Math Problem Statement
The graph of a function f is given.
The x y-coordinate plane is given. A curve with 2 parts is graphed.
The first part is linear, enters the window at the point (−3, 0), goes up and right, and ends at the open point (−1, 2).
The second part begins at the closed point (−1, 1), goes down and right, crosses the x-axis at x = −0.5, crosses the y-axis at y = −0.75, changes direction at (0.5, −1.9), goes up and right, crosses the x-axis at x = 1.2, and exits the window in the first quadrant.
Determine whether f is continuous on its domain.
continuous
not continuous
If it is not continuous on its domain, say why.
lim x→−1+ f(x) ≠ lim x→−1− f(x), so lim x→−1 f(x) does not exist. The function is not defined at x = −1.
lim x→−1+ f(x) ≠ f(−1) The graph is continuous on its domain.
Solution
From the description of the graph, let's break down the key observations:
1. First part of the graph:
- The curve is linear and enters at the point , increases as it moves to the right, and ends at the open point .
- Since it’s a straight line and the function is defined everywhere along this segment, we know that the function is continuous over this section of the domain.
2. Second part of the graph:
- This part starts from the closed point , suggesting that the function is defined at with value 1.
- The curve then moves downward and right, crossing the x-axis at , and the y-axis at .
- The function changes direction at , then moves upward, crossing the x-axis at , and exits in the first quadrant.
Continuity at :
The key issue is at , where the function transitions between the two parts:
-
Left-hand limit (as ): From the description of the first part, the function approaches from the left, which means:
-
Right-hand limit (as ): From the description of the second part, the function starts at the closed point , so:
Since the left-hand limit is not equal to the right-hand limit , the limit at does not exist. Therefore, the function is not continuous at .
Conclusion:
The function is not continuous at because: Thus, the function is not continuous on its domain.
Would you like further details or an explanation on how to handle limits or continuity at specific points?
Here are some follow-up questions to dive deeper:
- What is the definition of continuity for a function?
- How do you evaluate limits from the left and right of a point?
- What is the difference between open and closed points on a graph?
- How do you determine if a function is continuous at a specific point or interval?
- What happens to the continuity of a function if the limits at a point do not match?
Tip: To check for continuity at a point, always ensure that the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the function's value at the point all match.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Continuity
Limits
Piecewise Functions
Graph Interpretation
Formulas
lim x→c f(x)
Continuity condition: lim x→c⁻ f(x) = lim x→c⁺ f(x) = f(c)
Theorems
Theorem of Continuity at a Point
Limit of a Function
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12