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Basic Calculus Module 6

The document discusses the concept of continuity in functions, emphasizing the importance of limits and the conditions for a function to be continuous at a point. It provides examples of evaluating limits and determining continuity through graphical representation and mathematical conditions. The three conditions for continuity are outlined, along with examples demonstrating whether specific functions meet these criteria.

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chrishelyn.dacsil
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4 views

Basic Calculus Module 6

The document discusses the concept of continuity in functions, emphasizing the importance of limits and the conditions for a function to be continuous at a point. It provides examples of evaluating limits and determining continuity through graphical representation and mathematical conditions. The three conditions for continuity are outlined, along with examples demonstrating whether specific functions meet these criteria.

Uploaded by

chrishelyn.dacsil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BASIC

CALCULU
S
(Module 6)

PREPARED BY:
MS. CHRISHELYN D. DACSIL
SHS TEACHER
KEY TAKEAWAYS

0
Let us recall the definition of indeterminate form of type .
0

0
A limit that is indeterminate of type may exist. To find the actual value, one should find an
0
expression equivalent to the original, by factoring or by rationalizing. So, the expression that will emerge
after factoring or rationalizing will have a computable limit.
2
x −x−2
Let us try to evaluate lim .
x→−1 x +1

Solution: The limit of both the numerator and the denominator as 𝑥 approaches -1 is 0. Thus, this
0
limit is an indeterminate form of type . However, observe that (x +1) is a factor common to the numerator
0
and the denominator, and

x −x−2 ( x−2)(x+ 1)
2
= =x−2.
x +1 (x +1)
2
x −x−2
Therefore, lim = lim (x−2).
x→−1 x +1 x →−1

Module Content

Once you trace the entire graph of the given function without lifting your pen or pencil from your sheet of
paper, the graph describes a continuous function. Let us start by graphically illustrating what it means to be
continuity at a point.

Consider the graph below:

Let us use the graph to check if the function is continuous at


x=1.

Note that one is able to trace the graph from the left side of the
number x=1 going to the right side of x=1, without lifting one’s pen.
Hence, we can say that the function is continuous at x=1.

Let us have another example:

1
Consider the graph of the function f ( x )= .
x−4

Is the function continuous at x=4?

If we trace the graph from the left of 𝑥 = 4 going to the right of 𝑥 = 4, we


have to lift our pen since at the left of 𝑥 = 4, the function values will go
downward indefinitely, while at the right of 𝑥 = 4, the function values will
go upward indefinitely. Thus, the function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 4.
Suppose we are not given the graph of a function but just the function itself. In this case, we have to check
three conditions. Here are the three conditions of continuity. A function (𝑥) is said to be continuous at x=c if
the following three conditions are satisfied:

(i)f (c ) exist;

(ii) lim f (x ) exist; and


x →c

(iii) f (c )lim f ( x ) If at least one of these conditions is not met, 𝑓 is said to be discontinuous at
x →c
x=c .

x−3
Example 1. Determine if f ( x )= 2 is continuous or not at x=1.
x + x−12

Solution: We have to check the three conditions for continuity of a function.

(a) If x=1, then


3 2
f ( 1 ) =1 + 1 −2

¿ 1+1−2

¿0
3 2
(b) lim f ( x )=lim x + x −2
x →1 x →1

3 2
¿ 1 +1 −2

¿0

(c) f ( c ) =lim
x→ c
f (x)

0=0, Therefore, 𝑓 is continuous at x=1.

x−3
Example 2. Determine if f ( x )= 2 is continuous or not at x=3 .
x + x−12

Solution:

3−3
(a) If x=3 , then f ( x )= 2
3 +3−12

0
¿
0

(𝒄) does not exist

Note that the given function is not defined at x=3 , since 3 is not in the domain of 𝑓. Hence, the first
condition in the definition of a continuous function is not satisfied. Therefore, 𝑓 is discontinuous at x=3 .

Example 3. Determine if f ( x )= √ x−1 is continuous or not at x=4.

Solution: Let us check the three conditions.

(a) If x=4, then f ( 4 )=√ 4−1

¿ √ 3 since it is greater than 0,

(𝒄) exist.

(b) lim f ( x )=lim √ x−1


x →c x→ 4
¿ lim √ 4−1
x→ 4

. ¿√3

(c) f ( c ) =lim
x→ c
f (x)

√ 3= √3, Therefore, the function f is continuous at x=4.

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