Continuity of Functions

1. Illustrate continuity of a function at a number;

2. determine whether a function is continuous at a
number or not;
3. illustrate continuity of a function on an interval; and
4. solves problems involving continuity of a
function.
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT

YES NO NO
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT
 CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT

The 𝑓(𝑥) is defined when 𝑥 = 𝑐 exists. Square

root of negative numbers and division by zero
results in undefined values. Therefore, these cases
must be checked.
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT

As discussed in our previous lesson on

limits, the limit of a function 𝑓(𝑥) exists if the left-
hand limit is equal to the right-hand limit.
CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS AT A POINT

The obtained values from the first two

conditions are equal.
Different Types of Discontinuity

A. Removable Discontinuity
Different Types of Discontinuity

B. Jump Discontinuity
Different Types of Discontinuity

B. Jump Discontinuity
 Different Types of Discontinuity

C. Essential or Infinite Discontinuity

An essential discontinuity is
also known as an infinite
discontinuity because the limit at
the real number 𝑐 is infinite. An
essential discontinuity is
represented by a vertical asymptote
on the graph and is common to
rational functions that cannot be
further simplified and written as
polynomial functions.
 Reminder

A continuous function is one whose graph can

be drawn without lifting a pen from the paper. A
function that is discontinuous at a number 𝑐 has a
graph with a break at the point 𝑐. If the discontinuity
is removable, the break in the graph can be
removed by the replacement of a single point.

Otherwise, the discontinuity is essential.

 c
c
 Since the first Since the first
condition is not satisfied, condition is not
no need to check for the satisfied, no need to
2nd and 3rd conditions. check for the 2nd and
3rd conditions.
 Since the
second condition
is not satisfied, no
need to check for
the 3rd condition.
 Determine whether the discontinuity at each number is
essential or removable. If the discontinuity at a number is
removable, redefine the function at that number to make the
function continuous everywhere.

Therefore, the discontinuity of ℎ at 𝑥 = 2 is essential. Note

that there is no way to connect its two branches.
 Determine whether the discontinuity at each number is
essential or removable. If the discontinuity at a number is
removable, redefine the function at that number to make the
function continuous everywhere.
 Determine whether the discontinuity at each number is
essential or removable. If the discontinuity at a number is
removable, redefine the function at that number to make the
function continuous everywhere.

]
]

]
 Determine whether the discontinuity at each number is
essential or removable. If the discontinuity at a number is
removable, redefine the function at that number to make the
function continuous everywhere.
 Continuity of Functions on an Interval

A function is continuous over an open interval

if it is continuous at every point in the interval and
undergoes no jumps, breaks, or interruptions. If
some function 𝑓(𝑥) satisfies these criteria from
𝑥 = 𝑎 to 𝑥 = 𝑏, we say, that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on
the interval [𝑎,𝑏].
 Continuity of Functions on an Interval
Here are some facts about continuity of polynomial, absolute value, rational, and
square root functions:
 Using the given graph, determine if the
function 𝑓 is continuous on the following intervals:
 Using the given graph, determine if the
function 𝑓 is continuous on the following intervals:
 Using the given graph, determine if the
function 𝑓 is continuous on the following intervals:
 For the interval [0.5,2].
If we trace the graph from
𝑥 = 0.5 to 𝑥 = 2, we do not
have to lift the pen at all.
Thus, the function h is
continuous on [0.5,2].