (Figure 4), We summarize. (ENTRIES Continuity of Absolute Value and nth Root Functions ‘The absolute value function is continuous at every real number e.Ifn is odd, the nth root function is continuous at every real number c:if m is even, the nth-roat function is continuous at every positive real number ¢. Continuity under Function Operations Do the standard function oper- ations preserve continuity? Yes, according to the next theorem. In it, fand g are functions. is a constant, and n isa positive integer. [ENTENTAVS Continuity under Function Operations If fand g are continuous at ¢,then so are kf, f + x. f — gf +8, f/e (provided that g(c) # 0), "and WF (provided that f(c) > Vif mis even), Proof All these results are easy consequences of the corresponding facts for limits from Theorem 1.3. For example, that theorem, combined with the fact that {and g are continuous atc, gives n f(x)e(x) = Lim f(x) lim g(x) = Fleds(e) This is precisely what it means to say that f+ ¢ (EXAMPEE2) At what numbers is F(x) = Glxl - x°)/(VE+ V3) continuous? continuous at e. . SOLUTION We need not even consider nonpositive numbers, since F is not defined at such numbers. For any positive number, the funetions Vz, Wx [xl,and {© are all continuous (Theorems A and B). It follows from Theorem C that 3lxl, 3ix| ~ x2, Ve + Vx. and finally @lx| = 7) (ve = V3) are continuous at cach positive number. . ‘The continuity of the trigonometric functions follows from Theorem 1.44. Continuity of Trigonometric Functions ‘The sine and cosine funetions are continuous at every real number c.The fune- tions tan x, cot x,see.x,and ese x are continuous at every real number ¢ in their domains, Figure § Figure 6 Section 1.6 Continuity of Functions 85 Proof Theorem 1.4A says that for every real number ¢ in the function's domain, lim sin x = sin c, lim cos x = cos ¢, and so forth, for all six of the trigonometric functions. These are exactly the conditions required for these functions to be con- tinuous at every real number in their respective domains. . EXAMPEES] Determine all points of discontinuity of f(x) = p= x # 0, 1. Classify each point of discontinuity as removable or nonremovable, SOLUTION By Theorem D, the numerator is continuous at every real number. The denominator is also continuous at every real number, but when x = 0 or x= 1, the denominator is 0. Thus, by Theorem C, fis continuous at every real number except x = O and x = 1. Since Sin tig SE ig M)X0=a) 8 x ‘=a ay =1 ‘we could define /(0) = 1 and the function would continuous there. Thus, x = is, a removable discontinuity. Also, since gee ea thers mo way define) to make feoinasasatx = Thu x =a removable discontinuity. A graph of: (8) is shown in Figure 5 7 ‘There is another functional operation, composition, that will be very impor- tant in later work. It, too, preserves continuity. ‘Composite Limit Theorem L and if fis continuous at L, then fim F(g(s)) = f(tim (2) = FE) If tim g(x In particular, if g is continuous at ¢ and fis continuous at g(e), then the eom- posite f © g is continuous at c Proof of Theorem E (Optional) Proof Let > 0 be given. Since f is continuous at L., there is a correspond 8) > Osuch that e- b1 < 6 = If) - fl If(ele)) - FU) 0 there is a corresponding 5; > 0 such that O< le~ el <8, > lex) ~ L <8, ‘When we put these two facts together, we have O<|x el <8: > If(ets)) ~ FI < ‘This shows that sim fla(s)) = FE) 86 Chapter 1 Limits ‘The second statement in Theorem E follows from the observation that if g is continuous at c then L = g(c). . EXAMPLE 4] Show that A(x) = |x? — 3x + 6] is continuous at each real number. SOLUTION Let f(x) = [x] and g(x) = x? each real number, and so their composite A(x) = f(g(x)) = |e? — 3x + 61 is also, . EXAMPLE §] Show that 3x +6, Both are continuous at is continuous except at 3 and ~2. SOLUTION = x= 6 = (x ~3)(x + 2). Thus the rational funetion is continuous except at 3 and —2 (Theorem A), We know from Theorem D that the sine function is continuous at every real number, Thus, from Theorem E, we con clude that, since r(x) = sin(g(x)), his also continuous except at 3 and—2, Continuity on an Interval So far, we have been discussing continuity at a point. We now wish to discuss continuity on an interval. Continuity on an interval ‘ought to mean continuity at each point of that interval. This is exactly what it does mean for an open interval. ‘When we consider a closed interval [a, 6], we face a problem. It might be that f is not even defined 10 the left of « (e2. this oecurs for f(x) = Vx at a = 0.0, strictly speaking, im f(x) does not exist. We choose to get around this problem by calling f continuous on [a, 6] if it is continuous at each point of (a, 6) and if slim, f(x) = fa) and lim f(x) = f(b). We summarize in a formal definition Definition Continuity on an Interval ‘The function fis ight continuous at aif fim, f(x Dif lim. f(x) =f). oe ‘We say fis continuous on an open interval if itis continuous at each point of that interval. It is continuous on the closed interval [a, ] fit is continuous on (4, b).tight continuous at a, and left continuous at . f(a) and lett continuous at For example, it is correct to say that f(x) = 1/x is continuous on (0, 1) and that g(x) = V¥is continuous on (0,1), EXAMPLE 6] Using the definition above, describe the continuity properties of the function whose graph is sketched in Figure 7, SOLUTION The function appears to be continuous on the open intervals (=20, 0) (0,3),and(5, 00), and also on the closed interval [3, 5} . EXAMPLE 7] What isthe largest interval over which the function defined by g(x) = V4 = ais continuous? vaso m4 ta 4 eb Nec coniauows: inermedins vals Proper fils Figure 9 Not ontinaoas, hough Imeem value property holds Figure 10 Figure 1 Section 1.6 Continuity of Functions 87 SOLUTION The domain of g is the interval [2,2]. If cis in the open interval (~2,2), then gis continuous at c by Theorem E; hence, g is continuous on (~2,2) The one-sided limits are lim, VE= 44 (lim, x Va=4 = 0 = (2) and lin V4= x This implies that g is right continuous at ~2 and left continuous at 2. Thus.g is con- tinuous on its domain, the closed interval [—2, 2]. . Intuitively, for f to be continuous on [a, 6] means that the graph of f on [a,] should have no jumps, so we should be able to “draw” the graph of f from the point (a, f(a)) to the point (b, ((b)) without lifting our pencil irom the paper. Thus, the function f should take on every value between f(a) and f(b). This property is stated more precisely in Theorem F, Intermediate Value Theorem Let f he a function defined on (a, 6] and let W he a number between f(a) and ‘{(0). IF f is continuous on [a,b then there is at least one number ¢ between a and) such that f(c) = W. Figure 8 shows the graph of a function f(x) that is continuous on [a,b]. The In- termediate Value Theorem says that for every Win (f(a), £(6)) there must be a.¢ in [a,b] such that f(c) = W. In other words, f takes on every value between f(a) and (D). Continuity is needed for this theorem, for otherwise itis possible to find function f and a number W between f(a) and f(b) such that there is mo cin [a5] that satisfies F(c) = W. Figure 9 shows an example of such a function. Ti seems clear that continuity is suffient, although a formal proof of this re- sult turns out to be difficult. We leave the proof to more advanced works. The converse of this theorem, which is mot true in general, says that iff takes oon every value between f(a) and {() then f is continuous. Figures 8 and 0 show functions that take on all values between f(a) and f(4), but the funetion in Fig- ure 10 is not continuous on [a,b]. Just because a funetion has the intermediate value property does not mean that it must be continuous. The Intermediate Value Theorem can be used to tell us something about the solutions of equations as the next example shows, EXAMPLE 8] Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that the equa- tion x — cos x = 0 has.a solution between x = Oand.x = 2/2. SOLUTION Let f(x) = x — cos x, and let W = 0. Then f(0) = 0 ~ cos0 = =I and f(x/2) = 7/2 ~ cos 7/2 = m/2. Since f is continuous on [0, 7/2] and since W = Ois between f(0) and f(z7/2). the Intermediate Value Theorem implies the existence of a c in the interval (0, 7/2) with the property that f(c) = 0. Such a cis a solution to the equation x ~ cos. x = 0, Figure 11 suggests that there is exactly one such c We can go one step further. The midpoint of the interval [0, 7/2] is the point x = 7/4, When we evaluate f (7/4), we get z_n_N2 Salt) =F - cos =F 0.0782014 Which is greater than 0. Thus, (0) < Oand f(/4) > 0, so another application of the Intermediate Value Theorem tells us that there exists a ¢ between 0 and such that f(c) = 0, We have thus narrowed down the interval containing the 88. Chapter 1 Limits (reo sin) no (0 Figure 12 desired ¢ from [0, 7/2] to [0, 7/4]. There is nothing stopping us from selecting the midpoint of [0, 7/4] and evaluating fat that point, thereby narrowing even further the interval containing c. This pracess could be continued indefinitely until we find that cis in a sufficiently small interval. This method of zeroing in on a solution is, called the bisection method, and we will study it further in Section 3.7. . ‘The Intermediate Value Theorem can also lead to some surprising results. EXAMPLE 9] Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that on a eireu- lr wire ring there are always two points opposite from each other with the same temperature. SOLUTION Choose coordinates for this problem so that the center of the ring is the origin, and let r be the radius of the ring. (See Figure 12.) Define T(x, y) to be the temperature at the point (x, y). Consider a diameter ofthe circle that makes an angle 6 with the x-axis, and define f(@) to be the temperature difference between the points that make angles of @ and @ + 2; that is, 1(0) = T(r cos 8, rsin@) ~ T(rcos(@ + m),rsin(@ + 7)) With this definition (0) = T(r.0) = T(-r.0) fm) = T(=1,0) - T(r,0) -[r0.0) = 7(-r.0)] ‘F(0) ‘Thus, either f(0) and f() are both zero, or one is positive and the other is nega tive. If both are zero, then we have found the required two points. Otherwise, we can apply the Intermediate Value Theorem, Assuming that temperature varies continuously, We conclude that there exists a c between 0 and 7 such that f{c) = 0. Thus, for the two points atthe angles c and.c +, che temperatures are the save, = Concepts Review 1 Af n fis continuous at ¢ if. = Sle). 4. The Intermediate Value Theorem says that if a function f 2 Theamton fle) fe} ectncntnuounst i ontnuoud on [oD] und Wis number betwoot f(a) 200 (Oy 3. A function fis id to be continuous on a closed interval [a, BJ if iis continuous at every point of (a,b) and if and then there is a number ¢ between and such that Problem Set 1.6 In Problems 1-15, state whether the indicated function is continu ‘ous at 3. If itis nor continuows, ell why: ies 20 fis) =(e Se) alsyee—9 it hey = 5 4 a= Vina am itisa S. h{e) 6 Ale) vera ites 3 bh) TS - i 4 fe xt 7 £0 = ltl 8B a(s) = |e ~ 21 2-7 +7 itxe3 9. Hs) 1. f(s) = 15. fs peed tees 7 3 an ite=3 AL re 16, From the graph of g (see Figure 13), indicate the values where gis discontinuous. For each ofthese values state whether js continuous from the right. left, or neither. “HH Figure 13 Figure 14 117, From the graph of given in Figure 14 indicate the inter vals on which i is continuous. In Problems 18-23, the given function is not defined at a certain point. How should it be defined in order to make it continuous at ‘hat point? (See Example 1.) ea 2-18 1. f(x) Bf 2, g) a Ms) 2. F(x) In Problems 24-35, at what point, if any, are the functions discontinuous? 3x49 = ha) 33- res isin + cox) w tT 27. r(0) = tan 29. au) 31. G(x) itx1 us O there fan interval (¢~ 8,¢ + 8) such that /() > 0 on this interval it and only it Prove that if f is continuous on [0, 1] and satisfies 0 f(x) = 1 there, then f has a fixed poine that is there is. a number cin [0,1] such that f(c) = c. Hint: Apply the Intermedi- ate Value Theorem to g(x) = x ~ f(x) 90. Chapter 1 Limits 60, Find the values of «and b 0 that the following function is continuous everywhere, etl fa) yar+b 3x G1, A stretched elastic string covers the interval (0, 1]-The ends are released and the sizing contracts so that it covers the interval [a, b]. w= 0,6 1, Prove that this results in at least, fone point of the string being where it was originally: See Prob Jem 59 tee iflex<2 ifx=2 2 Let f(x) = Then fl and f(2) Does the Intermediate Value Theorem imply the existence of a ‘number e between ~2 and 2 such that f(c) = 0? Explain, 63, Starting at 4 A... hiker slowly climbed to the top of a ‘mountain, arriving at noon. The next day, he returned along the same path, starting at 5 a.\t. and getting (0 the bottom at 11 3. ‘Show that at some point along the path his watch showed the same time on both days 64, Let D be a bounded, but otherwise arbitrary, region in the first quadrant. Given an angle 0,0 = 0 = 2/2, Dean be ciscum- soribed by a rectangle whose base makes angle 0 with the x-axis as showin in Figure 15. Prove that at some angle ths rectangle isa square. (This means that any bounded region can be cizeum~ scribed by a square.) Figure 15 65, ‘The gravitational force exerted by the earth on an object having mass m that isa distance r from the eenter of the earth is ere G isthe gravitational constant, Ms the mass of the curt, and R isthe earth's radius Is a continuous function of? 66. Suppose that /is continuous on [ab] andi is never zero there. Isitposibe that fchanges sign on [a BY? Explain. 67, Let f(x + y) = f(a) + f(y) forall and y and suppose that fiscontinuous at x = 0 (2) Prove that fis continuous everywhere (@) Prove that thee ia constant such that f(¢) = me forall (see Problem 43 of Section 05}, (68, Prove that i f(a) is w continuous function on an interval ‘then so is the funetion |f(x)) = V¢f(x))% €. Show that if g(x) = |f(2)| 8 continuous itis not neces: sarily true that f(s continuous. 7. Let f(x) = Dif xis ireational and let f(x) = 1a itis the rational number p/a in reduced form (q > 6). (2) ‘Sketch (as best you can) the graph of fom (0.1) (©) Show that fis continuous at each rational number in (0,1). but i discontinuous at exch rational number in (0,1, ‘71. A thin equilateral triangular lock of sie length L unit has its face inthe verial4y-plane with a vertex Val the origin Under the influence of gravity, wil tate about V uni side hits the axis hoor (Figure 16) Let x denote th initial a-coord- nate of the midpoint M of the side opposite V. and ft F(x) de- rote the final s-coordinate of this point. Assume that the block balances when Mis directly above V. (2) Determine the domain and range off (6) Where om this domi is fdiscontinuous? (6) Wemity any fixed points 01 see Problem 59, Intl position Final positon Figure 16 Answers to Concepts Review: ger 3 lim, f(x) 1. tim f(x) every inte= lays tim F(x) = £00) 1.7 Chapter Review Concepts Test Respond with true or fale to each of the following assertions, Be prepared to justify your answer 4. TE f(c) = L,then lim f(x) = 2, If lim f(x) = Lethen f(e) = Le 3. If lim f(x) exists then fe) exists 41 him f(x) such that 0 < [x] < Simplies [f(x)] 0, then fx) < LO01/(2) for al x insomeitéval containing 2. 26, If lim [f(x) + (2) exists then tim f(x) and fim g(x) bothewist 21. 160 flu) = 3x2 + De forall then im 2) = 0 2% Ui F(x) = Land fim f(x) = Mo then L = M, 2. 1 f(2) # g(x) forall xthen lim f(x) = fim g(). 30, 1f f(x) <10 for all x and lim, f(x) < 10, 3d. Uf tim (2) = b then fim f(x) f(x) exists, then bl. 32 If Fis continuous and postive on [a,b], then 1/f must assume every value between I/ f(a) and 1/f(6). Sample Test Problems In Problems 1-22, find the indicated limit or state that it docs not te 13 tim (i = 9) 4 Section 1.7 Chapter Review 91. 16, tim, 2 2k li, tan2x 23, Prove using an e-6 argument that lim(2x + 1) © 7, So ifeect Mlefay=fx — if-1

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