2.3 Continuity

Grand Canyon, ArizonaGreg Kelly, Hanford High School, Richland, WashingtonPhoto by Vickie Kelly, 2002

Most of the techniques of calculus require that functions be continuous. A function is continuous if you can draw it in one motion without picking up your pencil.

A function is continuous at a point if the limit is the same as the value of the function.

This function has discontinuities at x=1 and x=2.

It is continuous at x=0 and x=4, because the one-sided limits match the value of the function

1 2 3 4

1

2

jump infinite oscillating

Essential Discontinuities:

Removable Discontinuities:

(You can fill the hole.)

Removing a discontinuity:

3

2

1

1

xf x

x

has a discontinuity at .1x

Write an extended function that is continuous at .1x

3

21

1lim

1x

x

x

2

1

1 1lim 1 1x

x x xx x

1 1 1

2

3

2

3

2

1, 1

13

, 12

xx

xf x

x

Note: There is another discontinuity at that can not be removed.

1x

Removing a discontinuity:

3

2

1, 1

13

, 12

xx

xf x

x

Note: There is another discontinuity at that can not be removed.

1x

Continuous functions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, divided and multiplied by a constant, and the new function remains continuous.

Also: Composites of continuous functions are continuous.

examples: 2siny x cosy x

Intermediate Value Theorem

If a function is continuous between a and b, then it takes

on every value between and . f a f b

a b

f a

f b

Because the function is continuous, it must take on every y value between and .

f a f b

Example 5: Is any real number exactly one less than its cube?

(Note that this doesn’t ask what the number is, only if it exists.)

3 1x x

30 1x x

3 1f x x x

1 1f 2 5f

Since f is a continuous function, by the intermediate value theorem it must take on every value between -1 and 5.Therefore there must be at least one solution between 1 and 2.

Use your calculator to find an approximate solution.

3solve 1,x x x

F2 1: solve

1.32472

This example was graphed on the classic TI-89. You can not change the resolution on the Titanium Edition.

Graphing calculators can sometimes make non-continuous functions appear continuous.

Graph: floory x

CATALOG F floor(

Note resolution.

The calculator “connects the dots” which covers up the discontinuities.

Graphing calculators can make non-continuous functions appear continuous.

Graph: floory x

CATALOG F floor(

GRAPH

The open and closed circles do not show, but we can see the discontinuities.

If we change the plot style to “dot” and the resolution to 1, then we get a graph that is closer to the correct floor graph.