USTP MAT 171: Calculus 1 for Engineers
Lesson #3
Name: __________________________________________________________ Class number: ________
Section: ____________ Schedule:___________________________________ Date: _______________
Lesson Title: CONTINUITY Materials: Ballpoint, Notebook, Calculator
Lesson Objectives: Textbook: Calculus by Ron Larson, 11th Ed.
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to: References:
1. Enumerate and Illustrate Continuous and 1. The Calculus 7 by Louis Leithold
Discontinuous Function at a Point 2. Differential and Integral Calculus
2. Interpret Graphically the Infinite Limits and by Clyde E. Love and Earl Rainville
Points of Discontinuity
CONTINUITY
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at 𝒙 = 𝒂 if the following conditions are all satisfied:
1. f(a) exists
2. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists
→
3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)
→
If any of the conditions 1, 2, 3 is not satisfied, then, the function is said to be discontinuous at
𝒙 = 𝒂.
When f(a) exists and lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎), the function f(x) is said to have a right-hand continuity
→
at 𝒙 = 𝒂.
On the other hand, if f(a) exist and lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎), then f(x) is said to have a left-hand
→
continuity at 𝒙 = 𝒂.
Continuity, like limit of a function implies both right-hand and left-hand continuity.
A function f(x) is said to be continuous in an interval if it is continuous for every value of x in the
interval. The graph of the function is “unbroken” over the interval. That is, the graph of f(x) can
be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. To illustrate:
Example 1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 is continuous at x=2 because
in applying the definition of a continuous function on
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 with x=2, we have,
1) 𝑓(2) = 2 =4
2) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑥 = 4
→ →
3) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(2)
→
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
Thus, the function is continuous at x=2. In fact, it is
Continuous for all finite values of x. Refer to the graph
of the function.
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USTP MAT 171: Calculus 1 for Engineers
Lesson #3
Name: __________________________________________________________ Class number: ________
Section: ____________ Schedule:___________________________________ Date: _______________
𝟏
Example 2. The function 𝒇(𝒙) = is continuous at x=3.
𝒙
Using the definition of a continuous function, we have,
1) 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝟏
2) lim 𝑓( ) = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙
→
3) lim 𝑓( ) = 𝑓(3)
→
It is however discontinuous at x=0 since
1) f(0) is not defined (has zero denominator)
2) lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist (equals ∞)
→
The graph of this function, shown in the figure contains a “break” at x=0. The function is continuous
everywhere except at x=0 where it is said to have an infinite discontinuity.
With regards to rational algebraic functions, the question of continuity is completely covered by the
following theorems:
Theorem 1. A polynomial is continuous for all values of x
Example 3. The graph of the polynomial function, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏 is shown below. The
function is continuous for all values of x.
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏
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USTP MAT 171: Calculus 1 for Engineers
Lesson #3
Name: __________________________________________________________ Class number: ________
Section: ____________ Schedule:___________________________________ Date: _______________
Theorem 2. A rational algebraic function is continuous except for
those values of x for which the denominator becomes zero
𝟏
Example. The rational function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 𝟐
is discontinuous at x=2.
𝟏
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝒙 𝟐
Activity 3: Skill-building Activities (with answer key)
Find the point of discontinuity of the following functions:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) =
3. 𝑓(𝑥) =
2. 𝑓(𝑥) =
4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
Activity 5: Check for Understanding
Find the point of discontinuity of the function:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) =
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USTP MATH 111A: Calculus 1
Lesson #3
Name: _________________________________________________ Class number: ______
Section: ____________ Schedule: __________________________ Date: _____________
FAQs
1. How do you know when a function is continuous?
A function is continuous at x=a if and only if it meets three conditions:
1) The function is defined at x=a.
2) The limit of the function as x approaches a exists.
3) The limit of the function as x approaches a is equal to the function value of f(a).
2. What is the concept of continuity?
Continuity of a function is sometimes expressed by saying that if the x-values are close
together, then the y-values of the function will also be close. A function varies with no abrupt breaks or
jumps
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