(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY

THINGS TO REMEMBER :
1. A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a if limx→a− f(x) = limx→a+ f(x) = f(a) i.e.
L.H.L. = R.H.L. = value of the function at x = a i.e. limx→a f(x) = f(a)
If f(x) is not continuous at x = a, we say that f(x) is discontinuous at x = a. f(x) will be
discontinuous at x = a in any of the following cases.
(i) limx→a f(x) does not exist
(ii) limx→a f(x) ≠ f(a)
(iii) f(a) is not defined.
2. Types of Discontinuities :
Type - 1: (Removable type of discontinuities)
In case Limit f(x) exists but is not equal to f(c) then the function is said to have a removable
x→c
discontinuity or discontinuity of the first kind. In this case we can redefine the function such that
Limit f(x) = f(c) & make it continuous at x = c. Removable type of discontinuity can be further
x→c

classified as :
(A) MISSING POINT DISCONTINUITY : Where Limit f(x) exists finitely but f(a) is not defined.
x→a
(1−x)(9−x2 ) sin x
e.g. f(x) = has a missing point discontinuity at x = 1, and f(x) = has a missing
(1−x) x

point discontinuity at x = 0
(B) ISOLATED POINT DISCONTINUITY : Where Limit f(x) exists & f(a) also exists but ; Limit ≠ f(a).
x→a x→a
x2 −16
e.g. f(x) = , x ≠ 4 & f(4) = 9 has an isolated point discontinuity at x = 4.
x−4
0 if x ∈ I
Similarly f(x) = [x] + [−x] = [ has an isolated point discontinuity at all x ∈ I.
−1 if x ∉ I
Type-2: (Non - Removable type of discontinuities)
In case Limit f(x) does not exist then it is not possible to make the function continuous by
x→c
redefining it. Such discontinuities are known as non - removable discontinuity or discontinuity
of the 2nd kind. Non-removable type of discontinuity can be further classified as :
(a) Finite discontinuity:
1 1
e.g. f(x) = x − [x] at all integral x ; f(x) = tan−1 at x = 0 and f(x) = 1 at x = 0 (note that
x
1+2x
f(0+ ) = 0 ; f(0− ) = 1 )
(b) Infinite discontinuity:
1 1 π cos x
e.g. f(x) = x−4 or g(x) = (x−4)2 at x = 4 ; f(x) = 2tan x at x = 2 and f(x) = at x = 0.
x

(c) Oscillatory discontinuity:

1
e.g. f(x) = sin at x = 0.
x

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
In all these cases the value of f(a) of the function at x = a (point of discontinuity) may or may not
exist but Limit f(x) does not exist.
x→a
Note: From the adjacent graph note that
• f is continuous at x = −1
• f has isolated discontinuity at x = 1
• f has missing point discontinuity at x = 2
• f has non removable (finite type)
discontinuity at the origin.
3. In case of dis-continuity of the second kind the non-negative difference between the value of the
RHL at x = c & LHL at x = c is called THE JUMP OF DISCONTINUITY. A function having a finite
number of jumps in a given interval I is called a PIECE WISE CONTINUOUS or SECTIONALLY
CONTINUOUS function in this interval.
4. All Polynomials, Trigonometrical functions, exponential & Logarithmic functions are continuous
in their domains.
5. If f & g are two functions that are continuous at x = c then the functions defined by :
F1 (x) = f(x) ± g(x) ; F2 (x) = Kf(x) , K any real number; F3 (x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x) are also continuous at
f(x)
x = c. Further, if g(c) is not zero, then F4 (x) = g(x) is also continuous at x = c.

6. The intermediate value theorem:

Suppose f(x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and b are any two points of I. Then if y0 is a
number between f(a) and f(b), their exists a number c between a and b such that f(c) = y0 .

Note Very Carefully That :

(a) If f(x) is continuous & g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product function ϕ(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x)
is not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a. e.g.
π
sin x≠0
f(x) = x & g(x) = [ x
0 x=0
(b) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function ϕ(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x) is
not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a. e.g.
1 x≥0
f(x) = −g(x) = [
−1 x < 0
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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
(c) A Continuous function whose domain is closed must have a range also in closed interval.
(d) If f is continuous at x = c & g is continuous at x = f(c) then the composite g[f(x)] is continuous
x sinx
at x = c. eg. f(x) = & g(x) = |x| are continuous at x = 0, hence the composite
x2 +2
xsin x
(gof) (x) = | x2+2 | will also be continuous at x = 0.

7. CONTINUITY IN AN INTERVAL :
(a) A function f is said to be continuous in (a, b) if f is continuous at each & every point ∈ (a, b).
(b) A function f is said to be continuous in a closed interval [a, b] if :
(i) f is continuous in the open interval (a, b)&
(ii) f is right continuous at ' a ' i.e. Limit x→a+ f(x) = f(a) = a finite quantity.
(iii) f is left continuous at ' b ' i.e. Limit x→b− f(x) = f(b) = a finite quantity.
Note that a function f which is continuous in [a, b] possesses the following properties:
(i) If f(a) & f(b) possess opposite signs, then there exists at least one solution of the equation
f(x) = 0 in the open interval (a, b).
(ii) If K is any real number between f(a) & f(b), then there exists at least one solution of the equation
f(x) = K in the open inetrval (a, b).

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
PROFICIENCY TEST
3x2 +ax+a+3
1. If the function f(x) = is continuous at x = −2. Find f(−2).
x2 +x−2

2. Find all possible values of a and b so that f(x) is continuous for all x ∈ R if
|ax + 3| if x ≤ −1
|3x + a| if − 1 < x ≤ 0
f(x) = bsin2x
− 2b if 0 < x < π
x
{cos 2 x − 3 if x ≥ π
2
ax + bx + c, |x| > 1
3. f(x) = { . Find the values of a, b, c so that f(x) is continuous for all values of x.
x + 3, |x| ≤ 1
4. Draw the graph of the function f(x) = x − |x − x 2 |, −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 & discuss the continuity or
discontinuity of f in the interval −1 ≤ x ≤ 1
1−sin πx 1
, x<2
1+cos 2πx
1
5. Let f(x) = p, x = 2. Determine the value of p, if possible, so that the function is
√2x−1 1
, x>2
[√4+√2x−1−2
continuous at x = 1/2
6. Given the function g(x) = √6 − 2x and h(x) = 2x 2 − 3x + a. Then
g(x), x ≤ 1
(a) evaluate h(g(2)) (b) If f(x) = [ , find 'a' so that f is continuous.
h(x), x > 1
1+x ,0 ≤ x ≤ 2
7. Let f(x) = [ . Determine the form of g(x) = f[f(x)] & hence find the point of
3−x ,2 < x ≤ 3
discontinuity of g, if any.
8. Let [x] denote the greatest integer function & f(x) be defined in a neighbourhood of 2 by
[x+1]
(exp {(x + 2)ℓn4}) 4 − 16
,x < 2
f(x) = 4x − 16 .
1 − cos(x − 2)
A ,x > 2
[ (x − 2) tan(x − 2)
Find the values of A & f(2) in order that f(x) may be continuous at x = 2.
1
for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2
x−1
3
9. Discuss the continuity of the function ' f ' defined as follows: f(x) = for 2 < x ≤ 4 and
x+1
x+1
[x−5 for 4 < x ≤ 6

draw the graph of the function for x ∈ [0,6]. Also indicate the nature of discontinuities if any.

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
10. State whether True or False.
1
(i) f(x) = Limit n→∞ is continuous at x = 1.
1+nsin2 πx
x
(ii) The function defined by f(x) = |x|+2x2 for x ≠ 0 & f(0) = 1 is continuous at x = 0.
1/(1−x)
(iii) The function f(x) = 2−2 if x ≠ 1 & f(1) = 1 is not continuous at x = 1.
(iv) There exists a continuous function f : [0,1] onto [0,10], but there exists no continuous function
g ∶ [0,1] onto (0,10)
(v) If f(x) is continuous in [0,1] & f(x) = 1 for all rational numbers in [0,1] then f(1/√2) equal to 1.
cos πx+sin (πx/2)
if x ≠ 1 3π2
(vi) If f(x) = [ (x−1)(3x2−2x−1) is continuous, then the value of k is .
32
k if k = 1

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-I
lncosx
4 if x > 0
√1+x2 −1
1. Let f(x) = [ esin4x −1
if x < 0
ln (1+tan2x)

Is it possible to define f(0) to make the function continuous at x = 0. If yes what is the value of
f(0), if not then indicate the nature of discontinuity.
x2 x2 x2
2. Let yn (x) = x 2 + 1+x2 + (1+x2)2 + ⋯ … … + (1+x2)n−1 and y(x) = Limn→∞ yn (x)

Discuss the continuity of yn (x)(n ∈ N) and y(x) at x = 0

tan6x
6 tan5x π
(5) if 0<x< 2
π
3. The function f(x) = b+2 if x= 2
a|tanx|
( ) π
[(1 + |cosx|) b if <x<π
2

Determine the values of ' a ' & ' b ', if f is continuous at x = π/2.
ax + b if −1 ≤ x < 0
ex −1
4. f(x) = [ [ ] if 0 < x ≤ 1 Where [.] denotes the greatest integer function.
x
bx + a if 1<x≤2
Find values of 'a' and 'b' so that f(x) is continuous for all values of x ∈ [−1, 2]
1 + x3, x < 0 (x − 1)1/3 , x < 0
5. Let f(x) = { ; g(x) = { . Discuss the continuity of g(f(x)).
x 2 − 1, x ≥ 0 (x + 1)1/2 , x ≥ 0
1−sin3 x π
if x<
3cos2 x 2
π π
6. Determine a & b so that f is continuous at x = 2 ⋅ f(x) = a if x= 2
b(1−sinx) π
[ if x>
(π−2x)2 2
sin (a+1)x+sinx
for x < 0
x
7. Determine the values of a, b & c for which the function f(x) = c for x = 0 is
1/2
(x+bx2 ) −x1/2
[ for x > 0
bx3/2

continuous at x = 0.
sin3x+Asin2x+Bsinx
8. If f(x) = (x ≠ 0) is cont. at x = 0. Find A & B. Also find f(0).
x5

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
Select the correct alternative : (More than one are correct)
9. A function f is defined on an interval [a, b]. Which of the following statement(s) is/are
INCORRECT ?
(A) If f(a) and f( b), have opposite sign, then there must be a point c ∈ (a, b) such that
f(c) = 0.
(B) If f is continuous on [a, b], f(a) < 0 and f(b) > 0, then there must be a point c ∈ (a, b) such
that f(c) = 0
(C) If f is continuous on [a, b] and there is a point c in (a, b) such that f(c) = 0, then f(a) and f(b)
have opposite sign.
(D) If f has no zeroes on [a, b], then f(a) and f( b) have the same sign.
10. Which of the following functions f has/have a removable discontinuity at the indicated point ?
x2 −2x−8 x−7
(A) f(x) = at x = −2 (B) f(x) = |x−7| at x = 7
x+2

x3 +64 3−√x
(C) f(x) = at x = −4 (D) f(x) = at x = 9
x+4 9−x
2 n2
11. Let 'f ' be a continuous function on R . If f(1/4n ) = (sinen )e−n + n2+1 then f(0) is :

(A) not unique (B) 1

(C) data sufficient to find f(0) (D) data insufficient to find f(0)
x
12. Indicate all correct alternatives if, f(x) = 2 − 1, then on the interval [0, π]
1 1
(A) tan(f(x)) & are both continuous (B) tan(f(x)) & are both discontinuous
f(x) f(x)
1
(C) tan(f(x)) & f −1 (x) are both continuous(D) tan (f(x)) is continuous but f(x) is not
5
Let f(x) = {sin (x) x ≠ 0, then (fg)(x) is continuous at x = 0 , if g(x) is equal to
13.
0 x=0
(A) (x 2 + 1), x ∈ R (B) ℓn(1 + x), x ∈ (−1, ∞)
(C) cosx , x ∈ R (D) ex , x ∈ R
1 f(f(x))
14. If f(x) = 2−x and g(x) = 3f(f(x))−1, then the value(s) of x at which g(x) is discontinuous is/are

(A) 1 (B) 3/2 (C) 2 (D) 3

x 2 + px + 1 ; x ∈ Q
15. Let f(x) = [ and f(x) is continuous at x = 1 and x = 2, then
px 2 + 2x + r ; x ∉ Q
(A) p = 2 (B) r = 0 (C) p = 1/2 (D) r = 2

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-II
1. If f(x) = x + {−x} + [x], where [x] is the integral part & {x} is the fractional part of x. Discuss the
continuity of f in [−2,2]
ax − b for x≤1
2. Find the locus of (a, b) for which the function f(x) = [ 3x for 1 < x < 2 is continuous at
2
bx − a for x≥2
x = 1 but discontinuous at x = 2.
xn f(x)+h(x)+1 sin2 (π⋅2x )
3. Let g(x) = Limn→∞ , x ≠ 1 and g(1) = Limx→1 ) be a continuous function at
2xn +3x+3 ln (sec (π⋅2x )

x = 1, find the value of 4g(1) + 2f(1) − h(1). Assume that f(x) and h(x) are continuous at x = 1.
4. If g ∶ [a, b] onto [a, b] is continous show that there is some c ∈ [a, b] such that g(c) = c.
2+cos x 3
5. The function f(x) = ( x3 sin x − x4 ) is not defined at x = 0. How should the function be defined at

x = 0 to make it continuous at x = 0.
asinx −atanx ln (1+x+x2 )+ln (1−x+x2 )
6. f(x) = for x > 0 = for x < 0, if f is continuous at x = 0, find 'a'.
tanx−sinx secx−cosx
x
Now if g(x) = ln (2 − a) ⋅ cot (x − a) for x ≠ a, a ≠ 0, a > 0. If g is continuous at x = a then show

that g(e−1 ) = −e
7. (a) Let f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) for all x , y & if the function f(x) is continuous at x = 0, then
show that f(x) is continuous at all x.
(b) If f(x ⋅ y) = f(x) ⋅ f(y) for all x , y and f(x) is continuous at x = 1. Prove that f(x) is
continuous for all x except at x = 0. Given f(1) ≠ 0.
x x
8. Given f(x) = ∑nr=1 tan (2r ) sec (2r−1 ) ; r, n ∈ N
x x n x
ℓn(f(x)+tan n )−(f(x)+tan n ) ⋅[sin (tan )] π π
g(x) = Limit n→∞ 2 2
x n
2
for x ≠ = k for x = and the domain of
1+(f(x)+tan n ) 4 4
2

g(x) is (0, π/2). where [ ] denotes the greatest integer function.

Find the value of k, if possible, so that g(x) is continuous at x = π/4. Also state the points of
discontinuity of g(x) in (0, π/4), if any.
f(x)
9. Let f(x) = x 3 − x 2 − 3x − 1 and h(x) = g(x) where h is a rational function such that

(a) It is continuous every where except when x = −1,

(b) Limx→∞ h(x) = ∞ and
1
(c) Limx→−1 h(x) = 2.

Find Limx→0 (3h(x) + f(x) − 2g(x))

10. Let f be continuous on the interval [0,1] to R such that f(0) = f(1). Prove that there exists a
1 1
point c in [0, 2] such that f(c) = f (c + 2)

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
1−ax +xax ℓna
x 2
for x < 0
11. Consider the function g(x) = [2x axa−xℓn2−xℓna−1
x
where a > 0.
for x > 0
x2

find the value of 'a' & 'g(0)’ so that the function g(x) is continuous at x = 0.
π
( −sin−1 (1−{x}2 )) sin−1 (1−{x})
2
for x ≠ 0
12. Let f(x) = [ √2({x}−{x}3 ) where {x} is the fractional part of x.
π
for x = 0
2

Consider another function g(x); such that g(x) = f(x) for x ≥ 0 = 2√2 f(x) for x < 0
Discuss the continuity of the functions f(x) & g(x) at x = 0.
|4x − 5|[x] for x > 1
13. Discuss the continuity of f in [0,2] where f(x) = [ ; where [x] is the
[cos πx] for x ≤ 1
greatest integer not greater than x. Also draw the graph.
[x]
14. Let g(x) = tan−1 |x| − cot −1 |x|, f(x) = [x+1] {x} , h(x) = |g(f(x))| where {x} denotes fractional

part and [x] denotes the integral part then which of the following holds good?
(A) h is continuous at x = 0 (B) h is discontinuous at x = 0
(C) h(0− ) = π/2 (D) h(0+ ) = −π/2
a−x πx
sin ( ) tan [ 2a ] for x > a
2
15. f(x) = [ [cos(
πx
)]
2a
for x < a
a−x

where [x] is the greatest integer function of x , and a > 0, then

(A) f(a− ) < 0
(B) f has a removable discontinuity at x = a
(C) f has an irremovable discontinuity at x = a
(D) f(a+ ) < 0

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-III
1. f is a continuous function on the real line. Given that for all real values of x,
x 2 + (f(x) − 2)x − √3 ⋅ f(x) + 2√3 − 3 = 0. Then the value of f(√3)
(A) can not be determined (B) is 2(1 − √3)
2(√3−2)
(C) is zero (D) is
√3

2. If f(x) = sgn (cos2x − 2sin x + 3), where sgn ( ) is the signum function, then f(x)
(A) is continuous over its domain
(B) has a missing point discontinuity
(C) has isolated point discontinuity
(D) has irremovable discontinuity.
xn −sinxn
3. Consider f(x) = Limit n→∞ for x > 0, x ≠ 1, f(1) = 0 then
xn +sinxn

(A) f is continuous at x = 1
(B) f has an infinite or oscillatory discontinuity at x = 1.
(C) f has a finite discontinuity at x = 1
(D) f has a removable type of discontinuity at x = 1.
2
[{|x|}]ex {[x+{x}]}
4. Given f(x) = 2 for x ≠ 0
(e1/x −1) sg n(si n x)

=0 for x = 0
where {x} is the fractional part function ; [x] is the step up function and sgn (x) is the signum
function of x then, f(x)
(A) is continuous at x = 0
(B) is discontinuous at x = 0
(C) has a removable discontinuity at x = 0
(D) has an irremovable discontinuity at x = 0
x[x]2 log (1+x) 2 for − 1 < x < 0
5. Consider f(x) = [ln (ex2 +2√{x})
for 0<x<1
tan √x

where [ ∗ ] & { ∗ } are the greatest integer function & fractional part function respectively, then
(A) f(0) = ln2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(B) f(0) = 2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(C) f(0) = e2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(D) f has an irremovable discontinuity at x = 0

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
1
f(g(x)) for x < 0
√1+x−√1−x π √2
6. Consider f(x) = ,x ≠ 0 ; g(x) = cos2x , − 4 < x < 0, h(x) = [1 for x = 0
{x}
f(x) for x > 0
then, which of the following holds good. where {x} denotes fractional part function.
(A) 'h' is continuous at x = 0
(B) 'h' is discontinuous at x = 0
(C) f(g(x)) is an even function
(D) f(x) is an even function
2x−1
7. The function f(x) = [x] ⋅ cos π, where [∙] denotes the greatest integer function, is
2

discontinuous at
(A) all x
(B) all integer points
(C) no x
(D) x which is not an integer
sinx−xcosx
8. Consider the function defined on [0,1] → R , f(x) = if x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 0, then the
x2

function f(x)
(A) has a removable discontinuity at x = 0
(B) has a non removable finite discontinuity at x = 0
(C) has a non removable infinite discontinuity at x = 0
(D) is continuous at x = 0
sinπx−x2n sin (x−1)
9. Consider the function f(x) = Limn→∞ , where n ∈ N
1+x2n+1 −x2n

Statement-1: f(x) is discontinuous at x = 1.

because
Statement-2: f(1) = 0.
(A) Statement-1 is true, statement- 2 is true and statement-2 is correct explanation for
statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is true and statement-2 is NOT the correct explanation for
statement-1.
(C) Statement- 1 is true, statement- 2 is false.
(D) Statement- 1 is false, statement- 2 is true.

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
10. Consider the functions, f(x) = sgn(x − 1) and g(x) = cot −1 [x − 1]
where [ ] denotes the greatest integer function.
Statement-1: The function F(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x) is discontinuous at x = 1.
because
Statement-2: If f(x) is discontinuous at x = a and g(x) is also discontinuous at x = a then the
product function f(x) ⋅ g(x) is discontinuous at x = a.
(A) Statement- 1 is true, statement- 2 is true and statement- 2 is correct explanation for
statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is true and statement-2 is NOT the correct explanation for
statement-1.
(C) Statement- 1 is true, statement- 2 is false.
(D) Statement-1 is false, statement- 2 is true.
acosx−cosbx
11. f(x) = , when x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 4. If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, then the value of
x2

(n + Σai + Σbi ) is
[Here, n = number of ordered pairs (a, b);
Σai = sum of all distinct possible values of a;
Σbi = sum of all distinct possible values of b]
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5
12. Statement-1: Function f(x) = [cos x] is discontinuous at x = π.
Statement-2 : Function g(x) = [x] is discontinuous at integral values of x.
[Here, ['] denotes greatest integer function, i.e., [k] equals the greatest integer less than or equal
to ' k ']
(A) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true & Statement-2 is correct explanation for Statement-
1
(B) Statement- 1 is true, Statement-2 is true & Statement-2 is NOT the correct explanation for
Statement-1
(C) Statement- 1 is true, Statement- 2 is false
(D) Statement-1 is false, Statement- 2 is true
x 2 + ax + 2, if x is rational
13. Consider the function f(x) = { , where ' a ' is a parameter that can
1 − x, if x is irrational
take any real value. If f(x) is discontinuous for all real values of x, then number of possible
integral values of a is
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) 0

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(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
1 2
14. If f(x) = [x] + [x + 3] + [x + 3], then number of points of discontinuity of f(x) in [−1,1] is :

(A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 7 (D) 6

15. If f(x) = sgn(sin2 x − sinx − 1) has exactly four points of discontinuity for x ∈ (0, nπ), n ∈ N,
then
(A) the minimum possible value of n is 5
(B) the maximum possible value of n is 6
(C) there are exactly two possible values of n
(D) None of these

APNI KAKSHA 13
(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-IV
1−tanx π π π π
1. Let f(x) = , x ≠ 4 , x ∈ [0, 2 ]. If f(x) is continuous in [0, 2 ], then f ( 4 ) is- [AIEEE 2004]
4x−π

(A) 1 (B) 1/2 (C) −1/2 (D) −1

1 2
2. The function f: R − {0} → R given by f(x) = x − e2x −1 can be made continuous at x = 0 by defining

f(0) as [AIEEE 2007]

(A) 2 (B) -1 (C) 0 (D) 1
sin (p+1)x+sin x
x<0
x
3. The value of p and q for which the function f(x) = q, x = 0 is continuous
√x+x2 −√x
{ x>0
x3/2

for all x ∈ R, are : [AIEEE 2011]

1 3 1 3
(A) p = 2 , q = 2 (B) p = 2 , q = − 2
5 1 3 1
(C) p = 2 , q = 2 (D) p = − 2 , q = 2
2x−1
4. If f ∶ R → R is a function defined by f(x) = [x] cos ( ) π, where [x] denotes the greatest
2

integer function, then f is : [AIEEE 2012]

(A) continuous for every real x.
(B) discontinuous only at x = 0
(C) discontinuous only at non-zero integral values of x.
(D) continuous only at x = 0
1

5. Let f(x) = {(x − 1)2−x , x > 1, x ≠ 2 [IIT Main 2018]

k ,x = 2
The value of k for which f is continuous at x = 2 is :
(A) 1 (B) e (C) e−1 (D) e−2
1 k−1
6. If the function f defined as f(x) = x − e2x −1 , x ≠ 0, is continuous at x = 0, then the ordered pair

(k, f(0)) is equal to [IIT Main Online 2018]

1
(A) (2,1) (B) (3,1) (C) (3 , 2) (D) (3,2)

APNI KAKSHA 14
(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-V
1. The function f(x) = [x]2 − [x 2 ] (where [y] is the greatest integer less than or equal to y ), is
discontinuous at : [ JEE '99, 2 (out of 200) ]
(A) all integers
(B) all integers except 0 & 1
(C) all integers except 0
(D) all integers except 1
2. Determine the constants a, b & c for which the function
(1 + ax)1/x for x < 0
b for x = 0 is continuous at x = 0.
f(x) =
(x + c)1/3 − 1
for x > 0
[(x + 1)1/2 − 1
e1/(x−1) −2
3. Discuss the continuity of the function f(x) = {e1/(x−1)+2 , x ≠ 1 at x = 1. [REE '99, 6]
1, x=1
[REE 2001 (Mains), 3 out of 100]
4. For every integer n, let an and bn be real numbers. Let function f ∶ R → R be given by
[JEE 2012]
an + sinπx, for x ∈ [2n, 2n + 1]
f(x) = { , for all integers n.
bn + cosπx, for x ∈ (2n − 1,2n)
If f is continuous, then which of the following hold(s) for all n ?
(A) an−1 − bn−1 = 0 (B) an − bn = 1
(C) an − bn+1 = 1 (D) an−1 − bn = −1
5. For every pair of continuous functions f, g ∶ [0,1] → R, such that max {f(x) ∶ x ∈ [0,1]} =
max {g(x) ∶ x ∈ [0,1]}, the correct statement(s) is(are) : [IIT Advance 2014]
(A) (f(c))2 + 3f(c) = (g(c))2 + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
(B) (f(c))2 + f(c) = (g(c))2 + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
(C) (f(c))2 + 3f(c) = (g(c))2 + g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
(D) (f(c))2 = (g(c))2 for some c ∈ [0,1]
6. Let [x] be the greatest integer less than or equals to x. Then, at which of the following point(s)
the function f(x) = xcos (π(x + [x])) is discontinuous? [IIT Advance - 2017]
(A) x = 1 (B) x = −1 (C) x = 0 (D) x = 2

APNI KAKSHA 15
(MATHEMATICS) CONTINUITY
Answer Key
PROFICIENCY TEST
1. −1 2. a = 0, b = 1 3. b = 1 and a, c ∈ R such that a + c = 3
4. f is cont. in − 1 ≤ x ≤ 1 5. P not possible. 6. (a) 4 − 3√2 + a (b) a = 3
7. g(x) = 2 + x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1,2 − x for 1 < x ≤ 2,4 − x for 2 < x ≤ 3,
g is discontinuous at x = 1 & x = 2 8. A = 1; f(2) = 1/2
9. discontinuous at x = 1, 4 & 5
10. (i) false ; (ii) false ; (iii) true ; (iv) true; (v) true; (vi) true
EXERCISE-I
1. f(0+ ) = −2; f(0− ) = 2 hence f(0) not possible to define
2. yn (x) is continuous at x = 0 for all n and y(x) is dicontinuous at x = 0
3. a = 0; b = −1 4. a = 0, b = 1 5. gof is dis-continuous at x = 0,1 & − 1
6. a = 1/2, b = 4 7. a = −3/2, b ≠ 0, c = 1/2 8. A = −4, B = 5, f(0) = 1
𝟏9. A, C, D 10. A, C, D 11. B, C 12. C, D 13. B 14. B, C, D
15. B, C
EXERCISE-II
1. discontinuous at all integral values in [−2,2]
2. locus (a, b) → x, y is y = x − 3 excluding the points where y = 3 intersects it.
1
3. 5 5. 60
π
ℓn(tan x) if 0 < x < 4
8. k = 0; g(x) = [ π π. Hence g(x) is continuous everywhere.
0 if ≤x<
4 2
39 1 (ℓln 2)2
9. g(x) = 4(x + 1) and limit = − 11. a = , g(0) =
4 √2 8
π π
12. f(0+ ) = ; f(0− ) = ⇒ f is discontinuous at x = 0
2 4√2

g(0+ ) = g(0− ) = g(0) = π/2 ⇒ g is continuous at x = 0

1
13. The function f is continuous everywhere in [0, 2] except for x = 0, 2 , 1 & 2.
14. A 15. B
EXERCISE-III
1. B 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. D 6. A 7. C
8. D 9. B 10. C 11. B 12. D 13. A 14. D
15. C
EXERCISE-IV
1. C 2. D 3. D 4. A 5. C 6. B
EXERCISE-V
2 2
1. D 2. a = ln 3 ; b = 3 ; c = 1
3. Discontinuous at x = 1 ; f(1+ ) = 1 and f(1− ) = −1 4. BD 5. AD 6. ABD
APNI KAKSHA 16