Continuity

A continuous function is one whose graph can be drawn

without the “pen” leaving the paper. (no holes or gaps )
A “hole “ at x=c
A “gap” at x=c
So what properties will guarantee that f(x) does not have
a “hole” or “gap” at x=c?
Continuity: A function f is continuous at c if all three of these conditions are
satisfied:
a.
b.
c.

If f(x) is not continuous at c, it is said to have a discontinuity there.

Remarks:
Suppose a function 𝑓 is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎
1. If condition (ii) is still satisfied, i.e, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exist,
𝑥→𝑎
then we say that 𝑓 has a removable discontinuity at
𝑥 = 𝑎.
2. If condition (ii) is NOT satisfied, i.e, lim 𝑓(𝑥) does
𝑥→𝑎
not exist or
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = +∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞, then we say that 𝑓 has an
𝑥→𝑎
essential discontinuity at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
Is the function
continuous at

𝑥=1
𝑥=2
𝑥=3
asd
asd
asd
As advances in technology result in the production of
increasingly powerful and compact calculators, the
price of calculators currently in the market drops.
Suppose that 𝑥 months from now, price of a certain
30
model will be 𝑝 𝑥 = 40 + dollars.
𝑥+1
a. What will be the price 5 months from now?
b. When will the price be $43?
c. What happens to the price in the long run(as 𝑥
becomes very large)?
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL

- a function is continuous on an interval if we can trace

the graph from start to finish without lifting a pen

- Function has no holes, break or gap

Continuity of a function on an OPEN INTERVAL
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL
Continuity of a function on an INTERVAL
Example:
𝟏 + 𝒙𝟐 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 < 𝟏
Let G be the function defined by 𝑮(𝒙) ൝
𝟒−𝒙 𝒊𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟏
Determine if the 𝑮 is continuous in each of the
following intervals:
a. (1,4) b. (−2,1) c. −2,1
d. [1,3) e. (−1,7]