Math Problem Statement

Sketch a single function f that is defined everywhere except x = 2, where all the following are true: 1. f(1) = 1, f(3) = 1. 2. lim(x→1-) f(x) = 1 and lim(x→1+) f(x) = 0. 3. lim(x→2-) f(x) = ∞ and lim(x→2+) f(x) = ∞. 4. lim(x→3-) f(x) = 1 and lim(x→3+) f(x) = 1. 5. f is continuous at all x except at x = 1, x = 2, and x = 3.

Solution

This problem asks for a function ff that satisfies various conditions based on limits and function values, and the sketch of the function is shown on the graph.

Here’s a breakdown of what the question is asking:

Conditions and Explanation:

  1. f(1)=1f(1) = 1 and f(3)=1f(3) = 1:

    • These conditions are marked as correct (✓✓). On the graph, f(1)f(1) and f(3)f(3) both equal 1, which matches the requirement.
  2. limx1f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = 1 and limx1+f(x)=0\lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x) = 0:

    • This is marked as incorrect (X). According to the sketch, the left-hand limit as x1x \to 1^- is 1, but the right-hand limit x1+x \to 1^+ is not 0 (it’s closer to 1), contradicting the problem requirement.
  3. limx2f(x)=\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) = \infty and limx2+f(x)=\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) = \infty:

    • Marked as correct (✓✓). The graph shows a vertical asymptote at x=2x = 2, where the function heads to infinity from both sides, matching the condition.
  4. limx3f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 3^-} f(x) = 1 and limx3+f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 3^+} f(x) = 1:

    • This is half correct (✓X). The limit from the left-hand side is 1 (correct), but from the right-hand side, the graph shows a discrepancy, as the function doesn't exactly match 1.
  5. Continuity:

    • ff should be continuous except at x=1x = 1, x=2x = 2, and x=3x = 3. The function is correct in terms of the graph not being continuous at x=2x = 2 (due to the vertical asymptote) and at x=1x = 1 (due to the different left and right limits). The teacher has crossed out continuity at x=3x = 3, possibly due to the right-hand limit issue.

Graph Analysis:

The graph depicts:

  • A hole at x=1x = 1, implying the function is not continuous there, and the left and right-hand limits are not both equal to 1.
  • A vertical asymptote at x=2x = 2, where the function approaches infinity.
  • Behavior near x=3x = 3 is almost continuous but doesn’t satisfy the condition fully, which explains the teacher’s "XX" mark.

Would you like more details on specific steps, or further analysis of any points?


Here are 5 questions to consider:

  1. What is the significance of left-hand and right-hand limits in determining continuity?
  2. How do vertical asymptotes impact the continuity of a function?
  3. Why is it necessary for the limits from both sides at x=3x = 3 to match the function value?
  4. How can a function be discontinuous at a point yet still be defined at that point?
  5. What techniques can be used to analyze limits graphically?

Tip: Always verify both the left and right limits when checking for continuity or matching conditions at specific points!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Continuity
Vertical Asymptotes

Formulas

Limit definition: lim(x→c) f(x) = L
Continuity definition: f(x) is continuous at x = c if lim(x→c) f(x) = f(c)
Vertical Asymptote: lim(x→c-) f(x) = ∞ and lim(x→c+) f(x) = ∞

Theorems

Definition of continuity
Limit laws
Asymptotic behavior

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12