Chapter 1: Limits
Section 1.6: Continuity
Example 1.6.1
Show that the function fx={sinxxx≠01x=0 is continuous at x=0.
Solution
In Figure 1.6.1(a), the graph of sinx/x shows there is a "hole" at the point 0,1 because this expression is not defined at x=0. The function fx supplies the value 1 at x=0, so a graph of fx would not have a hole at this point.
The calculus student is rarely asked to apply Definition 1.6.1 to show that a function is continuous. Generally, any demonstration of continuity is confined to an application of the three items in Table 1.6.1.
Figure 1.6.1(a) Graph of sinx/x
Expression palette: Limit template Context Panel: Evaluate and Display Inline
limx→0sinxx = 1
For the given function f, it is indeed true that limx→0fx=1=f0, so f is indeed continuous at x=1. This result is intuitively consistent with Figure 1.6.1(a) if the hole at 0,1 is filled in with the function value f0=1.
The function gx=sinx/x has a removable discontinuity at x=0 because it can be extended to a function f , whose domain includes x=0, in such a way as to make f continuous at x=0. If a function has a removable discontinuity, its graph can display the discontinuity via the Option "showremovable" in the plot command.
<< Previous Section Section 1.6 Next Example >>
© Maplesoft, a division of Waterloo Maple Inc., 2024. All rights reserved. This product is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying, distribution, and decompilation.
For more information on Maplesoft products and services, visit www.maplesoft.com
Download Help Document