Math Problem Statement

Question 1 Sketch a function, f (x), that has all the given properties. The function must be continuous for all x ∈ R, except at points in which the given properties force a discontinuity. limx→−3 f (x) = 1, f (−3) = 3, limx→2+ f (x) = 1, limx→2− f (x) = −1, f (2) is undefined.

Solution

To sketch the function f(x)f(x) with the given properties, let's break down the key points:

  1. Limit as x3x \to -3:

    • limx3f(x)=1\lim_{x \to -3} f(x) = 1, meaning the function approaches 1 as xx gets close to -3.
    • However, f(3)=3f(-3) = 3, indicating a jump discontinuity at x=3x = -3. The value of the function at x=3x = -3 is not equal to the limit but is 3 instead.
  2. Limits as x2x \to 2:

    • limx2+f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) = 1, meaning as xx approaches 2 from the right, the function approaches 1.
    • limx2f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) = -1, meaning as xx approaches 2 from the left, the function approaches -1.
    • f(2)f(2) is undefined, so there is a discontinuity (probably a removable or infinite discontinuity) at x=2x = 2.

Visualizing the sketch:

  • At x=3x = -3, the function approaches y=1y = 1, but there's a jump to f(3)=3f(-3) = 3, creating a point at (−3, 3) that stands above the limit line y=1y = 1.
  • At x=2x = 2, there is a jump discontinuity because the function approaches 1 from the right and -1 from the left. The point f(2)f(2) is undefined, leaving a gap at x=2x = 2.
  • For all other values of xx, the function is continuous and behaves according to these limits.

A basic sketch would look like:

  1. As x3x \to -3, the curve approaches y=1y = 1 from both sides, but at x=3x = -3, there is a dot at y=3y = 3.
  2. As x2x \to 2, the function approaches y=1y = -1 from the left and y=1y = 1 from the right, but there is no point at x=2x = 2.

Let me know if you'd like a graph or further details!


Would you like a visual graph, or any clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do you distinguish between jump and removable discontinuities?
  2. What are the implications of having an undefined point in a continuous function?
  3. How does the behavior of one-sided limits influence the overall continuity of a function?
  4. How can we describe continuity in terms of limits and function values?
  5. What other types of discontinuities can occur in functions?

Tip: When sketching a function based on limits, focus on where the function approaches and what happens at critical points like jumps or undefined values.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Continuity
Discontinuities

Formulas

-

Theorems

Limit Theorem
Continuity and Discontinuity Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus (Grades 11-12, University Level)