CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS

Objectives:
At the end of the module, the learner should be able to:
a. illustrate continuity of a function at a number;
b. determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not;
c. illustrate different types of discontinuity (jump/essential, asymptotic/infinite, hole/
removable);
d. illustrate continuity of a function on an interval; and
e. determine whether a function is continuous on an interval or not.

Motivating Examples
Examine the graphs below. Which of the following is continuous (exists without break or
interruption) at x=c ?

From the graphs above, notice that Graph 1, 2, 3, and Graph 4 are all discontinuous at x=c .
Graphs 1, 3, and 4 are interrupted by holes (open dot) while Graph 2 is interrupted by an
asymptotic line.

Therefore, only Graph 5 is continuous at x=c . This is because the graph shows no break, gaps or
any interruptions.

Definition: Continuity at a Point

A function is said to be continuous at if

Sometimes, this definition is written as 3 conditions

A function f (x) is said to be continuous at x=c as long as
i. f (c ) exists (defined), ii. f ( x ) exists; and iii. f ( c ) =f ( x ).
Illustrative Examples
1. Determine if f ( x )=x 3 + x 2−2 is continuous or not at x=1.

Solution: Check whether all 3 conditions are satisfied.

i. Determine if f (c ) exists. ii. Determine if f ( x ) exists. iii. Determine if f ( c ) =f ( x )
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 Since c=1 , solve for f ( 1 ) Refer to the 2nd Theorem
. Use the given presented in Module 3.
function, f ( x )=x + x 2−2.
3

f ( c ) =f ( x )
3 2 3 2
( x + x −2)=(1) +(1) −2
3 2
0=0
f ( 1 ) =(1) +(1) −2 3 2
( x + x −2)=0
f ( 1 ) =0
f ( x )=0
f ( c ) =0

Since ALL of the conditions are satisfied, f ( x )=x 3 + x 2−2 is continuous at x=1

2
2. Determine if f ( x )=
x −x−3 is continuous or not at
x=2.
x−2

Solution: Check whether all 3 conditions are satisfied.

i. Determine if f (c ) exists. ii. Determine if f ( x ) iii. Determine if
2
exists. f ( c ) =f ( x )
Note that the function, f ( x )=
x −x−3 , is not
x−2 Since the first Since the first
defined at x=2 since 2 is not included in the condition is not condition is not
domain of the function. satisfied, no satisfied, no
need to check need to check
Meaning, for the 2nd and for the 2nd and
2 3rd conditions. 3rd conditions.
(2) −(2)−3 −1
f ( 2 )= = =undefined
(2)−2 0

Hence, the first condition is not satisfied.

2
Therefore, f ( x )=
x −x−3 is discontinuous at
x=2.
x−2

3. Determine if
2
f ( x )={x+ 1if x < 4 , ( x−4 ) +3 if x ≥ 4
is continuous or not at x=4.

Solution: Check whether all 3 conditions are satisfied.

i. Determine if f (c ) exists. ii. Determine if f ( x ) exists. iii. Determine if f ( c ) =f ( x )

Since c=4 , use the Refer to Remark 2 of Since the second

“piece” f ( x )= ( x −4 )2+ 3. Module 2. condition is not satisfied,
no need to check for the
3rd condition.

f ( 4 )=( 4−4 ) +3
2 f ( x )=f ( x )
2
f ( 4 )=3 x +1=( x−4 ) +3
2
f ( c ) =3 (4)+1=( 4−4 ) +3
5≠3

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 Since the f ( x ) is not equal to
the f ( x ) then, the f ( x ) does
not exist (DNE)

Therefore, f ( x )={x+ 1if x < 4 , ( x−4 )2 +3 if x ≥ 4 is discontinuous at x=4.

Types of Discontinuities
1. Jump/Essential Discontinuities - both one-sided limits exist, but have different values.

Graph 1 is an example of a jump or essential discontinuity at c since both one-sided limits

exist have the values are different.

2. Asymptotic/Infinite Discontinuities - both one-sided limits are infinite.

Graph 2 is asymptotic at point c because both one-sided limits are infinite or asymptotic at c.

3. Hole/Removable Discontinuities – the function can be redefined so that the function is

defined on the point of discontinuity.

In graph 3 and graph 4, both the functions can be redefined so that the function is defined at
c.

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Recall:
▪ Open Interval is represented by open and close parentheses, ().

Ex. (0, 5) This means numbers greater than 0 but less than 5. In symbol, 0< x <5 .

0 5
▪ Semi-open (Half-open) Interval is represented by open parenthesis and close square
bracket, (] or open square bracket and close parenthesis, [).

Ex. a. (0, 5] This means numbers greater than 0 but less than or equal to 5. In symbol,
0< x ≤5 .

0 5
b. [0, 5) This means numbers greater than or equal to 0 but less than 5. In symbols,
0 ≤ x<5 .

0 5

▪ Closed Interval is represented by open and close square bracket, [].

Ex. [0, 5] This means numbers greater than or equal to 0 but less than or equal to 5. In
symbols, 0 ≤ x ≤ 5.

0 5

Definition: Continuity on an Interval

A function is said to be continuous on the interval [a, b] if it is continuous

at each point in the interval.

Meaning, a function f is said to be continuous…

i. everywhere if f is continuous at every real number. In this case, f is continuous on R .

ii. on (a, b) if f is continuous at every point x in (a, b).
iii. on [a, b) if f is continuous on (a, b) and from the right at a.
iv. on (a, b] if f is continuous on (a, b) and from the left at b.
v. on [a, b] if f is continuous on (a, b] and [a, b).
vi. on (a, ∞ ) if f is continuous at all x ¿ a.
vii. on [a, ∞ ) if f is continuous on (a, ∞ ) and from the right at a.
viii. on (–∞ , b) if f Is continuous at all x ¿ b.
ix. on (–∞ , b] if f is continuous on (–∞ , b) and from the left at b.

Illustrative Examples
1. Consider the function shown in the graph below.

Since the function is continuous at every point in between

a and b, the function is continuous over the open interval
(a, b).

2. Estimate the interval over which the function shown below is continuous.

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 The only hole in the graph occurs at x=1. The function appears
to be continuous everywhere else, and left-continuous at x=3 .
Therefore, the function is continuous over the semi-open
interval (1, 3].

Note: It’s open parenthesis and close bracket. Since x=1 is a

hollow point, it is not included in the domain of the function, However,
x= 3 is a solid point which means it is included in the domain of the
function.

3. Consider the graph of the of the function f below.

Determine using the given graph if the
function f is
continuous on the following intervals:
a. [−1 ,1]
b. b. (−∞, 0)
c. c. (0 ,+ ∞)
d. d. [0.5 ,2 ]

Solution:
Based on the graph above, the function f is discontinuous on the interval [−1 ,1]. This is
because the graph shows a hole between −1 and 1. The hole appears at x=0 .

Therefore, the function f is continuous on the intervals (−∞ , 0), (0 ,+ ∞), and [0.5 ,2 ].
Note: They all exist without break or interruption.
*The function f is continuous on the interval (−∞ , 0) since, f Is continuous at all x ¿ 0.
*The function f is continuous on the interval (0 ,+ ∞) since, f is continuous at all x ¿ 0.
*The function f is continuous on the interval [0.5 ,2 ] since, f is continuous on (0.5, 2] and
[0.5, 2).

References:
Balmaceda, J. M. et al. (2016). Teaching guide for senior high school: Basic calculus. Quezon City: CHED

Goodwill, H.T. (n.d.). Math warehouse: Definition of continuity. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3c2RE3Y

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 PERFORMANCE CHECK NO. 2 (60 points)
NAME BLOCK DATE

I. Given the graph below, determine if the function H (x ) is continuous at the

following values of x . Explain your
answers. (9 pts.)
1. x=2

2. x=−3

3. x=0

II. Determine if the following functions are continuous at the given value of x . (21
pts.)
1. f ( x )=3 x 2 +2 x+1 at x=−2

i. ii. iii.

Conclusion:

x +1
2. h ( x )= 2 at x=1
x −1
i. ii. iii.

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Conclusion:

3. g ( x )={2 x +5 x ←1 x 2+2 x >−1 5 x=−1 at x=−1

i. ii. iii.

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 Conclusion:

III. Study the graphs below. Then, find the intervals on which each function is
continuous. (10 pts.)
2 x 2. f ( x )={1 , x ≠5 3 , x=5
1. f ( x )={x + 2 x +1 , x <1− , x ≥ 1
2

Answers:
Answers:

IV. Use the provided Cartesian plane to sketch the graph of the following functions.
Then, determine the intervals on which each function is continuous. (10 pts.)
1. f ( x )={2 x−10 , x <2 2 , x ≥ 2 2. f ( x )={−4 x ≤−2 x−2−2< x <2−2 x + 4 x ≥ 2

Answers:
Answers:

Read the following big ideas about limits of functions. Construct a short explanation or
reflection (ex. agree or disagree) about it. Limit your answer to 2-3 sentences only. (10
pts)

1. “Limits at infinity suggest that even when the function seems to approach infinity at
some point, it can still have limits. Likewise, there are some events in life that will initially
make you believe that it may last infinitely. However, you will realize that all things have an
end.”
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2. “The graphs of mathematical functions can either be continuous or discontinuous. They
can be compared to your everyday life. Sometimes, life may run smoothly, but there will also
be rough times ahead.”

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