Math Problem Statement

Determine the​ interval(s) on which the following function is continuous. At which finite endpoints of the intervals of continuity is f continuous from the left or continuous from the​ right? ​f(x)equalsStartRoot 6 x squared minus 48 EndRoot Question content area bottom Part 1 The function is continuous on the​ interval(s)    enter your response here. ​(Type your answer in interval notation. Use a comma to separate answers as​ needed.)

Solution

The given function is:
f(x)=6x248f(x) = \sqrt{6x^2 - 48}

Step 1: Identify the Domain of f(x)f(x)

Since the function contains a square root, we must ensure that the expression inside the square root is non-negative:
6x24806x^2 - 48 \geq 0

Step 2: Solve for xx

6x2486x^2 \geq 48

x28x^2 \geq 8

x8orx8x \leq -\sqrt{8} \quad \text{or} \quad x \geq \sqrt{8}

Since the function is only defined when the expression inside the square root is non-negative, the domain is:
(,8][8,)(-\infty, -\sqrt{8}] \cup [\sqrt{8}, \infty)

Step 3: Determine Continuity

  • The function f(x)f(x) is continuous wherever it is defined because it consists of a square root function, which is continuous on its domain.
  • The only potential points of concern are at x=±8x = \pm\sqrt{8}, where the function transitions between being defined and undefined.

Step 4: Check Left and Right Continuity at Finite Endpoints

  • At x=8x = -\sqrt{8}:

    • f(x)f(x) is continuous from the right (since it is defined and continuous for x>8x > -\sqrt{8}).
    • It is not continuous from the left, since the function is undefined for x<8x < -\sqrt{8}.
  • At x=8x = \sqrt{8}:

    • f(x)f(x) is continuous from the left (since it is defined and continuous for x<8x < \sqrt{8}).
    • It is not continuous from the right, since the function is undefined for x>8x > \sqrt{8}.

Final Answer:

The function is continuous on:
(,8][8,)(-\infty, -\sqrt{8}] \cup [\sqrt{8}, \infty)

At the finite endpoints:

  • f(x)f(x) is continuous from the right at x=8x = -\sqrt{8}.
  • f(x)f(x) is continuous from the left at x=8x = \sqrt{8}.

Would you like a step-by-step breakdown of why the function is continuous on this interval?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you determine the continuity of a function at a point?
  2. What are the conditions for a function to be continuous on an interval?
  3. How does the presence of a square root affect the domain of a function?
  4. What is the difference between continuity from the left and continuity from the right?
  5. How would the function's continuity change if it contained an absolute value instead of a square root?

Tip: Always check the domain of a function before analyzing continuity!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Continuity
Domain of Functions
Square Root Functions

Formulas

For a function f(x) = √g(x), g(x) ≥ 0 to be defined

Theorems

Definition of Continuity
Left-Hand and Right-Hand Limits

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12