Chapter 2: Problem 43
Which of the following functions f has a removable discontinuity at a? If the discontinuity is removable, find a function \(g\) that agrees with \(f\) for \(x \neq a\) and is continuous at a. (a) \(f(x)=\frac{x^{4}-1}{x-1}, \quad a=1\) (b) \(f(x)=\frac{x^{3}-x^{2}-2 x}{x-2}, \quad a=2\) (c) \(f(x)=[\sin x], \quad a=\pi\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Removable Discontinuity
Analyze Function (a)
Analyze Function (b)
Analyze Function (c)
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Greatest Integer Function
- This function poses unique challenges in continuity because it's inherently discontinuous wherever the input is not an integer.
- For example, \(\sin x\) is a smooth and continuous function. However, when wrapped in the greatest integer function like \([\sin x]\), it will "jump" to the nearest integer, causing disruptions at certain points.
Factoring Polynomials
- Consider the function \(f(x) = \frac{x^4 - 1}{x - 1}\). Its numerator can be factored as \((x^2 + 1)(x^2 - 1) = (x^2 + 1)(x - 1)(x + 1)\), which allows the cancellation of the \(x - 1\) term.
- Similarly, for \(f(x) = \frac{x^3 - x^2 - 2x}{x - 2}\), factoring yields \(x(x - 2)(x + 1)\), enabling the cancellation of \(x - 2\).
Continuous Functions
- The function \(g(x)\) is defined at \(x = a\).
- The limit of \(g(x)\) as \(x\) approaches \(a\) from both directions exists.
- The limit of \(g(x)\) as \(x\) approaches \(a\) is equal to \(g(a)\).
Sine Function Properties
- The range of the sine function is \([-1, 1]\), meaning it never exceeds these bounds.
- At integer multiples of \(\pi\), the sine function crosses the x-axis, resulting in values of 0.