Chapter 12: Problem 95
If the function \(f(x)\), defined as \(f(x)= \begin{cases}\frac{a(1-x \sin x)+b \cos x+5}{x^{2}}, x<0 \\ 3 & , x=0 \\ \left\\{1+\left(\frac{c x+d x^{3}}{x^{2}}\right)\right\\}^{1 / x} & , x>0\end{cases}\) is continuous at \(x=0\), then (A) \(a=-1\) (B) \(b=-4\) (C) \(c=0\) (D) \(\log _{e}{ }^{3}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding Continuity
Evaluate the Left-Hand Limit
Solve for the Coefficients
Evaluate the Right-Hand Limit
Function Value at Zero
Verify
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Limits
When examining the continuity of a function at a certain point, we often talk about the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit:
- **Left-Hand Limit**: This is the value approached by the function as the variable approaches the point from the left side (i.e., \( x \to c^- \)).
- **Right-Hand Limit**: Conversely, this is the value approached by the function as the variable approaches the point from the right side (i.e., \( x \to c^+ \)).
In our exercise, evaluating limits on both sides of \( x = 0 \) is essential for determining the function's continuity. Left and right-hand limits are calculated separately for \( x < 0 \) and \( x > 0 \) to ensure they both point towards the same value at \( x = 0 \).
Unpacking Piecewise Functions
For example, the exercise function is piecewise, with different formulas used depending on whether \( x \) is less than, greater than, or equal to zero. Such structuring allows complex behaviors to be modeled in a single mathematical construct. The challenge with piecewise functions is often ensuring the transitions between different sub-functions are smooth, particularly at the boundaries where the function segmentation occurs.
In this exercise, the piecewise function required an evaluation to ensure continuity at \( x = 0 \). This means we need to ascertain that no matter from which side the \( x \) approaches zero, the function's value remains consistent (i.e., there is no jump or break at \( x = 0 \)). By analyzing each piece and solving for coefficients, we found values that smoothed out the transitions.
Exploring Mathematical Function Properties
- **Continuity**: Refers to a function that has no breaks, jumps, or holes when graphed. For a function to be continuous at a point, the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the actual function value at that point must all agree.- **Differentiability**: Differentiability means that the function has a derivative at all points in its domain. A function must be continuous before being differentiable.- **Integrability**: This property refers to if and how a function can be integrated over an interval. Continuous functions over a closed interval are typically integrable.
In our problem, the focus is on ensuring continuity of the piecewise function at \( x = 0 \). By solving for the coefficients \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \), it was confirmed that with specific values (\( a = -1 \), \( b = -4 \), \( c = 0 \)), the function remains continuous over its domain, thereby satisfying one of the key attributes of a well-behaved mathematical function.