BASIC
CALCULU
S
(Module 7)
PREPARED BY:
MS. CHRISHELYN D. DACSIL
SHS TEACHER
NAME OF STUDENT: _____________________________________
STRAND AND SECTION: __________________________________
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Let us recall how to determine if the given function is continuous or discontinuous at a given number.
Using the three conditions of continuity, a function (𝑥) is said to be continuous at x=c if the following three
conditions are satisfied:
(i) (𝑐) exist;
(ii) lim f (x ) exist; and
x →c
(iii) f ( c ) =lim
x→ c
f (x)
If at least one of these conditions is not met, 𝑓 is said to be discontinuous at x=c .
Module Content
A function can be continuous on an interval. A function is said to be continuous on an interval when
some function (𝑥) satisfies these criteria from x=a ¿ x=b, for example, we say that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on
the function is defined at every point on that interval and undergoes no interruptions, jumps, or breaks. If
the interval [a , b].
Here are the given concepts which are important in determining whether a function is continuous at
the end points of closed intervals.
One- Sided Continuity
A function f is said to be continuous from the left at x=c if
f ( c) = lim ¿.
x → c−¿ f (x)¿
A function f is said to be continuous from the right at x=c if
f ( c) = lim ¿.
x → c+¿f (x )¿
Continuity of Polynomial, Absolute Value, Rational and Square Root Functions
(a) Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.
(b) The absolute value function f (x)=¿ x ∨¿ is continuous everywhere.
(c) Rational functions are continuous on their respective domains.
(d) The square root function f (x)=√ x is continuous on ¿ .
Here are some of the graphs of functions to illustrate continuity on an interval.
Example1. Consider the graph of the function 𝑓 given on the side and determine if the function 𝑓 is
continuous on the following intervals.
1. (−2, 2) 2. (−∞, 0) 3. (0, +∞)
Solution:
1. We can trace the graph from the right side of
x=−2 to the left side of x=2 without lifting
the pen we are using. We can say that the function
𝑓 is continuous on the interval (−2, 2).
2. If you trace the graph from negative
infinity to the left side of 0, we will not lift our
pen and so, 𝑓 is continuous on (−∞, 0).
3. For the interval (0, +∞), you trace the graph
from the right side of 0 to any large number,
and find that you will not lift your pen. Thus the
function f is continuous on (0, +∞).
1
Example 2. Let f ( x )= .
x−4
Determine if 𝑓 is continuous on each of the following intervals:
1. [−3,2]
2. (0, 4)
3. [0, 5]
4. (5, ∞)
5. (2,7)
6. [−5, 8)
Solution:
1. We can trace the graph from x=−3 going to x=2 without lifting the pen. Thus, the function 𝑓 is
continuous on the closed interval [−3,2].
using. We can say that the function 𝑓 is continuous on the interval (0, 4).
2. We can trace the graph from the right side of x=0 to the left side of x=4 without lifting the pen we are
3. By observation, the function 𝑓 is not continuous on the closed interval [0, 5] because we will lift our pen
large number without lifting the pen. Thus, the function 𝑓 is continuous on (5, ∞).
by tracing the graph. 4. For the open interval (5, ∞), we can trace the graph from the right side of 5 to any
5. The function 𝑓 is not continuous on the open interval (2,7) because we will lift our pen by tracing the
graph.
6. The function 𝑓 is not continuous on the given interval [−5, 8)because we will lift our pen by tracing the
graph.
