Math Problem Statement

Determine all values of x at which the function is discontinuous. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.)

f(x) = 

x2 − 4x + 4

x2 − 2x

x =      

Solution

To determine where the function f(x)f(x) is discontinuous, let's first rewrite the function clearly:

f(x)=x24x+4x22xf(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x + 4}{x^2 - 2x}

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator.

Numerator: x24x+4x^2 - 4x + 4

This is a perfect square trinomial, so we can factor it as: x24x+4=(x2)2x^2 - 4x + 4 = (x - 2)^2

Denominator: x22xx^2 - 2x

We can factor this as: x22x=x(x2)x^2 - 2x = x(x - 2)

So the function can now be written as: f(x)=(x2)2x(x2)f(x) = \frac{(x - 2)^2}{x(x - 2)}

Step 2: Simplify the function.

We can cancel out the common factor (x2)(x - 2) from both the numerator and denominator, but we must keep in mind that x2=0x - 2 = 0 when x=2x = 2. This creates a potential issue at x=2x = 2.

After cancellation, the simplified function is: f(x)=x2x,for x2f(x) = \frac{x - 2}{x}, \quad \text{for} \ x \neq 2

Step 3: Identify points of discontinuity.

1. At x=0x = 0:

The denominator xx becomes zero, so the function is undefined at x=0x = 0.

2. At x=2x = 2:

Although we canceled the factor x2x - 2, the original function had a zero in the denominator when x=2x = 2, so the function is also undefined at x=2x = 2.

Conclusion:

The function is discontinuous at x=0x = 0 and x=2x = 2.

Thus, the values of xx at which the function is discontinuous are:

0,2\boxed{0, 2}

Would you like more details or further clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you determine if a function is continuous at a point?
  2. What is the significance of factoring when simplifying rational functions?
  3. How do you find the domain of a rational function?
  4. What is the difference between removable and non-removable discontinuities?
  5. How would you graph this function and show its discontinuities?

Tip: Always check for common factors that can cancel out, but remember to account for the points where the denominator equals zero.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Discontinuity in Functions
Factoring Polynomials

Formulas

f(x) = (x^2 - 4x + 4) / (x^2 - 2x)
Factoring: a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = (a - b)^2

Theorems

Discontinuity occurs when the denominator is zero
Factoring theorem for polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12