CONTINUITY (Mathematics)

CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS : cx + dx 3
⇒ limx→0+ =0⇒c=0
A function for which a small change in the x2
Now
independent variable causes only a small change and
1 1 d
not a sudden jump in the dependent variable are limx→0+ (1 + dx)x = limx→0+ [(1 + dx)dx ] = ed
called continuous functions. Naively, we may that a
function is continuous at fixed point if we can draw So ed = 3 ⇒ d = ln⁡ 3,
the graph of the function around the point without Hence a = −1, b = −4, c = 0 and d = ln⁡ 3.
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
CONTINUITY OF THE FUNCTION IN AN INTERVAL :
(a) A function is said to be continuous in (a, b) if f is
continuous at each and every point belonging to
(a, b).
(b) A function 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'
Continuity of a function at a point : i.e. Limx→a+ ⁡ f(x) = f(a) = a finite quantity
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a, if (iii) f is left continuous at 'b'
Limx→a ⁡ f(x) = f(a). Symbolically f is continuous at i.e. Limx→b− ⁡ f(x) = f( b) = a finite quantity
x = a if Limh→0 f(a − h) = Limh→0 f(a + h) Note :
= f(a), h > 0 i. e. (LHLx=a = RHL) equals value of ⬚′ f ′ (i) All polynomials, trigonometrical functions,
at x = a. exponential and logarithmic functions are
πx
continuous in their domains.
sin⁡ , x<1 (ii) If f(x) and g(x) are two functions that are
Ex.1 If f(x) = { 2 then find whether f(x) is
[x] x ≥ 1 continuous at x = c then the function defined by :
continuous or not at x = 1, where [.] denotes F1 (x) = f(x) ± g(x); F2 (x) = Kf(x), where K is any
greatest integer function. real number ; F3 (x) = f(x). g(x) are also
πx
sin⁡ , x < 1 continuous at x = c.
Sol: f(x) = { 2
Further, if g(c) is not zero, then F4 (x) =
f(x)
is also
[x] x ≥ 1 g(x)
For continuity at x = 1, we determine, continuous at x = c.
f(1), limx→1− f(x) and limx→1+ f(x).
Ex.3 Discuss the continuity of
Now, f(1) = [1] = 1
πx π |x + 1| , x < −2
limx→1− f(x) = limx→1− sin⁡ = sin⁡ = 1 and 2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0
2 2
limx→1+ f(x) = limx→1+ [x] = 1 f(x) = { 2
x +3 , 0≤x<3
So ⁡f(1) = limx→1− f(x) = limx→1+ f(x) x 3 − 15 , x≥3
∴ f(x) is continuous at x = 1 −x − 1 , x < −2
a(1−xsin⁡ x)+bcos⁡ x+5 2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0
x<0 Sol: We write f(x) as f(x) = { 2
x2 x +3 , 0≤x<3
3 x=0 x 3 − 15, , x≥3
Ex.2 Let f(x) = 1
x As we can see, f(x) is defined as a polynomial
cx+dx3
(01 + (
x2
)) x>0 function in each of intervals (−∞, −2),
{ (−2,0), (0,3) and (3, ∞). Therefore, it is
If f is continuous at x = 0, then find out the values continuous in each of these four open intervals.
of a, b, c and d. Thus we check the continuity at x = −2,0,3.
Sol: Since f(x) is continuous at x = 0, so at x = 0, both At the point x = −2
left and right limits must exist and both must be lim− f(x) = lim− (−x − 1) = +2 − 1 = 1
equal to 3 . x→−2 x→−2
a(1−xsin x)+bcos x+5 lim+ f(x) = lim+ (2x + 3) = 2. (−2) + 3 = −1
Now Limx→0− 2 x→−2 x→−2
x
b Therefore, limx→−2 f(x) does not exist and hence
(a+b+5)+(−a− 2 )x2 +⋯
= Limx→0− ⁡ =3 (By the f(x) is discontinuous at x = −2.
x2
expansion of sin⁡ x and cos⁡ x ) If limx→0− f(x) exists At the point x = 0
b lim− f(x) = lim− (2x + 3) = 3
then a + b + 5 = 0 and −a − = 3 ⇒ a = −1 and x→0 x→0
2
1 lim+ f(x) = lim+ (x 2 + 3) = 3
x x→0 x→0
cx+dx3 f(0) = 02 + 3 = 3
b = −4 since lim x→0+ (1 + ( )) exists
x2

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Therefore f(x) is continuous at x = 0. (ii) Infinite type discontinuity:

At the point x = 3 In such type of discontinuity at least one of the
lim− f(x) = lim− (x 2 + 3) = 32 + 3 = 12 limit viz. LHL and RHL is tending to infinity.
x→3 x→3
lim+ f(x) = lim+ (x 3 − 15) = 33 − 15 = 12 (iii) Oscillatory type discontinuity:
π
x→3 x→3 e.g. f(x) = sin⁡ at x = 0
f(3) = 33 − 15 = 12 x
Therefore, f(x) is continuous at x = 3.
We find that f(x) is continuous at all points in R
except at x = −2

TYPES OF DISCONTINUITIES:
Type-1 :(Removable type of discontinuities): -
In case Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists but is not equal to f (a) then f(x) has non removable oscillatory type
the function is said to have a removable discontinuity discontinuity at x = 0
or discontinuity of the first kind. In this case we can Example:
redefine the function such that Limx→a ⁡ f(x) = f(a)
and make it continuous at x = a. Removable type of
discontinuity can be further classified as:
(a) Missing point discontinuity:
Where Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists but f(a) is not defined.
(b) Isolated point discontinuity:
Where Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists and f( a) also exists but;
Limx→a ⁡ f(x) ≠ f(a).
From the adjacent graph note that
Ex.4 Examine the function, (i) f is continuous at x = −1
x − 1, x < 0 (ii) f has isolated discontinuity at x = 1
f(x) = { 1/4, x = 0. Discuss the continuity, (iii) f has missing point discontinuity at x = 2
(iv) f has non removable (finite type) discontinuity at
x 2 − 1, x > 0
and if discontinuous remove the discontinuity by the origin.
redefining the function (if possible). Note: In case of non-removable (finite type) discontinuity
Sol: the non-negative difference between the value of the
RHL at x = a and LHL at x = a 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.
Ex.5 Show that the function,
e1/x −1
Graph of f(x) is shown, from graph it is seen that f(x) = {e1/x+1 ; when x ≠ 0 has non-removable
limx→0− f(x) = limx→0+ f(x) = −1, but f(0) = 1/4 0, ; when x = 0
Thus, f(x) has removable discontinuity and f(x) discontinuity at x = 0.
could be made continuous by taking e1/x −1
f(0) = −1 Sol: We have, f(x) = {e1/x+1 ; when x ≠ 0
x−1 , x< 0 0, ; when x = 0
⇒ f(x) = { −1 , x=0 ⇒ limx→0+ f(x) = limh→0 f(0 + h)
x2 − 1 , x > 0 1
1 1− 1
eh − 1 eh = 1[∵ e1/h → ∞]
Type - 2: (Non-Removable type of discontinuities): = limh→0 1 = limh→0
1
eh + 1 1+ 1
In case Limx→a ⁡ f(x) does not exist then it is not
eh
possible to make the function continuous by −
1
redefining it. Such a discontinuity is known as non- e h−1
⇒ limx→0− f(x) = limh→0 1
removable discontinuity or discontinuity of the 2nd
e−h + 1
kind. Non-removable type of discontinuity can be 0−1
further classified as : = = −1⁡[∵ h → 0; e−1/h → 0]
0+1
(i) Finite type discontinuity: limx→0− f(x) = −1
In such type of discontinuity left hand limit and ⇒ limx→0+ f(x) ≠ limx→0− f(x). Thus f(x) has non-
right hand limit at a point exists but are not equal. removable discontinuity.
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THE INTERMEDIATE VALUE THEOREM: (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
Suppose f(x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a, e.g.
b are any two points of I. Then if y0 is a number 1 x≥0
between f(a) and f( b), there exists a number c f(x) = −g(x) = {
−1 x < 0
between a and b such that f(c) = y0 f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = 0 but the
product function f(x) ⋅ g(x) is still continuous at x = 0
(c) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then
f(x) ± g(x) is not necessarily be discontinuous
at x = a
(d) A continuous function whose domain is closed must
have a range also in closed interval.
(e) If f is continuous at x = a and g is continuous
at x = f(a) then the composite g[f(x)] is continuous at
xsin⁡ x
x = a. eg. f(x) = 2 and g(x) = |x| are continuous at
x +2
xsin⁡ x
x = 0, hence the composite (gof)(x) = | 2 | will also
x +2
be continuous at x = 0
x+1 1
Ex.8 If f(x) = and g(x) = , then discuss the
x−1 x−2
continuity of f(x), g(x) and fog(x) in R.
Note that a function f which is continuous in [a, b] x+1
possesses the following properties: Sol: f(x) =
x−1
(i) If f(a) and f( b) posses opposite signs, then there f(x) is a rational function it must be continuous in
exists at least one root of the equation f(x) = 0 in its domain and f is not defined at x = 1.
the open interval (a, b). ∴ f is discontinuous at x = 1
(ii) If K is any real number between f(a) and f( b), then 1
g(x) =
there exists at least one root of the equation x−2
f(x) = K in the open interval (a, b). g(x) is also a rational function. It must be
continuous in its domain and g is not defined at
Note: In above cases the number of roots is always odd. x = 2.
∴ g is discontinuous at x = 2
Ex.6 Show that the function, f(x) = (x − a)2 (x − b)2 + x, Now fog(x) will be discontinuous at x = 2 (point
a+b
takes the value for some x0 ∈ (a, b) of discontinuity of g(x) )
2
Sol: f(x) = (x − a) (x − b)2 + x
2 Consider g(x) = 1
f( b) = b (when g(x) = point of discontinuity of f(x) )
a+b 1
f(a) = a and ∈ (f(a), f( b)) =1⇒x=3
2 x−2
∴ By intermediate value theorem, there is at least ∴ fog(x) is discontinuous at x = 2 and x = 3.
a+b
one x0 ∈ (a, b) such that f(x0 ) = .
2
SINGLE POINT CONTINUITY:
onto
Ex.7 Let f: [0,1] ⟶ [0,1] be a continuous function, Functions which are continuous only at one point are
then prove that f(x) = x for atleast one x ∈ [0,1] said to exhibit single point continuity
Sol: Consider g(x) = f(x) − x
g(0) = f(0) − 0 = f(0) ≥ 0⁡{∵ 0 ≤ f(x) ≤ 1} x if x ∈ Q
Ex.9 If f(x) = ⌊ , find the points where f(x)
g(1) = f(1) − 1 ≤ 0 −x if x ∉ Q
⇒ ⁡g(0) ⋅ g(1) ≤ 0 is continuous
⇒ ⁡g(x) = 0 has at least one root in [0,1] Sol: Let x = a be the point at which f(x) is continuous.
⇒ ⁡f(x) = x for at least one x ∈ [0,1] ⇒ lim
x→a
f(x) = lim
x→a
f(x)
through rational through irrational
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS: ⇒ a = −a⁡ ⇒ a = 0
⇒ function is continuous at x = 0.
(a) If f(x) continuous and g(x) is discontinuous at x = a
then the product function ϕ(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x) will not
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a, e.g.
π
sin⁡ x≠0
f(x) = x and g(x) = { x
0 x=0
f(x) is continuous at x = 0 and g(x) is discontinuous
at x = 0. but f(x) ⋅ g(x) is continuous at x = 0.
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EXERCISE - 1 10.
9 2
If f(x) is continuous and f ( ) = , then the value of
ax + 1 if x < 1 1−cos⁡ 3x
2 9
1. Let f(x) = { 3 if x = 1. If f(x) is continuous limx→0 f ( ) is-
x2
bx 2 + 1 if x > 1 (A)
2
(B)
9
at x = 1 then (a-b) is equal to- 9 2
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4 (C) 0 (D) data insufficient

1 11. f is a continuous function on the real line. Given that

2. For the function f(x) = 1 , x ≠ 2 which of the
x+2
(x−2) x 2 + (f(x) − 2)x − √3 ⋅ f(x) + 2√3 − 3 = 0. Then the
following holds ? value of f(√3)
(A) f(2) = 1/2 and f is continuous at x = 2 (A) cannot be determined (B) is 2(1 − √3)
(B) f(2) ≠ 0,1/2 and f is continuous at x = 2 2(√3−2)
(C) f can not be continuous at x = 2 (C) is zero (D) is
√3
(D) f(2) = 0 and f is continuous at x = 2.
12. The function f(x) = [x]2 − [x 2 ] (where [y] is the
4−x2 greatest integer less than or equal to y ), is
3. The function f(x) = , is- discontinuous at :
4x−x3
(A) Discontinuous at only one point in its domain. (A) all integers (B) all integers except 0&1
(B) Discontinuous at two points in its domain. (C) all integers except 0 (D) all integers except 1
(C) Discontinuous at three points in its domain.
13. Let f: R → R be a continuous function ∀⁡x ∈ R and
(D) Continuous everywhere in its domain.
f(x) = 5⁡∀⁡x ∈ irrational. Then the value of f(3) is –
x2 −bx+25
(A) 1 (B) 2
4. If f(x) = 2 for x ≠ 5 and f is continuous at (C) 5 (D) cannot determine
x −7x+10
x = 5, then f(5) has the value equal to- 1 1
(A) 0 (B) 5 (C) 10 (D) 25 14. If f(x) = and g(x) = , then points of
(x−1)(x−2) x2
discontinuity of f{g(x)} are –
x−ex +cos⁡ 2x 1 1 1
5. If f(x) = , x ≠ 0 is continuous at x = 0, then (A) {−1,0,1, } (B) {− , −1,0,1, }
x2 √2 √2 √2
– (C) {0,1} (D) {0,1,
1
}
5 √2
(A) f(0) = (B) [f(0)] = −2
2
(C) {f(0)} = −0.5 (D) [f(0)]. {f(0)} = −1.5 15. Consider the function
x
Where [.]⁡and⁡{.}denotes greatest integer and if 1 ≤ x < 2
[x]
fractional part function f(x) = ⌊
1 if x=2
6. y = f(x) is a continuous function such that its graph √6 − x if 2 < x ≤ 3
log ⁡(1+3f(x)) Where [x] denotes step up function then at x = 2
passes through (a, 0). Then limx→a e is- function –
2f(x)
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C)
3
(D)
2 (A) has missing point removable discontinuity
2 3
(B) has isolated point removable discontinuity
(C) has non removable discontinuity finite type
7. In [1,3], the function [x 2 + 1], [.] denoting the greatest
(D) is continuous
integer function, is continuous –
(A) For all x 16. Consider
(B) For all x except at nine points x[x]2 log (1+x) ⁡ 2 for − 1 < x < 0
(C) For all x except at seven points 2
f(x) = [ln⁡(ex + 2√{x})
(D) For all x except at eight points , for 0 < x < 1
tan⁡ √x
8. Number of points of discontinuity of f(x) = [2x 3 − 5] where [∗]&{⁡∗ } are the greatest integer function &
in [1,2), is equal to(Where [x] denotes greatest integer fractional part function respectively, then :-
less than or equal to x ) (A) f(0) = 𝑙n2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(A) 14 (B) 13 (C) 10 (D) 8 (B) f(0) = 2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(C) f(0) = e2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
|x + 1| if x < −2 (D) f has an irremovable discontinuity at x = 0
2x + 3 if −2 ≤ x < 0
9. Given f(x) = { 2 . Then 2x−1
x +3 if 0≤x<3 17. The function f(x) = [x] ⋅ cos⁡ π, where [·] denotes
2
x 3 − 15 if x≥3 the greatest integer function, is discontinuous at :-
number of point(s) of discontinuity of f(x) is- (A) all x (B) all integer points
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3 (C) no x (D) x which is not an integer
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18. Consider the function defined on [0,1] → R, 26. Let f: [0,1] → R be a continuous function and assumes
f(x) =
sin x−xcos x
if x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 0, then the only rational values. If f(0) = 2 then the value of
x2 1 3 1
function f(x) :- tan−1 ⁡ (f ( )) + tan−1 ⁡ ( f ( )) is
2 2 2
(A) has a removable discontinuity at x = 0 π π 3π
(A) (B) (C) (D) π
(B) has a non removable finite discontinuity at x = 0 4 6 4
(C) has a non removable infinite discontinuity at x = 0 x + 1; x < 0
27. f(x) = { at x = 0, f(x) is
(D) is continuous at x = 0 cos⁡ x; x ≥ 0
(A) continuous
19. Which one of the following function is discontinuous (B) having removable discontinuity
for atleast one real value of x ? (C) discontinuous
(D) none
(A) f(x) = √1 + sgn⁡ x
ex +1
(B) g(x) = 28. If f(x) =
sin3x+Asin2x+Bsinx
(x ≠ 0) is continuous at
ex +3 x5
5
22x +1 7 x = 0. Find A and B. Also find f(0).
(C) h(x) = ( )
23x +5
(D) k(x) = √3 + 2sin⁡ x 29. If f(x) = x + {−x} + [x], where [x] is the integral part
[Note: sgn⁡ x denotes signum function of x.] & {x} is the fractional part of x. Discuss the continuity
of f in [−2,2].
√x2 +px+1
20. Let f(x) = . If f(x) is discontinuous at exactly
x2 −p 30. Find the locus of (a, b) for which the function f(x)
2 values of x and continuous for all remaining value of ax − b for x≤1
x ∈ R, then number of integers in the range of p is = [ 3x for 1 < x < 2 is continuous at x = 1
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 bx 2 − a for x≥2
but discontinuous at x = 2.
1
(1+tan⁡ x)x −e
21. Let f(x) = { , if x ≠ 0 If f(x) is continuous (sin⁡ x + cos⁡ x)cosec⁡ x ;
−π
<x<0
x
2
k, if x = 0 a; x=0
at x = 0, then the value of k is 31. Let f(x) = [
−e −e e1/x +e2/x +e3/|x| π
(A) e (B) (C) (D) None ; 0<x<
2 4 ae2/x +be3/|x|
2
If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, find the value of
px 2 − px + q, x < 1 (a2 + b2 ).
22. Let f(x) = {x − 1, 1 ≤ x ≤ 3 If f(x) is
𝑙x 2 + mx + 2, x > 3 EXERCISE - 2
q𝑙−m 3x2 +ax+a+3
continuous ∀⁡x ∈ R, then the value of is equal to 1. If the function f(x) = is continuous at
𝑙 x2 +x−2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 x = −2. Find f(−2).

23. Let f(x) and g(x) are continuous function on [a, b]

such that f(a) ≥ g(a) and f( b) ≤ g( b). Then 2. Find all possible values of a and b so that f(x) is
(A) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for exactly one x0 ∈ [a, b]. continuous for all x ∈ R if
(B) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for atleast one x0 ∈ [a, b]. |ax + 3| if x ≤ −1
(C) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for no values of x0 ∈ [a, b]. |3x + a| if −1 < x ≤ 0
(D) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for infinitely many values of f(x) = bsin2x
− 2b if 0<x<π
x0 ∈ [a, b]. x
{ cos 2 x − 3 if x≥π
sinαx2
,x ≠ 0
x2
24. Let f(x)= {3 1 3. The function f(x) =
+ ,x = 0 tan⁡ 6x
4 4α 6 tan⁡ 5x π
If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, then α can be ( ) if 0 < x < ⁡
5 2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 b+2 if x =
π
⁡
2
a|tan⁡ x|
25. Number of points of discontinuity of the function ( )
if < x < π
π
−π π [(1 + |cos⁡ x|) b
2
f(x) = [cos −1 ⁡(cos⁡ x) − sin−1 ⁡(sin⁡ x)] in x ∈ ⌊ , ⌋, is Determine the values of 'a' & ' b ', if f is continuous at
2 2
[Note: [k] denotes the largest integer less than or x = π/2.
equal to k.]
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

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4. Suppose that f(x) = x 3 − 3x 2 − 4x + 12 and 12. A function f(x) is defined as f(x) = ,

Asin x+sin 2x
f(x) x3
, x≠3 (x ≠ 0). If the function is continuous at x = 0, then -
h(x) = [x−3 then
K , x=3 (A) A = −2 (B) f(0) = −1
(a) find all zeroes of f(x). (C) A = 1 (D) f(0) = 1
(b) find the value of K that makes h continuous at
x = 3. 13. Which of the following function(s) not defined at
(c) using the value of K found in (b) determine x = 0 has/have non-removable discontinuity at the
whether h is an even function. point x = 0 ?
1 1
1−sin⁡ πx 1 (A) f(x) = 1 (B) f(x) = arctan⁡
, x< 1+2x
x
1+cos⁡ 2πx 2 1
1 ex −1 1
5. Let f(x) = p, x = . Determine the value (C) f(x) = (D) f(x) =
2 1
ln|x|
√2x−1 1 ex +1
, x>
[√4+√2x−1−2 2
of p, if possible, so that the function is continuous at 14. Which of the following function(s) not defined at
x = 1/2. x = 0 has/have removable discontinuity at x = 0 ?
1 |sin⁡ x|
6. Given the function g(x) = √6 − 2x and (A) f(x) = cot⁡ x (B) f(x) = cos⁡ ( )
1+2 x
h(x) = 2x 2 − 3x + a. Then (C) f(x) = x⁡sin
π
(D) f(x) =
1

(a) evaluate h(g(2)) x ℓn|x|

g(x), x ≤ 1
(b) If f(x) = ⌊ , find 'a' so that f is ex −1+ax
h(x), x > 1 , x>0
x2
continuous x = 0, then -
15. Let f(x) = b,
x
1 + x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 sin⁡
7. Let f(x) = ⌊ . Determine the form of , 2
x<0
3 − x, 2 < x ≤ 3 { x
1
g(x) = f[f(x)]& hence find the point of discontinuity (A) f(x) is continuous at x = 0 if a = −1, b = .
2
of g, if any. 1
(B) f(x) is discontinuous at x = 0, if b ≠ .
ℓncos⁡ x 2
4 if x > 0 (C) f(x) has non-removable discontinuity
√1+x2 −1
8. Let f(x) = [ Is it possible to at x = 0 if a ≠ −1.
esin⁡ 4x −1
if x < 0 (D) f(x) has removable discontinuity
ℓn⁡(1+tan⁡ 2x)
1
define f(0) to make the function continuous at x = 0. at x = 0 if a = −1, b ≠
2
If yes what is the value of f(0), if not then indicate the
nature of discontinuity. 16. Which of the following function(s) has removable
π type of discontinuity at x = 0 ?
9. Determine a⁡& b so that f is continuous at x = where 1−sec2 2x
2
1−sin3 ⁡ x π (A) f(x) =
, if x < 4x2
3cos2 ⁡ x cscx−1
2
π (B) g(x) = ( where cscx = cosec⁡ x)
xcscx
f(x) = a, if ⁡x = sin5x
2 (C) h(x) =
b(1−sin⁡ x) π x
[ , ifx > 1
(π−2x)2 2
(D) ℓ(x) = (1 + 2x 2 )x2
10. Determine the values of a, b & c for which the function
sin⁡(a+1)x+sin⁡ x
for x < 0 17. If f is defined on an interval [a, b]. Which of the
x following statement(s) is/are INCORRECT?
f(x) = c for x = 0 (A) If f(a) and f( b), have opposite sign, then there
1/2
(x+bx2 ) −x1/2 must be a point c ∈ (a, b) such that f(c) = 0.
[ for x > 0
bx3/2
(B) If f is continuous on [a, b], f(a) < 0 and f( b) > 0,
is continuous at x = 0.
then there must be a point c ∈ (a, b)
[MULTIPLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE(11-20)] such that f(c) = 0.
(C) If f is continuous on [a, b] and there is a point c in
11. Which of the following function(s) is/are
(a, b) such that f(c) = 0, then f(a) and f(b) have
discontinuous at x = 0 ?
π opposite sign.
(A) f(x) = sin , x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 1 (D) If f has no zeroes on [a, b], then f(a) and f( b) have
2x
π
(B) g(x) = x⁡sin ( ) , x ≠ 0 and g(0) = π the same sign.
x
|x|
(C) h(x) = , x ≠ 0 and h(0) = 1
x
1
(D) k(x) = , x ≠ 0 and k(0) = 0.
1+ecotx

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 CONTINUITY (Mathematics)

18. Which of the following functions f has/have a π

( −sin−1 ⁡(1−{x}2 ))sin−1 ⁡(1−{x})
2
removable discontinuity at the indicated point? for x ≠ 0
23. Let f(x) = |⁡ √2({x}−{x}3 )
x2 −2x−8 π
(A) f(x) = at x = −2 for x = 0
x+2 2
x−7
(B) f(x) = at x = 7 where {x} is the fractional part of x.
|x−7|
x3 +64 Consider another function g(x); such that
(C) f(x) = at x = −4 f(x) for ⁡x ≥ 0
x+4
3−√x g(x) = |⁡ Discuss the continuity
(D) f(x) = at x = 9 2√2f(x) for ⁡x < 0
9−x
of the functions f(x)&g(x) at x = 0.
19. In which of the following cases the given equations
has atleast one root in the indicated interval? 24. A function f: R → R is defined as
(A) x − cos⁡ x = 0 in (0, π/2) ax2 +bx+c+enx
f(x) = limn→∞ where f is continuous on R.
(B) x + sin⁡ x = 1 in (0, π/6) 1+c⋅enx
a b Find the values of a, b and c.
(C) + = 0, a, b > 0 in (1,3)
x−1 x−3
(D) f(x) − g(x) = 0 in (a, b) where f and g are x x
continuous on [a, b] and f(a) > g(a) and f( b) < g(b). 25. Given f(x) = ∑nr=1 tan⁡ ( r) sec⁡ ( ) ; r, n ∈ N
2 2r−1
x x n x
𝑙n⁡(f(x)+tan⁡2n )−(f(x)+tan⁡2n ) ⋅[sin⁡(tan⁡2)]
x g(x) = limit ⁡ .
20. Indicate all correct alternatives if, f(x) = − 1, then n→∞ x n
1+(f(x)+tan⁡ n )
2 2
π
on the interval [0, π] = k for x = and the domain of g(x) is (0, π/2).
1 4
(A) tan(f(x)) &⁡ are both continuous where [.] denotes the greatest integer function.
f(x)
(B) tan(f(x)) &⁡
1
are both discontinuous Find the value of k, if possible, so that g(x) is
f(x) continuous at x = π/4. Also state the points of
(C) tan(f(x)) &⁡f −1
(x) are both continuous discontinuity of g(x) in (0, π/4), if any.
1
(D) tan⁡(f(x)) is continuous but is not
f(x) f(x)
26. Let f(x) = x 3 − x 2 − 3x − 1 and h(x) = , where h is
g(x)
[MATRIX TYPE] a rational function such that
21. (a) it is continuous every where except when x = −1,
Column-I Column-II (b) limx→∞ h(x) = ∞ and
(A) limx→1
x3 −1
is (P) 2 (c) limx→−1 h(x) =
1
ℓnx 2

(B) limx→0
x(cos⁡ x−cos⁡ 2x)
is (Q) 3 Find limx→0 (3h(x) + f(x) − 2g(x))
2sin⁡ x−sin⁡ 2x
3
(C) limx→0
tan⁡ x√tan⁡ x−sin⁡ x√sin⁡ x
is (R) 27. (a) Let f be a real valued continuous function on R and
x3 √x 2
1 3 satisfying f(−x) − f(x) = 0∀∈ R. If f(−5) = 5, f(−2) =
(D) If f(x) = cos⁡ (xcos⁡ ) and (S) 4, f(3) = −2 and f(0) = 0 then find the minimum
x 4
ℓn(sec2 ⁡ x) number of zero's of the equation f(x) = 0
g(x) = are both
xsin⁡ x (b) Find the number of points of discontinuity of the
continuous at x = 0 then f(0) +
function f(x) = [5x] + {3x} in [0,5] where [y] and {y}
g(0) equals
denote largest integer less than or equal to y and
fractional part of y respectively.
22. Match the function in Column-I with its behaviour at
x = 0 in Column-II, where [.] denotes greatest integer
28. (a) If g: [a, b] → [a, b] is continuous & onto function,
function & sgn⁡(x) denotes signum function.
then show that there is some c ∈ [a, b] such that
g(c) = c.
Column-I Column-II (b) Let f be continuous on the interval [0,1] to R such
(A) f(x) = [x][1 + x] (P) LHL exist at x = 0 that f(0) = f(1).
(B) f(x) = [−x][1 + x] (Q) RHL exist at x = 0 1
Prove that there exists a point c in ⌊0, ⌋ such that
(C) f(x) = (sgn(x))[2 − (R) Continuous at x = 0 2
1
x][1 + |x|] f(c) = f (c + )
2
(D) f(x) = [cos⁡ x] (S) limx→0 f(x) exists but
function is
discontinuous at x = 0
(T) limx→0 f(x) does not
exist

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 CONTINUITY (Mathematics)

EXERCISE - 3 8. Let [t] denote the greatest integer ≤ t. The number of

(JEE MAIN) points where the function
1. If f(x) is continuous and f(9/2) = 2/9, then π
f(x) = [x]|x 2 − 1| + sin⁡ ([x]+3) − [x + 1], x ∈ (−2, 2)
1−cos⁡ 3x
limx→0 f ( ) is equal to: [JEE MAIN 2014] is not continuous is. [JEE MAIN 2021]
x2
(A) 9/2 (B) 0 (C) 2/9 (D) 8/9
x
1 1+
a
√2+cos⁡ x−1 log e ⁡ ( x ), x<0
x 1−
, x≠π b
2. If the function f(x) = {is (π−x)2
9. The function f(x) = k ,x = 0 is
k, x=π cos2 ⁡ x−sin2 ⁡ x−1
continuous at x = π, then k equals:- { √x2+1−1
, x>0
[JEE MAIN 2014] 1 1 4
1 1 continuous at x = 0, then + + is equal to:
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D) 0 a b k
4 2 [JEE MAIN 2021]
(A) −5 (B) 5 (C) −4 (D) 4
3. Let f: R → R be a function defined as :
5, if x ≤ 1
10. Let f: R → R be defined as
a + bx, if 1 < x < 3
f(x) = { Then, f is: 2sin⁡ (−
πx
) , if x < −1
b + 5x, if 3 ≤ x < 5 2
30, if x ≥ 5 f(x) = {|ax 2 + x + b|, if − 1 ≤ x ≤ 1 If (x) is
[JEE MAIN 2019] sin⁡(πx)⁡ if x > 1
(A) continuous if a = 5 and b = 5 continuous on R, then a + b equals:
(B) continuous if a = −5 and b = 10 [JEE MAIN 2021]
(C) continuous if a = 0 and b = 5 (A) 3 (B) −1 (C) −3 (D) 1
(D) not continuous for any values of a and b
11. Let f ∶ ⁡R → R be defined as
4. Let f: [−1,3] → R be defined as x3 1+2xe−2x
log e (⁡(1−xe−x)2)⁡⁡ x≠0
|x| + [x], −1 ≤ x < 1 f(x) = ⁡ {(1−cos2x) If f is
f(x) = {x + |x|, 1 ≤ x < 2 where [t] denotes the α⁡ x=0
x + [x], 2≤x≤3 continuous x = 0, then α is equal to:
greatest integer less than or equal to t. Then, f is [JEE MAIN 2021]
discontinuous at: [JEE MAIN 2019] (A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 0 (D) 2
(A) only one point (B) only two points
λ|x2 −5x+6|
(C) only three points (D) four or more points μ(5x−x2 −6)
, x<2
π π 12. Let f: R → R be defined as f(x) = tn⁡(x−2)
5. If the function f defined on ( , ) by ex−[x]
,x > 2
6 3
√2 cos x−1 π {μ ,x = 2
, x≠
f(x) = { cot x−1 4 ⁡⁡⁡is continuous, then k is where [x] is the greatest integer less than or equal to
π
k, x=
4
x. If f is continuous at x = 2, then λ + μ is equal to.
equal to: [EE MAIN 2019] [JEE MAIN 2021]
1 1 (A) e(−e + 1) (B) e(e − 2)
(A) 2 (B) (C) 1 (D)
2 √2 (C) e(e + 2) (D) 2e − 1
a|π − x| + 1, x ≤ 5
6. If the function f(x) = { is P(x)
b|x − π| + 3, x > 5 13. Consider the function f(x) = , ⁡x ≠ 2 = 7⁡, ⁡x =
sin⁡(x−2)
continuous at x = 5, then the value of a − b is: 2 Where P(x) is a polynomial such that P ′′ (x) is always
[JEE MAIN 2019] a constant and P(3) = 9. If f(x) is continuous at x = 2,
2 −2 2 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) then P(5) is equal to______. [JEE MAIN 2021]
π+5 π+5 π−5 5−π
sin(p⁡+⁡1)x⁡+sin⁡ x
x
,x < 0 14. Let f: [0,3] → R be defined by f(x) = m ⁡ {x − [x],1 +
7. If f(x) = q , x = 0 is continuous at [x] − x} where [x] is the greatest integer less than or
√x⁡+⁡x2 ⁡−⁡√x equal to x. Let P denote the set containing all x ∈ [0,3]
,x > 0 where f is discontinuous, and Q denote the set
{ x3/2
x = 0, then the ordered pair (p, q) is equal containing all x ∈ (0,3) where f is not differentiable.
to: [JEE MAIN 2019] Then the sum of number of elements in P and Q is
3 1 1 3 equal to. [JEE MAIN 2021]
(A) (− , − ) (B) (− , )
2 2 2 2
3 1 5 1
(C) (− , ) (D) ( , )
2 2 2 2

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 CONTINUITY (Mathematics)

15. Let α ∈ R be such that the function 23. Let f(x) = [x 2 − x] + | − x + [x]|, where x ∈ ℝ and [t]
cos−1 ⁡(1−{x}2 )sin−1 ⁡(1−{x})
, x≠0 denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to t.
f(x) = { {x}−{x}3 is continuous Then, f is [JEE MAIN 2023]
α, x=0 (A) continuous at x=0, but not continuous at x=1
at x = 0, where {x} = x − [x], [x] is the greatest (B) continuous at x=1, but not continuous at x=0
integer less than or equal to x. Then: (C) continuous at x=0 and x=1
[JEE MAIN 2021] (D) not continuous at x=0 and x=1
π
(A) α = (B) α = 0
√2
π 24. The number of points, where the curve
(C) no such α exists (D) α = y = x 5 − 20x 3 + 50x + 2 crosses the x-axis, is
4
[JEE MAIN 2023]
16. Let f: R → R and g: R → R be defined as
x + a, x<0 x + 1, x < 0 25. Consider the function.
f(x) = { and g(x) = { a(7x − 12 − x 2 )
|x − 1|, x ≥ 0 (x − 1)2 + b, x ≥ 0 ,x < 3
where a, b are non-negative real numbers. If (gof) (x) b|x 2 − 7x + 12|
is continuous for all x ∈ R, then a + b is equal to. f(x) = sin⁡(x−3)

[JEE MAIN 2021] 2 x−|x| , ⁡x > 3

{ b , ⁡x = 3
17. Let f, g: R → R be two real valued functions defined as Where [x] denotes the greatest integer less than or
−|x + 3| , ⁡x < 0 equal to x. If S denotes the set of all ordered pairs (a, b)
f(x) = { and real constants. If (gof) such that f(x) is continuous at x = 3, then the number
ex , ⁡x ≥ 0
is differentiable at x = 0, then (gof)(−4) + (gof)(4) is of elements in S is : [JEE MAIN 2024]
equal to: [JEE Main 2022] (A) 2 (B) Infinitely many
(A) 4(e4 + 1) (B) 2(2e4 + 1) (C) 4 (D) 1
(C) 4e4 (D) 2(2e4 − 1) 26. Let g(x) be a linear function and
x + a, x≤0 x+1 x<0 g(x) , x ≤ 0
18. If f(x) = {|x − 4|, x > 0 and g(x) = {(x − 4)2 + b, x ≥ 0
f(x) = { 1+x 1x , is continuous at x = 0. If
are continuous on R, then (gof) (2) + ( fog )(−2) is ( ) ,x > 0
2+x
equal to: [JEE Main 2022] f ′ (1) = f(−1), then the value of g(3) is
(A) −10 (B) 10 (C) 8 (D) −8 [JEE MAIN 2024]
7
√p(729+x)−3
19. If for p ≠ q ≠ 0, then function f(x) = 3 is 1 4 1 4
√729+qx−9 (A) log e ( ) (B) log e ( ) + 1
3 9e1/3 3 9
continuous at x = 0, then: [JEE MAIN 2022] 4 4
(A) 7pqf(0) − 1 = 0 (B) 63qf(0) − p2 = 0 (C) log e ( ) − 1 (D) log 6 ( )
9 9e1/3
(C) 21qf(0) − p2 = 0 (D) 7pqf(0) − 9 = 0
EXERCISE - 4
20. The function f: R → R defined by
cos⁡(2πx)−x2n sin⁡(x−1)
(JEE ADVANCED)
f(x) = limn→∞ is continuous for all 1. For every pair of continuous function f, g: [0,1] → ℝ
1+x2n+1 −x2n
x in [JEE MAIN 2022] such that max{f(x): x ∈ [0,1]} = max{g(x): x ∈ [0,1]}
(A) R − {−1} (B) R − {−1,1} the correct statement(s) is(are) :
[JEE ADVANCED 2014]
(C) R − {1} (D) R − {0} (A)(f(c))2 + 3f(c) = (g(c))2 + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
21. The number of points where the function (B) (f(c))2 + f(c) = (g(c))2 + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
|2x 2 − 3x − 7| if x ≤ −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]
f(x) = { [4x − 1] 2
if −1 < x < 1
|x + 1| + |x − 2| if x≥1 2. Let [x] be the greatest integer less than or equals to x.
[t] denotes the greatest integer ≤ t, is discontinuous Then, at which of the following point(s) the function
is_______. [JEE MAIN 2022] f(x) = x⁡cos⁡(π(x + [x])) is discontinuous ?
[JEE ADVANCED 2017]
λ (A) x = −1 (B) x = 0 (C) x = 2 (D) x = 1
π
(1 + |cosx|)|cosx| , ,0 < x <
2 3. Let f: R → (0,1) be a continuous function. Then, which
π
22. If the function f(x) = μ ,x = of the following functions (s) has(have) the value zero
2
cot6x at some point in the interval (0,1) ?
π
{ e , <x<π
cot4x [JEE ADVANCED 2017]
2 π
π x
is continuous at x = , then 9λ + 6log e μ + μ6 − e6λ (A) ex − ∫ ⁡0 f(t)sint⁡dt (B) f(x) + ∫ ⁡02 f(t)sint⁡dt
2 π
is equal to. [JEE MAIN 2023] (C) x − ∫ ⁡02
−x
f(t)cost⁡dt (D) x 9 − f(x)
(A) 11 (B) 8 (C) 2e4 + 8 (D) 10
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 CONTINUITY (Mathematics)

ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE-1
1. (A) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (A) 5. (D) 6. (C) 7. (D) 8. (B) 9. (B)
10. (A) 11. (B) 12. (D) 13. (C) 14. (B) 15. (B) 16. (D) 17. (C) 18. (D)
19. (A) 20. (B) 21. (B) 22. (C) 23. (B) 24. (A) 25. (C) 26. (C) 27. (A)
28. A = −4, B = 5, f(0) = 1
29. discontinuous at all integral values in [−2,2]
30. locus (a, b) → x, y is y = x − 3 excluding the points where y = 3 intersects it.
31. e2 + e−2

EXERCISE-2
1. -1 2. a = 0, b = 1 3. a = 0; b = −1 4. (a) −2,2,3; (b) K = 5;(c) even
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. f(0+ ) = −2; f(0− ) = 2 hence f(0) not possible to define
1
9. a = , b = 4⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡ 10. a = −3/2, b ≠ 0, c = 1/2
2
11. (A, B, C, D) 12. (A, B) 13. (A, B, C) 14. (B, C, D) 15. (A, B, C, D)
16. (A, C, D) 17. (A, C, D) 18. (A, C, D) 19. (A, B, C, D) 20. (C, D)
21. (A) → (Q); (B) → (R); (C) → (S); (D) → (P)
22. (A) → (P, Q, R); (B) → (P, Q, T); (C) → (P, Q, T); (D) → (P, Q, S)
π π
23. f(0+ ) = ; f(0− ) = ⇒ f is discount. at x = 0; g(0+ ) = g(0− ) = g(0) = π/2 ⇒ g is cont. at x = 0
2 4√2
24. c = 1, a, b ∈ R
π
ℓln⁡(tan⁡ x) if 0 < x <
4
25. k = 0; g(x) = [ π π . Hence g(x) is continuous everywhere.
0 if ≤x<
4 2
39
26. g(x) = 4(x + 1) and limit = −
4
27. (a) 5 (b) 30

EXERCISE-3
(JEE MAIN)
1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (C) 5. (B) 6. (D) 7. (C) 8. (2) 9. (A)
10. (B) 11. (A) 12. (A) 13. (39) 14. (5) 15. (C) 16. (1) 17. (D) 18. (D)
19. (B) 20. (B) 21. (7) 22. (D) 23. (B) 24. (5) 25. (D) 26. (D)

EXERCISE-4
(JEE ADVANCED)
1. (A, D) 2. (A, C, D) 3. (C, D)

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