Lesson 4

Continuity of a
function at a
number
 Objectives
 To find the number on which a function is
continuous.
 To find any discontinuities of a function.
 To determine whether discontinuities are
removable or non-removable.
 To redefined a removable discontinuous
function.
Continuity Definition
Continuity Definition
Mathematically, continuity can be defined as given below:
A function is said to be continuous at a particular point if
the following three conditions are satisfied:
 Types of Discontinuity

1. Removable Discontinuity
(Positive discontinuity)

A discontinuity is called removable if a function can be

made continuous by defining (or redefining) a point.

2. Non-removable Discontinuity
 Jump discontinuity
 Infinite discontinuity ( Asymptotic discontinuity)
Removable Discontinuity
Non- removable Discontinuity
 Jump Discontinuity

 Infinite Discontinuity
Example 1
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
Example 2
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
We now have the new function defined by:

This function is continuous at 1.

Example 3
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
Example 4
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
Example 5
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
Example 6
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
Example 7
Determine the number at which the function is discontinuous.
Identify what type of discontinuity.

Solution:
We now have the new function defined by:

This function is continuous at 3.

Continuity of Polynomial Functions
 A polynomial function is continuous at
every real number.

Illustration:
 Continuity of Rational Functions
 A rational function is continuous at every
real number in its domain.
Determine the numbers at which the given function is continuous.